Source: Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Asiatic_Lion_Royal_Walk_at_Gir_National_Park,_Gujrat,_India.jpg
Gir National Park and Sanctuary in Saurashtra protect the last wild population of Asiatic lions. Gujarat counted 891 lions in its 2025 estimation, spread across the Gir forest and wider Saurashtra. Dry teak forest, rocky hills and seasonal streams also hold leopards, chital, sambar, nilgai, marsh crocodiles and many birds.
Safari essentials: Gir Jungle Safari starts from Sasan Gir and runs on assigned routes in gypsies. The safari closes every year from 16 June to 15 October; in 2026 the Forest Department reopened it a week early, on 9 October. Winter slots run 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, plus a late morning slot. Permits are sold only on girlion.gujarat.gov.in. As listed on the portal in October 2026, one e permit covers up to six people and costs ₹800 on weekdays and ₹1,000 at weekends for Indian visitors; the gypsy and guide are paid separately at Sasan.
- Address: Sinh Sadan Reception, Sasan Gir, Junagadh District, Gujarat 362135
- Hours: Closed 16 June to 15 October each year. Winter slots 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, plus a late morning slot.
- How to Reach: Sasan Gir has its own railway station. Keshod airport is about 40 km away and Rajkot airport about 200 km.
- Website: https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in
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