There is only one place on this planet where you can step out of a jeep and stand in the shadow of a wild Asiatic lion. That place is Sasan Gir, tucked into the Saurashtra peninsula of Gujarat – and if a lion safari in India has ever been on your bucket list, Aranya Luxury Safaris is the partner that turns that dream into a carefully crafted reality.
The Last Home of the Asiatic Lion
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is not just another wildlife destination — it is the final refuge of the Asiatic lion, a species that once roamed from Greece to India. Today, over 670 lions inhabit this 1,412 sq km stretch of dry teak forest, making a lion safari in Sasan Gir the rarest and most singular wildlife experience in all of Asia.
The biggest lion in Gir forest is a lean, muscular predator, whose slightly shorter mane and direct, unhurried gaze sets him apart from his African cousin. Watching one stride across a sunlit forest track — unhurried, utterly confident — is the kind of moment you carry home long after the trip is over.
Where You Stay: A Property Worthy of the Experience
Aranya partners with Asiatic lion lodge Resort, one of the finest and most thoughtfully positioned stays near Sasan Gir. The resort sits on seven sprawling acres of lush jungle land, surrounded by mango orchards and natural forest, with panoramic views of the meandering river and the charming narrow-gauge railway line that passes nearby. It is just minutes from the Sinh Sadan Gate of Gir National Park — which means early morning safari departures are seamless, putting you inside the forest at first light when lion activity peaks.
Saavaj, named after the Gujarati word for lion, offers 36 elegantly designed accommodations – from air-conditioned standard rooms and spacious deluxe cottages with private sit-outs, to super deluxe rooms and luxury air-conditioned tents. Every room is surrounded by gardens and designed to blend comfort with the sights and sounds of the jungle around you.
Perfect for Every Kind of Traveller
What makes Saavaj Resort and the Aranya Gir experience so versatile is how well it suits every kind of group:
- Couples & Honeymooners: The dedicated Honeymoon Suite features a unique circular layout, a beautifully designed private bath, and a quiet, romantic atmosphere with orchard views – a genuinely special setting for a romantic getaway.
- Families with Children: The resort has a children’s playground, kids’ club, and spacious family-friendly rooms. The pool is a favourite for little ones after a morning in the jungle. Tribal dance performances in the evening keep the whole family entertained, and the property’s policy of not charging for girl children staying with parents reflects the warmth of the hosts.
- Groups of Friends: Large groups are well accommodated across cottages and deluxe rooms, with a conference space, badminton court, swimming pool, and evening cultural events creating a vibrant, shared experience. The evenings here come alive – bonfire gatherings, Siddi tribal dance performances, and Kathiyawadi food served under open skies.
What Aranya Organises for You
When you book through Aranya Luxury Safaris, every aspect of your lion safari in Sasan Gir is handled with care. We arrange your jeep safari permits, zone allocations, and expert naturalist guides who know the forest and its resident lions intimately. We also coordinate access to the Devaliya Interpretation Zone – a fenced 400-hectare area within the park that offers near-guaranteed lion sightings, ideal for families with young children or travellers on a short itinerary.
Beyond the lions, your naturalist will introduce you to Gir’s remarkable diversity: leopards, spotted deer, crocodiles, striped hyenas, and over 300 species of birds. The Saavaj team further enriches the experience with rail safaris through the forest, guided village visits, and treks to nearby Jamjir Waterfall.
Aranya handles every detail – permits, safaris, stays, and transfers – so that from the moment you arrive in Gujarat, all you carry is curiosity and a camera.
Best Time to Visit
Gir is open mid-October to mid-June. December through March is ideal for a lion safari in India – cool mornings, clear skies, and lions gathering near water sources for easy sightings. April and May offer reliable encounters thanks to the heat concentrating animals around predictable locations. Aranya advises on the best timing for your group and handles all advance bookings accordingly.
Call Aranya Luxury Safaris on +91 97252 27108 or visit aranyaluxesafaris.com to plan your Sasan Gir lion safari.
