Out in western India, well off the beaten tourist path, lies the Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary, home of the elusive Asian lion. Hire a Jeep and driver from the park headquarters and head off into the jungle. Don't be alarmed by the Jeep being open-sided—no one has been taken by a lion yet! It's safest to allow a stay of a couple of days to be sure of seeing one of these beautiful creatures, although you can strike it lucky and see one the first time out. Basic accommodations are available at the park headquarters, or there are more upmarket options outside the park. Access is by vehicle from Junagadh in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat state.

Trip Facts
Difficulty rating: Easy
When to go: NovemberMarch