Gir National Park to remain closed during monsoon

Vadodara, Jun 5: The Gir National Park which is home to over 500 Asiatic lions will remain closed for tourists, both domestic and foreigners, from June 16 to October 15 during monsoon season.

Naval Aparnathi, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) said the park is closed during this period every year as it is breeding season for many of the animals including the big cats.

"It is closing to provide some privacy to the wild animals like lions, leopards and birds like peacocks during their mating season.

Four months of monsoon are considered the best for breeding," he said. The Gir sanctuary, located at Sasan in Junagadh district, is the only home for the Asiatic lions and attracts a large number of tourists.

Since last October, 5.20 lakh domestic tourists and about 7,000 foreign tourists have visited the park, fetching a revenue of Rs 10.71 crore.

PTI