Best Time: Jul-Mar Closed between 16 June - 15 October
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Ideal duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Dui
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"The land of Asiatic Lions"
Gir National Park Tourism
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only remaining home for the Asiatic Lions. Located in Talala Gir in Gujarat, the Sanctuary is a part of Kathiawar- Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion. Gir National Park is closed from 16 June to 15 October every year and the best time for wildlife spotting is April and May.
Gir provides you with the unique experience of visiting a place which almost singularly plays a crucial and defining role in the preservation and sustaining of a certain species. The preservation of these lions was initiated by the Nawab of Junagadh when these were just about to enter the phase of extinction due to hunting.
The official count said that there were 411 lions in 2010. Also, there are roughly different 2375 species of fauna here with 38 species of mammals, over 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and over 2000 species of insects. Other important wildlife forms found here are leopard, chausingha, spotted deer, hyena, sambar deer and chinkara.
Each safari at Gir (Gir Jugle Trail) would last for 3 hours covering a range of sections throughout the forest. Alongside a jeep and a guide, travellers could also take upfront pictures of the majestic Asiatic lions here. However, visitors would have to obtain permission from the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge Office, which would be furthered by Gir Park itself.
Each safari slot requires at least 5 visitors. A typical safari would traverse through 300 lion species, 200 bird types, 30 different mammals and 24 kinds of reptiles.
Cost A single jeep safari would cost INR 5300 for six adults and a child. However, the same package would cost about INR 13800 for foreign visitors.
Winter Timings (16th Oct - 28th/29th Feb) Morning - 6:45 AM - 9:45 AM Evening - 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Summer Timings (1st Mar - 15th June) Morning - 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM Evening - 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The Gir Jungle Trail has an annual shutdown between 16th June and 15th October.
Devalia Safari Park
The Devalia Safari Park is also known as the Gir Interpretation Zone and was established to reduce the excess of tourists at the Gir National Park. It is an eco-tourism zone, known as ‘Gir in a nutshell’, which houses all the wildlife and habitats of Gir within its boundaries.
Prominent species that can be spotted here include - Blue Bull, Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Sambhar and Peafowl. The Savana habitat is also a popular attraction here. A tour of Devalia is cheaper, quicker and allows tourists to view the animals in their natural habitat.
Morning Timings Bus - 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM Gypsy - One hour ride slots between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Evening Timings Bus - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Gypsy - One hour ride slots between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Indian Travellers (Per Head) Weekdays: Bus Permit - INR 150 Gypsy Permit - INR 800 (for a max. of 6 people) + INR 100 (for each extra child)
Weekend/Holidays: Bus Permit - INR 190 Gypsy Permit - INR 1000 (for a max. of 6 people) + INR 125 (for each extra child)
Foreign Travellers (Per Head) Weekdays: Bus Permit - INR 2800 Gypsy Permit - INR 5600 (for a max. of 6 people) + INR 1400 (for each extra child)
Weekend/Holidays: Bus Permit - INR 3500 Gypsy Permit - INR 7000 (for a max. of 6 people) + INR 1750 (for each extra child)
Note The Gypsy Permit charge does not include the Guide and Gypsy charges, which is INR 400 and INR 1500 respectively. This must be paid individually to the guides and the gypsy owners.
Biodiversity of Gir
The dry deciduous forests of Gir are believed to house over 500 species of flora, with teak trees being the most populous. Other prominent species include jamun, babul and the flame of the forest. Casuarinas and Prosopis were planted along the coastal borders of Gir for under the afforestation program.
Gir is synonyms to the royal Asiatic lions that draws in the wildlife enthusiasts from all around the globe. The national park is the last abode of the endangered species of Asiatic lions that are the pride of India.
With the population of about 500 lions and 400 leopards in its premises, Gir is one of the biggest habitats of the wild cats and also a haven for the wildlife lovers. Apart from the leopards and lions, the national park also houses the various variety of species such as Deer, Sambhar, Cheetal, antelopes, blue bull, jackal, hyena and hare among the other species of fauna.
Water Reserve
The Gir region has seven major rivers, and 4 reservoirs at 4 dams - one each on the Hiran, Machhundri, Raval and Shingoda rivers. The biggest reservoir is the Kamleshwar Dam, which is called as the lifeline of Gir. Droughts and water scarcity are a major challenge in the region, especially during peak summers.
Attractions in Gir National Park
Apart from the famous Gir jungle trail at the national park, Gir has many other attractions to offer to tourists. The Kamleshwar dam, which is the largest dam in Gir, is one such attraction, and it is often referred to as the ‘lifeline of Gir’. It is built over the Hiran river. The beautiful Tulsi Shyam temple located within the national park is also a must-visit. The crocodile breeding farm, located near the Sasan Gir reserve, is also a popular tourist destination.
Restaurants and Local Food in Gir National Park
Gir has a number of resorts and lodges that serve food across various cuisines. These ensure that you won't run out of options for food while on your trip through adventure and excitement. Since it's a part of Gujarat, you might find local and elaborate Gujarati cuisine being served here. Typically vegetarian, Gujarati Thali would consist of Roti, Dal or Kadhi, Rice and Vegetable Curries. Gujarat is a dry state, so you wouldn't find any alcohol here. View Top Restaurants in Gir National Park
Suggested Itinerary for Gir National Park
Day 1 - Arrive at Keshod airport or Junagadh railway station. Transfer to resort in the Gir National park. Check-in at the hotel.
Spend the rest of the day at the resort.
Day 2 - Leave for wildlife excursion in the National park. Enjoy the wildlife safari.
In the evening enjoy the bird watching.
Back to the resort.
Dinner at the resort. Overnight stay at the resort with a bonfire and other cultural programmes.
Gir is one of the biggest habitats for the lions and leopards. A great place for the wildlife safari.
What is not so good about Gir national park?
Does not have its own airport, railway station, and bus station so difficult to reach.
Who should visit Gir national park?
Perfect place for wildlife lovers and photographers.
What is the best time to visit Gir national park?
The best time to visit Gir National Park is during the winter season between December and March. It is during this period that the weather in Gir is pleasant and cool. The protected area of Gir National Park closes every year from 16th June to 15th October. Home to the majestic Asiatic Lions, Gir National Park is a place that is on the list of every animal lover and wildlife photographer. You will be able to easily explore this dense place during this time of year and also spot a plethora of other animals and birds. A safari in this national park during the winter season will be a delightful experience as each, and every nook and cranny is open to visit and explore. Read More
What is the local food in Gir national park?
Gir has a number of resorts and lodges that serve food across various cuisines. These ensure that you won't run out of options for food while on your trip through adventure and excitement. Since it's a part of Gujarat, you might find local and elaborate Gujarati cuisine being served here. Typically vegetarian, Gujarati Thali would consist of Roti, Dal or Kadhi, Rice and Vegetable Curries. Gujarat is a dry state, so you wouldn't find any alcohol here. Read More
What is the best way to reach Gir national park?
Junagadh is the most popular base camp for visiting Gir - 60 km away. Junagadh is the closest and most well-connected railway station. You can take a cab from there. Read More
What are the places near Gir national park?
The top places near to Gir national park are Diu which is 50 km from Gir national park, Somnath which is located 49 km from Gir national park, Girnar which is located 49 km from Gir national park, Junagadh which is located 55 km from Gir national park, Porbandar which is located 133 km from Gir national park
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Ask a question from the travellers who have experience.
Q. I'm a bird watching enthusiast. Is Gir a good option for me that way?
Kaveesh Nair 2 years ago
The park checklist has 250 birds and about 50 other species (including the endangered lesser florican and the saras crane) recorded in the grasslands along the periphery of the sanctuary. Many species like the painted sandgrouse, grey francolin, quails, Asian paradise flycatcher, black-naped monarch, white-browed fantail, Asian brown flycatcher, grey-headed flycatcher, verditer flycatcher, tickell's blue flycatcher, greenish warbler, white-eye, coppersmith barbet, common and marshal's iora, rufous treepie, yellow-footed green pigeon have been spotted by our guests around the lodge itself.
