Sasan Gir Lion sanctuary lies at the bottom of the Saurasktra cape in the western state of Gujarat. The forest is generally of a stifling dry deciduous type with teak as the principal species forming up to 70% of the crop.
Climate: - The Gir Forests are frequently dry and arid. The plants in the forests can be seen through the monsoon season. The summers, from April to June, are ruthless with temperatures rising to 40°C. The winters, from December to February are cool and comfortable. The tourists need to carry light woolens during the summers and heavy woolens during the winters.
Travel Tips for Tourist: - Tourists should not cause any damage floral and faunal life. The flora should not be plucked to take back home. You should not promote any kind of fire; throw lit matches and cigarette buds. Do not throw or leave trash, litter and polyethylene bags in the forest. Firearms and chemicals should not be taken into the forests as they may cause harm to the wildlife and the vegetation. Never play radio and tape recorders as their occurrence and voice might concern, shock or bother the animals.
HOW TO REACH
By Air: - Sasan is 100 kms from Diu, 160 kms from Porbander and 160 kms from Rajkot. All three points are connected by air.
By Rail: - Sasan is the railway station on the meter-gauge line. However the most convenient railhead is Junagadh (65 kms).
By Road: - The roads in Gujarat are average and average driving speed is 50 kms/hour for most parts. Sasangir to Ahmedabad 895 km, Rajkot 160 km, Junagadh 65 km and Veraval 43 km.
WHEN TO GO
The Sanctuary is open to visitors from Mid October to Mid June, While during monsoon months the Sanctuary remains closed. Permission to visit the sanctuary is given by Forest Department, Sasangir on arrival.
WHAT TO SEE |
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Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary: - Sasan Gir Lion sanctuary is absolutely one of India's success stories. From a pitiably small number of around twenty lions at the turn of the century there are now about three hundred lions in the park. If we compare this number to the populations of 20 to 30 tigers in most Project Tiger parks, we can see that our chance of a lion sighting is good. | 
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The Gir lion sanctuary project was initiated in 1972 with one of its main objectives being to remove the local native people from the center of the park. The reason for the displacement of this spiritually religious rural community was their on-going conflict with the Gir Lions. |
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Gir is also home to one of the leading leopard populations in any park in India and particularly in the hotter season, they can sometimes be seen at night close to the lodges. Other wildlife to look out for are the Four-Horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Wolf, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Chinkara, Blue Bull, Marsh Muggers as well as a magnificent variety of bird species. | 
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The park is one of the best-protected sanctuaries in India with as many as eight hundred guards patrolling the entire park. When they are not looking out for illegal grazers or cutters they are filling up the various artificial water holes. These are vital in periods of drought for the lions prey species, which have speedily increased in number under the protection of the park authorities. The lions feeding habits have changed back to a normal pattern with wild ungulates accounting for seventy percent of their kills. | 
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Another attractive aspect of Gir is that it is also home to several Negro families. They only marry within their own community are Muslim and speak the local language which is Gujarati. They have no real knowledge of agriculture but under the Government Assisted Scheme for tribal persons have become landowners in their own right. | 
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The park is open from mid October and wildlife viewing is by jeep. The park is best reached by internal flight from Mumbai to Rajkot followed by a relatively comfortable car transfer. There are a number of unique and attractive cultural sites nearby.
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WHERE TO EAT Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge has comfortable rooms and there is a good thali restaurant.
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