Gir, the last bastion of the Asiatic lion, is a beautiful teak dominated habitat in the Junagadh district in Kathiawar, Gujarat. One of India's most precious and vital biodiversity vaults, a semi-arid wilderness emblazoned by rust, beige and the occasional scarlet, when the flame of the forest and silk cotton trees are in bloom, Gir brings to mind visions of distant Africa. In this forested western corner of the country, more than 300 Asiatic lions now share their home with villagers and cattle.

Established in 1965 with an total area of 1412 sq. km (about 258 km² for the fully protected area (the National Park) and 1153 km² for the Sanctuary), these forests are also know as Sasan-Gir, getting this name from the Gimar mountain ranges that surround it.

PARK LANDSCAPE

The seven major perennial rivers of the Gir region are Hiran, Shetrunji, Datardi, Shingoda, Machhundri, Godavari and Raval. The four reservoirs of the area are at four dams, one each on Hiran, Machhundri, Raval and Shingoda rivers, including the biggest reservoir in the area, the Kamleshwar Dam, dubbed 'the lifeline of Gir'. These water sources don't only bring life to Gir but also to the people around it, its fair to say that it  does add a vibrant color to the deciduous dry land.