The Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary lies on the southwestern fringes of the Saurashtra Peninsula. The sanctuary is home to some 300 Asiatic lions. The sanctuary was created in 1913 to provide protection to the largest surviving groups of the Asiatic lions. It was given the status of the sanctuary in 1965.
Fast facts:
Area: 1412 sq km
Maximum Temperature: 40°C
Minimum Temperature: 12°C
Languages: Gujarati, Hindi, English
Best Time to visit: December-April
Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary:
Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is counted among the finest wildlife sanctuaries of India. The only known home of the world-famous Asiatic Lions in Asia, Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Indian state of Gujarat. Spread over an area of approximately 1,412 sq km, Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary has been home to Asiatic Lions since 1884. Due to a severe drought and excessive hunting in the beginning of the 20th century, this majestic creature reached on the verge of extinction. Thanks to the efforts made by the then Nawab of Junagadh, who banned all hunting in the area, they survived and their number started to grow slowly. After independence of the country, the government of India also paid special attention towards their conservation and on 18th September 1965 the area was declared a protected Forest Reserve. Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary attained the status of a National Park in 1975. In addition to Sasan Gir Forest Reserve, Sasangir National Park is made up of three adjoining reserves - the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary inhabiting a wide variety of water birds; the Little Rann of Kutch, famous for the Indian Wild Ass; and the captivating Flamingo Island, making Sasan Gir a perfect wildlife destination. Popularly known as Gir National Park, the sanctuary attracts thousands of wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. According to recent surveys, the number of Asiatic Lions in Sasangir National Park stands around 327 (May 2002).
When to Visit Sasangir National Park:
The wildlife lovers can visit Sasangir National Park all through the year. The best time to visit the Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary is between November to June.
Accommodation & Dining:
The Gir Lodge boasts a total of 29 well-appointed guestrooms including 2 suites. All rooms are elegantly furnished and equipped with amenities like Attached bathrooms, H/C water supply, Air-Conditioning, Satellite TV, Refrigerator, Coffee Maker, Hairdryer, Telephone with STD/ISD facility, Wake-up Service to name a few. The Lodge also has a well-maintained restaurant 'Hiran View' serving Indian and Continental cuisine on a buffet spread.
Other Facilities & Services: Other facilities available at the Gir Lodge include Safe Deposit Box, FAX, Drugstore, Guest Laundromat, News Stand, Laundry Service, Turndown Service, Doctor-on-call, Car parking etc. The lodge also has a well-equipped meeting room 'Sasan Hall' with a capacity to accommodate up to 40 persons theatre-style. Guest can also enjoy a variety of indoor games. Special jungle safaris can also be arranged on request.
Best Time to Visit:
Though, the best season to visit Sasangir is from November to June, one can visit Sasan Gir National Park throughout the year.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport from Sasan Gir National Park is Keshod (86 km). Other close airports are Diu (100km), Porbander (160 km) and Rajkot (160 km).
By Rail: The nearest railway junction from the sanctuary is the Sasangir Railway Station (1 Km). Many regular trains connect it to Veraval and Junagarh.
By Road: The nearest town from Sasan Gir National Park is Veraval (32 km and Junagarh (64 km), which are well connected by road to major cities of India.
