Apart from South Africa, Gir National Park is considered to be the only location in the World where one can easily spot lions that tend to roam freely in the wild. This national park is situated at a distance of approximately 65 km southeast of the Junagarh district of Gujarat. In order to conserve the majestic Asiatic lion, the government of India declared this area a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1965. Spread across an area of 1412 sq km, only 258 km out of it is considered to be the core area of the National Park. The excessive hunting of lions in this area by the people of Junagarh almost wiped out the entire population. But later on, due to the kind effort of the Nawabs of Junagarh, hunting was prohibited.

Besides, the Department of Forest Officials also took strict action to protect the World’s most threatened species. Hence, as a result, the population of lions has been restored successfully in due course of time. In the year 1913, the population of lions declined to approximately 20. But, according to a census conducted in the year 2015, the population of the lion has raised up to 523. There are 106 males, 201 females, and 213 sub-adult lions in the wilderness.

Gir National Park is also considered to be home to more than 425 species of birds and thus, has been declared an important bird area by the Indian Bird Conservation Network. Besides, Gir also houses critically endangered birds such as the white-backed and long-billed vulture, the Egyptian Vulture, the vulnerable Greater Spotted Eagle, and the endangered Palla’s Fish Eagle. Easily spotted birds include the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, the Red-breasted Flycatcher, the Fantail, and many more.

Devaliya Safari Park is a protected and enclosed area of the Sanctuary that is known to provide a good opportunity for tourists to experience the unforgettable beauty and wilderness of this area. The safari tour generally takes place in a minibus and the tourists opting for this tour can witness a good variety of wildlife in just 20 to 30 minutes. An interpretation zone has been set up at Devaliya so that people understand the importance of Gir and its varied wildlife. Also, this interpretation zone’s primary objective is to reduce human interference.

Since time immemorial, Gir National Park has been synonymous with rare Asiatic lions and is considered to be the only place in entire Asia where one can easily spot lions in the wilderness. Moreover, there is a rich abundance of flora and fauna in this region with a diverse amalgamation of more than 600 species of wild flora and fauna that include 41 mammalian species, 47 reptilian species, and over 300 residents as well as migratory bird species that are known to give fascinating experiences to the visitors. Apart from flora and fauna, the presence of rolling hills and rivers also contributes significantly to enhancing the beauty of the national park, thereby making it more attractive.