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Sasangir National Park was established in order to
conserve the Asiatic Lion, on 18th September 1965, as a
Forest Reserve with an area of about 2,450 hectares. A
principal part of the Junagadh District of Gujarat, it is
90 kms from the Keshod Airport in the Kathiawar (Saurashtra)
Peninsula. A small town named Sasan with a forest rest
house, is the headquarters of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.
A hilly terrain with a dense network of rivers is the
distinct feature of Sasangir National Park. Sasangir was
declared partially as a Wildlife Sanctuary and partially a
National Park in 1975.
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is one and the only existing
habitat of the Asiatic lion found only in these forests
since 1884 whose statistical figures are around 300
presently. The Asiatic lion differs from the African Lion
in its size, which is slightly smaller than its African
cousin. The national park is made of three adjoining
reserves - the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary inhabiting
several water-birds; the Little Rann of Kutch, home to the
Indian Wild Ass; and the captivating Flamingo Island make
the Sasangir National Park an ideal place for wildlife
buffs.
The Sasangir National Park boasts of many antique temples
like Kankai Mata and Tulsishyam. The best way to explore
the national park and enjoy the wildlife viewing in the
Sasangir wildlife sanctuary is by jeep safari. The best
long jeep drives from Sasan are conducted to Baval Chowk
and Kankai, Chodavdi, Tulsishyam and to Kamaleshwar dam.
Do's and Dont's
Take official guides along with you on the park trip.
Do not disturb the animals during daytime as most of the
nocturnal animals sleep during daytime.
Do not try to irritate or annoy the animals by teasing
them.
Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.
Do not smoke inside the park.
Do not use flash or intrusive photography.
Walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not
allowed.
Camping and picnicking is prohibited within the park.
Carry plenty of water along with you.
Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the
park surroundings.
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