The Only Home of the Asiatic Lion

About Gir National Park

The last remaining bastion of the Asiatic Lion, located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat.

Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most celebrated wildlife destinations in India. Established in 1965, it spans over 1,412 square kilometers of deciduous forest, semi-evergreen flora, and grasslands. It is globally renowned as the only place outside Africa where lions (Panthera leo persica) roam freely in the wild.

While the Asiatic Lion is the prime attraction, the park's biodiversity is immense. Gir has one of the highest densities of leopards in India. Other common wildlife sightings include the Chital (Spotted Deer), Sambar (the largest Indian deer), Nilgai (Blue Bull), Wild Boar, and the Four-Horned Antelope. The Kamleshwar Dam, located within the sanctuary, is home to a thriving population of marsh crocodiles.

Bird enthusiasts will find Gir a paradise with over 300 recorded species, including the Crested Serpent Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, and the endangered Lesser Florican. The unique ecosystem also supports the traditional Maldhari tribes, who have coexisted with the lions for centuries in their settlements known as 'Nesses'.

The best time to visit Gir is from December to March when the weather is pleasant. However, the hottest months of April and May offer the best chances of wildlife photography as animals congregate near water points. The park remains closed annually from mid-June to mid-October for the monsoon season.

Whether you are exploring the core jungle trails or visiting the Gir Interpretation Zone at Devalia, a safari in Sasan Gir is a journey into the heart of India's wildest heritage.