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Introduction

Sasangir is located in the paisley-shaped Kathiwad peninsula of Gujarat. Lying on the south-western fringes of the Saurashtra peninsula (west-central India), Sasangir or the Gir National Park is the natural habitat of some 300 Asiatic lions. A visit to Sasangir naturally means a visit to the lion sanctuary. The Sasangir National Park was created in 1913 and was given a sanctuary status in 1965. Easily accessible from the nearby major towns and cities, the terrain here is rugged with steep rocky hillsides and a few springs. Sasangir is also the natural habitat of a number of rare species of plants and animals that attract a large number of tourists every year.

Sasangir is the natural habitat of a number of rare plants and animals. The entire area is characterised by teak trees and a mixture of deciduous trees including sal (Shorea), dhak (Butea frondosa), jamun (Syzigium cumini), acacia, banyan and thorn forests. It is a hilly tract with many rivers and beautiful long drives. Apart from the exotic variety of flora, Sasangir also houses some of the unique and rare species of animals. Besides the Asiatic lion, there are leopards, sambar, chital (spotted deer), nilgai (antelope), chowsingha (four-horned antelope), chinkara (gazelle), wild boar, langur,

jackal and hyena along with numerous birds like paradise flycatcher, Bonneli\’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers, back headed cuckoo, pied woodpecker, painted sand grouse, bush quail, flamingos and grey partridges. Nalsarovar

The entire area of Sasangir is flanked with three unique reservoirs, one of which is the Nalsarovar Lake. A large number of water birds and other migratory birds come to the lake every year. This makes Nalsarovar lake a birdwatchers\’ paradise. Nalsarovar is also the excellent spot to photograph the birds in their natural habitat. A visit to the lake will be a treat to your eyes as you can get to see flocks of birds like the paradise flycatcher, back-headed cuckoo, pied woodpecker, various species of eagles, painted sand grouse, bush quail, flamingo, partridge, parrot, and peacock. You can also visit the small temple dedicated to Lord Krishna near the Tulsi Shyam springs.

Easily accessible from Sasangir and Junagadh town, is the holy Hindu destination of Somnath. Located at distance of about 46 kilometres from Sasangir, a good number of tourists as well as religious visitors come to this famous Hindu shrine and seat of one of the Jyotirlingas. Somnath used to be one of the richest shrines in the country which was the reason of several Muslims raids on this shrine during the 10th and 11th century AD.