Gir National Park covers a total area of 1412 sq. km out of which 258 km
consists of the core area of the National Park . Over the years of indiscriminate and
merciless hunting by the locals of Junagadh led to the prominently drastic decrease of this majestic population resulting in a complete wipeout on most parts of Asia but it was the kind initiative taken by the Nawab of Junagadh to protect the Queen Royalty in his own private hunting grounds till in due course of time the Forest Department officials came forward to take forward the responsibility and protects the world’s most threatened and endangered species. These thoughtful initiatives have made a drastic impact as the population of lions rose from 20 in the year 1913 to 523 according to the consensus of 2015. The wilderness of these 4 districts consists of 201 female lions, 106 male lions and 2013 sub- adult lions.

Here is a list of subtle glimpses that acts as a major attraction for tourists and visitors at Sasan Gir :

1. ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE : Gir National Park is a stretch of dry and deciduous
   forests which is the best possible habitat for Asiatic Lions to live in. According to the last consensus of 2015, the whole region of Saurashtra is home to at least 523 lions and 300 leopards. Apart from the obvious, it also is home to Sambar, the largest species of Indian Deer and Chowsingha, the world’s only 4 horned antelope. The striped hyena, Indian Fox and the Jackal are some of the smaller carnivores inhabiting Gir Forest.
2. BIRDS AND AVIFAUNA : The Gir National Park has a range of exotic flora which
   acts as a safe haven to over 200 species of birds and has been declared as a
   significant area of the Bird Sanctuary by the Bird Conservation Network. This national park also shelters critically endangered species of raptors like long- billed and white-backed vultures.
3. REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS : The Sasan Gir National Park is blessed with more
   than 40 different species of amphibians and reptiles. It houses Kamleshwar as the
   largest reservoir of the sanctuary which is an ideal spot for Marsh Crocodiles. It is
   also home to numerous species of snakes like the King Kobra, Saw- scaled Viper,
   Russell’s Viper and the Krait.

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1. SABARMATI RIVERFRONT : This waterfront was developed on the banks of
   Sabarmati River with the initial objective for environmental improvement and
   sustainable development but is now a majorly sought after tourist destination owing to its gorgeous parks, vibrant lush green promenades, plazas and an over all soothing ambience.
2. DADA HARI VAV : Popularly known as the Bal Harir Stepwell, it is 15 kms from
   Ahmedabad and is one of the two famous stepwells of the city. The 7 levels of the
   stepwell is a well thought source of water conservation and is a space of interlude for locals during the overheating summers. This octagonal sandstone stepwell was
   designed as a reminiscence of the Solanki architectural style and was established
   during the Mehmud Begda era. This entire structure reflects as a masterpiece of
   intricate artistry of the Gujarati design in stone.
3. STATUE OF UNITY : Built as a memorial to commemorate the vision of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue has been erected to inspire Indian
   Citizens through his freedom struggle and patriotism. This bronze statue grabs the attention of the whole world as the tallest statue in the world of our founding father of the Republic of India who stands 182 metres tall overlooking the entire city.
4. SWAMINARAYAN TEMPLE : Shri Swaminarayan Temple is located in the Kalupur
   area of the city and built on the instructions of the great Swaminarayan. This 19th
   century temple showcases yellow and green sculptures of numerous Hindu deities
   who are adorned in gorgeous dresses and majestic ornaments.
5. SABARMATI ASHRAM : Renowned as one of the main residences for Mahatma
   Gandhi and his wife, Sabarmati is one of the most significant tourist attractions
   nestled in the suburbs of Ahmedabad. This Ashram is situated on the serene and
   tranquil stretch of River Sabarmati and is also known as the ‘Satyagraha Ashram’,
   since it reminisces the beginning of the famous Dandi March led by Gandhiji. The
   museum of the Ashram is of utmost significance as it displays photographs and
   personal letters of the Great Gandhi.

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As the marshland fills up with water during the monsoon and the wetland extends from the Gulf of Kutch to the west right through the Gulf of Cambay on the east and the water dries to create a crunchy based bed of white salty land during the summers, the best time to visit the Rann of Kutch is during the winter months from October to February, when the famous annual Rann Utsav is held and the weather around is best suited for sightseeing. The festival also allows you to access to the best places of accommodations with a close proximity to the White Salt Desert like the luxurious White Rann Resort that offers air conditioned tents and mud bhungas or huts along with other modern amenities and great comfort. 

In terms of sightseeing, you cannot miss out on exploring a plethora of interesting places like, Dhordo, the Mandvi Beach, Bhuj, Dholavira, etc apart from the flawless Rann of Kutch that will definitely overwhelm you by its Tribal hamlets of cylindrical mud bhungas (huts) which are the focal point for Kutch embroidery, tie and dye, pottery, leatherwork,  bell metal craft and the famous Rogan painting by the only surviving expert family all of which sets stalls at the Rann Utsav that allows multiple opportunities to tourists to explore local crafts and take back their gorgeous creations as souvenirs. Other attractions to the Rann Utsav include daily  cultural performances that allow tourists to understand the cultural heritage of that spectacular region. Another significant and ethereal sight is the scenic view of the White Rann on a full moon night which gives you a glimpse of the literally gleaming White sea-like Salt desert under a full moon that shines brighter than the Sun, the scenic hue of this sight cannot be justified by any picture unless witnessed by the naked eye. Lastly,  Approximately 200 km east of the Rann at  the Little Rann of Kutch, there lies a 4953-sq-km Wild Ass Sanctuary which houses the only remaining population of the chestnut-coloured Indian wild ass or khur, as well as blue-bulls, blackbuck and chinkara which is also a very exciting experience amongst a sea of others at the Beautiful Rann of Kutch!

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