Tourists, especially wildlife enthusiasts, flock to Gir National Park ot get a glimpse of Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. Gir National Park is the only place in India where this vulnerable species is protected. Once almost on the verge of extinction and listed as critically endangered in 2000, the population of Asiatic lions have recovered well in the last few years due to great conservation efforts. The national park’s core zone, which sprawls over almost 260 sq. km, was crowned with the status of national park in 1975. However, this wildlife sanctuary was set up much earlier in the 19th century.
As per the current census conducted in 2020, the number of Asiatic Lions in Gir and the surrounding area increased by 29 per cent since 2015, which is a great ray of hope and gave a boost to the conservation effort. The total lion population was recorded at 674. Its favourable geographical features, like hilly terrain, make it a suitable habitat for wildlife species such as leopards, jackals, antelope and deer. Gir is an abode of crocodiles, and over 300 species of resident birds as well.
Location of Gir National Park
Gir National Park is located 65 km southeast of Junagarh district in Gujarat. It is only 40 kms form Veraval. The main entry to the park is located at Sasan Gir Village; this is where the park orientation centre and reception (Singh Sadan Guest House) is located.
The nearest railhead is at Junagarh, and this is the most preferred entry point to the national park. It receives trains from Ahmedabad and Rajkot, and major cities interstate. Reaching Sasan Gir by road is about one and a half hours. Veraval is one hour away. Taxi as well as public buses run regularly to Sasan Gir from both places during the day.
Alternatively, you may take a private bus to Sasan Gir from Ahmedabad, as it drops you right next to the Sinh Sadan guesthouse and reception centre. Therefore, it is more convenient than the train. The journey takes around seven hours.
Best Time to Visit Gir
Gir National Park is open for visitors from mid October until mid-June. Safari is for 3 hours; they start at 6:30 a.m., 9.00 a.m., and 3 p.m. The Devalia Interpretation Zone Safari Park is open throughout the year, from Thursday to Tuesday (Wednesday closed). The timings are - 8.00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and 3.00 p.m. until sunset (around 5 p.m.).
Entry Protocols & Online Booking of Safaris
Tourists coming to Gir must obtain an e-permit, which grants access to visit Gir National Park, for the Gir Jungle Trail. The permit is issued per jeep vehicle, with up to six occupants.
Permits for both Gir National Park (Gir Jungle Safari) and Gir Interpretation Zone (Devalia Safari Park) can be obtained online here. The advance bookings can be made up to three months in advance, and the latest is 48 hours beforehand. Only 30 vehicles are allowed in the national park at a time, so permits for the Gir Jungle Trail are limited.
Please note that all permits for the Gir Jungle Safari must be obtained online well in advance, not at a booking counter, as you may be disappointed here.
