Asiatic lion, the big cat of Gujarat's Gir forest

Home of the Asiatic lion

Sasan Gir travel guide.

Gir is the last home of the wild Asiatic lion, a protected forest of teak and dry deciduous woodland in southern Saurashtra.

Region
Saurashtra, Gujarat
From Rajkot
≈ 155–165 km
Drive time
≈ 3.5–4 hours
Best time
Oct – Mar

About Sasan Gir

Sasan, the village at the edge of the forest, is the base for safaris into Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Alongside lions, the park has leopards, spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, marsh crocodiles and a rich variety of birds.

Safari permits are issued by the Gujarat Forest Department and must be booked through the official system. Plan your taxi around your safari slot; we'll get you there on time.

Places to see

  • Gir National Park jeep safariFixed routes in forest department jeeps, with early-morning and afternoon slots.
  • Devalia Safari Park (Gir Interpretation Zone)A fenced area near Sasan with easier sightings; good if you miss a park slot.
  • Kamleshwar DamA reservoir inside the forest known for marsh crocodiles.
  • Kankai Mata TempleAn old temple deep in the forest.
  • TulsishyamA temple with natural hot springs on the forest road towards Una.

Best time to visit

Mid-October to mid-June. The main park is usually closed for the monsoon, roughly mid-June to mid-October; check official dates. March to May offers good sightings but is hot.

Getting there from Rajkot

About 155–165 km from Rajkot, 3.5–4 hours via Junagadh and Mendarda. Somnath is about 45 km from Sasan.

See the full route guide: Rajkot to Sasan Gir taxi.

Suggested plan

  1. Day 1Drive from Rajkot, stop at Junagadh or Virpur, check in at Sasan, evening at the resort.
  2. Day 2Morning safari, breakfast, then on to Somnath for darshan and the evening aarti, or to Diu.

Travel tips

  • Book safari permits on the official Gujarat Forest Department website as early as possible.
  • Carry the ID used for the permit booking; it is checked at the gate.
  • Our taxi drives you to the safari point; inside the park only forest department vehicles are allowed.

Plan around it

Routes & places nearby.

Chale Trip tour packages

Related packages.

Official Chale Trip tours from Rajkot with the same car and driver throughout. WhatsApp us for the package price.

FAQ

Sasan Gir: good to know.

When is the best time to visit Gir?

From mid-October to mid-June. The national park safaris usually close for the monsoon from mid-June to mid-October.

Do you book the Gir safari?

Permits are issued by the Gujarat Forest Department and are best booked by you on the official site. We plan your drive around the slot.

How far is Sasan Gir from Rajkot?

About 155–165 km, around 3.5–4 hours by taxi.

What else can we see near Gir?

Somnath (about 45 km), Diu, Junagadh and Girnar all combine well with a Gir trip.

Ready when you are

Ready for Sasan Gir? We'll drive.

Share your dates and we'll plan the route, stops and vehicle, with a clear fare.