Once thriving in Africa, Asia, and Europe, the lion, proudly hailed as the king of the jungle, now faces a declining population found in limited locations around the globe. India stands fortunate as the home of this precious mammal, being one of the premier destinations in the world for witnessing lions in their natural habitat. If your dream involves encountering the king of the beasts, India offers thrilling lion safaris.
While Africa is synonymous with this majestic creature, India exclusively hosts the Asiatic lion. Distinguished by their large tail tassels, bushy elbow tufts, and prominent belly folds, Indian lions differ from their African counterparts, who are known for their impressive manes. Gujarat has the biggest population of lions in India, but little-known opportunities for lion safaris also exist in Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. Explore beyond the ordinary and embark on an unforgettable journey to witness the regal Asiatic lions in their natural domain.
In search of the majestic roar: Exploring India’s top safari destinations
Gir National Park, Gujarat
Gir National Park stands synonymous with lions in India, being the natural habitat of the endangered Asiatic lion. Designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1965, the Sasan Gir region in Gujarat has been a haven for witnessing majestic lions roaming freely in the wild. Also known as Sasan Gir National Forest, the park sprawls across Junagadh, Amreli, and Gir Somnath districts, forming part of the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forest. The latest census, conducted in June 2020, reports over 674 lions, more than 300 leopards, over 40 species of mammals and 425 species of birds.
Venture into the heart of Gir with a jungle gypsy safari, offering a glimpse of Gir’s precious lions. Each gypsy accommodates six people and requires advance booking.
Best time to visit: December to March is the best time to visit Gir National Park. The park closes during the monsoon from mid-June to mid-October.
How to reach
By air: Diu Airport is the nearest, approximately 60 km away.
By rail: Veraval Junction Station is the closest, approximately 64 km away.
By road: Ahmedabad is approximately 319 km away
Find out more here.
Book your stay at The Fern Gir Forest Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Fern Gir Forest Resort via Booking.com
Devalia Safari Park, Gujarat
The Devalia Safari Park, or the Gir Interpretation Zone, was created to minimise human interference in Gir National Park, offering tourists insights into the unique wildlife. Located around 13 km from Sasan Gir in Talala, Gujarat, this park provides a condensed Gir experience, where lion sightings are highly probable. Besides lions, the zone houses prey species like sambars, chinkars, blue bulls, and wild boars.
Explore Devalia Safari Park through two safari options — a bus safari and a gypsy safari. The gypsy safari, accommodating six people, requires a permit, vehicle, and guide, while the bus safari offers a more economical option with only a permit needed.
Best time to visit: Although open year-round, the best time to visit Devalia Safari Park is from December to March, offering cool and pleasant weather.
How to reach
By air: Diu Airport is the nearest, approximately 94 km away.
By rail: Veraval Junction Station is the closest, approximately 55 km away.
By road: Ahmedabad is approximately 363 km away
Find out more here.
Book your stay at The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary via Agoda
Ambardi Safari Park, Gujarat
Established in 2017 along the scenic Shetrunji River, the Ambardi Safari Park, originally named the Ambardi Wildlife Interpretation Zone, serves as an extension of the Gir forest in the East. Located about 41 km away from Gir National Park in Amreli, its purpose is to enhance the conservation efforts of Asiatic lions and their ecosystem. The park showcases a rich biodiversity, featuring monitor lizards, Indian leopards, spotted deer, and more. Bus safaris are the only mode of exploration offered in this park.
Best time to visit: Ambardi Safari Park welcomes visitors throughout the year, with the best time being during the winter months from December to March, offering cool and pleasant weather.
How to reach
By air: Keshod Airport is the nearest, approximately 100 km away.
By rail: Junagadh Junction Station is the closest, approximately 83 km away.
By road: Ahmedabad is approximately 284 km away.
Find out more here.
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Book your stay at Woods at Sasan via Agoda
Vasona Lion Safari, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Sprawled across approximately 20 acres within the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary, the Vasona Lion Safari in Silvassa is another haven for the Asiatic lion in India. This sanctuary, established to conserve lions and monitor their breeding, also houses pythons and other reptiles. The park offers bus safaris, providing a safe and non-intrusive way to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.
Best time to visit: From October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant, allowing for an enjoyable outdoor experience.
How to reach
By air: Surat International Airport is the nearest, approximately 145 km away.
By rail: Vapi Station is the closest, approximately 25 km away.
By road: Daman is approximately 35 km away.
Find out more here.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat
Hidden away in Gujarat, about 47 km from Porbandar, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary boasts hilly forests and, historically, was home to a thriving population of Asiatic lions. Declared a sanctuary in 1979, Barda witnessed the remarkable sighting of a lion in 2023 for the first time since Independence. The Forest Department aims to develop Barda as a second home for lions in India after Gir, with ongoing efforts such as a breeding centre for herbivores to increase the prey base and attract more lions to the sanctuary.
Best time to visit: Head to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary between October and March to see the forest in its prime during the winter months.
How to reach
By air: Porbandar Airport is the nearest, approximately 47 km away.
By rail: Porbandar Station is the closest, approximately 50 km away.
By road: Porbandar is approximately 47 km away.
Find out more here.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra
Nestled amidst the ancient 2,400-year-old Kanheri caves, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra, added a new chapter to its history by becoming the habitat of lions in 2022! Established in Borivali in 1969, this protected area stands as an ecological haven and a historical landmark near Mumbai.
Offering more than just the awe-inspiring Asiatic lion, the park boasts hiking trails, lakes, a mini-train, and a butterfly garden. Its biodiversity includes 274 bird species, 35 mammals, and over 1,300 tree species. For an exhilarating lion safari, tourists hop on a bus adventure, getting up close with lions and tigers in their natural habitat, while the rest of the national park can be explored on foot.
Best time to visit: The monsoon months from July to October offer the best weather for a safari, making the dense forests more lush and green, with the park open year-round.
How to reach
By air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the nearest, approximately 16 km away.
By rail: Borivali Station is the closest, approximately 1 km away.
By road: Mumbai is approximately 22 km away.
Find out more here.
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Book your stay at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach via Agoda
Etawah Safari Park, Uttar Pradesh
Opened in 2019 as Etawah Lion Safari, the Etawah Safari Park in Uttar Pradesh not only features multiple safaris but also hosts the breeding centre for Asiatic lions, making it an ideal destination to witness lion cubs. Situated in the Fisher Forest of Uttar Pradesh, the park is home to a bounty of flora and fauna, along with hundreds of birds, 17 species of mammals and eight species of reptiles. You are most likely to see bears, deer, leopards, antelopes and lions in Etawah Safari Park.
The park offers various safaris, with the lion safari and breeding centre being major attractions. The drive-through safari takes place in a covered bus, ensuring the safety of tourists in the natural habitat of the animals.
Best time to visit: Open year-round, the best time to visit Etawah Safari Park is from October to March, avoiding the summer heat.
How to reach
By air: Gwalior Airport is the nearest, approximately 104 km away.
By rail: Etawah Junction Station is the closest, approximately 4 km away.
By road: Gwalior is approximately 111 km away.
Find out more here.
North Bengal Wild Animals Park, West Bengal
Also known as the Bengal Safari, this open-air zoo next to the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary in Siliguri, West Bengal, transformed into one of the many destinations for a lion safari in India in 2024.
Already housing lions, the Bengal Safari is reportedly gearing up to unveil its lion safari in January. Buses will provide a safari-like experience, allowing visitors to witness animals in the wild. The park boasts a range of wildlife, including leopards, tigers, elephants, rhinos, sloth bears, deer, monkeys, and crocodiles, with the added excitement of a lion safari soon to come.
Best time to visit: Open year-round, the North Bengal Wild Animals Park in Siliguri is best experienced in the winter months from October to March, offering ideal weather for outdoor activities like a lion safari.
How to reach
By air: Bagdogra International Airport is the nearest, approximately 21 km away.
By rail: Siliguri Junction Station is the closest, approximately 10 km away.
By road: Siliguri is approximately 10 km away.
Find out more here.
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(Feature image credit: Yash Earth/Shutterstock)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– When is the best time to visit Gir National Park for a lion safari?
The best time to visit for a lion safari in Gir National Park is from December to March.
– How do I reach Gir National Park?
Gir National Park is accessible by road, train, and plane. The nearest airport is Diu Airport, and the closest railway station is Veraval Junction.
– Are lion safaris safe for visitors?
Lion safaris are safe for visitors if they adhere to the protocols and rules set by the authorities for the safari.
– What is the duration of a typical lion safari in India?
A typical lion safari in India can range from as short as 30 minutes to as long as three hours.
– Can I book lion safari tickets online?
Yes, you can book lion safari tickets online.
– Are private vehicles allowed during lion safari in India?
Private vehicles are not allowed during a lion safari in India.