TRAVEL TITBITS
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Keshod 90-km via Veraval. One can catch
daily flight from Mumbai to Keshod.
Rail:
Meter gauge rail line of 395-km from Ahemdabad.
Road: Distance of 400-km from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and
Mendarda. State Transport buses are available from Junagadh and Veraval
between November and June.
PARK ETHICS
Protecting and sustaining a large tract of forest area is a mammoth
task. Lend support to the protection of Gir, by practising and encouraging
good park behaviour. The following 'Dos and Don'ts' will enhance the
quality of one's experience and make one a determined ambassador of this
park.
Do Not Rouse, Prod, Feed Or Disturb The Wildlife: Nocturnal
animals rest during the day and many other animals take a break at noon to
beat the heat. Don't cross the 'Laxman Rekha', or 'fleeing distance' and
anger them. Their lighting fast reflexes might catch you unawares.
Use Official Guides: Do not pressurise the guides to show you the
Lions or the leopards. For although they well acquainted with the park,
they cannot guarantee 'sightings' to anyone.
Carry Checklists And Field Guides: While with nature, make optimum
use of your eyes, ears, sense of smell and touch. Have an inquisitive mind
and don't just 'see' but 'observe'.
Smoking Is Prohibited: A tree may yield a lakh matchsticks but a
single matchstick can destroy a lakh trees. Dry surroundings like Gir
catch fire easily. A carelessly stubbed cigarette or a matchstick can
start a fire that can burn for days, kill slow moving wildlife and wipe
out valuable habitats.
Do
Not Use Flash Or Intrusive Photography: Do not pluck leaves or
branches just to get a 'good view' of the nest.
Picking Of Plants And Insects Is Strictly Prohibited: The park
contains many rare species that may be endangered.
For Your Safety, Walking Or Hiking In The Park Is Not Allowed:
Stay in the vehicle even when you have a breakdown. The park is well
connected with wireless network, which will be used in an emergency.
Wear Loose Fitting And Simple Clothes That Blend With The
Surroundings: It's fun observing animals without being noticed. A cap
will protect you from the heat.
Don't Make Quick Or Sudden Movements: If on a 'nature trail', try
to avoid stepping over dry twigs and leaves that make noise and warn off
wild animals, especially birds. Observe silently and share your joy in
whispers.
'Pets' Are Not Allowed: The great Wild Cats of Gir will not take
kindly to your purring pussy. Here nothing is tame, caged or chained.
Everything is wild, wonderful and free.
Do Not Litter The Park: Cans and bottles cause injury to animals.
Plastics laced with food remains, attract wildlife and choke them to
death. Carry an empty bag to collect waste or leave your waste in the
vehicle.
No Picnicking Or Camping Is Permitted In The Park: Picnicking or
camping is allowed only at the officially designated spots.
Carry Plenty Of Water: Make sure your eatables are not smelly. Dry
food like chocolates, nuts and sandwiches are ideal for extra energy.
Please avoid carrying the whole kitchen along.
Use Of Firearms, Weapons Or Other Hunting Devices Is Strictly
Prohibited: You do not need any weapon for your protection as long as
you follow the park rules and regulations.
If you are lost or get separated, Don't panic: Keep cool. Relax
for a while and take time to recall your points of direction. Following
down a stream or a permanent road will lead you sooner or later to
habitation. On a 'natural trail', take note of a landmark - a mountain top
or an unusually tall tree, to keep track of the direction.
NEARBY CITIES
Veraval: 43-km
Junagadh via Mendarda: 65-km
