Sasan Gir National Park

Established as a forest reserve on September 18, 1965, the Sasangir National Park was aimed to conserve the dwindling population of the Asiatic Lion. The park sprawls over a huge area of 2,450 hectares and forms a prominent part of the Junagarh District in the state of Gujarat. The forest reserve acquired the status of a national park in the year 1975. Today, the Sasangir National Park has the distinction of being the only refuge of the Asiatic Lion, outside African continent. The national park comprises hilly terrain crisscrossed by an intricate maze of rivers.



Wildlife Species in the Park
Apart from the African continent, the Sasangir National Park is the only place to harbour the highly endangered species of Asiatic Lion. This exotic species of lion invites hordes and hordes of travellers and wildlife lovers to the park. Males spend much of their time snoozing whereas it’s the female which performs the real job – stalking, hunting and cub raising.

Other animals that can be spotted in the jungles of Gir include leopard, chital, chinkara, nilgai, wild boar, antelope, spotted deer, wild ass, Indian gazelle, jackal, common langur and striped hyena among others. Not only these, the Sasangir National Park aslo boasts to shelter around 200 species of birds. Most commonly sighted avian species include peafowl, grey partridge, Bonelli’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, dove etc.
What else to see and do?

• Bird watchers need to get to the Nalsarovar Lake inside the national park. One can spot a number of exotic bird species here.
• You can also visit a small temple located inside the park. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple stands close to the Tulsi Shyam springs.
• Tourists can also make a trip to the heritage site of Junagarh, just 64 km from the national park. Jami Masjid, Durbar Hall. Uperkot Fort and Mahabat Maqbara are famous attractions here. The temples lying in the Girnar Hills are also to be seen.
• Also pay a visit to Somnath which an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. The temple was plundered a number of times between 10th and 11th century AD.

Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
Located at a distance of 86 km, Keshod is the closest airport from the national park. Gujarat Airways flies regular flights between Keshod and Mumbai. Ahmedabad is the nearest railhead, connecting to different important destinations of the country. By road, the Sasangir National Park can be easily accessed from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagarh and Mendarda.
Wildlife Lodges/Resorts
Wonderfully surrounded by the forests of Gir, these jungle lodges come along with all the basic modern furnishings and amenities. Choose your option and make your stay wilder.

• The Gir Lodge
• Maneland Jungle Lodge
• Sinh Sadan Guest House