Lion in India

Gir Forests
Where else in India would you find a park that offers visitors a chance to glimpse wildlife in its natural surroundings than at the Gir National Park?

The Gir National Park as a Forest Reserve, primarily to conserve the Asiatic lion. The total area under national park status is about 2,450 hectares. It is located in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, about 65 km south-east of Junagadh city, and 90 km east of Keshod Airport, in the Kathiawar (Saurashtra) Peninsula. Sasan, with a forest rest-house, is the headquarters of the sanctuary.The Gir is a mixed deciduous type of forest with teak, ber, flame of the forest, jamun, a variety of acacia, particularly babul. It is a hilly tract with plenty of rivers, and offers the visitor long pleasant drives, through the thick forest cover.

The chinkara, wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, common langur, porcupine, hare, black buck, are the other animals, that can be found in this sanctuary. There are over 200 bird species including the peafowl, grey partridge, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and several species of doves . The Gir is also home to the marsh crocodile, which can be sighted easily in its rivers, particularly in the lake of the Kamaleshwar dam. There is also a crocodile breeding farm at Sasan.

Nehru Zoological Park, Andhara
This park spreads over 300 acres and is one of the largest in Asia. Over 3000 different species of birds and animals can be seen here. Other attractions of the zoo includes a lion safari park, a nocturnal animal house , a pre-historic animal park, an ancient life museum and a natural history museum. Large recreational parks , lush green gardens, a mini train and rides on animal back, make it an ideal spot for picnic.

Situated in the Bahadurpura area on the way to the N G Ranga Agricultural University in Rajendranagar, the zoo is ahead of Afzalgunj, the Osmania General Hospital and the High Court of AP.

The popular ones among the different species are white peacocks, mynahs, chimpanzees and rhinoceros. The major attraction within the zoo, however, is the Lion Safari. A van barbed with wrought iron takes you through the gates of the safari opening one gate at a time into a completely different world of wild animals where lions, tigers, rhinos, wild oxen, panthers, etc. are left freely in the wilderness of a simulated jungle.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The Sanjay Gandhi or Borivali National Park has the distinction of being the only National Park in Mumbai. Notified in 1974, it is set in hill ranges around the suburb of Borivali in Mumbai. It plays host to various wildlife species like the panther, antelope, mouse deer and wild bear. Children particularly enjoy riding the colourful toy train here, as it winds its way through the vast park. In the Lion Safari Park, visitors can view lions as close as six feet away, from the special park vehicles.

The park is a paradise for the lovers of avifauna and it is difficult for them not to be attracted by their charm here in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Parambikulam Wild Life Sanctuary
The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, sprawling over 285 sq. km., is 135 km from Palakkad and adjacent to the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Parambikulam is endowed with luxuriant vegetation. It has one of the largest population of gaur (bison). Sambar, spotted deer, jungle cat, lion-tailed macaque, common otter, sloth bear etc. are also seen. There are also a few tigers and leopards.

Facilities for boarding and lodging are available at the sanctuary. There are forest rest houses at Thunacadavu, Thellikkal and Elathode. Motor transport and boat cruise can be arranged on request.