Sasan Gir is a 1,412 sq km dry deciduous forest in Gujarat's Saurashtra region, famous as the sole natural habitat of the endangered Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). Established in 1965 to protect a population that had dropped to barely two dozen, strict conservation has revived the lion count to over 600. The sanctuary also supports high densities of leopards, marsh crocodiles, chital, and the indigenous Maldhari pastoralists.
Gir National Park
The Last Remaining Wilderness of the Asiatic Lion
A Glimpse into the History of Gir National Park
Nawab of Junagadh's Sanctuary
Excessive trophy hunting by British colonials and Indian royalty nearly wiped out the Asiatic lion by the late 19th century. Recognizing the crisis, the Nawab of Junagadh banned lion hunting in his private reserves in 1900, creating a crucial safe haven for the surviving few.
National Park Declaration (1965–1975)
The Government of India formally declared the Gir forest a wildlife sanctuary in 1965 to strengthen protection against poaching and habitat loss. A central 258 sq km core zone was subsequently designated as a National Park in 1975, completely halting grazing and human habitation within its borders.
The Maldhari Relocation & Ecosystem Recovery
To minimize human-wildlife conflict and permit the ecosystem to recover, the government initiated a phased relocation of the indigenous Maldhari tribes from the core zone in the 1970s. This move helped increase the population of wild ungulates, providing a stable natural prey base for the recovering lions.
Ecological Significance of Gir
Gir is globally significant as the only geographic location protecting the Asiatic lion subspecies in the wild. Environmentally, the forest tract acts as the primary watershed for the Saurashtra peninsula, feeding seven vital rivers including the Hiran and Machhundri, preventing the desertification of the region.
Events & Regional Highlights
Wildlife Week (Early October)
Aligning with the park's reopening after the monsoon closure, authorities conduct specialized nature camps, photography exhibitions, and conservation awareness drives involving local communities and visitors.
Maha Shivaratri at Junagadh (Feb/Mar)
While not inside the park, the massive Bhavnath Mela at the foothills of nearby Mount Girnar (55 km away) draws millions of pilgrims, strongly influencing tourist traffic and regional transportation down to Sasan Gir.
The Asiatic Lion's Belly Fold
Unlike their African cousins, Asiatic lions are genetically distinct and visibly different—they have a characteristic longitudinal fold of skin running along their belly. They also possess distinctly sparser manes on the top of their heads, meaning the lion's ears are clearly visible even on fully mature males.
Travel Guide to Gir National Park
How to Reach Sasan Gir
By Air: Rajkot Airport (RAJ) is ~160 km (~3.5 hrs) and Diu Airport (DIU) is ~110 km (~2.5 hrs) away. Prepaid taxis run directly to Sasan Gir from both airports.
By Train: Junagadh (JND) ~55 km and Veraval (VRL) ~40 km are major broad-gauge railheads connecting to Ahmedabad and Rajkot. Taxis are easily available from both stations.
By Road: Sasan Gir is accessible via SH-26 and NH-151. Direct GSRTC state buses operate from Junagadh, Somnath, and Rajkot directly to the Sasan Gir reception centre.
Best Time to Visit
Dec–Mar (Best): Offers comfortable 15–25°C weather for open-jeep safaris. Apr–May (Summer Peak): Extremely hot (above 40°C) but provides the highest probability of lion sightings near local waterholes. The entire sanctuary is closed during the monsoon season from June 16 to October 15.
Local Attractions
Somnath Temple (~45 km): One of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines located on the coast, easily combined with a Gir trip.
Devalia Safari Park (~12 km): Also known as the Gir Interpretation Zone, this fenced 4 sq km area offers guaranteed sightings via bus safaris.
Uparkot Fort & Mahabat Maqbara (~55 km): Historical architecture located in the nearby city of Junagadh.
Diu Island (~110 km): An erstwhile Portuguese colony with beaches, an oceanfront fort, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Tips for Visitors
Book open-gypsy safari permits months in advance exclusively through the official government portal (girlion.gujarat.gov.in); third-party sites are often unauthorized or highly marked up.
Carry a physical original copy of the valid government ID matches the details entered during the safari permit booking for crucial checkpoint verification.
Dust is heavy on the forest tracks during the dry season—bring a scarf to cover your face and keep camera equipment securely packed while driving between zones.
The morning safari slot (usually starting at 6:00 AM) provides the best tracking opportunities as big cats are most active before the intense midday heat sets in.
Gir National Park Location
Image Gallery
