Gir

About Gir — Last Home of Asiatic Lions

Gir is the only place on Earth (outside Africa) where you can see lions in the wild. The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) — once spread across Iran, Turkey and the Middle East — survives in this single 1,412 sq km dry deciduous forest in Gujarat, with a population of ~700 lions (2020 census). A Gir safari is one of India’s most exclusive wildlife experiences — the Asiatic lion is rarer than the Bengal tiger, and the sightings here are among the most reliable in the world. Add the Devalia Safari Park (a fenced 412-hectare zone with guaranteed sightings), the Maldhari tribal communities still living inside the park, and the easy combination with Somnath Temple — and Gir becomes a 2-day must for any wildlife-lover’s India trip.

Best Time to Visit

• December – March — perfect (10–28 °C). Best for safaris.
• October – November — pleasant; park reopens after monsoon
• April – June — extremely hot (40 °C+) but highest sighting probability as lions stay near waterholes
• 16 June – 15 October — park is closed (monsoon)

Lion Safari

Sasan Gir Main Sanctuary

The protected core area — jeep safari only:

• 3 routes (varies by booking) covering different parts of the sanctuary
• 2 safaris per day — morning (sunrise) and afternoon
• 3 hours per safari
• 30 jeeps per slot — book 60+ days ahead online
• Cost: jeep ₹4,000–6,500 (6 seats) + permit ₹500–1,000
• Foreigners pay 3x

Devalia Safari Park (Interpretation Zone)

A fenced 412-hectare reserve with guaranteed lion sightings — for those who can’t do the main safari or want a backup. Bus or vehicle tours every 1 hour. Open year-round (including monsoon when main park is closed).

Sasan Gir Lion Breeding Centre

Within the sanctuary — controlled breeding programme. Visit complements the safari.

Top Attractions Beyond Lions

Maldhari Villages

The Maldhari pastoral community still lives inside Gir — coexisting with lions for centuries. Their conical mud-and-straw houses (called “ness”) and the daily routine of grazing buffaloes is a unique cultural experience. Some villages can be visited with permit.

Crocodile Breeding Centre, Kamleshwar Dam

Marsh crocodile (mugger) breeding centre 12 km from Sasan. Visit before/after a safari.

Somnath Temple (60 km)

One of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas — built and rebuilt 17 times after repeated invasions, finally restored 1947. Stunning seafront temple, magnificent Sound & Light Show. Combine with Gir.

Diu (90 km)

Former Portuguese colony (now UT). Beaches, fort, churches. Lovely 2-day extension.

Junagadh Fort & Girnar Hill (50 km)

Junagadh — historic city with Uparkot Fort, Asoka Edicts (260 BC), Mahabat Maqbara. Girnar Hill (1,031 m) — sacred Jain pilgrimage with 9,999 steps to the top, 22 temples.

Sasan Eco Sensitive Zone

Buffer area outside the main sanctuary — leopards, hyenas, sambar deer. Dawn drives possible.

Things to Do

• 3+ jeep safaris in main sanctuary (highly recommended for sighting odds)
• Devalia Safari (guaranteed sightings, especially monsoon backup)
• Maldhari village visit
• Crocodile breeding centre
• Day trip to Somnath Temple + Triveni Sangam
• Day trip to Junagadh + Girnar (energetic trekkers)
• Bird-watching at Kamleshwar Dam
• Photography workshop with wildlife photographer
• Stay at The Fern Gir Forest Resort, Anil Farm House, or Maneland Jungle Lodge

Local Food

• Most travellers eat at their resort — Kathiyawadi-Gujarati cuisine
• Gujarati Thali at Hotel Mehfil (Sasan), resort buffets
• Kathiyawadi specialty: Sev Tameta, Lasaniya Bateta, Bajra Rotla with white butter
• Strict vegetarian — Gujarat is alcohol-free statewide (tourist permit available)
• Best resorts for food: The Fern Gir, Lions Den, Maneland

How to Reach

By Air

Closest airports: Keshod (KCT) — 90 km / 2 hr (very limited flights). Rajkot (RAJ) — 160 km / 3 hr (better connectivity). Most travellers fly to Ahmedabad (AMD) 350 km / 7 hr drive.

By Rail

Closest stations: Junagadh (JND) 50 km, Veraval (VRL) 40 km. Some direct trains from Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

By Road

Ahmedabad 350 km (7 hr), Diu 90 km (2.5 hr), Rajkot 160 km (3 hr), Somnath 60 km (1.5 hr).

Travel Tips

• 2 nights minimum — to fit 3 morning + 2 afternoon safaris
• Book safaris 60+ days ahead via the official Gujarat Forest portal — they sell out for peak weekends
• Wear forest colours — khaki, olive, brown
• Carry binoculars and a 200mm+ zoom lens
• Mosquito repellent essential
• Stay close to Sasan (the entry gate) — saves 30 min on dawn pickup
• Combine with Somnath + Junagadh for a 4-day Saurashtra trip
• Or extend to Diu (90 km) for beach time
• Devalia is a guaranteed-lion backup; only 30 min ride
• Park is closed June 16 – October 15 — Devalia stays open

Want to spot the rarest lions on Earth? Use the booking card or message Prithvi on WhatsApp — we’ll book your Gir lion safaris 60+ days ahead, arrange a luxury jungle resort, and add Somnath + Diu for a 5-day Saurashtra circuit.