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  • Asiatic lion, India

Everything you need to know about seeing Asiatic lions in the wild

The ground is dry, leaves crackling under the padded paws of the shaggy looking lions hanging around in large prides under shady trees. Cubs and adults rest on the ground for hours and hours per day, and you watch on as they start to notice your arrival.

Only accessible in one national park in the whole world, Asiatic lions aren’t in the usual India wildlife itinerary, but we know the best places to stay in order to see these wonderful animals.

India provides an excellent opportunity to see tigers and lions in the wild in the same itinerary, without crossing any borders.

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asiatic lion gallery

Asiatic Lion, India
Asiatic Lion, India

Unique experiences

Asiatic lions are only found in Sasan Gir National Park in India, meaning India is the only place you can see lions and tigers in the same country.

Explore Gir
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Sasan gir

Known as Gir, the national park is reknowned for being quite dry. It is now home to the only 523 wild Asiatic lions in the world.

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Expert view: Arabella Worthington

Expert view: Arabella Worthington

India offers an excellent way of seeing some of Asia’s most intriguing big cats, combining tigers, lions, snow leopards and Indian leopard, in one trip. The best time to see Asiatic lions is from October to June.

Asiatic Lion, India

the Asiatic lion

Slightly shaggier and smaller than their African cousins the Asiatic lion does share some similarities. They live in family prides often using their numbers to ambush their prey. Males have a large mane of hair on their head which extends down their throats to the front legs and over their backs to the shoulders. The females lack the mane of the males and are slightly smaller making them more agile and better hunters. Lion colouration varies from light buff to yellowish, reddish or brown.

 

When they are cubs they have rosette spots on their bodies, but as they mature these disappear. Asiatic lions always have a fold of skin running down the length of their stomach, this is rarely seen in African lions.

 

The Asiatic lion exists as a single, steadily increasing population in India within Sasan Gir National Park.


This subspecies is one of the five big cats found in India, the other four being Bengal tiger, snow leopard, clouded leopard and Indian leopard.

Asiatic lion facts

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CONSERVATION STATUS Considered endangered, but their population is now steadily increasing, currently estimated at 523 (as of May 2015).
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HABITAT The forest in Sasan Gir National Park is the only place in the world these lions are found.
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LENGTH Males can grow up to 2.92 feet in length, from head to tail.

Asiatic Lion Inspiration

  • India, Natural World Safaris

    Ultimate Madhya Pradesh Tiger Safari

    India - from $4,680

    Journey through the heart of tiger country in search of this majestic big cat, travelling to some of the best regions in India for wildlife encounters, including Tadoba, Pench and Kanha National Parks.

  • Khew Villas, India

    Rajasthan, Culture and Wildlife Safari

    India - from $6,020

    A stunning safari ensuring that you venture through a number of different areas within India. Track leopards whilst staying in luxurious African-style tents, stand in awe at the splendour of the Taj Mahal as well as exploring the bustling streets of Delhi.

  • Ramathra Fort, India

    Leopards, Rivers and Palaces of Rural Rajasthan

    India - from $6,142

    Take a boat safari down the Chambal River, track leopards in Bera and visit the majestic palaces of Udaipur; this safari provides the perfect overview of India's largest state.

  • Bengal tiger in India by Russ MacLaughlin

    Madhya Pradesh with a Difference

    India - from $4,908

    This adventurous safari takes you to three of India's best wildlife sanctuaries - Satpura, Pench and Kanha National Parks - to experience walking, cycling and canoeing safaris with your expert naturalist guides, tracking Bengal tigers and more incredible wildlife.

  • One horned rhino, India

    Rhinos, Temples and Tigers of India

    India - from $4,967

    Explore India by going in search of wildlife as well as learning about the important cultural sights of India including: the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and Humanyun’s tomb. Venture into Bandhavgarh National Park in search of the mystical bengal tiger.

  • Delhi, India

    Culture and Wildlife of Northern India Safari

    India - from $5,084

    Experience northern India’s cultural and spiritual hotspots and travel through a diverse range of wildlife habitats, heading from the bustling capital of New Delhi to the delicate ecosystem of Dudhwa National Park.

  • Snow leopard tracking in Ladakh, Himalayas

    In Search of the Snow Leopard in Ladakh

    India - from $5,844

    Journey into the Himalayas and immerse yourself in the mystical region of Ladakh, visiting Buddhist monasteries and spending six days tracking the elusive snow leopard.

  • Richard Denyer India 2016 - Tiger

    Hilltops, Temples and Tigers of India Safari

    India - from $5,242

    Visit fascinating historic and cultural sites as well as the wildlife haven of Ranthambore National Park on this varied safari to northern India. Explore the characterful towns of Amritsar and Shimla before discovering the unique wildlife of the region, including tigers, leopards and more.

  • Leopard, Sri Lanka

    Tigers and Leopards of Asia

    Sri Lanka - from $5,312

    An incredible safari combining the best areas of both India and Sri Lanka to see the big cats of Asia. In India you will visit Bandhavgarh National Park to go in search of the impressive bengal tiger before travelling to Yala National Park to spot the elusive Asian leopard.

  • Khajuraho, India

    Holy Rivers & Tigers of India Safari

    India - from $5,844

    Starting in the bustling capital of Delhi, this safari takes you on a journey to explore some of the most remarkable places in India; visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, wander the streets of the holy city of Varanasi, and trace the steps of the Bengal tigers of Bandhavgarh National Park.

  • Himalayan brown bears, U.S. Embassy Pakistan, Flickr

    Bears, Wolves & Snow Leopards of the Himalayas

    India - from $7,658

    This intrepid itinerary takes you off the beaten track within the Indian Himalayas, where you'll go in search of wolves, brown bears and the grey ghost of the mountains, the ever-elusive snow leopard.

  • Red Panda, India

    Red Pandas of Singalila Safari

    India - from $7,734

    Exclusive to Natural World Safaris, this trip takes you off the beaten track to Singalila National Park, located in a breathtaking area of the Himalayan foothills. Joining a team of researchers, you will track endangered red pandas through peaceful montane forests and assist in important conservation work.

  • Langur monkey, India

    Endemic wildlife of Kerala and the Western Ghats

    India - from $8,131

    Travel through southern India in search of endangered and endemic species of the Western Ghats and Kerala, home to tigers, elephants, wild dogs, sloth bear, birds as well as the vulnerable lion-tailed macaque, nilgiri tahr and nilgiri langur.

  • Taj Mahal, India

    Iconic India: Big Cats and Culture

    India - from $8,629

    An adventurous Indian safari visiting the cultural highlights and wildlife hotspots of this vibrant country. Explore the cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra before discovering the flora and fauna of some of India’s best national parks.

  • Jaagir Lodge, India

    The Ultimate India Safari

    India - from $9,980

    Experience the highlights of this diverse and vibrant country on this immersive 22 day safari across India. Discover the wildlife of four different national parks - including tigers, leopards, lions, elephants and rhinos - visit the colourful city of Jaipur, and explore the stunning palaces of Agra.

  • Asiatic leopard

    Ultimate Asian Leopard Safari

    India - from $10,197

    Journey through the national parks of India and Sri Lanka in search of Asiatic leopards and other wildlife, staying in luxury tented camps and lodges out in the wilderness. You will also spend time exploring the bustling markets of Old Delhi and the tranquil tea plantations of the Sri Lankan hill country.

  • Steve Winter

    Steve Winter Tiger Photography Safari

    India - from $9,337

    Embark on a search for the majestic Bengal tiger alongside big cat specialist and National Geographic photographer Steve Winter. This photography-focused safari will take you to Kanha and Bandhavgarh, two of India's most wildlife-rich national parks, while also allowing time to view the historic sights of Mumbai.

  • Snow leopard tracking in Ladakh, Himalayas

    Summer Wildlife of Ladakh

    India - from $10,940

    Travel to the far northerly reaches of the Indian Himalayas in summertime, discovering the diverse wildlife and spectacular landscapes of Ladakh. Your expert guides will take you out in search of ibex, wolves, bears and even the elusive snow leopard - the ‘Grey Ghost’ of the Himalayas.

  • Bengal tiger in India by Russ MacLaughlin

    Big Cats of Asia Safari

    India - from $11,056

    A unique, pioneering safari through the big cat highlights of Asia. Search for three of the most iconic big cat species; snow leopards in Ladakh, Bengal tigers in Kanha National Park, and Asiatic leopards in Sri Lanka.

  • Bengal tiger in India by Russ MacLaughlin

    India: Secrets of the Sundarbans & Land of the Jungle Book

    India - from $4,715

    Join us in a relatively unexplored part of India, a truly wild terrain for an off-the-beaten-track Indian adventure and see the wildlife that inspired 'The Jungle Book'.

Cta Grid

Why book with us

We are destination specialists

Our team of specialists have extensive on-the-ground knowledge and have all lived, guided or explored in great detail the destinations that they sell. They will design your journey around you, at the right place at the right time.

We are wildlife specialists

As a leading specialist operator we have excellent partnerships with naturalists and conservationists. We know our wildlife and do what we can to preserve its natural habitat.

We really care about our destinations

At Natural World Safaris we frequently monitor the social, economic and environmental impact of our travel operations to ensure we are at the forefront of a sustainable and ethical tourism industry. 

Snow Leopard3 Tambako The Jaguar Flickr

Your Next Steps

Download our big cat travel guide, or talk to one of our specialists for more details on tracking big cats in the wild. Please note we recommend a budget of from £7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination.