The Sasan Gir -A Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India. with a total area of 1412 km² (about 258 km² for the fully protected area (the national park) and 1153 km² for the Sanctuary), 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 pri
ncipal part of the Junagadh Districtof 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 witha 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 liondiffers 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 andto Kamaleshwar dam. Flora in Sasangir National Park The Gir is an area with mixed deciduous forests with Teak, Ber, Flame of the forest, Jamun and Babool. A wildlife sanctuary owes a distinct belt of vegetation along the main rivers and streams. The rare tree species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here abundantly. These wide and tall, broad leaved andevergreen trees provide a cool shade and moisture to the area.
