It's Time To ExploreGir National Park
Gir National Park, also known as Sasan-Gir, is home to the largest population of Asiatic lions and a significant wildlife reserve in India. Situated in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, the park was founded in 1965 to safeguard the critically endangered lions, and now it represents a remarkable symbol of effective conservation. The Gir Lion Reserve spans a total of 1412 sq km, with 258 sq km classified as the national park and the other 1153 sq km as the sanctuary.
The terrain of Gir Wildlife Reserve features a vibrant combination of dry deciduous forest, acacia scrub, grasslands, and rocky hills, offering a varied ecosystem for numerous species. In addition to Asiatic lions, the area is home to robust populations of leopards, hyenas, jackals, deer, crocodiles, and more than 300 bird species, making wildlife in Gir an exciting experience for nature lovers.
One can experience an exciting jungle safari in Gir, observing diverse wildlife while discovering its distinctive environment. Different types of safaris in Gir, such as jeep safaris, enable you to discover various safari zones, each providing an opportunity to encounter its inhabitants.
The flora of Gir national park is richly carpeted with diverse landscapes including dense deciduous forests, open scrublands, and grassy plateaus. The park includes deciduous forest, scrub, and savannah-like grasslands, creating a picturesque mix of natural flora. The park hosts over 400 recorded species of plant life. Approximately 50% of the forest consists of teak trees, while other significant tree species consist of khair, dhacdo, timru, amla, and babul. In regions without teak, one discovers umro, jambu, amli, simal, sami, and asundro, along with various other indigenous trees.
The continuous Hiran River, along with temporary streams such as Shetrunji and Machhundri, nourish the park's vibrant ecosystem. These water bodies support not just the wildlife but also provide nutrients to areas of evergreen vegetation by their shores. The variety of plants in the park offers habitat and nourishment for numerous species, making Gir Lion Reserve a perfect setting for effective wildlife conservation.
Gir Wildlife Reserve is widely recognized as the last natural habitat of the magnificent Asiatic lions, with the most recent census in 2020 noting 674 lions in the area. In addition to lions, the Gir Wildlife Safari experience provides an opportunity to see more than 2,500 types of wildlife, comprising 39 types of mammals, over 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles, and more than 2,000 species of insects. Notable carnivores consist of Indian leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears, jungle cats, golden jackals, Indian cobras, and rusty-spotted cats. The population of herbivores includes chital (spotted deer), nilgai (blue bull), sambar deer, four-horned antelope, wild boars, and sometimes blackbucks from adjacent grasslands.
Marsh crocodiles, Indian pythons, monitor lizards, and different tortoises and snakes exemplify reptilian species. Gir also hosts a diverse bird population featuring 6 vulture species, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, Indian eagle owl, rock bush quail, and Indian pitta. Initiated in 1977, the Indian Crocodile Conservation Project has contributed to the stabilization of marsh crocodile numbers, establishing Gir as one of India's prime locations for wildlife jungle safaris.
Winter (November to February)
This is the best time to visit Gir. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for wildlife jungle safari. Animals are more active during the day, and sightings of Asiatic lions and other wildlife are frequent. Birdwatching is also excellent during this season, with many migratory species visiting the Gir wildlife reserve.
Summer (March to mid-June)
Although temperatures can rise to 45°C, this period is ideal for spotting tigers and lions, as the animals frequently emerge into the open and congregate near waterholes. Safaris are gratifying, although rides in the early morning or late afternoon are favored. Pack lightweight cotton garments, sunscreen, and ample water if you are traveling to Gir during this time.
Park Closing Time (Monsoon) - Mid-June to Mid-October:
The park remains closed during the monsoon due to heavy rains and breeding season for the lions.
Exploring the Gir Wildlife Safari is the best way to experience the rich biodiversity and spot the majestic Asiatic lions. The park offers three safari types for visitors, each offering a unique wildlife experience:
Jeep Safari in Gir
The Jeep Safari is the most exciting and thrilling way to discover the Gir Lion Reserve, taking you deep into the forested areas. A trained guide and driver in a 6-seater open Gypsy enables you to view wildlife in its natural habitat. Jeep Safaris are perfect for observing lions, birdwatching, and taking photographs.
Mini Bus Safari (Devaliya Interpretation Zone)
Devaliya Safari Park is a fenced-off, smaller part of Gir called the Interpretation Zone, created for easier and guaranteed sightings of lions and other animals. Here, safaris are conducted in mini buses (closed body vehicles) that accommodate more visitors comfortably. These Mini bus Safaris are 20-seater open buses that follow designated routes in the Gir National Park.
Gir National Park consists of 13 designated safari routes, serving as the primary areas for wildlife exploration. These routes are part of the Gir Jungle Trail, the core safari adventure that immerses guests within the forest to observe the magnificent Asiatic lions and other wildlife in their native environment. Every pathway provides a distinct experience, traversing diverse regions of the park featuring assorted landscapes and plant life.
Safari routes in Gir are assigned randomly during the booking process to control visitor traffic and minimize environmental effects. Alongside the jungle trail, the park includes the Devaliya Safari Park (or Gir Interpretation Zone), a secured section that offers a faster and more dependable opportunity to see wildlife, particularly for visitors pressed for time. Collectively, these 13 paths along with the Devaliya Safari Park constitute the essential areas for Gir wildlife safari, providing abundant chances to discover the park's diverse flora and fauna. Generally, eight routes out of these 13 routes in Gir are active. The eight routes are allotted only during peak seasons like Diwali and Christmas.
Gir Jungle Safari Timings
The Gir Jungle Safari operates in three time slots daily, with variations based on the season:
Winter Season:
Summer Season:
Note: The park remains closed from 16th June to 15th October annually due to the monsoon season.
Devaliya Safari Park Timings
The Devaliya Safari Park, also known as the Gir Interpretation Zone, offers shorter safari experiences with higher chances of wildlife sightings. The timings are as follows:
Winter Season (16th October to 28th/29th February):
Summer Season (1st March to 15th June):
Note: Devaliya Safari Park is closed every Wednesday for maintenance.
There are so many accommodation options in and around the park that provide a range of lodging choices that cater to every type of traveler—from eco-resorts and woodland lodges to affordable guesthouses and moderate accommodations. The majority of lodgings are situated close to Sasan Gir village, which makes them perfect for convenient safari access. Within Gir National Park forest, limited but comfortable forest rest houses and eco-friendly lodges are maintained by the forest department. These offer a close-to-nature experience amidst the tranquil wilderness, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. To ensure a convenient travel experience, Tour My India offers carefully planned wildlife tour packages that include comfortable lodging, safari setups, and local trips, making your visit to Gir enjoyable and unforgettable. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, particularly during the peak wildlife season from December to March.
Gir National Park is not just about lions—it's a rich blend of wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. Along with thrilling safaris, visitors can explore sacred temples, serene dams, and unique conservation centers that make visiting Gir a wholesome and unforgettable experience. Given below some of the major attractions:
The nearest airport to Gir National Park is located in Diu, approximately 92 km away from the park. It offers a convenient entry point for travelers coming from western India. Another accessible airport is Rajkot, located about 160 km from the reserve. Both airports are well-connected to Mumbai and other major cities, with daily flights available. From these airports, tourists can hire taxis or board buses to reach Sasan Gir, the main entry point to the park.
The closest railway station is at Junagadh, which is well-linked to Ahmedabad and Rajkot by several trains. From Junagadh, Sasan Gir is just 65 km away and can be reached via local buses, taxis, or private vehicles. Alternatively, you can also take a train to Veraval, which is about 45 km from the park and offers similar connectivity to Sasan Gir.
Gir National Park is about 60 km from Junagadh, which serves as the most common base for travelers. The park is well-connected by road and lies approximately 360 km from Ahmedabad. State-run and private buses, as well as rental cars and taxis, frequently ply the route to Sasan Gir, the park's main hub. Sasan Gir also hosts a forest guest house maintained by the park authorities, conveniently located just opposite the local railway station.
A trip to Gir National Park can be perfectly complemented by exploring some of the best nearby destinations, each offering cultural richness, architectural wonders, spiritual depth, or coastal charm. These places to visit near Gir National Park are ideal for extending your itinerary and discovering more of Gujarat's treasures:
One of top tourist attractions near Gir, Somnath is a sacred pilgrimage location devoted to Lord Shiva, acknowledged as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The history of the temple is filled with stories of invasions and perseverance. Close by, explore the Prabhas Patan Museum to see historical sculptures and pieces of temples. Additional points of interest consist of Triveni Sangam, Sun Temple, Ahilyabai Temple, Bhalka Tirth where Krishna met his fate, and the cave temple of Baldev.
A holy city and one of the Char Dham Yatra sites, Dwarka is another must visit place near Gir National Park. It contains the renowned Dwarkadhish Temple devoted to Lord Krishna, the historic Rukmini Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, and Shankaracharya Math. The town's tranquil atmosphere and seaside charm make it a destination worth visiting.
A bustling fishing port and former princely state, Veraval is known for its traditional dhow-building yards, where large wooden boats are handcrafted. Once under the Nawabs of Junagadh, the town still preserves its historic gates and colonial structures, offering a glimpse into its maritime legacy.
Recognized as the textile town of Gujarat, Jetpur serves as a center for block and screen-printing studios, drawing in both art enthusiasts and shoppers. It’s a perfect location to discover lively local artistry and acquire keepsakes.
Situated on the fringes of Junagadh, Girnar ascends to 3,660 feet and is renowned for its historic Jain temples, with some originating from the 12th century. The journey to the peak, through various shrines and picturesque ridges, is both spiritually and visually fulfilling. It's among the most picturesque locations close to Gir National Park for spiritual and adventure travel.
For a relaxing break, head to Diu, a charming coastal town and Union Territory known for its Portuguese heritage. The highlights include the 16th-century Diu Fort, St. Paul's Church, Diu Museum, and serene beaches like Nagoa. Nature lovers can enjoy bird watching at the Diu creeks, home to flamingos, storks, and waders.
A historic city close to Gir, Junagadh features Mughal-era structures, Ashokan Rock Edicts, Buddhist caves, Mahabat Maqbara, and the remarkable Uparkot Fort. It is an excellent cultural enhancement to your wildlife plans, merging heritage tourism with scenic beauty.
Gir National Park is situated in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. The main entry point is Sasan Gir, which serves as the hub for safari tours and park activities.
The best time for jungle safari in Gir National Park is from December to March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. The park remains closed from June to mid-October during the monsoon season.
Gir is primarily known for its Asiatic Lions, not tigers. However, for lion sightings, all safari routes (13 in total) are well-distributed within the core area. Wildlife sightings, including leopards and deer, are fairly good across all routes, and the Gir Jungle Trail offers the most immersive experience.
No, private vehicles are not allowed inside Gir National Park. All visitors must use authorized forest department safari vehicles with registered guides and drivers for safety and conservation reasons.
Gir offers the following types of safaris:
Note: Elephant safaris are not offered in Gir National Park.
The safari timings of Gir National Park vary seasonally:
Safari slots may change slightly depending on daylight hours and weather conditions.
Each jeep safari ride lasts for approximately 3 hours. The Devaliya Safari (bus ride) is shorter and usually lasts 30-45 minutes, offering a quick glimpse of key wildlife species.
During your safari in Gir, you can spot the Asiatic Lion, leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, sambar deer, chinkara, nilgai, and four-horned antelope. The park is also home to 300+ bird species, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and various reptiles.
There are several accommodation options near Gir National Park, ranging from eco-resorts and forest lodges to budget hotels and luxury nature camps. For a more immersive experience, many lodges are located close to the forest boundary.
Yes, photography is allowed during the safari. Visitors are encouraged to carry cameras and capture the rich wildlife and scenic beauty of the park. However, using flash or disturbing the animals is strictly prohibited.
Yes, visitors must follow safety guidelines such as staying inside the vehicle at all times, not feeding or provoking animals, maintaining silence to avoid disturbing wildlife, and following instructions given by the safari guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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