Gir National Park

About Gir National Park

Gir National Park in Gujarat is the last refuge of the Asiatic Lion — the only place in the world outside Africa where lions roam free. Spread over 1,412 sq km of dry deciduous forest and scrubland, Gir is home to over 600 Asiatic lions along with leopards, deer, antelope, and 300+ bird species. The park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1965 to protect the dwindling lion population (which was down to just 20 in the early 1900s) — making it one of conservation's greatest success stories. Safari permits are limited and must be booked well in advance. The park is divided into multiple zones with Sinh Sadan being the most popular for lion sightings. Kamleshwar Dam inside the park attracts marsh crocodiles and is a major water source. The Maldhari pastoralists who live inside the park have coexisted with lions for centuries.