Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary

Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife area located near Mitiyala village in Amreli district, Gujarat, covering about 18.22 square kilometres. Established in 2004 on former grasslands of the Bhavnagar princely state, it forms an important satellite habitat to Gir National Park. The sanctuary is notable for its population of Asiatic lions, leopards, spotted deer and diverse grassland and scrub forest ecosystem supporting varied birdlife.

Visitors can expect an open scrub and grassland landscape interspersed with dry deciduous forest typical of the Gir ecosystem. The sanctuary is accessed by permitted jeep safari along forest tracks. Sightings may include Asiatic lions, leopards, spotted deer, nilgai, wild boar and numerous resident and migratory birds. Facilities are basic with a forest rest house and guide services, offering a quiet, less-crowded wildlife viewing experience compared to Gir.

Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in 2004 covering 18.22 sq km. The area was formerly a private grassland and hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar princely state and later managed as part of the greater Gir forest landscape before being declared a separate sanctuary to provide additional habitat for Asiatic lions.