The Lion Den Outside Of Africa. Review on Gir National Park

"Sasan Gir" just hear this word and it takes you to a different aura and time where lions roam free, they hunt without restrictions and of course not get hunted themselves as the forest officials work hard to increase the numbers of this very royal beast. The 2010 census showing the count gone up to 411. This is the only place outside of Africa where lions still remain and call it there den.

The pride(herd) of lions here consists of on an average 2 lioness compared to Africa's 4-6 lionesses group; the cause may be the smaller preys and lack of plains.

I made the trip this December; not exactly the season for wildlife sightings but nonetheless I made it with my family. Again I will like to mention what I have mentioned in my Kanha review that there is no guarantee of animal viewing in any open sanctuary so please be patient.

We had booked the room in advance at Sinh Sadan Rest House which is government run. They charge  Rs.500/- for non a/c rooms and Rs.1500 for a/c rooms. They have all the amenities like cable TV, running hot water and a dining hall. The rooms are clean and the staff friendly. But you have to book in advance. The safari and Gypsy booking facility is on the premises only along with a small orientation museum. The marsh crocodile(Mugger) breeding farm is adjacent to this rest house and it's only around 200m from the Sasan Gir railway station.

The Safaris are conducted from 6:30am to 9:00am, 9:00am to 11:00am and 3:30pm to 6:30pm in the sanctuary area. You get around 45kms ride in jungle on the route frequented by Lions. The Gypsy's tariff is Rs.800/-, the safari charges are Rs.400/-, the guide and camera above 12mp are Rs.100/- each and a tip is always welcome.

We made the first safari in the afternoon and were lucky to find a large solitary male napping in the afternoon sun. We also spotted many birds on the routes like wagtails, woodpeckers, eagles, moorhens, shrikes, quails, black ibis, egrets etc. The jungle was also alive with many herds of spotted deers, nilgais, sambars and blackbucks. Our keen eyed guide also spotted a rat snake soaking alongside a pond.

We made the second safari in the morning and were greeted by very hard to see jungle cat as it is totally nocturnal and very secretive animal. I had chosen Kamleshwar dam route to spot some crocodiles and birds but it was too foggy in the morning and with the visibility low, could only spot some plovers and kingfishers. But after strolling for a while a forest dept tracker signalled us and whoa! a lioness on hunt. I could not believe our luck. The experience was to say the least "royal" to see the majestic beast in full active mode. Also posed for our shots in this safari were the regulars like sambars and chitals.

After having a quick breakfast we decided to check out of Sinh Sadan and visit Gir Interpretation Zone at Devaliya and visit the Somnath temple which is around 45kms. as we had time till evening to catch our train back.

The Devaliya GIZ is an large enclosed area where they house some Lions, other animals, hospital and arrange tourist safaris. It is situated 15kms from Sasan Gir. The safaris are conducted on a 15km route and takes approx 45 minutes. The ticket for the same is Rs.75/- per head. We spotted three male Lions in open resting under a tree, a couple in hospital area and some Blackbucks and Nilgais. This is the place where you are guaranteed to spot a Lion though it is not completely natural but it ensures that you do not return empty handed from Gir.

I hope you all enjoyed reading this review as much I have enjoyed being there and then penning it for everybody. You guys can also view the Gir's and other photographs on himaanshu.com. I think I'll stop here for the time being and all the suggestions will be welcome.

Thanks and warm regards to everybody:) .