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| Asiatic Lions in Gir National Park |
Recently
National Geographic and Skoda Yeti sponsored a “Right of way
expedition contest” and the winners were supposed to be taken on a
tour of Gir National Park. Gir, in the state of Gujarat, is the only
place where you can see the pure Asiatic Lions in their natural
habitat. The first three winners of the contest were lucky enough to
join this exclusive tour of Gir national forest.
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| Siddis of Gujarat |
Gir
is popular for its Jungle safaris which start early morning and offer
you many chances of sighting a Lion family relaxing in the grasslands
of the forest. This forest was reserved for saving the lion
population and now the number of these Lions has reached a
satisfactory level obviously increasing your chances of sighting the
king of the forest from a close distance. If you are a quick
photographer then you can square the lions in the lens of your
cameras in one of the best position. Apart from Lions you will be
sighting the peacocks that are bold enough and might stand in a
position as if they expect you to take their photograph. An
entertainment at Gir can be experienced while joining the Siddis
presenting their dance in traditional costumes. These are the people
who have migrated long back from some of the African countries and
they have made Gir forests as well as Gujarat their new home.
Historical records say that these Siddis were given as slaves by the
Potuguese to the Nawab of Junagadh who slowly settled around the
jungles of Gir in Junagadh district. Deva-dungar is the silent
village near Sirvan which is settled by the Siddi community. Settled
here before three hundred years they have parted away from their
original culture except a few things like the traditional dance
called Dhamal which is accompanied with Goma music.
Come
to Gir and get impressed by its wildlife as well as the tribal’s
who are leaving in the dense forests of Gir which are surrounding the
Gir National Park. Do not forget to experience the thrill of staying
inside the jungle at United-21 Vanavaso resort in Gir.
