President Droupadi Murmu will visit Gir National Park in Sasan, Gujarat, on October 10 and 11, 2025. For the first time in the park’s history, the forest department has decided to open the safari earlier than usual to accommodate her visit. Normally, Gir remains closed from June 15 to October 15 every year during the monsoon season. This break allows the forest to recover and ensures the safety of visitors. However, this year the park will reopen on October 9, a week earlier than scheduled. Officials clarified that this change is a one-time decision made specially for the President’s tour. During her two-day stay, President Murmu is expected to take a safari through the forest and experience its lush post-monsoon landscape. Her visit marks the fourth time a serving President of India has toured Gir.
The first presidential visit was by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the 1950s, who was accompanied by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. That visit came at a time when the lion population was in danger, leading to important conservation steps that helped restore balance in the region. Later, Presidents Pratibha Patil and Ram Nath Kovind also visited Gir with their families, continuing the tradition of India’s Heads of State visiting the sanctuary. President Murmu’s visit will further this legacy, highlighting Gir’s significance as both a natural treasure and a part of India’s national heritage. Local authorities, forest officials, and security teams are preparing for her arrival with special attention to visitor facilities, safari arrangements, and safety measures. Officials assured that once the President’s visit concludes, the park will follow the revised schedule for other visitors.
With this visit, the tourist season for 2025–26 will officially begin at Gir National Park. The early reopening has brought excitement among nature lovers and travelers who were waiting eagerly for the safari season to resume. During the four-month closure, only the Devaliya Interpretation Zone remained open for limited visits. Now, the main zone of Gir National Park will reopen completely, welcoming tourists once again.
For those planning to experience the famous Gir lion safari, it is advised to complete the Gir online booking in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience. The online booking system makes it easy for visitors to secure their safari slots ahead of time, especially during the busy opening weeks.
Steps for Gir Online Booking:
1. Visit any website of an authorised tour operator and begin the process from their online booking portal page.
2. Click on the “Gir safari booking” section.
3. Select your desired safari date, zone, and time slot.
4. Enter visitor details, including name, age, and ID proof information.
5. Upload the required identification documents (Aadhaar, Passport, or Driving License).
6. Make the payment securely through the online payment gateway.
7. Once confirmed, download and print the permit for entry.
It is recommended to carry the same ID used during booking at the time of entry. Tourists should also arrive at the reporting center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled safari to complete necessary formalities.
The reopening of Gir marks a significant moment not just for the park but also for Gujarat’s tourism sector. The forest, now refreshed after the monsoon, is expected to attract thousands of visitors in the coming weeks. With President Murmu’s visit setting the tone for the season, Gir National Park is ready once again to welcome travelers from across India and around the world.
