Sasan Gir holds the unique distinction of being the only place outside of Africa where you can witness lions thriving in their natural habitat. This extraordinary opportunity draws countless visitors to the park annually. Asiatic lions are known for their relaxed lifestyle, often spending much of their time resting in the shade, while the lionesses take on the responsibilities of hunting, providing for pride, and raising cubs. However, when a successful hunt occurs, the male lion asserts his dominance and claims his share of the kill first.
December – March
Rajkot (RAJ)
20°C – 45°C
Gir National Park, is located in Gujarat, the westernmost state of India and is a haven for approximately 674 Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica). This remarkable park attracts over sixty thousand visitors annually, drawn by the opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Gir holds the unique distinction of being the only place outside of Africa where Asiatic lions can be found in the wild. While slightly smaller than their African counterparts, the male lions of Gir are still an impressive sight to behold. The optimal time to observe these magnificent cats is during dawn and dusk when they are most active.
Beyond lions, Gir forest boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, including leopards, chital, chinkara (Indian gazelle), wild boar, wild ass, nilgai, spotted deer, and four-horned antelope. It’s also an excellent location for observing leopard and India’s national bird, the peacock. Adjacent to Sinh Sadan Lodge, a crocodile rearing and research center operates, where hatchlings are raised and later released into the wild, contributing to the conservation efforts of this remarkable ecosystem.