General Information About Sasan Gir National Park


After Africa this is the only park where one can spot the majestic wild lions residing in their natural habitat, and this is what makes people come from near and far to see and experience the thrill of being in the King’s territory. Gir National Forest is although mainly a wild place where lions and other wild beasts rule the terrain; it is a lovely example of the wild animals and humans simultaneous in harmony with the Maldhari community living in the area for generations.

Established in 1965, SasanGir or Gir National Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the state of Gujrat. Spread over an expansive area of 1412 sq. km, around 258 sq. km of area comprises the national park which is a completely protected area and the rest of the area of about 1153 sq. km is makes up the sanctuary. Located close to the cities of Somnath and Junagarh with a distance of 65 and 60 km respectively, the park is well accessible. Due to its protected species it is considered to be the most important and well protected areas in Asia. Most noteworthy is the fact, that it is the sole home of Asiatic lions in the whole of the continent.

The Nawab of the then princely state of Junagarh, declared the park as ’protected’ in the year 1900. Prior to the declaration, the park was infested with hunters who recklessly hunted down lions to slaughter them and use their remains as trophies, till the number dipped down to an alarming 15. Now the joints efforts of the government, forest department, many NGOs and animal activists have restored the ecosystem where the diverse flora and fauna flourish freely in the protected environment

The SasanGir national park and wildlife sanctuary is well endowed with thick deciduous forest that has a highly undulating terrain. The forest area is interspersed with evergreen and semi-evergreen flora, grasslands, acacia, marshes and rocky hills. Fed by numerous rivers and streams, it provides a breath taking view in addition to replenishing the land and the wildlife. The perennial rivers include Hiran, Godavari, Shetrunji and Datardi among others. There are four dams over Raval, Shingodi, Machundri and Hiran that provide reservoirs with the Kamleshwar dam forming the largest reservoir in the forest area, hence also titled the ’the lifeline of Gir’. The reservoir areas form a mesmerising vista along with giving one the opportunity to spot many birds and reptiles like crocodiles.


Best time to visit Sasan Gir National Park


Although chances to spot a lion in the SasanGir National Park are the highest in the summer months between March to May, the heat can get quite hot and unbearable.

Winter period of October to March is considered the best time to visit the park.

Safari tours usually get suspended in the monsoon.