Gir (Asiatic Lions)Velavadar LRK Tour

Overview

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Besides Africa, Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in the world where you can witness lions roaming freely in the wild. Often referred to as the “Real Discovery Channel of India,” this iconic wildlife sanctuary is situated approximately 65 kilometers southeast of Junagadh District.

Recognizing the urgent need to protect the dwindling population of Asiatic lions, the Government of India declared Sasan Gir a wildlife sanctuary on 18th September 1965. The sanctuary spans a vast area of 1,412 square kilometers, with 258 square kilometers designated as the core area of the National Park.

A Story of Conservation

Historically, indiscriminate hunting by the royals and locals of Junagadh had driven the Asiatic lion to the brink of extinction, wiping them out from most parts of Asia. However, it was through the farsighted efforts of the Nawabs of Junagadh, who initially protected these majestic animals in their private hunting reserves, that a foundation for conservation was laid. This was later strengthened by the dedicated work of the Forest Department, which played a critical role in reviving the lion population.

Remarkable Recovery

From a dangerously low count of around 20 lions in 1913, the Asiatic lion population has made an extraordinary recovery. According to the 2015 census, the population had risen to 523 lions, comprising 106 males, 201 females, and 213 sub-adult lions, spread across the wilderness of four districts in and around Gir.

Velavadar

This beautiful, 34-sq-km park that is an hour’s drive north of Bhavnagar, encompasses large areas of pale, custard-coloured grassland stretching between two seasonal rivers and is famous for its blackbucks – beautiful, fast antelope that sport elegant spiraling horns as long as 65cm in mature males. Some 1800 inhabit the park, alongside blue bulls (India’s largest antelope) and birds such as wintering harriers from Siberia (about 2000 of them most years). There are over 120 species of birds that can be found in the park and around. If you’re lucky, you may even spot wolves! The best time to visit the sanctuary is early in the morning when chances of seeing the wolves are a lot more. In the day, the blackbucks are easy to spot but the wolves are elusive. The pale gold grassland is dotted with clusters of blackbucks. They move around in gendered groups – the males together, and the females and fawns in their own groups. It is good that hiring a guide is mandatory as anecdotes about the animals and life in the village are always fun to know more about.

Brief History:
The sanctuary was established in July 1976, as an initial protected area of about 18 sq km. In 1980, another 16 sq km were added to increase the total area to 34 sq km. Even though this is one of the smallest national parks of the country, it packs in a robust amount of species for the wildlife lover.

LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH

Wild Ass Sanctuary (Little Rann of Kutch)
Located in Gujarat, the Wild Ass Sanctuary is a unique wildlife reserve spread across 4,953 sq. km in the Little Rann of Kutch. It is the last habitat of the endangered Indian Wild Ass, making it a key destination for wildlife lovers.

The sanctuary is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially during November to February, when migratory birds like Greater Flamingos, Demoiselle Cranes, and Eurasian Wigeons arrive. The vast salt desert landscape, dotted with thorny shrubs, offers a stark and beautiful contrast to typical forests.

Jeep safaris are a popular way to explore this striking terrain and spot wildlife. With its rare species and surreal scenery, the Wild Ass Sanctuary is truly a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.