Sasan Gir National Forest is more specifically the Land of the Lions! And why not – since from a mere 20 when it started, the number of lions here are well over 300 now! The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the Asiatic Lions, their only refuge after Africa. Watching these majestic beasts move around in their natural habitat is definitely an experience of a lifetime. The park’s rugged terrain with steep and rocky hillsides and lovely streams make your experience at Sasan Gir truly a memorable one. Other beasts that find home here are the leopards, chital, chinkara, wild boar, wild ass, nilgai, spotted deer and the four-horned antelope. The park also has a crocodile-rearing and research centre where hatchlings are reared and then set free into their natural environment. To experience wilderness in all its majesty, a trip to Sasan Gir is definitely a must.

• Wildlife: The foremost attraction in the park is the beasts that roam around freely, the most majestic being undoubtedly the lion. It is this majestic beast that attracts the maximum tourists to this park. Of course, you must understand that it would probably take a long time to view lions or lionesses with their cubs, since they don’t emerge too quickly out of their hiding. However, other creatures that inhabit the park and that are equally interesting to look out for are leopards, jungle cat, hyenas, jackals and mongoose.

• Birds: A sure bird-watcher’s paradise, the park has quite a variety of vultures, crested serpent eagle, the endangered bonelli's eagle, crested hawk-eagle and the great horned owl. Occasionally the Indian grey hornbill can also be spotted here.

• Nalsarovar Lake and Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary comes under the Gir Forest and is home to a large number of birds. It is the largest wetland and bird sanctuary in India.

• Crocodile Breeding Farm: The Crocodile Breeding Farm near Sasan is an interesting place to see, where reptiles are hatched and reared before they are set free into the forest in their natural habitat.

• Tulsi Shyam Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is present in the area belonging to the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary. Hot springs nearby are also a major attraction. The strong smell of sulphur here makes the area easily recognizable.

• Lion Safari: Needless to say, the Lion Safari is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have here. Special tours around the park are arranged for spotting only Lions. In fact, the park has seven designated tourist trails where you can spot these wild beasts. Another interesting session would be the regular jeep safaris that take you around the jungle trail, accompanied by an expert driver and guide, who are adept at recognizing pugmarks and animal sounds.

• Fishing & Angling: The Kosi & Ramganga Rivers are ideal for fishing for the golden mahaseer. You require prior permission to fish though.

Sasan Gir does not have any separate eating joints apart from the ones attached to the several hotels that are present in the Park. An enjoyable meal can be tried at the open-air restaurant at the Lion Safari Camp. The restaurant is river facing and serves excellent buffet meals. An inexpensive option in the Park is the canteen attached to Sinh Sadan. Excellent Gujarati fare can be sampled at Hotel Rajshree. Excellent international fares as well as mouth watering Indian delicacies can be devoured at the restaurant attached to the Taj Group owned The Gir Lodge.