Photo spot in Sasan Gir
Kankai Mata Temple
Sasan Gir, Gujarat
A remote goddess temple deep inside the Gir forest, reached through the reserve — a rare shrine amid lion country.
Best time
Morning, for soft light on the temple and a quiet forest before the day's visitors arrive.
Best angle
Stand back from the temple gate and take a straight-on photo of the shrine with the forest trees framing it.
Entry fee
Forest permit
Opening hours
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM (daylight only; forest permission needed)
Crowd level
Low
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Kankai Mata Temple
Morning, for soft light on the temple and a quiet forest before the day's visitors arrive. Crowds here are typically low. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Kankai Mata Temple
Stand back from the temple gate and take a straight-on photo of the shrine with the forest trees framing 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.
At the forest temple
In the clearing
Outfit guide
What to wear at Kankai Mata Temple
For photos at Kankai Mata Temple, saffron, red and forest green 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
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Sasan Gir.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Kankai Mata Temple.
Eat nearby
Food near Kankai Mata Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for chaas (buttermilk) nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Get forest department permission before you set off, and carry photo ID.
Plan the visit for the morning and leave the forest well before sunset.
Stay inside the temple grounds, as lions live in the forest all around.
Dress modestly and wear shoes that are easy to remove.
Do not play music or leave litter at the temple or on the forest road.
Expect more people during Navratri, the temple's biggest festival.
Carry water and snacks, as there is little to buy on the way.
About Kankai Mata Temple
Kankai Mata Temple stands deep inside the Gir sanctuary, about 25 km from Sasan. It is dedicated to Kankeshwari Mataji, believed to protect the herders of the Gir forest, and she is the family goddess of several communities in Gujarat. The temple has high walls, and animals come to drink at a lake nearby.
The road in runs through lion country, so you need forest department permission and must travel by day. The temple trust sometimes serves simple vegetarian meals to pilgrims, and Navratri is its biggest festival.
Questions
Kankai Mata Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Kankai Mata Temple?
Morning, for soft light on the temple and a quiet forest before the day's visitors arrive. Stand back from the temple gate and take a straight-on photo of the shrine with the forest trees framing it.
Is there an entry fee at Kankai Mata Temple?
Entry to Kankai Mata Temple is by forest permit.
What are the opening hours of Kankai Mata Temple?
Kankai Mata Temple is open 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM (daylight only; forest permission needed).
What should I wear at Kankai Mata Temple?
Saffron, red and forest green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Kankai Mata Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically low. To miss the busiest window: morning, for soft light on the temple and a quiet forest before the day's visitors arrive.
What food should I try near Kankai Mata Temple?
Try chaas (buttermilk) at spots close by.
What is Kankai Mata Temple famous for?
Kankai Mata Temple is famous as a goddess temple deep inside the Gir lion sanctuary. It is dedicated to Kankeshwari Mataji, believed to protect the herders of Gir, and devotees come from across Gujarat.
How do I reach Kankai Mata Temple?
The temple is about 25 km from Sasan through the sanctuary, so you need forest department permission and a permitted vehicle, and you can only go by day. Ask your hotel or the forest department in Sasan about the current rules before you plan the trip.
Can I stay overnight at Kankai Mata Temple?
Day visitors must leave the forest before sunset. Overnight stays for devotees are limited in number and need special permission, so check with the temple trust and the forest department well in advance.
Are there lions near Kankai Mata Temple?
Yes. The temple is in the middle of lion habitat, and lions are sometimes seen near the road. Stay in your vehicle on the way, stay inside the temple grounds and follow the forest rules.