Gir: Visit The Rich Wildlife And Culture Of Gujarat!

In the Western Indian state of Gujarat, which is the fifth largest state in the country by area lies Gir, a place known for its National Parks which makes home to the ferocious Asiatic lions. Besides Africa, Gir is recognized as the only place to witness lions roaming around.

Regardless The city of Gir offers much more destinations to its visitors aside from the National Parks. Gir has something unique for each person visiting here. 

Here are a set of selected places to plan a trip to a few top places here along with the best time to visit as well as the options for food and accommodation.

Gir National Park

Visiting Gir and missing out on its most popular destination The Gir National Park could be the biggest regret you might have. Hence make sure you visit here and prioritize this destination on your bucket list. This is one of the best places to visit in Gir.

The place is ideal for all wildlife enthusiasts and Nature lovers. Spanning an area of over 1400 square kilometers with several species of flora and fauna and mostly the pride of Asiatic lions.

You can take the opportunity to have a safari by Jeep witnessing the majestic beasts closely in their Natural Habitat. The park closes at 5 PM so remember to visit here before the given deadline. 

Uparkot Fort

Dating its origin back to ancient times Uparkot Fort is situated in Junagadh which is just about a few Kilometres from Gir. Said to be built around the 3^rd century BC and appeared among various historical events.

Visitors who come here can appreciate the architecture and design of the fort as well as explore it

Uparkot Fort is a historical #fort located in the #Junagadh. One of the most significant attractions inside the fort is the Buddhist caves. The caves have several chambers and are adorned with #beautiful sculptures and carvings.#gujarattourism #gujarat #incredibleindia #Travel pic.twitter.com/u9M1r7Qyif

— Gujarat Tourism (@GujaratTourism) February 27, 2023

Durbar Hall Museum

These artifacts date back to the 19^th century and visitors have the opportunity to witness these at the museum getting a glimpse of antiquity of the past.

The Hall Museum of Darbar is located within the Junagadh Palace showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the entire state of Gujarat. The Museum holds historical artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and much more.

Nalsarovar Lake

Situated away from Gir at a distance of approximately 100 Kilometres. This scenic landscape is regarded as a paradise for Bird watchers.

The particular reason for this is due to the lake is home to around 200 species of birds including migratory birds. People into Nature and Birdwatching can visit this place and take aesthetic pictures.

Kamleshwar Dam

Kamleshwar is a popular picnic spot and is blessed with astonishing views of nature and visitors are lucky to experience the fresh environment.

The Dam offers a few water activities like Boating, Fishing, and much more. Kamleshwar is a must-visit place to find some peace and comfort ourselves with the fresh air of Nature. 

Girnar Hills

Girmar features a set of hills situated close to Junagadh and is considered a sacred place among many religions, this is because these hills are where several temples and other religious sites or centers are located.

Getting on top of the hills is worth the time and effort because of the panoramic views it provides.

Kankai Mata Temple

In the Kankai village lies the Kankai Mata Temple which is located a few Kilometres away from Gujarat. The temple worships the Goddess named Kankai and sets itself as a popular pilgrimage destination.

The temple is surrounded by forests and offers Jungle safari in an off-road vehicle to the visitors. Off-road lovers along with Nature lovers can visit this place. The temple gives a feel of its own unique from other destinations 

How To Reach Gir

Gir is a popular city and attracts a lot of visitors including tourists, locals, and devotees visiting the temples. The place is well connected to other Major cities in the state and from there to other major places outside the state. You can reach here by road rail or air.

The nearest airport is at Keshod at a distance of 40 kilometres from Gir. Junagadh is where the railway station is settled and 60 Kilometres away from Gir.

You can grab a bus, hire a taxi from big cities such as Ahmedabad and Rajkot or rent a vehicle of your choice to reach here in your comfort.

Best Time To Visit Gir

The place is best visited between November and February where it provides a pleasant climate to its visitors. These months are also more prone to witness Asiatic lions at a high number compared to other months.

people can also be visited during the monsoon months of June, July, August, and September in which the forest is lush and covered in greenery.

Food And Accommodation

From Budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts, the accommodation option in Gir is far from limited. A few of these stays also come with free food and offer several other services. Some of the popular options include The Gir jungle lodge, The Gateway Hotel Gir Forest, The Fern Gir Forest resort, and much more with a lot of modern amenities and convenient to access several tourists and other popular destinations.

The place is known for its unique cuisine with dishes like Dhokla, Thepla, and Khaman and various other eateries available from restaurants, food stalls, and a few shacks with popular Indian street food. A few restaurants here include Gir Jungle Lodge restaurant, Vrindavan Restaurant, Sukhsagar Restaurant, and various choices depending on your taste.

To Sum up, Gir is one of the must-visit destinations and the most famous in Gujarat. The place is ideal for short trips, Picnics with family and friends, and also for people interested in wildlife, Nature, Sightseeing Bird watching and Jungle safaris put together in one place.

This spot also holds huge historical significance and is rich in cultural heritage. Remember to must visit the Gir National Park which is the main attraction here. Gir is easily accessible and convenient to reach and you don’t want to worry about the food and accommodation here.

If you’re planning a visit, make sure to visit the Monsson months or months between November and February to make a memorable trip.

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