Wildlife Safari, Gir National Park

Set off on a captivating safari into the Gir National Park, a sanctuary that has evolved into the last bastion for the endangered Asiatic lion since its establishment in 1965. The heart of the park, a 259-sq-km core area declared a national park in 1975, serves as a haven for these majestic creatures and has a remarkable success story of lion conservation - numbers surged from less than 200 in the late 1960s to an impressive 674 in the 2020 census.

The park's dense forests and rolling hills create a picturesque backdrop for an immersive safari experience. Traverse the undisturbed landscapes, keeping watch for the revered Asiatic lions and a diverse range of wildlife, including chital deer, four-horned antelopes, gazelles, crocodiles, and the elusive leopard. The park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts with over 300 species of endemic and migratory birds.

As the wildlife thrives, it’s important to acknowledge the human dimension – more than half of the sanctuary’s Maldhari herders have been resettled to address the delicate balance between livestock, antelopes, deer, and gazelles, coexisting with the lions and leopards. Approximately 1000 people still call the park home, contributing to the intricate ecosystem where their livestock accounts for a quarter of the lions’ diet. Explore the coexistence of nature and human life in this extraordinary sanctuary.