The Asiatic lion once ranged from the Middle East to central India. Today it survives in the wild only in Gujarat's Saurashtra region, in and around Gir National Park and Sanctuary. The 2025 lion census counted 891 lions, living across Gir and nearby forests, coasts and farmland.
Gujarat also has the Little Rann of Kutch, the only home of the Indian wild ass; Velavadar's grasslands, where blackbuck gather in large herds; wetlands such as Nal Sarovar and Thol that fill with birds in winter; flamingo breeding grounds in the Great Rann; and coral reefs in the Gulf of Kutch.
Quick answer
Gujarat's leading wildlife destination is Gir National Park and Sanctuary, the only wild home of Asiatic lions, where jeep safaris run from Sasan Gir between 16 October and 15 June. Devalia Safari Park stays open in the monsoon. Other highlights are the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch, Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, the Nal Sarovar and Thol wetlands, and the Marine National Park near Jamnagar.
Key takeaways
- Gir is the only wild home of the Asiatic lion; the 2025 census counted 891 lions.
- Gir safaris run from 16 October to 15 June and are booked on the official Gir permit portal.
- Devalia Safari Park near Sasan stays open during the monsoon.
- The Little Rann of Kutch is the only home of the Indian wild ass.
- November to February is best for birds at Nal Sarovar, Thol and the Rann.
Wildlife places in Gujarat
| Place | Status | Known for | Gateway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gir | National park and sanctuary | Asiatic lions, leopards | Sasan Gir, Junagadh |
| Devalia Safari Park | Fenced interpretation zone in Gir | Lions in a smaller area; open in the monsoon | Sasan Gir |
| Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary | Sanctuary | Indian wild ass, cranes, raptors | Dasada, Bajana |
| Velavadar | National park | Blackbuck, wolves, harriers | Bhavnagar |
| Nal Sarovar | Bird sanctuary, Ramsar site | Winter waterbirds | Ahmedabad |
| Thol | Bird sanctuary, Ramsar site | Cranes, ducks | Ahmedabad |
| Marine National Park | National park | Coral reefs, intertidal life | Jamnagar |
Gir
Safaris
Jeep safaris follow set routes from Sasan Gir in three shifts in the dry season. Permits are sold on the official Gir permit portal and sell out early for Diwali, Christmas and weekends.
- Open
- 16 October to 15 June
- Closed
- 16 June to 15 October
Devalia and Ambardi
Devalia Safari Park, near Sasan, is a fenced part of Gir with lions and other animals, reached by bus or jeep and open in the monsoon. Ambardi Safari Park near Dhari is a similar option on the eastern side.
Beyond lions
Gir also has leopards, striped hyenas, sambar, chital, chinkara, marsh crocodiles in Kamleshwar dam, and a rich bird list.
The Rann of Kutch and the grasslands
Little Rann
Jeep drives from Dasada or Bajana across salt flats and grassy islands (bets) for wild ass, nilgai, desert foxes, cranes and larks.
Great Rann
Flamingos breed on remote mudflats in good monsoon years; the Banni grasslands have raptors and wolves.
Velavadar
Grassland near Bhavnagar with large blackbuck herds, Indian wolves and one of the world's largest harrier roosts in winter.
When to go
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| October to February | Pleasant; birds in the Rann and wetlands |
| March to June | Hot; good lion sightings in Gir |
| June to October | Gir closed except Devalia; wetlands fill |
Where to stay and how long
Sasan Gir has resorts, homestays and a forest department guest house near the reception centre. Dasada and Bajana have eco-camps for the Little Rann; Ahmedabad works for Nal Sarovar and Thol. Two nights in Gir allow three or four safaris; a week covers Gir, Velavadar and the Little Rann.
A sample Gujarat route
| Days | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ahmedabad; Thol or Nal Sarovar at dawn |
| 2 to 3 | Little Rann of Kutch from Dasada |
| 4 | Velavadar via Bhavnagar |
| 5 to 7 | Sasan Gir: safaris, Devalia and Junagadh |
Safety
- Sightings are never guaranteed; plan several drives and enjoy the landscape itself.
- Stay in the vehicle or boat and follow your guide.
- Book permits only through official forest department portals or trusted operators.
- Never feed animals or leave litter in a park.
- Lions live near villages and roads around Gir; never approach them on foot.
What to pack
- Hat, sunscreen and water
- Warm layers for winter nights in the Rann
- Neutral clothes
- Binoculars
Ready to plan your wildlife escape?
FAQs
Where can I see Asiatic lions in India?
Only in and around Gir National Park and Sanctuary in Gujarat.
How many lions are there in Gir?
The 2025 census counted 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat.
When is Gir closed?
From 16 June to 15 October; Devalia Safari Park stays open.
How do I book a Gir safari?
On the official Gir permit portal, as early as possible for holidays.
Where can I see the Indian wild ass?
In the Little Rann of Kutch, from Dasada or Bajana.
