Home of the Gir cow
Krishnayan is a renowned gaushala (Cow sanctuary and care centre) in the Amreli region dedicated to the protection, breeding and care of the Gir cow — the famous indigenous cattle breed native to the Gir region of Saurashtra, prized across India and the world for its hardiness and rich A2 milk.
Spread over a large campus, the centre cares for hundreds of cows in the spirit of gauseva (Cow service), promoting indigenous breeds, natural farming and the cultural and economic value of the desi cow. Visitors can see the gentle, distinctive Gir cattle — with their domed foreheads and long ears — learn about indigenous-breed conservation, and experience the serene, devotional atmosphere of a working gaushala.
For those interested in rural India, cattle heritage and the living bond between people, faith and the cow, Krishnayan offers a meaningful and uplifting visit. (An active gaushala; visit respectfully during open hours. )
The Gir cow.
A gaushala for the Gir cow
Gauseva.
The Gir cow is an indigenous breed native to the Gir region of Saurashtra, recognisable by its domed forehead, long pendulous ears and hardiness in heat.
Krishnayan was founded as a gaushala — a cow sanctuary and care centre — in the Amreli region, on devotional as much as agricultural grounds.
It works on conservation of the indigenous breed and on A2 milk, the protein type the Gir cow produces and for which the breed is prized.
The result is a large, quiet campus housing hundreds of cattle, run as much as a religious institution as a farm.
Reasons to make the time
Gir-cow sanctuary
Several hundred cattle are kept and cared for on the campus, many of them rescued or retired animals.
Indigenous breed
The Gir breed is the focus — exported worldwide and the ancestor of Brazil's Gir and Girolando herds.
Gauseva spirit
Care here is devotional in character; the cow is treated as sacred rather than as livestock.
A2 milk heritage
Gir milk commands a premium for its A2 beta-casein, and the gaushala promotes it directly.
Natural farming
Indigenous-breed conservation is the institution's stated purpose, against decades of crossbreeding.
Living bond
It sits at the meeting point of faith, farming and conservation, which is unusual and worth seeing.
What to look for inside
THE COWSGir cattle
Gir cattle, with their domed brows, long ears and distinctive colouring.
THE CENTREGaushala
A large, calm gaushala campus in the Amreli countryside.
How to spend an hour or two
See the Gir cows
Look at the Gir cattle closely — the domed forehead and long ears make the breed immediately recognisable.
Learn the breed
Understand the conservation argument: indigenous breeds were widely displaced by crossbreeding, and this is a response.
Sense the gauseva
Note how the care is organised. This is a religious institution as much as an agricultural one.
Hear about A2 milk
The Gir heritage.
Walk the campus
A serene centre.
Respect the routine
A working gaushala.
Krishnayan.
A campus of cow care
Krishnayan is a large Amreli gaushala devoted to the Gir cow — the prized indigenous Saurashtra breed — caring for hundreds of cattle in the spirit of gauseva and promoting indigenous breeds, natural farming and A2 milk. Gentle, serene and devotional, it offers a meaningful window into rural India’s living bond with the cow. (An active gaushala; visit respectfully. )
Planning more of the area? Our Amreli guide covers the whole district.
Gir-cow sanctuary
Indigenous-breed conservation
Gauseva & natural farming
A2 milk heritage
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season.
Green and atmospheric after rain.
Hot and dry — start early.
⏰ Visit during open hours and treat it as an active, devotional gaushala — be gentle and respectful around the cattle.
Timings & entry
- Open during day hours
- An active gaushala
- Be gentle around cattle
- Allow about an hour
- Free; donations welcomed
- Respect the cattle & staff
- Follow the gaushala routine
- No disturbing the animals
Getting there
By Air
Diu / Rajkot airports.
By Rail
Amreli railhead.
By Road
In the Amreli region.
At Krishnayan
COW & CARE
A Gir-cow sanctuary
What to shoot
The Gir cattle.
Theme
Gauseva and care.
Setting
The serene campus.
Best light
Soft morning light.
Know before you go
More to see close by
TOWNAmreli City
The leafy district headquarters
WILDLIFEAsiatic Lions
Amreli shares Gir, the lion’s last natural home
Shetrunji Dam
A large reservoir on the Shetrunji river near Dhari — a tranquil expanse of water amid…
Nagnath Mahadev
A revered old Shiva temple in Amreli
PORTPippavav
A major modern private seaport
Khodiyar Mata Mandir
A revered shrine of Khodiyar Mata, the warrior goddess who rides a crocodile — one of…
Where to eat near Krishnayan
THALIKathiyawadi Thali
Spicy Saurashtra meals.
FARSANGanthiya & farsan
Fried Gujarati snacks.
STREETLocal chaat
Market-town snacks.
Gir country
Famous Gir Kesar mango & A2 milk.
Krishnayan FAQ
What is Krishnayan?
A large gaushala (Cow sanctuary) in Amreli dedicated to the indigenous Gir cow.
What is the Gir cow?
A prized indigenous Saurashtra cattle breed, famous for hardiness and A2 milk.
What does the centre do?
Cares for hundreds of cows in the spirit of gauseva and promotes indigenous breeds.
Can I visit?
Yes — during open hours; be respectful around the cattle.
Is there an entry fee?
Free, with donations welcomed.
Where is it?
In the Amreli region of Saurashtra.
Why is the Gir cow special?
For its hardiness, gentle nature and rich A2 milk.
When should I visit?
October to March.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026