Gir National Park

Also known as Sasan Gir, this wildlife sanctuary is known the world over for not only being one of the few known habitats of the Asiatic lion but also for the efforts taken here to prevent this majestic species from getting extinct. This is the only place on the planet, besides Africa, where you can spot this species. The park has a unique landscape made up of hills, plateaus, sharp ridges, and portions of 7 major rivers of the region like Datardi, Hiran, Raval, etc. One of the best places to see in Gujarat, it houses more than 400 species of fauna and 2300 species of fauna. You can spot several unique wildlife (animals & birds) species here like the Asiatic lion, hyena, chinkara, nilgai, mugger crocodile, pythons, Malabar whistling thrush, tawny eagle, etc. The park houses rare tree species like Flame of the forest, sirius, charal, kalam, etc.

Established in 1965 in the erstwhile Nawab of Junagarh's private hunting area, the rulers of Indian princely states used to invite the British colonists for hunting expeditions. At the end of the 19th century, only about a dozen Asiatic lions were left in India, all of them in the Gir Forest, which was part of the Nawab of Junagarh's private hunting grounds. British viceroys brought the drastic decline of the lion population in Gir to the attention of the Nawab of Junagadh, who established the sanctuary.

Winter -

Morning Timings : 06:30 to 09:30 & 09:30 to 12:30

Evening Timings : 03:00 to 06:00

Summer -

Morning Timings : 06:00 to 09:00 & 09:00 to 12:00

Evening Timings : 04:00 to 07:00

The National Park of Gir comprises of diverse flora range and there can be a varied range of deciduous trees, semi-evergreen and evergreen trees that can be found. The broad-leaved evergreen trees that are found at the park include Flame of forest, Zizyphas, dhak, jamun, tendu, babool, banyan and acacia. Other plants like Dhavdo, timru, umro, simai, Simal, khakro, Kalam, Vad, Amla, Bamboo, Ber and Saliacan are also to be found inside the forest.

Gir is known to be blessed with a wealth of more than two thousand three hundred diverse species of fauna. According to the statistics, it is a sanctuary for almost three hundred species of leopard and lion. However, the one thing that makes Gir really renowned is the fact that Asiatic lions are reserved in it. Only place after Africa that is second to Gir is Africa in terms of Asiatic lions. Apart from leopards and lions, the National Park boasts of two thousand species of insects, thirty-eight species of mammals, thirty-seven species of reptile, three hundred species of bird, leopards and lions.

• Devalia Safari Park – The Devalia Safari Park is also known as the Gir Interpretation Zone and was established to reduce the excess of tourists at the Gir National Park. It is an eco-tourism zone, known as ‘Gir in a nutshell’, which houses all the wildlife and habitats of Gir within its boundaries.
• Crocodile Breeding Centre – The Crocodile breeding Center in Sasan Gir is one unique place where you can see adult and baby crocks, being bred here for restocking the sanctuary.
• Kamleshwar Dam – Located inside the Sasan-Gir National Park, Kamleshwar Dam is one of the most beautiful water bodies in Gir. Along with being one of the prominent places to see in Gir, it is considered to be an integral source of water supply. The place is a rearing site for crocodiles and offers a delightful visit for all nature lovers.
• Tulsi Shyam Temple – Also known as Kankaimata Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, Tulsi Shyam Temple is a well-known temple located inside the Gir National Park. The idol of Lord Tulsishyam is said to be 3000 years old made out of black stone.
• Zamzeer Waterfall – Zamzeer(Jamjir) is the only waterfall in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat which is evergreen throughout the year.

• Amidhara Resort – Located on the edge of the renowned Gir Forest, Amidhara Resort is ideal gateway for nature lovers and people who are looking for a family holiday.
• Anil Farm House – The farmhouse is a jungle resort which is equipped with all the luxurious comfort and modern amenities. The resort is an eco-friendly one.
• Fern Gir Forest Resort – It is a 5-star resort that offers 40 well-appointed, air-conditioned villas, suites, cottages and tents. The resort is the most popular and the most sort after destination among travellers because of the true luxurious experience that it provides to them.
• Gir Birding Lodge – Gir Birding Lodge is the first bird-watching lodge in Gujarat. It is in Gir Lion Sanctuary and enjoys the best location adjacent to the park.
• Gir Jungle Lodge – A peaceful and quiet resort that provides ultimate freedom to experience jungle life and intense elements of the Gir National Park.
• Gir Lion Paw Resort – Gir Lion's Paw, one of the most beautiful places to stay in Gir National Park and is situated in the healthy surroundings of the Gir National Park.
• Hotel Umang in Gir – The hotel is a good option for travellers to be at as it is a very basic and clean property. It is located in Sasan Gir.
• Maneland Jungle Resort – The oldest and the most preserved place to stay at Sasan Gir. Nestled around sublime hills, the lodge gives the unique feel of a romantic, thrilling, and wild experience.

• Gir National Park is the last abode for the surviving population of the Asiatic Lions in the world.
• Sasan Gir Provides Shelter to around 2,375 different wildlife species including Asiatic Lions.
• Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the vicinity of charming Lake Nalsarovar which is a very popular sanctuary.
• Asiatic Lions and African Lions both are subspecies of the same species.
• Asiatic Lions split from African lions perhaps 1000,000 years ago.
• Important to note that lions are only social cats that live in groups called pride.
• Asiatic lions once prowled from the Middle East to India. Now, only a fraction of these magnificent animals survives in the wild.

• Mahabat Khan Maqbara – Known as Mausoleum of Bahaduddnbhai Hasainbhai, Mahabat Maqbara is a mausoleum and its unique architecture makes it one of the most important attractions of Junagarh. It houses the tombs of Mohabbat khanji and Bahaduddin Hasainbhai in the Bahaduddinhassainbhai Maqabra and it was built in the late 19th century.
• Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple – The Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is first of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. It is located on the western coast of Gujarat and is one of the oldest temples of the country. It has been mentioned in ancient texts like Shreemad Bhagavat Gita, Skandpuran, Shivpuran and Rig-Veda which signifies the importance of this temple as one of the most celebrated pilgrimage sites. The temple is located on the ancient Triveni Sangam or the confluence of three rivers - Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati.
• Uparkot Fort – Uperkot is the upper citadel located in the east of Junagadh. Over 2300 years old, with walls up to 20m high in some places, there used to be a 300 ft. deep moat inside the walls which reportedly used to be inhabited by crocodiles for the fort's protection.

• By Air – The nearest airport is at Rajkot, 160 km away, which is well connected by road through cab and taxi.
• By Rail – The nearest railway station to access Gir National Park are Junagadh and Verawal. Both of the railway stations are connected by road with the help of cab, taxi and state bus services.
• By Road – One can easily travel via the well-maintained roads of Gujarat to reach Gir National Park from the major towns.

The best time to visit Gir National Park is from December to March as this is the time when the weather is pleasant and it helps in enjoying wildlife spotting and photography.