Photo spot in Sasan Gir
Asiatic Lion Safari
Sasan Gir, Gujarat
The star of Gir — the endangered Asiatic lion, slightly smaller than its African cousin with a distinctive belly fold, best seen on an early jeep safari.
Best time
Early 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.
Best angle
Shoot from your seat at the lion's eye level with a zoom lens, keeping the teak trees or golden grass behind it.
Entry fee
Safari permit
Opening hours
Morning & afternoon safaris
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Asiatic Lion Safari
Early 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. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Asiatic Lion Safari
Shoot from your seat at the lion's eye level with a zoom lens, keeping the teak trees or golden grass behind it. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
Watching lions from the jeep
On the safari route
Outfit guide
What to wear at Asiatic Lion Safari
For photos at Asiatic Lion Safari, khaki, olive and grey work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Asiatic Lion Safari.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Sasan Gir.
Eat nearby
Food near Asiatic Lion Safari
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for khaman dhokla nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Take the first morning slot, when lions are most likely to be awake and moving.
Look for lions resting in the shade of trees once the day warms up.
Stay seated and keep your voice low when lions are close.
Never feed, call out to or try to attract a lion's attention.
Keep your hands, cameras and bags inside the jeep.
Book two or three safaris if you can, as sightings are never guaranteed.
Book your permit only on the official site, girlion.gujarat.gov.in.
About the Asiatic Lion Safari
The Asiatic lion is the reason most people come to Sasan Gir. Once found across the Middle East and much of India, it now survives in the wild only in Gujarat, in the Gir forest and the countryside around it. The 2025 count found 891 lions, up from 674 in 2020.
Asiatic lions are a little smaller than the largest African lions, and the males have short manes that leave their ears visible. Look for the long fold of skin along the belly. You see them on a jeep safari with an eco-guide, usually resting in the shade by day and more active around dawn and dusk.
Questions
Asiatic Lion Safari — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Asiatic Lion Safari?
Early 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. Shoot from your seat at the lion's eye level with a zoom lens, keeping the teak trees or golden grass behind it.
Is there an entry fee at Asiatic Lion Safari?
Entry to Asiatic Lion Safari is by safari permit.
What are the opening hours of Asiatic Lion Safari?
Asiatic Lion Safari is open morning & afternoon safaris.
What should I wear at Asiatic Lion Safari?
Khaki, olive and grey photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Asiatic Lion Safari get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early 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.
What food should I try near Asiatic Lion Safari?
Try khaman dhokla, available at nearby restaurants.
How is the Asiatic lion different from the African lion?
Asiatic lions are a little smaller than the largest African lions, and males have shorter, thinner manes that leave their ears visible. Look for the long fold of skin along the belly, a typical feature of Asiatic lions.
How many Asiatic lions are there in Gir?
The May 2025 count found 891 Asiatic lions across Saurashtra, up from 674 in 2020. Around 400 of them live in and around Gir National Park, and the rest in smaller groups across the region.
Am I sure to see a lion on a Gir safari?
No safari is guaranteed, but the chances in Gir are good, especially on early morning drives. Booking two or three safaris improves your odds, and Devalia Safari Park, a fenced area, gives a very high chance of a sighting.
Is it safe to watch lions from an open jeep?
Yes, as long as you follow the rules. Stay seated, keep your hands and belongings inside the jeep, stay quiet and do what your guide says. Lions in Gir are used to safari vehicles, but they are still wild animals.