Sasan Gir

Sasan Gir National Park is spread around an area of 1412 square kilometers. The forests and grasslands of Gir are known to be the last stronghold of Asiatic Lions and support a variety of plant and animal species. The region was protected in the early 1900s by the Nawab of the Princely state of Junagarh who used the forests as the hunting grounds. As a result the lion population plummeted to a mere 15 lions around the time when India won its Independence from the British raj. Today however, the numbers have increased all thanks to ban on hunting, the numbers have replenished and a captive breeding program is also instrumental in replenishing the lion population. The Gir forest region is surrounded by 7 perennial rivers and 4 dams that are the lifeline of the region. The terrain mostly comprises of savanna type forests and grasslands and dry deciduous forests with teak-wood trees.

Gir is famous for its national park and wildlife sanctuary which is also known as Sasan-Gir. It is one of the most famous forest and wildlife sanctuaries located in Gujarat, India. This national park and wildlife sanctuary was established in the year 1965 which has a total area of 1412 square meters for the national park and 1153 square meters for the sanctuary. This park is situated around 65 kilometers to the south-east region of Junagadh. This national park is considered as the sole dwelling of the pure Asiatic Lions, also known as Panthera leo persica. This place is well known as the most important protected areas in Asia. In the early 1900s, the forest area of Gir and its lions were announced as "protected" by the Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh.

Gir National Park is the only remaining home for the Asiatic Lions that are almost a definition to this park in Gujarat, which has a lot more to offer. It today assumes an almost royal significance adorned by the roars of the grand animal. Gir provides one the unique experience of visiting a place which almost singularly plays a crucial and defining role in the preservation and sustaining of a certain species. The preservation of these lions was initiated by the Nawab of Junagadh, when these