Sasan Gir, India: travel guide
Gir forest and the home of the Asiatic lion in Gujarat
Last wild refuge of the Asiatic lion — Gir National Park is the only place on Earth outside Africa where lions roam free in their natural habitat.
About Sasan Gir
Sasan Gir is the village gateway to Gir National Park in Gujarat's Saurashtra region, the only wild home of the Asiatic lion. The dry deciduous forest, rivers and open clearings here support lions alongside leopards, deer, crocodiles and many birds.
Safaris by jeep through the park are the main activity, and the Devalia Safari Park offers a more controlled introduction by bus. The Gir Interpretation Zone gives context on the ecosystem and the lions' recovery, and local temples such as Kankai Mata sit in the forest. Maldhari herders live in and around the reserve.
Sasan Gir travel is for wildlife lovers and photographers, and early starts are part of the routine. The park is generally closed during the monsoon, and winter and the early dry months from December to March are the usual time for safaris.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
Last updated
Top places to visit in Sasan Gir
Gir National Park
Wildlife · 4.7 rating · about 4 h · entry ₹5,600
The last refuge of the majestic Asiatic lion, a dry teak-and-acacia forest where jeep safaris track lions, leopards, deer and over 300 bird species.
Devalia Safari Park
Wildlife · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · entry ₹2,800
The Gir Interpretation Zone — a fenced 4 sq km enclosure where a quick bus/jeep tour near-guarantees lion sightings, ideal when full-park permits are sold out.
Gir Interpretation Zone Museum
Museum · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
An informative nature-education centre at Sasan explaining the Asiatic lion conservation story, the Maldhari herders and Gir's unique ecosystem.
Kankai Mata Temple
temple · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A revered temple to Goddess Kankai set deep inside the Gir forest, a unique pilgrimage reached through lion country (with forest-department rules).
Crocodile Breeding Centre
Wildlife · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A small marsh-crocodile breeding and rearing centre at Sasan, part of Gir's conservation work, where you can see mugger crocodiles of all ages.
Tulsishyam Hot Springs
Nature · 4.2 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Natural sulphur hot springs beside an ancient Krishna temple on the forest fringe, with a hilltop "magnetic hill" curiosity nearby.
Kamleshwar Dam
Nature · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A reservoir within Gir nicknamed the "lifeline of Gir", a good spot on safari routes for marsh crocodiles and waterbirds against forested hills.
Gir Jungle Trail
Nature · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · entry ₹5,600
Designated forest trails and the riverbank around Sasan where guided nature walks reveal Gir's birdlife, flora and tracks (within permitted, safe zones).
Sasan Gir Village & Maldhari Ness
Cultural · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The Maldhari pastoral settlements (ness) inside and around Gir, where forest-dwelling herders coexist with lions — a window into a unique way of life.
Things to do
- Gir Lion Safari (Jeep) Adventure · 4 h · from INR 5,500 per person
- Devalia Interpretation Safari Nature · 1.5 h · from INR 190 per person
- Gir Birding & Nature Walk Nature · 2.5 h · from INR 800 per person
- Tulsishyam & Kankai Forest Trip Cultural · 5 h · from INR 1,500 per person
Day trips and tours
- Gir Lion Safari Experience 5 h · from INR 2,500
- Devalia Park & Croc Centre Day 4 h · from INR 1,200
- Somnath & Gir Heritage Day 9 h · from INR 2,000
Where to stay in Sasan Gir
- Wildlife Sanctuary about INR 2,500 per night
Lion sanctuary with eco-lodges and safari base
Hotels
- The Fern Gir Forest Resort 4-star · INR 8,000 to INR 16,000 per night
- Gir Birding Lodge 3-star · INR 4,500 to INR 8,000 per night
- Gateway Gir Forest Resort 4-star · INR 6,000 to INR 11,000 per night
- Hotel Anil Farmhouse 3-star · INR 3,500 to INR 6,500 per night
- Lion Safari Camp 3-star · INR 4,000 to INR 7,500 per night
- Maldhari Homestay Gir 2-star · INR 1,500 to INR 3,000 per night
Where to eat
- Umang Restaurant Gujarati, Kathiyawadi · about INR 300 per person
- Gir Birding Lodge Restaurant Gujarati, North Indian, Continental · about INR 450 per person
- Kathiyawadi Rasoi Kathiyawadi, Gujarati · about INR 250 per person
- Gir Jungle Cafe Cafe, Snacks, Continental · about INR 250 per person
- The Fern Gir Restaurant North Indian, Gujarati, Continental · about INR 550 per person
- Lion Safari Dhaba North Indian, Gujarati, Punjabi · about INR 250 per person
- Sasan Sweets & Farsan Gujarati, Sweets, Snacks · about INR 120 per person
- Maldhari Kitchen Gujarati, Kathiyawadi · about INR 250 per person
Getting to Sasan Gir
Nearest airport: Diu (DIU), about 47 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Offroad Vehicle
- Taxi
- Walking
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Frequently asked questions about Sasan Gir
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Sasan Gir?
- The highest-rated places in our Sasan Gir guide are Gir National Park, Devalia Safari Park, Kankai Mata Temple, Gir Interpretation Zone Museum, Tulsishyam Hot Springs.
- Where should I stay in Sasan Gir?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Sasan Gir: Wildlife Sanctuary.
- How do I get around Sasan Gir?
- Ways to get around Sasan Gir covered in our guide: Off-road vehicle, Taxi, Walking.