Gir - Amitabh Bachchan : Gujarat Tourism

Internationally recognised as the only surviving habitat of the Asiatic Lion, Sasan Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around 65 km southeast of the small city of Junagadh in Gujarat. The reserve was created in 1913, and was designated a sanctuary in 1965 with the sole aim of safeguarding one of the world's most threatened species. Today, it proudly claims to be home to nearly 411 Asiatic Lions, an increase of 52 compared to 2005. The lion breeding programme covering the park and surrounding area has bred about 180 lions in captivity since its inception. The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan-Gir) is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965, the sanctuary is spread over an expansive area of around 1,412 sq km, with a protected core area of 258 sq km, which constitutes the national park. In addition to its most protected residents, the reserve is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The terrain here is marked by rocky hills and numerous streams in a deciduous type forest filled with teak, acacia, jamun and dhak trees.The park is located 65 km to the south-east of Junagadh. It is the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica) and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. The ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and fauna, is protected as a result of the efforts of the Government forest department, wildlife activists and NGOs. The forest area of Gir and its lions were declared as "protected" in the early 1900s by the then Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh. This initiative assisted in the conservation of the lions whose population had plummeted to only 15 through slaughter for trophy hunting.