Place To Visit
Sasan Gir
Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan-Gir, is in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965, it spans 1,412 km and is located near Somnath, Junagadh, and Amreli. It is the sole home of the Asiatic lions and a crucial protected area in Asia. The diverse flora and fauna are preserved through efforts by the government forest department, wildlife activists, and NGOs.
Girnar Ropeway
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Girnar Rope way in Gujarat, making it Asia’s longest rope way. Constructed on Mount Girnar in Junagadh District, this major tourist attraction connects several pilgrim sites, including Amba Temple and the Dattatreya Shrine. The 2.3-km-long rope way, built at a cost of ₹130 crore, significantly reduces travel time to these sites.
Jungle Safari
At Sasan, a carefully managed ecotourism program is in place, featuring designated trails and routes in the Dedakadi and Sasan Ranges. These routes, averaging 35 km each, cover various Gir habitat types, enhancing wildlife sightings. Artificial water-holes along the paths further increase the chances of seeing wildlife. Private open Gypsies, registered by the Forest Department, are available locally, along with well-trained guides for a better experience..
Devalia Safari Park
To minimize tourism disturbance in the main sanctuary and educate visitors about Gir's wildlife, an interpretation zone has been set up at Devalia. This 412-ha chain-link fenced area, dubbed "Gir in a nutshell," includes all habitat types and major wildlife species of Gir. The facility allows visitors to see lions and other animals in their natural habitat quickly, easing pressure on the main sanctuary. The area is rich in prey, including Spotted Deers, Blue Bulls, Wild Boars, Blackbucks, Sambars, and Chinkaras, making lion sightings a visual delight for wildlife enthusiasts.
Gir Mountain
Girnar Mountain, located 4 km east of Junagadh District, stands 1100 m high and is renowned for its hilltop Jain Temples, built between 1128 and 1500. It is a significant pilgrimage spot for both Hindus and Jains. Around Girnar Hills, various notable temples include Bharathari Gufa (cave), Dattatray (charan paduka), Mali Parab, Ramchandra Temple, and Hathi Pashan.
Ambardi Safari Park
Established in 2017, Ambardi Safari Park spans 365.11 ha and is situated 7 km from Dhari. It is a Reserved Forest within the Gir Protected Area, located on the banks of the Shetrunji river near Ambardi village. Its varied terrain, nearby large water reservoir, and proximity to Khodiyar temple make it a notable destination to visit.
Shri Kanakai Mataji Temple
In the heart of the jungle, 50 km from Sasan Gir, lies the Kankai Mata shrine, a sanctuary for the shepherds of the Gir forest. This wild place comes alive at night with the roars of lions and the activity of animals near the lake. A bus from Junagadh leaves every morning at 8 am, staying for an hour at the temple before returning at 9:45 am. For a true wilderness experience, take private transport and spend the night. The high temple walls ensure safety, allowing you to watch the stars through the jungle treetops, hear lions roam, and immerse yourself in the wild surroundings.
Tulshi Shyam Temple
Tulsi Shyam Temple, located near Junagadh and Amreli districts in Gujarat, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu-Lord Shyam. The statue of Lord Tulsi Shyam is believed to be 3000 years old. The temple offers a peaceful environment where visitors can enjoy serene moments of silence. There are three distinctive hot water springs at Tulsi Shyam, each with unique boiling water properties.
Junagadh Zoo
Junagadh Zoo, established by Nawab in 1863 to save Gir lions from extinction, is located in Junagadh district. Today, it has evolved into a well-established safari park, offering a glimpse of the Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary through its surroundings and wildlife collection. The main species include lions, leopards, and tigers. Additionally, the zoo features a well-maintained museum showcasing paintings, archaeological findings, manuscripts, and a unique history section.
Darbar Hall Museum
The Darbar Hall Museum, located near Diwan Chowk in the old Palace, showcases rare items from the era of the Nawabs. These include weapons, armor, chandeliers, howdahs, and palanquins. The museum also displays thrones, silver articles, paintings, costumes, and tapestries, along with a unique carpet woven in Junagadh's jail. A gallery of royal portraits of the Nawabs adds to the museum's charm.
Kamleshwar Dam
Kamleshwar Dam is centrally located within Sasan-Gir National Park and spans the Hiran River, one of the seven rivers draining Gir Sanctuary, including Shingoda, Raval, Godavari, Macchundri, Datardi, and Saraswati. Known as the "lifeline of Gir," it serves as a breeding site for marsh crocodiles and a stopover for various bird species. The dam is approximately 30 km from Le Casa Lion Resort.
Somnath Temple
Somnath Temple, located 46 km from Sasan Gir, is one of Gujarat's most famous and ancient Hindu religious sites. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered the first among these holy sites. Known for its richness and historical significance, Somnath Temple attracts numerous devotees and tourists alike.
Chorwad Beach
Chorwad Beach, located 37 km from Somnath, was once an imperial fort of the Nawab of Junagarh. The beach is clean but not safe for swimming, making it ideal for relaxing. It's popular among tourists for boat rides and is a notable place near Gir. With its rocky hills, Chorwad Beach serves as a gateway to Porbandar and Somnath, known for their significant spiritual importance.
Nagoa Beach (Diu)
Nagao Beach is located in Diu district, India, at the edge of Junagadh district. With a population of 14,000, its main industry is tourism. The town boasts a 21-kilometre coastline and welcomes about 40,000 tourists during peak seasons, making it a vibrant destination.
