Asiatic Lion: The Pride of Gir National Park

Gir National Park- Asiatic lions

Gir National Park is popularly known as wildlife protected area. Home to wide range of animals and plants, the vegetation of this national park is rich because of presence of various factors such as perennial rivers that flow through this area. Rich biodiversity of this area makes it an ideal spot for scientific study for biologists from different parts of the world. The major attraction of this national park is Asiatic Lion.

Let’s have an overview of Asiatic lions:

The Asiatic Lion: Sasan Gir is only place in the world outside the African continent where Asiatic Lions can be found in their natural habitat. They are one of the prime reasons why large number of visitors travel from different parts of this world to this national park. A majority of their time is spent sleeping wherein the shade is deepest, while lioness makes the arrangement for the food. But, the male member in the family is the first one to take first share from food. The best time for observing lions in their natural habitat is during sunrise and sunset, when they are out for their prowl. You should avoid visiting this destination during afternoon hours because during this time most animals prefer resting in shade. Check out Gir safari timings in order plan in advance.

The Somnath Temple: Feel blessed at the Temple turned Pilgrimage

Somnath Temple

The most sacred among the 12 Jyotirlings in India, Somnath Temple is located in the Veraval region. The literal meaning of Somnath is ‘Lord of Moon’ and this town gets it name from the Somnath Temple. There are various stories and believes behind who constructed this temple. The Somnath Temple is the 7^th temple built for commemorating Lord Somnath. Also known as ‘Prabhas Patan’, this town has remained a quintessential tourist destination for many years now. It is interesting to note that there exists no land between this temple and the South Pole. The Somnath Temple is also believed to be the place where the Holy Saraswati river meets the sea. 

 

Built in the Solanki style, The Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), sanctum sanctorum (innermost shrine) and the Shikhar (top) was built up in the first phase. Lord Somnath has been mentioned in the Puranas and the Mahabharata. The Yadava is said to have fought among themselves and ended their dynasty from the face of Earth. The Somnath Temple is visited by millios of devotees every year. It is no more a tourist attraction for devotees, but a place of pilgrimage where they can come and find absolute peace. If you are visiting this temple, you should not miss out the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy the Gir forest safari. It will make your trip a memorable experience.