Please Note: During the southwest monsoon season (June 16 To October 15), the Gir Lion Reserve protected area remains closed. Nonetheless, you may visit the park from December to March, as these are the climatically optimum times to visit. Gujarat, a western Indian state, is home to Gir National Park. The Asiatic lion is protected in this 545-square-mile (1,412-square-kilometer) area of steep, arid scrubland (the only place where these creatures still exist). Asiatic lion numbers have rebounded significantly because of conservation efforts that began in 1965 after being nearly driven to extinction and designated as highly vulnerable in 2000. According to a recent census, Gir Lion Reserve has an overall population of 674 lions. Crocodiles live in the seasonal waterways and four man-made reservoirs around. These drinking holes also attract about 300 different kinds of resident birds. Thousands of travelers rush to this park each year to participate in a bucket list safari excursion that gets them face-to-face with Asiatic lions. Gir Forest Highlights The lions of Gir National Park are the park's primary draw. The park is affectionately called the "Royal Kingdom of Asiatic Lions."