Gir Jungle Safari ( 3 Hours ) runs till 15th June & re-opens from 16th Oct every year. Devalia Park Safari ( 55 Minutes ) runs round the year, remains off every wednesday.

gir national park banner
gir national park banner

Welcome to Sasan Gir National Park

Gir National Park is the only place in the world outside Africa where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The lions of Gir are a majestic animal, averaging 2.75 metres in length, and with a bigger tail tassle, bushier elbow tufs and prominent belly folds than his African cousin which has larger mane. Gir is a home to 40 species of mammals and 425 species of birds.

We all know, Gir is the only natural habitat of world popular Asiatic Lions. Where our tailor made Gir Wild Life Tour Package gives you an unparalleled opportunity to watch those rare Asiatic Lions coupled with thousands of other elusive wild animals and hard-to-find birds like uncommon Asiatic wild ass, hyenas, Gir foxes, pygmy woodpecker, brown fish owl and black buck etc, it will make sure that you receive the highest standards of luxury, comfort and travel. Additionally, all this is available at very competitive rates.

 

Gir Forest Booking

The Sasan Gir National Park is an esteemed wildlife destination in India which has attained an immense popularity among vivid travelers, wildlife lovers, photographers, nature enthusiasts, researchers and hunters. Being the only destination to spot the Asiatic Lions in India, it keeps on attracting large number of travelers from several parts of the world and

Under the guidance of our expert guides you will have surely a life time experience or everyone looking to fulfill their wildlife fantasies across one of most renowned wildlife sanctuary of India, we offer Gir Wild Life Tour Package.

Gir National Park : The Majestic Home Of The Royal King :

Besides Africa, Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in the world where you can spot lions roaming free in the wild. The real discovery channel of India is situated approximately 65 Kms South East of Junagarh District. The Government notified the large geographical extent of Sasan Gir as wildlife sanctuary on 18th September, 1965 in order to conserve the Asiatic Lion. It covers total area of 1412 square kilometers of which 258 Km forms the core area of the National Park. Indiscriminate hunting by the people of Junagarh led to their decrease in population drastically, while they were completely wiped out from the other parts of Asia. It was the kind effort of Nawabs of Junagarh who protected the queen royalty in his own private hunting grounds. Later in due course of time Department of Forest Officials came forward to protect the world’s most threatened species. From a population of approximately 20 lions in 1913, they have risen to a comfortable 523 according to 2015 census. There are 106 male, 201 female and 213 sub-adult lions in the wilderness of these four districts.

Subtle Glimpses Of Major Attractions At Sasan Gir :

gir lions

Animals

The entire forest area of the Gir National Park is dry and deciduous which provides best habitat for Asiatic Lions. As per the new statics of 2015, the entire Saurashtra Region is inhabited by 523 Lions and more than 300 Leopards. Apart from these two animals the park is a home to two different species of Deer. The Sambar is counted largest Indian Deer. The Gir forest is also known for the Chowsingha – the world’s only four horned antelope. The Jackal, striped Hyena and India Fox are some of the smaller carnivores found in Gir Forest.

gir birds

Birds

The exotic flora of Gir National Park gives shelter to more than 425 species of birds and moreover the sanctuary has been declared an important bird area by the Indian Bird Conservation Network. Gir is also habitat of raptors like critically endangered white-backed and long-billed vulture, the Egyptian Vulture, the vulnerable Greater spotted Eagle and the endangered Palla’s Fish Eagle. The crested Serpent Eagle, the Changeable Hawk Eagle and other Birds of prey breed in the forests of Gir. Birds usually can be spotted while driving around Gir are the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, the Red-breasted Flycatcher, the Fantail etc.

gir reptiles

Reptiles

Sasan Gir is blessed with more than 40 species of reptiles and amphibians. Kamleshwar – a large reservoir in the sanctuary is the best spot where Marsh Crocodile can be seen in large numbers. Park has even many species of snake including King Kobra, the Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper and the Krait. The star tortoise and freshwater turtles could also be seen in the sanctuary. It also has a large population of marsh crocodiles and other reptiles which include star tortoise, soft-shelled turtle, monitor lizards and the Indian rock pythons. The crocodile hatchery at Sasan Gir National Park is also an interesting place to see.

gir bakula region

Bakula Region

One of the ancient forts in India, the Ranthambore Fort is declared as the UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical significance. The fort is located inside the Ranthambore National Park, at the distance of 13 km from the Sawai Madhopur railway station. This heritage fort is said to be built in 944 AD and has witnessed the long history of Rajasthan. The epitome of valor and pride of the Rajput rulers of the various Kingdoms, the Ranthambore Fort was the strategic fort and thus captured by various rulers. At the time of the Independence of India and the abolition of the imperial era, the fort was under the Maharaja of Jaipur and the Ranthambore.

devalia safari zone

Gir Interpretation Zone, Devaliya

Devaliya Safari Park is enclosed area of the Sanctuary that offers a good opportunity for visitors to experience a rustic beauty and wilderness of the area. The safari tour is conducted in a mini bus that takes visitors to another cross section of the Gir. Travellers can watch here a good variety of wildlife in just 20 to 30 minutes tour including Asiatic Lion. In order to reduce human interference in the main area of Gir National Park, and facilitate tourists to better understand the importance of Gir and its varied wildlife, an interpretation zone has been developed at Devalia.

Top Things to do in Gir

gir jungle trail

Gir Jungle Trail Safari

Fascination is full-on in terms of keeping your wilderness alive. Gir Jungle Trail Safari is the right choice for pampering your soul with its wilderness.

devalia safari

Devalia Safari Park

Come across a green lavish feel where unlimited impeccability for the visitors out here defines wilderness in reality. Get along with Asiatic lions as the place has a lot to offer.

kankai temple safari

Kankai Safari Gir

Gir Kankai Temple Safari is most convenient for all the tourists out here. Make your trip class apart from common and opt for the Kankai Safari.

gir bird watching tour

Birds Watching

A birding sensation in the natural setting is a thrilling experience that is nothing less than divine. Greet with gracious birds species to nurture.

Hotels & Resort in Gir National Park

Good standard hotels and resorts in the surrounding area of any wildlife sanctuary play an important role in the promotion of tourism in the state. In the last couple of years many new hotels and reosrts have been established for this specific purpose. The Gir hotels are amazing in some way, whether it is architectural design or natural setting. These beautiful properties are all equipped with modern luxury and amenities that is much-needed during tourist’s vacation. However, our extensive web portal enriched with variety of good resorts provides a number of these Budget hotels in Gir. We ensure obstacle free booking procedure to Gir Hotels. So once come and get lost in the serene ambiance of the Gir Forest.

wood at sasan resort gir

Woods At Sasan Resort

the gateway hotel gir

The Gateway Hotel

gir birding lodge

Gir Birding Lodge

gir amidhara resort

Amidhara Resort

Geographical Details About Gir National Park

gir map
  • 1. Total Forest Area - 1412 sq. km
  • 2. Core Area - 258 sq. km
  • 3. Establishment Year - 1965
  • 4. Type of Forest - Dry deciduous forest
  • 5. River – Shingada, Godavari, Datardi, Raval, Shetrunji, Hiran, Machhundri
  • 6. Hills – Gir Range – Girnar Hills
  • 7. Temperature - highest of 39 degree Celsius in summer, and lowest of 28 degree Celsius in winter
  • 8. Annual Rain Fall - 824 mm

Road Distance from Gir to following Cities

  • 1. Distance from Ahmedabad - 410 km
  • 2. Distance from Rajkot - 160 km
  • 3. Distance from Junagadh - 55 km
  • 4. Distance from Veraval - 45 km
  • 5. Distance from Somnath - 50 km
  • 6. Distance from Keshod - 45 km
  • 7. Distance from Diu - 110 km
  • 8. Distance from Porbandar – 190 km
  • 9. Distance from Surat – 537 Km
  • 10. Distance from Statue of Unity: 468 km
  • 11. Nearest Airport 01- Rajkot Airport
  • 12. Nearest Airport 02 – Keshod Airport
  • 13. Nearest Airport 03 – Porbandar Airport

How To Reach Gir National Park Gir

National Park attracts large number of tourists to witness the Asiatic lion, as this is the sole place all across the world where these creatures are presently found. Once extinct, numbers have been recovered owing to the conservation efforts. The Sanctuary is open for tourism from 16th October to 15th June every year.

Junagadh is perhaps the best approach to the park. The railway station in Junagadh receives trains from different cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot and other major cities. Then, from here it takes approximately one and half hour to reach Sasan Gir National Park.

From Rajkot-On reaching Rajkot Railway Station or Airport you can take a cab or bus and to reach a Limda chowk. There are a number of privately operated that go to Junagadh at frequent intervals. Junagadh is nearly 105 Kms from the city Rajkot and it takes nearly 2 and a half to 3 hours to cover the distance.From this point you have two options. First one is either you take a bus from gate number 11or 12 to Sasan Gir or travel by taxi that is accessible bang opposite the taxi stand. The taxi will take nearly one and half an hour and will charge reasonably and will drop you to Sasan Gir.

From Somnath to Gir National Park : Road Distance or the driving distance from the Gir National Park to Somnath is approximately 50 Kms and it takes nearly 1 hour to cover this distance. GSRTC buses and quite a few private buses ply between both the cities and take you directly to Sasan Gir Forest.

Nearby places or cities

Frequently Asked Questions

We all know, Gir is the only natural habitat of world popular Asiatic Lions. Where our tailor made Gir Wild Life Tour Package gives you an unparalleled opportunity to watch those rare Asiatic Lions coupled with thousands of other elusive wild animals and hard-to-find birds like uncommon Asiatic wild ass, hyenas, Gir foxes, pygmy woodpecker, brown fish owl and black buck etc.

The protected area of Gir National Park is closed from 16th June to 15th October every year. It is the period when the southwest monsoon arrives. Literally, December to March is the climatically the best season to visit the park. Though, April and May are very hot but considered the best months for wildlife viewing and photography.

In August 2017, surveyors counted 650 wild lions. In June 2020, an estimation exercise counted 674 Asiatic lions in the Gir forest region, an increase of 29% over the 2015 census figure.

Though the Gir forest is best known for the Asiatic lion, there are so many other animals and birds here. In addition to lions, we also spotted jackals, crocodiles, eagles, owls and many others. Most tourists ask their safaris jeeps to race around the park in search of lions, but it is best to go slow and enjoy the forest. Also, you need to be patient and do multiple trips into the sanctuary.

Keshod Airport is the nearest airport from Gir National Park, located at a distance of 38 km from the park. Gir National Park is very well-connected by bus to the nearby cities, railway stations and airports. Junagarh is the easiest point for connecting to the national park.

Junagadh and Veraval railway stations are the nearest railway station from the Gir national park, located at around the same distance from the park. Both the railway stations are on the main railway line of the state and connected to all the major locations of the country by direct trains.

This a huge forest, but few few lions (about 411). Other than lions there are other animals as well - deer, peacock etc. There are 3 Safaris - 6am, 9am and 3pm.

Rajkot Airport is the closest airport to Gir Forest National Park, located about 167.2 km away. The second closest airport is at Bhavnagar, around 193.4 km away. One can fly to either of the airports and avail a cab, bus or a private vehicle for the further journey. Ahmedabad is approximately 6 hours away.

If you Dont have time and want to see Lions for sure, then you should visit Devalia. In case you are spending two days there, then definitely visit Gir Forest to be able to enjoy the forest. Next day you can visit Devalia if you miss lion in the forest.

Some private vehicles that run in petrol are allowed inside the Gir National Park. But you must take a driver and a guide.

If you want to explore Gir National Park at least three days are needed to explore Gir National Park. Your Safari will be done in a day but if you want to explore the sights in comfort, three days will be needed.

Dwarka is over hyped and Somnath is much better place as temple is very well maintained and landscaping and gardening is to another level. Somnath has to be evening visit around 5 PM you should be done with darshan to enjoy beach view garden from temple premise only.

News & Blog
The Sasan Gir National Park is an esteemed wildlife destination in India which has attained an immense popularity among vivid travelers, wildlife lovers, photographers, nature enthusiasts, researchers and hunters. Being the only destination to spot the Asiatic Lions in India, it keeps on attracting large number of travelers from several parts of the world and country. Here in our stupendous Gir news and blog section we keep updated with latest happening in and around the Gir National Park.

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