Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced that the State Government would develop the State’s second lion safari near mountain town Junagadh, around 60 km from Sasan where lion safari is being organised in Gir forest, the only abode of Asiatic lions in the world. 

There is a dense forest surrounding Gujarat’s tallest mountain Girnar, which is also declared as Sanctuary.  like Gir forest, Asiatic lions are seen in and around Girnar Sanctuary along with leopard and other wild animals. As per 2015 lion census there are 33 lions in the Girnar Sanctuary.

Mount Girnar and Junagadh are among the well-known tourist places of Gujarat. Those who are interested in religious and heritage tourism, throng to these places during tourist season from October to February end every year. There are more than 860 Hindu and Jain temples on and around Mount Girnar. With the announcement of lion safari, the area would also attract wildlife lovers. 

Tourism infrastructure including quality hotels are much better in Junagadh compared to Sasan Gir. Besides, the mountain town is very well connected by rail and roads with other major cities of country. Recently a much awaited rope-way project too received environment clearance from the Central Government. As result of it, the area having less industries compared to other parts of Gujarat would be benefited with tourism related activities. 

Rupani said that the state government had made all preparations and the safari area would be opened within three months after obtaining approvals from the Union government. The new forest is being started under the Forest Area Tourism project. He also informed that one more Safari park near Dhari town in Amreli district would become operational soon. However, the upcoming park near Dhari will house zoo bread lions only and they would be kept in captivity by erecting fence.

“Just like the existing Sasan Gir lion safari, visitors would have to obtain permit from the forest department to enjoy lion safari at Girnar Sanctuary. Those who have permit would be allowed to go inside the Girnar Sanctuary area in open jeeps,” said a senior forest official.

The Government would initiate procedures to obtain approval from the standing committee of the National Board of Wildlife

soon, informed that official, adding that the tourism department has proposed two routes by which the jeeps can enter the sanctuary.