Introduction to Sasan Gir: Located in the Junagadh district in Gujarat, Gir National Park is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion on Earth. is Spread over 2450 hectares, this beautiful sanctuary offers visitors the best in flora and fauna. As visitors pass through this park, they can view rivers making their way through the lush green thick forests.

The park was set up in 1965, to protect the lion and its habitat and has successfully achieved what it set out to do. From less than 200 in 1980, the lion population in Gir has since grown to an estimated 286 in 1997. The park the Gir National Park is located about 59 km from Junagadh via Visavadar.

The main attraction of the park is park the Asiatic lion – an incredible and awe-inspiring animal. This animal makes the park worth the effort. The visitors also get a chance see these magnificent animals every Sunday at the shows organised by the Forest Department.

Other than the lions visitors also get a chance to see animals like the chinkara, wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, common langur, porcupine, hare and the black buck. The sanctuary is also home to over 200 species of birds including the peafowl, grey partridge, Boneli’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and several species of doves. One can also easily spot the marsh crocodile in the rivers at Gir, particularly in the lake of the Kamaleshwar dam. There is also a crocodile breeding farm at Sasan.

The best way to enjoy the wildlife is by driving around the forest. Some of the best drives from Sasan are to Baval Chowk and Kankai, to Chodavdi and Tulsishyam and to Kamaleshwar dam. A tip – though a sturdy car would do, a jeep is definitely more appropriate.

Sightseeing:  Famous world over as the only refuge of the majestic Asiatic lion (Panthera leo), the National Park or the lion sanctuary makes a must visit for the nature lovers. The Asiatic lion measuring 2.75 meters in length and with a bigger tail tassel, bushier elbow tufts and more belly folds than his African cousin is a main attraction of this place. Besides the king of the jungle, Sasangir is also a natural habitat of some of the exotic flora and fauna of this peninsular region. Moreover, it also has some of the important reservoirs like the Nalsarovar lake that provide the much needed moisture to the flora and drinking water to the native animals. Sasangir also has some of the dry deciduous and tropical thorn forest and an evergreen corridor along the river sides. Among the common variety of trees you can find here are the teak, laburnum, acacia tendu, ber, jamun, amlosa, and bael. The crocodile farm developed in the forest is also one of the main attractions of the place. The sanctuary is open to visitors from mid October to mid June.

Excursions: Besides the main attractions of the Sasangir, there are still some more to include in your excursion. These places offer you some of the wonderful beaches, natural wonders, resorts and views of the nearby Diu islands. The Somnath temple is an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus, which also makes it a must visit in your excursion itinerary. Some of the other places of interest are Junagadh, located at a distance of 64 km from Sasangir and Ahmedpur Mandvi, which is located at a distance of 70 km from Sasangir. Chorwad a 30 km drive from Sasangir is a small fisherman’s village not to be missed.