The Gir National Park is one of the best places to visit in Sasan Gir, it’s very popular among the tourists and is a famous sightseeing pull of Sasan-Gir. The national park is one of the top Sasan gir tourist places opened in the year 1977. Moreover, Sasan -Gir or the Gir Forest National Park is located in the Indian state of Gujarat. Spread across an area of 1412 square km, this sanctuary was established in 1965 to protect the dwindling population of lions. Today, it is the only place where Asiatic Lions can be found, and that makes it one of Asia’s most important protected areas.
The Sasan-Gir National Park is the most popular sightseeing attraction of Sasan-Gir as well this is also known as one of the top-notch Sasan gir tourist places was founded in 1965 and it spreads over an area of 1412 sq. km. It is most popularly known for its population of Asiatic lions and considered the safest protection area for these Lions. The ecosystem and diverse species of flora and fauna in this park are preserved by the combined efforts of the Government Forest Department, NGOs, and several wildlife activists. The lion breeding program carried out at this park has successfully bred around 180 lions since its inception. Amongst the floral species of this park, there are 400 plants while the fauna species are 2375. These fauna species are divided into 38 mammals, 300 birds, 37 reptiles, and 2000 insects. Popular carnivores found in the place are Asiatic lions, Indian leopards, jungle cats, striped hyenas, golden jackals, and many more.
The Somnath Temple is one of the leading places to visit near Sasan Gir, situated at 46 km from Sasan-Gir. It is one of the most popular and ancient Hindu religious temples in India. Moreover, Somnath is also renowned as one of the best places to stay in Sasan Gir due to having peaceful attractive, affordable, and accessible hotels. While the temple is said to be one of the richest temples of ancient India it lost its charm after it was looted several times by the forces of Mahmud of Ghazni in the 10th century AD. It was earlier known as ‘Prabhas Patan’ and is one of the 12 important Hindu shrines of Lord Shiva. Its fair held at ‘Karthik Purnima’ of the Hindu calendar is also quite an attraction amongst tourists. Nearby attractions of Somnath Temple include Somnath Beach, Somnath Museum, Junagadh Gate, Bhaika Teertha, Jama Masjid, Ahilyabai Temple, Bhidiyo Pagoda, Gir National Park, Chorwad Beach, Mai Puri and Port of Veraval.
The Junagadh Zoo is situated in the Junagadh district and is mainly known for its Gir lions, and also renowned as a Sasan gir tourist place, zoo was built by Nawab in 1863 with the motive of saving these lions from extinction. Now, this zoo has turned into an established safari park. This park will somehow provide you with a small glimpse of the Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary through its surroundings as well as through its collection of wildlife. Its main species of fauna comprises lions, leopards, and tigers. It also houses a well-maintained museum that has on display several paintings, archaeological findings, and manuscripts along with a unique history section.
The Uperkot Fort was originally constructed by Chandragupta Maurya in 319 BC and has undergone expansions by various rulers over the years. It has been under siege 16 times and was abandoned between the 7th and 10th centuries, only to be rediscovered in a dense jungle. The fort features three gates at its entrance, and its walls rise to a height of 20 meters. The premises of this fort also comprise a mosque, which has been made out of demolished Hindu temples in the place. The nearby attractions of Uperkot Fort include the Tomb of Nuri Shah, two baolis, and several Buddhist caves.
The Kamleshwar Dam, nestled in the heart of Sasan-Gir National Park, stands as one of the must-see places to visit in Sasan Gir, offering a serene and vital ecosystem for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts. It was built over the Hiran River, one of the seven rivers that flow through the Gir Sanctuary. These rivers include Shingoda, Raval, Godavari, Macchundri, Hiran, Datardi, and Saraswati. Often called the lifeline of Gir, the Kamleshwar Dam serves as a breeding site for marsh crocodiles and a stopover for various bird species.
Here, famous Sasan gir tourist places open the Durbar Hall Museum is situated near the Diwan Chowk in the old Palace and preserves some of the rarest items of the erstwhile Nawabs. These items include weapons, armour, chandeliers, howdahs, and palanquins. A collection of thrones, silver articles, paintings, costumes, and tapestries is also on display in this museum. The carpet woven in Junagadh's jail is also present here. Pictures of the Nawabs in the form of a gallery of their royal portraits are also a part of this museum.
The Mahabat Maqbara is a grand mausoleum of Nawab, built-in 1892 in an Indo-Islamic architectural style. This mausoleum has been testified as the best structure made in this architectural style amongst other such structures in India. The doors and minarets of this mausoleum are made out of silver and surrounded by spiraling stairways.
Gondal only 130 km from sasan Gir .The various tourist attractions in Gondal are the Riverside Palace, Orchard Palace, Royal Garages, and Naulakha Palace Riverside Palace is set in lawns and gardens beside the river Gondal. The Orchard Palace is located in a huge complex of fruit orchards, lawns, and gardens. This palace is a wing of the Huzoor Palace, where the ruling family of Gondal entertained guests. The 'room of miniatures' is a splendid sitting room with a collection of miniature paintings, brass, and antique furniture. The Royal Garages have an extensive collection of vintage and classic cars from 1910 to 1955, Most of these cars are restored and some bear the original Gondal State number plates. Naulakha Darbargadh Palace was built during the 17th century. This palace is one of the oldest and the most beautiful palace in Gondal. This palace is situated on the banks of the river on a grand masonry base, rising about 30 meters above the river bed. This palace was built in about nine lakhs and thus named so. The palace is approached by the high gateway with the clock tower from the town side. The private palace museum displays artifacts and gifts received by Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji as a ruler of Gondal, on his 50th birthday and various other relics.
Diu is only 95 km away from Sasan Gir . Located near the port of Veraval, Diu is a small island that was earlier a Portuguese colony and is now guarded by beaches all around.Diu takes up most popularity given the ample number of beaches, along Gujarat's southern coast such as the Nagoa beach, but has a lot more to offer too. The Diu Fort, a primary imprint of the Portuguese on the area's heritage and architecture makes up a popular tourist attraction. Another interesting place is the Vanakbara, a small fishing village whose charm has tints of colorful fishing boats and humming of day-to-day activity. This perfect add-on to a visit to Gujarat will complete your experience with interesting museums such as the Sea Shell Museum, temples, and churches.
The Girnar Mountain, located 5 km east of Junagadh district is another famous attraction and as counted as one of the famous places to visit near sasan gir, It is situated at an altitude of 1100 m high and it comprises Jain Temples that are to be found at the hilltop. The Jain Temples were constructed between 1128 and 1500.
Animals: The entire forest area of the Gir National Park is dry and deciduous which provides the best habitat for Asiatic Lions. As per the new statics of 2015, the entire Saurashtra Region is inhabited by 523 Lions and more than 300 Leopards. Apart from these two animals, the park is home to two different species of Deer. The Sambar is counted largest Indian Deer. The Gir forest is also known for the Chowsingha – the world’s only four-horned antelope. The Jackal, striped Hyena and India Fox are some of the smaller carnivores found in Gir Forest.