The Sasan Gir National Park - the largest compact track of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India is the last abode of the big and regal predator Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), an endangered species. The sanctuary is internationally acclaimed for successfully saving this precious species from the brink of extinction.

It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965. Subsequently, an area of 258.71 sq. km. was declared a National Park. After That every year lots of tourists visit the park with Gir Safari Booking, as Sasan Gir online booking as well as on-site offline bookings both are possible. But it is always better to make an advanced online booking.

Gir lies a topography made up of a succession of rugged ridges, isolated hills, plateaus and valleys. Besides being the last abode of Asiatic lions, Gir forms a unique habitat for rattle, rusty spotted cat, pangolin, ruddy mongoose, civets, paradise flycatcher etc.

The overwhelming presence of the omnipotent big cat diverts the attention of the common man from the remarkable bird population that the sanctuary has. However, the birds of Gir sanctuary did attract the great ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali who believed that, had the Asiatic lions not been there, the area would have been one of the most fascinating bird sanctuaries of the country.

People mostly link Gir with "Maldharis'' who have survived through the ages by having a symbiotic relationship with the lion. They are religious pastoral communities living in Gir. Their settlements are called "nesses''. At present, Gir forests of Gujarat (India) is the only natural place where this race of lions i.e. Asiatic lion is found.

Unlike the other big cats, the lion is tolerant of the presence of human beings and it even lives near the human settlements. During the last century of British rule, the lion population touched an all time low of 20 in 1913. The serious conservation efforts by the then Nawab of Junagadh saved the species from the brink of extinction. The subsequent efforts by the Forest Department have successfully brought the population to the present respectable status of 327 numbers of this majestic animal.

Teak, dudhli, khair, ber, desi baval, dhav, hermo, sadad, timru, ashitro, saledi, modad, khakhro etc.

The Gir forests support a rich biodiversity comprising 32 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and 26 species of reptiles and thousands of species of insects.

Lion, leopard, hyena, chital, sambar, bulbul, chaushinga, chinkara, wild boar, crocodile, langur, porcupine, ratel, jackal, fox, mongoose, civets etc.

Malabar whistling thrush, orange headed ground thrush, paradise flycatcher, black naped flycatcher, Indian pitta, tawny eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, king vulture, crested hawk eagle, painted storks, pelicans, peafowl etc. The Asiatic lion, the most majestic big cat, is a unique gift of nature. It is an extremely intelligent animal with remarkable social habits and hunting techniques.

The prominent belly fold, smaller mane, lesser body size and the weight differentiate it from its African counterpart. Lions live and hunt in groups called "pride", which generally consists of adult females, their cubs plus a few males.