Best Photo Spots in Sasan Gir
Gir is the last wild home of the Asiatic lion, and Sasan Gir is where most people come to photograph one. Almost all your photos will be taken from a safari jeep, as lions rest in the shade of teak trees, deer cross the forest tracks and crocodiles bask on the banks of Kamleshwar Dam.
Whether you shoot with a long lens or a phone, these are the best photo spots in and around Sasan Gir, with the light, timing and angles that work at each one.
Medium crowdEntry Safari permit
Asiatic Lion Safari
- Best timeEarly morning, when lions are often still active in the soft light; late afternoon, when they wake from the day's rest in warm, golden light.
- ColorsKhakiOliveGrey
Medium crowdEntry Ticketed
Devalia Safari Park
- Best timeEarly morning, on the first slots, when the animals are more active and the light is soft.
- ColorsKhakiOliveBeige
Medium crowdEntry Park + safari permit
Gir National Park
- Best timeEarly morning, when mist and low sun light up the teak forest and animals are most active; late afternoon for warm, golden light.
- ColorsKhakiOliveBeige
Low crowdEntry Within park permit
Kamleshwar Dam
- Best timeEarly morning, when the water is calm and the rising sun lights the reservoir; late afternoon, when birds and animals come down to drink.
- ColorsKhakiOliveTeal
Entry Forest permit
Kankai Mata Temple
- Best timeMorning, for soft light on the temple and a quiet forest before the day's visitors arrive.
- ColorsSaffronRedForest green
Why Sasan Gir Is Great for Photography
Gir is a dry deciduous forest, so it changes colour through the season. When the park opens in October the forest is green and thick, through winter the teak leaves turn gold, and by April the trees are bare and animals gather near water. Each look gives you a new backdrop for the same lions, leopards and deer.
Lions rest in the shade through the heat of the day and are most active around dawn and dusk. The safaris run at those times too, so the best light and the best chance of action tend to line up.
Photography Tips for Sasan Gir
- Bring a zoom: Animals are often some distance from the track, so a telephoto lens or your phone's optical zoom helps.
- Brace your camera: Rest your lens on a folded scarf or a small beanbag on the jeep's frame.
- Stay seated and quiet: You must stay in the jeep, and quiet voices keep animals relaxed for longer.
- Switch off the flash: It disturbs the animals and rarely improves the shot.
- Protect your gear from dust: Carry a cloth and a cover for your bag, especially in summer.
- Leave the drone at home: You cannot fly a drone over the sanctuary without special permission.
Best Time for Photography in Sasan Gir
December to March gives cool mornings, soft light and a golden teak forest. April to mid-June is very hot, but the bare forest and shrinking water holes can make lions easier to find. The main park closes from mid-June to mid-October, when Devalia Safari Park is usually the only safari running.
Safari rules, timings and camera charges can change, so check them at the reception centre in Sasan before your drive.
Questions
Sasan Gir — FAQ
What are the best photo spots in Sasan Gir?
The best photo spots are Gir National Park on a jeep safari, Devalia Safari Park, Kamleshwar Dam and Kankai Mata Temple. Between them they cover lions, leopards, deer, crocodiles, birds and a temple deep in the forest.
What is the best time of day for wildlife photography in Gir?
The first morning safari is usually best, with soft light and lions still active after the night. The late-afternoon slot comes next, as the light warms up and animals start moving again before dusk.
Can I take photos on a Gir safari with a phone?
Yes. Phones work well for landscapes and close sightings, but lions are often some distance away. Use your phone's optical zoom rather than digital zoom, and rest it against the jeep's frame to keep it steady.
Do I need to pay extra to take a camera into Gir?
Camera charges may apply and are handled at the reception centre, so check the current rules when you report for your safari.
Can I get out of the jeep to take photos in Gir?
No. Getting out of the jeep in the forest is not allowed, even when a lion is close. Shoot from your seat, keep your voice low and follow your guide's instructions.