Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (commonly known as Sasan Gir) is the world's only natural wild home of the magnificent Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica), situated across the Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli districts of Saurashtra in Gujarat. Spanning over 1,412 square kilometres of dry deciduous teak forests, rocky hills, and perennial river valleys, Gir represents one of humanity's greatest conservation success stories, where a population of fewer than 20 lions in 1900 under the protection of the Nawab of Junagadh has rebounded to over 674 wild lions roaming the forested hills today.
The Asiatic Lion Sanctuary & Wildlife Ecology
Unlike African lions that inhabit open savannahs, the Asiatic lions of Gir are adapted to dense dry teak, acacia scrub, and riverine forest terrain. Recognizable by a longitudinal fold of skin along the belly and shorter manes in males, they share this biodiverse ecosystem with over 300 Indian leopards (one of the highest leopard densities in India), spotted deer (*Chital*), Sambar, four-horned antelopes (*Chousingha*), wild boars, striped hyenas, marsh crocodiles (*Mugger*) in the Kamleshwar reservoir, and over 300 species of resident and migratory birds.
Quick Facts Table
| Information | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Sanctuary Name | Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary (Sasan Gir) |
| State & District | Gujarat, Gir Somnath & Junagadh Districts |
| Total Area | 1,412 sq km (Core Park: 258 sq km) |
| Key Wildlife Species | Asiatic Lion, Indian Leopard, Chital, Sambar, Mugger Crocodile |
| Safari Timings | Morning: 06:00 AM – 09:00 AM, 08:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Evening: 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM |
| Open Season | October 16 to June 15 (Closed during Monsoon: June 16 – Oct 15) |
| Devalia Safari Park | Open Year-Round (Closed on Wednesdays) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Sasan Gir (SASN – 1 km); Junagadh (55 km); Veraval (45 km) |
| Nearest Airport | Keshod Airport (60 km); Rajkot International Airport (160 km) |
How to Book Gir Jungle Safari & Devalia Safari
- Gir Jungle Safari (Deep Forest 4x4 Gypsy): Must be booked in advance exclusively through the official Gujarat Forest Department online portal (girlion.gujarat.gov.in). Permits include 4x4 open Gypsy vehicle, authorized nature driver, and certified forest tracker guide.
- Devalia Safari Park (Gir Interpretation Zone): An enclosed 412-hectare eco-park located 12 km from Sasan Gir that guarantees Asiatic lion, leopard, and deer sightings in mini-bus safaris or open Gypsies, operating throughout the year including monsoon months.
Suggested 2-Day Wildlife Itinerary
Arrival in Sasan Gir, Devalia Safari & Crocodile Breeding Centre
Arrive in Sasan Gir; check into your eco-resort nestled amongst mango orchards (*Kesar Keri*).
Take the Devalia Interpretation Zone Safari for guaranteed sightings of Asiatic lions and leopards.
Visit the Crocodile Breeding Centre near Sinh Sadan on the Hiran River.
Traditional Kathiyawadi feast with live Siddi Dhamal tribal dance performance at the resort.
Morning Open 4x4 Gypsy Forest Safari & Somnath Excursion
Report at Sinh Sadan forest reception; board your authorized open 4x4 Gypsy for the 3-hour morning jungle trail.
Return to resort for hearty breakfast featuring fresh Saurashtra buttermilk and sweets.
Drive 45 km south to Somnath; attend the evening Ganga Aarti at the first Jyotirlinga temple by the sea.
Multi-Modal How to Reach & Transit Guide
Sasan Gir National Park (Gir Somnath, Gujarat) in Gir Somnath, Gujarat is easily accessible across multiple modes of transit:
- ✈️ By Air: Connect via the nearest domestic/international airport offering regular flights and taxi connections to the destination.
- 🚆 By Train: Nearest railway junction links express and superfast trains from major metropolitan hubs across the state and country.
- 🚌 By Bus: State transport (GSRTC/MSRTC/HRTC) express buses and private luxury coaches operate frequent services along well-maintained highways.
- 🚗 By Road: Smooth national and state highways connect directly, making private car drives and cab hires convenient and scenic.
Authentic Regional Food & Local Delicacies
While exploring Sasan Gir National Park (Gir Somnath, Gujarat), indulge in authentic regional cuisine. Savor traditional multi-course thalis featuring regional breads (Rotla/Bhakri/Puri), rich seasonal vegetable curries, freshly churned buttermilk (Chaas), and famous regional sweet delicacies.
