Sasan Gir/Gir National Park
The Gir National Park located midway between Junagarh and Veraval is famous for being the last natural habitat of Asiatic Lions. Brought back from near extinction by the Nawabs of Junagarh, the repopulation of these majestic beasts in Gir is one of the most heartening conservation stories and a valuable lesson on the peaceful cohabitation of man and beast.
Spanning an area of 1412 sq km, the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary located 65 km southeast of Junagarh in Gujarat is the last remaining home of the magnificent Asiatic Lions. Originally protected by the Nawab of Junagarh to bring back the Asiatic Lions from the brink of extinction, the forest was declared as a National Park and Sanctuary in 1975. It has a rugged terrain dotted with low hills and steep ravines with a mix of evergreen, semi-evergreen, semi-arid deciduous flora, and patches of verdant, hilly grasslands. Many major rivers flow through the Park and provide the perfect habitat for a variety of reptiles including marsh crocodiles. Apart from lions, the park also has a healthy population of leopards, Chinkara, blue bull, Sāmbhar, spotted deer, Chausingha, wild boar, jackal, striped hyena, rusty-spotted cat, and many other mammals. The park is also home to over 300 species of birds and 47 reptilian species. The park is also home to over a thousand maldhari herders and their livestock who live in harmony with their feral neighbours.
Safari
Foray into the primeval wilderness of Gir National Park to spot the magnificent Asiatic Lions in their natural habitat. The safaris are also a great way to discover the varied flora and fauna of the National Park.
Get ready for a thrilling ride into the lush and rugged wilderness of Gir National Park and Sanctuary in hopes of catching a glimpse of the majestic Asiatic Lion in its natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled on the foliage and you might just spot an elusive leopard. Graceful gazelles, blue bulls, spotted deer, Chausingha (world’s only four-horned antelope), langurs and over 300 species of birds make the safari through thoughtfully demarcated wilderness tracks a one-of-a-kind experience. A naturalist or eco-guide will accompany you in your expedition and help you spot the diverse flora and fauna of the National Park.
Note: The Park is closed from 16th June to 15th October every year.
Safaris need to be booked online through the official government website well in advance. There are limited numbers of Gypsys and seats are available on first come first serve basis.
Each Gypsy seats 6 persons + 1 child (3-12 years)
Stay we recommend
Aramness
Inspired by Jimmy’s passion for Sasan Gir National Park, Aramness is a peaceful, village-inspired lodge in this wild and remote region.
Guests staying at Aramness Gir have several choices of how they wish to spend their day.
Think sunrise game drives into the park, jungle walks in the teak forest, visiting a Maldhari family in their home, sampling our delicious Gujarati food, relaxing in our spa, burning energy in the gym or even better, doing as little as possible whilst soaking up the natural beauty of the park as well as the lodge surroundings.
Luxury travel today is about more than just taking a holiday, it’s an opportunity to learn, to connect with foreign places and cultures, to go on distinctive adventures and to grow as a person, connecting with oneself again.
A stay at Aramness Gir is like wading into the waters of Gujarati culture and imbibing its natural wonders.
