In all close to 23,000 visitors came to see the majestic lions during the holidays - starting from Diwali day - 13th ,14th,15th and 16th. The number is likely to shoot up by Sunday, when the extended holidays end. 18,780 people had visited Gir during the same period last year.

 

On what could have lead to the substantial rise in tourists, Dr Sandeep Kumar, deputy conservator of forest Sasan, says, “Gir sanctuary as the last abode of the Asiatic lion is gaining popularity and more and more tourists are getting to know about it. Hence the interest gets reflected in the tourist figures.” 

 

In addition to increased awareness about the destination, some forest officials are attributing the rise in visitors to the ‘Khushboo Gujarat ki campaign’.

 

“9,384 visitors a day is a record of sorts for the sanctuary. In fact we have seen a substantial rise in planned tourists given the number of requests we received for prior-bookings,” Dr Kumar added.