Gir National Park

Home of the Asiatic Lion in Gujarat

Sasan Gir National Park, in the Saurashtra area of Gujarat, is the only place anywhere in the world, apart from Africa, where the impressive Asiatic lion – Panthera leo persica – can be seen living freely in its natural environment. Worldwide, Gir is recognised as the last home of the Asiatic lion, and attracts over 60,000 people who love wildlife each year, to give them a chance, possibly only once in their lives, to see these unusual large cats in the open.

The Asiatic Lion of Gir

Asiatic lions aren’t quite as big as those in Africa, but they are still very striking. A grown male, with a really thick mane, is a wonderful thing to see as he goes around his area, or rests in the shade. Whilst the lionesses do the work of finding, catching, and looking after the young, the male of the group always takes the first part of any animal they manage to kill. The best time to see these great hunters is at first light, or as it gets dark, because that’s when they’re most awake and frequently out hunting.

Wildlife Beyond Lions

Although Gir is always linked with the lion, its varied environment is the home of a number of interesting creatures. The park protects leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, chinkara – the Indian gazelle – sambar deer, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild pig, and groups of spotted deer. It is also a very good place to watch birds, with peacocks, parrots, birds of prey, and water birds giving colour to the sky.

Adding to the variety of life, Gir has the Gir Crocodile Breeding and Research Centre, close to Sinh Sadan, where young crocodiles are looked after, before being put back into the places where they would normally live. This work has helped to keep the number of crocodiles in the park’s rivers and lakes at a good level.

Safari Experiences in Gir National Park

The best way to get to know Gir’s wild country is by going on jeep safaris, which give you safe, guided access to the main parts of the park. These safaris are in small groups, and are led by trained people who understand wildlife, and can explain what the animals are doing and give you information about the forest.

Morning Safari

Starting near sunrise and lasting between four and a half and five hours, the morning safari is the best time to see lions, as the cooler weather makes both hunters and the animals they hunt more active.

Evening Safari

Beginning in the late afternoon, evening safaris last three to three and a half hours, giving you another chance to see lions and leopards as they go towards the places where they drink. The light as the sun goes down makes a lovely setting for taking photos of wildlife.

Why Visit Sasan Gir National Park?

Going to Gir Tiger Reserve (Sasan Gir) isn’t just about seeing lions – it’s about being part of a living record of protecting nature. The Asiatic lion, which at one time was nearly completely gone, has been successfully brought back here, making Gir a world example of protecting animals. Whether it’s following lions at dawn, seeing leopards as it gets dark, or watching peacocks dance in the grassland, Gir National Park in Gujarat promises an Indian wildlife safari you will not forget.
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Book your Ranthambore tiger safari trip and see why this park is one of the best wildlife places in India.

Geographical details

Altitude : 150 m to 530 m above mean sea level

Vegetation : very dry teak forest

Water resources : The region’s four reservoirs are located in four dams, one on each of the Hiran, Machhundri, Raval and Shingoda rivers, including the region’s largest reservoir, the Kamleshwar Dam, nicknamed “Gir’s lifeline”.

Main area : 300 km²

Buffer zone : 850 km²

Coordinates : 21.1243° N and 70.8242° E

Rainfall : 806 mm

Temperature : 25.8 °C

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