About Gir National Park
Gir National Park and wildlife sanctuary is situated in Gujarat, Western India. It was established to protect Asiatic lions along with leopards and antelopes, form the fully protected area of 1,412 km2. Gir National Park consists of a mixed deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen trees, scrub jungle, large patches of grasslands and rocky hills. It is the largest dry deciduous forest in Western India.
Its region is the sole home of the Asiatic Lion in the wilderness. As per 2017 census, there are 650 Asiatic lion individuals in the region. In tune with the objectives of Wildlife Conservation, tourism is allowed on a limited and regulated basis near Sasan-Gir. It is home to the highest concentration of top carnivores - lions and leopards, and also has the single largest population of marsh crocodiles in the country.
Climate in Gir varies round the year. The temperature plummets to about 10°C in winter and rises to a scorching 43°C in summer. Besides summer and winter, Gir enjoys a tropical monsoon climate.
Main tourist attractions in The Gir National park are “Gir Jungle Trail” and “Gir Interpretation Zone (Devaliya Safari)”. Apart from these, there are other attractions in this beautiful forest like Kankai Mata Temple adventurous Jungle Ride, Crocodile Breeding Centre, Bird Watching and Sasan Gir Museum, etc.
Gir Jungle Trail (also called Jeep Safari / Gir Safari) is the open Jeep ride of 3 hours inside the deep forest.
Forest department issue limited permit for Gir Jungle Trail. From this website, “Gir Jungle Trail Package” can be booked as much as 4 to 5 Months in advance. Bookings are availed on first come first serve basis till Permits are available from Forest department.
"Reporting point for the boarding of safari is “Sinh Sadan” in Sasan Gir Village. Pick up / Drop from your preferred accommodation in Sasan Gir is provided if you opt for it while booking on extra charges."
Forest department has developed 13 routes to explore the Gir forest by the means of jeep safari. Route is assigned to each Jeep randomly by officer on duty.
There are three time slots, each of 3 hrs, for safari. You are accompanied by Driver and Guide approved by The Forest Department during your ride.
| Days | All days of Week (except from 16 June to 15 October every year) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Safari Timing (3 Hrs) | 6:45 am to 9:45 am | 8:30 am to 11:30 am | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm |
| Reporting Time | 6:15 am | 8:00 am | 2:30 pm |
On the spot booking of Gir Jungle Trail is not available. So it is mandatory to secure booking in advance in order to avoid last moment disappointment.
Gir Interpretation Zone is also known as Devalia Safari Park. It is established by tourism department to reduce overload of tourists to Gir Jungle Trail. This Interpretation Zone comprises of 412 HA chain link fenced area which is regarded as ‘Gir in a nutshell’ covering all habitat types and wildlife of Gir. The basic aim of creating this facility is to provide an opportunity of viewing lions and other animals in their natural habitat within a short period of time at cheaper rates. There are animals like Asiatic lions, Leopards, Blue Bull, Sambhar, Chital, Jackal, Black buck, Wild Boar etc.
Permit for Devaliya safari park is available for booking in advance as well as on the spot. It is recommended to book permit in advance to avoid any inconvenience and disappointment.
| Days | Monday to Sunday (EXCEPT WEDNESDAY) | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing of Jeep Safari (At interval of every 1 Hour) | 7 am to 10 am | 3 pm to 5 pm |
| Timing of Bus Safari (At interval of every 30 Min) | 7:30 am to 10:30 am | 3 pm to 4:30 pm |
PARK REMAINS CLOSED EVERY WEDNESDAY. If visitor do not report before scheduled reporting time, the permit becomes invalid and fresh permit need to be obtained with fees, if available.
Rate of the package varies depending upon days of the week and nationality.
Forest department reserve the right to cancel the permit under unavoidable circumstances.
Kankai Mata Temple is famous pilgrimage situated in the heart of the Gir National Park and the must visit place. One can have the opportunity to have an adventurous ride in the jungle. Also one can have chance to see all the animal and birds of the jungle while drive to the temple.
The ride is done in the SUVs having capacity of accommodating maximum 6 persons in one car. It’s a long drive in the jungle accompanied by skilled driver cum guide. To book this package, please contact us.
The Crocodile breeding Center in Sasan Gir is one of the tourist attractions where one can see adult and baby crocodiles. Have your camera ready as the crocodiles are highly elusive when humans approach. Normally 2 hrs is the optimum required time to visit this place. There is no charge for the entry. The breeding Centre is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm. One should be careful of coming near to water bodies here, as the crocodiles when in water look like floating logs from a distance, so it is always good to keep a safe distance while watching these majestic reptiles.
Gir National Park is the treasure for Bird lovers also. There are around 300 species of birds in this striking wilderness. In the guidance with highly professional bird guides and experts, each tourist gets an amazing experience to observe the nature closely.
