Gir National Park: Home to the Asiatic Lion

Welcome to the only place in the world where one can spot the rare Asiatic lion in the wild. The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary offers overwhelming sights and incredible encounters with rare species, and makes for an exciting holiday that you will never forget!

Discovering Gir National Park

Once the hunting grounds of the Nawabs of Junagarh, Gir National Park was later converted into a protected area to safeguard its declining lion population. The area was established as a wildlife reserve in 1965.

In addition to the Asiatic Lion, one might also spot the sloth bear, wild boar, Indian leopard, striped hyena, spotted deer, chowsingha (the world’s only four horned antelope), and porcupine. The Kamleshwar dam reservoir in the sanctuary is home to a large population of marsh crocodiles as well. Gir National Park is also a paradise for bird watchers, with several endangered species such as Bonelli’s eagle, sarus crane, and white-backed and long-billed vultures.

Read more: 5 Most Fascinating Wildlife Luxury Resorts in India

Things to Do in Gir National Park

1. Explore the Forest in a Jeep Safari

Embark on an adventurous 3-hour journey with a professional guide, for an incredible encounter with the mighty Asiatic lion in its natural habitat. Sighting this majestic beast from an open-roof jeep is sure to be a thrilling experience of a lifetime.

Jeep Safari Booking:

There are two ways you can book a jeep safari:

• Book online through www.girnationalpark.in
  • Approximate cost for Indians: Rs.5,300 for up to 6 people
  • Approximate cost for foreigners: Rs.12,800 for upto 6 people

The price is inclusive of permit, guide charges, camera fees, service charges and pick-up & drop facility from your accommodation in Gir.

• Contact the hotel where you plan to stay for safari bookings and arrangements.

Safari Timings: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

2. Meet the Maldhari Tribal People

Besides the remarkable wildlife, Gir National Park is home to the Maldhari tribesmen and their settlements called ‘nesses’. This community of cattle-herders has coexisted with the Gir forest and its wild beasts since decades and has now become an integral part of the area. The Maldharis sustain themselves on forest produce and often lose their cattle to the forest’s predators, considering it an offering in exchange for residing on their land

Read more: Wildlife Sanctuaries in India that You Can Visit Even in the Monsoons

Places to Visit in and around Gir National Park

1. Kankai Mata Temple

Set in the middle of Gir National Park is a shrine dedicated to Kankai Mata, a goddess worshipped by several castes in India. This famous temple is a must visit for its holy character and wild setting. While here, one can hear the roar of the forest’s lions, and the calls of other animals gathering at the nearby lake.

2. Jamjir Waterfall

Stop by the picturesque Jamjir waterfall in the Jamvala village of Gir. This 12-meter high waterfall has two discrete levels and flows at a strong current into a pool. Enjoy great views and a refreshing dip here, but only if you know how to swim.

3. Gir Interpretation Zone, Devalia

Situated within the sanctuary, the Devaliya Safari Park offers a close experience of Gir forest in a nutshell. Open throughout the year, the 30-minute safari tour here is an opportunity to view the different habitats and wildlife of Gir in a fenced area.

Handy Tips

When to go:

The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is open to tourists from 16^th October to 15^th June every year. Owing to the cool weather, the chances of animal sightings are higher during this period.

How to Reach:

By Air: Keshod Airport is the closest airport located at a distance of 70 kms from Sasan Gir. One can also fly to Diu Airport, which is well connected to major Indian cities and is at a distance of 110 kms from Sasan Gir.

By Rail: There are several trains to Junagarh Railway Station and Veraval Railway Station, from where a taxi to Sasan Gir is easily available.

By Road: Gir National Park can be easily approached from a number of cities of Gujarat, thanks to regular buses and well-connected roads.

So grab those binoculars and high-speed cameras, and get set for an exciting holiday. 

Book Your Flight to Diu (nearest airport)

Book Your Gir Holiday Now!