Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary
Known for their rustic, tall grass and hill tracks, Mitiyala grass lands is spread over an area of 18.22 square kilometers. This area was once part of royal estate of Bhavnagar before independence and was confirmed the status of wildlife sanctuary in 2004. The sanctuary is home for almost 12 lions and also shares the space with leopards, spotted deers and Nilgais (blue bulls), Chinkara, Sambar and Pangolin. Mitiyala is also one of the five protected areas for Asiatic lions. Mitiyala is also under protect satellite areas and is very near to Gir Conversation area.
Inside Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary
Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary and Gir Forest are just beside each other and a normal passage between the two areas connects the two habitats. A jeep safari is the best option to look at the animals inside the sanctuary. Wild Asiatic lions and Leopards roam freely and sometimes walk into the Gir forest as they are just adjacent to each other. Wild Boars can be seen in groups roaming across the forest eating plants and other reptiles. Apart from animals there many bird species can also be seen here at Mitiyala. It is also one of the important sanctuaries helping in increase in number of Asiatic lions. Some of the lions are being shifted to other sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh and other places across India.
Best Time to Visit Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary
Winters are the best time to visit this place which is beautiful and can spend a lot of time here. The sanctuary is closed during summers. This is a best place very near to Gir forest and an adventurous place to spend with friends and family. Visitors can watch the lions and leopards very near to the vehicle walking on the roads.
Make sure to save some time for bird watching also.
Make sure to save some time for bird watching also.
Don'ts about Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary
Being a protected area, the sanctuary has some restrictions which are listed below, make sure you don't do any of these:- No smoking of cigarettes or tobacco as it may cause forest fires.
- No sound systems or music systems should be carried and must be switched off while driving inside the sanctuary.
- No flash or intrusive photography.
- Hunting equipment and other weapons are strictly prohibited.
- Pets should not be carried inside.
- No littering.
- Removing or plucking (plants, flowers & fruits) anything is prohibited.
- Do not scare the wildlife with any kind of activities.
- Do not get close to the animals.
How to Reach Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary
By Air: The nearest airport to Gir or Mitiyala sanctuary is Keshod which is just 90 kilometers away. The other nearest airports are Diu (90 Kms), Rajkot (140 Kms) which are better connected with Mumbai, Ahmedabad and other cities.
By Rail: Sansan Gir is the nearest railway station is just one kilometer away and is well connected all major towns in Gujarat. The frequency of the trains is good enough and can be a peaceful journey.
By Road: Gir and Mitiyala are well connected by buses and have frequent buses from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Vadodra etc.
Overall Mitiyala wildlife sanctuary is known for Asiatic Lions and leopards apart from other animals and is a nice place to spend some time to watch the animals at very near distance.