Semi-arid and deciduous forests clothe around 10 per cent of Gir towards the east. The rest comprises stunted forests interspersed by hilly grasslands, which are cut by steep, rocky ravines. Towards the north, scrublands dominate.

Despite the whittling down of the habitat that was once Gir, inside the protected area, the seeds of natural renewal exist. The eastern forests harbour stunted Acacias, while the northern part supports scrubland. On the northern hills, (with their laterite soils) teak trees grow to heights of around 10 m.

In relatively well watered regions, the forest slowly graduates from an open to closed canopy with tall trees. Tree species are mostly salai, dhak, ber, flame of the forest, jamun some species of babul and the odd banyan. The hilltops are grassy. The east, with its open deciduous forest, receives less than 600 mm of rain and this can only support thorn forests and savanna, dotted with four to eight metre tall Acacias and Zizyphus. To the west and southwest, shrubs are widely spaced and surrounded by seas of grass. Predictably, along the river, there's evergreen vegetation. It is here that the lions choose to spend much of their time, since the hunting is good.

Visit a Maldhari ness in the park. The people are friendly and you will recognise them as the young men can be seen carrying their wares on loaded camels (dressed in characteristic white pyjamas and short white waistcoats) selling milk products. The women and children in the ness are open and friendly, and you may be invited for a drink and conversation in the company of goats or cattle.

Take a special trip into the heart of the forest to the scenic spot of Tulsi Shyam with its hot spring. The waters are believed to have medicinal properties.

Hindu temples within Gir are at Kankai, Baneji and Patla Mahadev and worth a visit.

Outside the park

Nalsarovar Lake is a wet grassland (121 sq kms) where a large number of water birds such as Flamingoes, Cranes, Storks, Pelicans, Ducks and Geese can be seen.

The Rann of Kutch is a unique saline desert, home to the Indian wild ass. You will need a couple of days to spend specifically in this sanctuary -- you might spot wild ass (that will probably outrun your jeep) wolf and caracal.

Flamingo Islands are home to these beautiful birds that can be seen in large flocks.

The legendary Somnath temple (near Veraval), one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Shiva, is 45 kms from Gir by road and a pilgrimage centre.

Veraval was a major port and Muslim pilgrims left from here for Mecca. It is still one of the major fishing ports of India. Fishing vessels large and small are built by hand here and a visit to the port to view dhows come and go is interesting, but a little heavy on the nose.

Climb the 10,000 steps constructed between 1889-1908 up to Girnar Hill in Junagadh. It's a long ardous way to the top. Porters can carry you in a palanquin to the top. In the month of January/February a folk fair is held. The city dates as far back as 250 AD to the time of Ashoka and there is much to see here.

The Conservator of Forests,
Sardar Baug,
Junagadh,
Gujarat - 362001.