Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary: Facts and Figures

Area	:	1412 sq km
Languages	:	Gujarati, Hindi and English
Best Time to Visit	:	December to April

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary: Introduction

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary, which lies on the southwestern fringes of the Saurashtra Peninsula (west-central India), is the last home of some 300 Asiatic lions. It was created in 1913 to protect the largest surviving groups of the Asiatic lions. It was given a sanctuary status in 1965. Close to being an extinct species, the number of Asiatic lions has been steadily rising since 1980 in this safe haven. The vegetation in the Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary area consists of teak with a mixture of deciduous trees, including sal (Shorea), dhak (Butea frondosa), and thorn forests. The terrain is rugged with steep rocky hillsides. A few springs also exist, but their flow is rather eccentric depending upon the season. Thousands of tourists visit Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary every year

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary: Climate

The Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary area is usually dry and arid, but with the onset of monsoon greenery returns and the region assumes a fresh and renewed face. Summers (April-June) are harsh with temperatures as high as 40°C while winters (December-February) are cool.

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary: Biosphere

The Asiatic Lion alone draws hordes of visitors to Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary each year. Sasangir is the only place in the world outside the African continent where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African counterpart but is a majestic sight to behold. The Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary forest is also home to species like leopard, chital, chinkara (gazelle), wild boar, wild ass, nilgai, spotted deer, and four-horned antelope. It is also the haunt for monkeys, parrots and India's national bird, the peacock. A crocodile-rearing and research center also flourishes adjacent to Sihn Sadan Lodge, where hatchlings are reared and then consecutively released into their natural habitat.

Safaris in Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary are popular, although one needs a permit before embarking on one. Permits are issued on the spot at the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge office. Jeeps and minibuses are freely available for touring the forest. The option of the jeep is a better one as it can travel to areas where the bus cannot, hence makes your outing more meaningful.

The best time to observe lions in their natural surroundings is at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl at Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary. Though the Asiatic lion is an elusive creature, a morning safari awards a good chance of seeing it, in contrast to a hot afternoon safari. With luck on your side, you may spot more than one.

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary area also includes the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary, where birds like paradise flycatcher, back-headed cuckoo, pied woodpecker, various species of eagles, painted sand grouse, bush quail, flamingo, partridge, parrot, and peacock may be seen. The Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary also has a small temple dedicated to Lord Krishna near the Tulsi Shyam springs.

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary: How to Reach

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary is approachable by road from the nearest town of Veraval, which is at a distance of 32 km, and Junagarh, at a distance of 64 km. Steam trains run to Veraval (twice daily) and Junagarh (once a day) from the nearest rail junction, Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary, which is about 1 km from the park. The nearest airport is Keshod at a distance of 86 km.

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary: Where to Stay

The Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge is not far from the railway station. Gujarat Tourism's Lion Safari Lodge is down by the river, about 200 meters from the Sinh Sadan, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and has good facilities. One can also stay at reasonably priced hotels away from the Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary. Eatables are freely available at both lodges within the forest reserve's precincts.

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary: Links to outside world

The Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary lodges have workable phone lines. Stamped mail may also be dropped at the lodges. Veraval is the nearest major post office where communication (telegraph and fax facilities) and medical facilities are available.

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary: Travel Tips

For summer months, light cotton clothing is advisable. Since winters are not particularly harsh, light woolens are recommended.

Jeeps are available from the lodge office everyday between 7 and 11 AM and 3 and 6.30 PM during winter (October-February) and from 6.30 AM during summer (March-June). No private vehicles are allowed inside the Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary: Nearby Places

Junagarh, which is 64 km from Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary, is an important heritage sight. Veraval, to which Sasangir has direct links, is interlinked to Somnath-a popular place for Hindu pilgrims.