Sasan GirTravel Guide
The only place on earth where the Asiatic lion still lives wild — safari permits, Devalia, and the drive from Somnath.
1
wild lion range on earth
1–2 nights
typical stay
2
gates: Sasan & Devalia
45 km
to Somnath
Gir, in Gujarat's Saurashtra, is the only place on earth where the Asiatic lion still lives in the wild. Jeep safaris run from the Sasan gate into the sanctuary, and the smaller Devalia enclosure offers a shorter drive with a far higher chance of a sighting. Permits are limited and released in advance — that, not the hotel, is what to book first.
Why people come to Gir
Gir is not a pilgrimage site, but the forest holds shrines that are: Kankai Mata deep inside the sanctuary and Tulsishyam on its edge draw devotees through the year, and many travellers pair a safari with darshan at Somnath, roughly two hours away.
Best time to visit
December to March is the most comfortable, with cool mornings and good visibility. April and May are hot but sightings are often better as animals gather at water. The park closes for the monsoon, roughly mid-June to mid-October — confirm the current dates before you plan.
What you come for
Asiatic lion
How to reach Sasan Gir
By Air
Rajkot ~160 km · Diu ~110 km
By Rail
Sasan Gir halt · Junagadh ~60 km
By Road
From Somnath, Junagadh or Veraval
Sasan Gir has its own small railway station on the Junagadh–Veraval line. Junagadh and Veraval are the practical railheads; Rajkot and Diu are the nearest airports. Most travellers arrive by road from Somnath, which is the shortest hop.
Plan your safari
Permits are limited and released in advance — book the permit first and the stay around it.
Inside the forest
Key distances
Sasan Gir sits an easy drive from Somnath — most travellers add a night here to the pilgrimage circuit.
| From | To | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sasan Gir | Somnath | ≈ 45 km | ~ 1.5 hr |
| Sasan Gir | Junagadh | ≈ 60 km | ~ 1.5 hr |
| Sasan Gir | Veraval railhead | ≈ 45 km | ~ 1 hr |
| Sasan Gir | Rajkot airport | ≈ 160 km | ~ 3.5 hr |
Ways to visit Gir
Staying overnight? Sasan Gir hotels & resorts →
Gir on the map
Gir FAQs
Do I need to book a Gir safari permit in advance?
Will I definitely see a lion?
How many days do I need at Gir?
Can Gir be added to a Somnath–Dwarka trip?
Book the permit first
Tell us your dates and we will tell you honestly whether a permit is still realistic.
Somnath + Dwarka
Gujarat, India