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West Zone

Gir National Park

Gujrat has splendid wildlife reserves that are quite out of the ordinary. The Gir National Park is where the last surviving population of the Asiatic lion is to be found and the Little Rann of Kutch, the home of the Indian wild ass.Gir

Located in the South west of the Saurashtra Peninsula, the Gir National Park is a haven to about 300 Asiatic lions. The 1,412.14 sq. km. Park has a rugged terrain and the steep rocky hillsides are recovered in mixed deciduous forests. There are teak, ber, flame of the forest and banyan trees. Streams run through the deep ravines.

The lions, a smaller more compact version of their African cousins, are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. Gir has also nearly 210 leopards and numerous chital, nilgai, chinkara, the four horned antelope and wild boar. Marsh crocodiles are often seen along its rivers. The forest is rich in bird life and the paradise fly catcher, black headed cuckoo shrike, pied woodpecker, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, painted sand grouse, bush quail and grey partridge are among the variety that is found here.

Three unusual reserves, the Nalsarover Lake and Sanctuary, where large numbers of water-birds can be seen; the bare saline flats of the Rann of Kutch, incredibly the home of the Indian wild ass and the spectacular Flamingo island where nesting colonies of flamingoes are to be seen make Gujarat an exciting place for wildlife enthusiasts.

Information
Location South west of the Saurashtra Peninsula
Distance Keshod 90kms
STD Code 02877-5
Language Gujarati, Hindi, and English
Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit
Even if Gir National Park is one of the hottest and most visited wildlife reserves within India still the period one should visit this park is during the months of Mid October-Mid June, and the best recommended time is December-April.
Entertainment Asiatic Lions, Leopards, Chowsing,Bird Watching,Jeep Riding,Elephant Riding
How to Reach

Air: The nearest airport is Keshod, at a distance of 90 km from Sasan Gir; the other airport is Rajkot at a distance of 140 kms
Rail: Sasan Gir has a railway station of its own, with train connections to a number of other cities and towns in Gujarat and its neighbouring states.
Road: In addition, fairly good roads link the park to the rest of the country. Junagadh itself is only about 60 km from Gir, and there are frequent buses connecting the town to the park.

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Ranthambhor National Park
Ranthambhor is said to have India’s friendliest tigers. Assured of protection, they have changed their nocturnal habits and are seen quite frequently during the day. Sprawled over the Aravali and Vindhya mountain ranges, Ranthambhor primarily consists of dry deciduous forests dominated by dhok trees. 

Ranthambore National Park is located near the township of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur.

Information
Location Sawai Madhopur(11 kms), in the state of Rajasthan
Distance Jaipur(145 kms)
STD Code 07462
Language Hindi, English & Mewari
Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit
Summer Max:37.0 degree C Min. 23.0 Degree C Winter Max:29.0 degree C Min. 9.1 Degree C. Throughout the year except mansoon
Entertainment Hill forest, plains and lakes; simbar, chinkara (Indian gazelle), tiger, sloth bear, crocodiles and migratory water birds.
How to Reach

Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur 162km
Rail: The nearest Railhead is Sawai Madhopur 11km
Road: The Sawai Madhopur is well connected by roads by various cities of Rajastan

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