| The cockling and craggy parcel of land that constitutes Pania Wildlife Sanctuary at Amreli is the most appropriate destination for undisturbed perseverance of the ‘Chinkara’ in India. The ‘Chinkara’ belongs to a species of gazelle, abundantly spotted in South Asia which is scientifically regarded as ‘Gazella bennettii’. The Pania Wildlife Sanctuary at Amreli can be technically considered as a wing stretching from the Gir Sanctuary.
Although the Pania Wildlife Sanctuary at Amreli possesses luscious grasslands of diverse varieties but the insufficient supply of water can be considered as a major drawback.Another reason why a trip to the Pania Wildlife Sanctuary at Amreli could turn out to be a thrilling and pulse-pounding extravaganza is that you can spot the mighty lions stomping around the bumpy terrain in their full glory. Precipitous, undulating landscape carpeted with wild grass and vegetation in-houses the Pania Wildlife Sanctuary. The ecological refuge also known by the name of Chanchai-Pania has been home to varied species of endangered and rare animals and was declared a Sanctuary in 1989. The 39.63 square kilometers sanctuary is an extended stretch of the Gir Sanctuary and the majestic lions and leopards frequently roam around this area. The Pania Wildlife refuge is differentiated from Gir to emphasize preservation of the Chinkaras and antelopes who wander around freely in the grassy region.Patches of grassy land amidst the hilly arid areas render the area suitably for the elegant and graceful Chinkara or Indian Gazelle. Small animals like Hyena, wild cat, civet cat, antelopes bearing four horns, pangolins, and foxes are seen almost playing hide and seek with the varied species of grasses while majestic animals like mighty lions stomping around the bumpy terrain in their full glory might offer a pleasurable surprise. The crude exuberance of nature basking the glory of the Pania Sanctuary can be best experienced during the period in between monsoon and winters. A haven for eco-tourists this center will provide you with ample treasures and diversity of nature. Drive around the small zone while coming across petite animals shying away from you or apprehend the magical aura of the royal king of jungle lazing around in the rustic wilderness. |
History
Popularly known as Chanchai-Pania, this sanctuary is an integral part of the famous Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. Pania Sanctuary was notified in June 1989. This patch of forest, having arid conditions in absence of any natural water source, has given way to abundant growth of grass making the area ideal for chinkara- the Indian gazelle. Although lions, leopards and all other animals that reside in Gir, frequent this sanctuary, chinkaras roam more freely in this sanctuary rather than in the much wooded areas of Gir. The area falls in Amreli district and is easily approachable from Amreli and Dhari. The moderate hills of Chanchai accord a picturesque scene to the area. Here eco-tourists find nature and wildlife in its rawest form. World famous Gir Wildlife Sanctuary forms boundary in south and east while hills of Chahchai are towering in the north-west of Gir. These provide very suitable terrain for chinkaras.
- Country – India
- State – Gujarat
- District – Amreli
- Nearest City – Amreli
