Gir National Park – Complete Safari Information
Everything you need to know about visiting Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, Sasan Gir, Gujarat – brought to you by Sasan Gir Tourism
About Gir National Park
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (popularly known as Sasan Gir) is located in the Gir Somnath, Junagadh, and Amreli districts of Gujarat, India. It covers a total area of 1,412 sq km, of which the National Park core zone covers 258.71 sq km.
Gir is the sole natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) anywhere in the world outside Africa. The 2020 census counted 674 lions in Gujarat, with populations also spreading to Girnar, Mitiyala, and coastal areas of Saurashtra.
The sanctuary supports a rich ecosystem with 38 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles, and over 300 species of birds. The Hiran, Shetrunji, Datardi, Shingoda, and Machhundri rivers flow through the sanctuary, sustaining this remarkable biodiversity.
Safari Zones & Types
Gir Gypsy Jungle Safari
The main jungle safari in the natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion. Routes are across 13 designated trails. Duration: 3 hours per shift. A licensed guide is mandatory. Safari available Oct 16 – Jun 15 only.
Booking: Contact Sasan Gir Tourism
Devalia Park – Gypsy Safari
Private gypsy safari inside Devalia interpretation zone, 12 km from Sasan Gir. Near-guaranteed lion sightings. Duration: 45 min – 1 hr. Available Oct 16 – Jun 15.
Booking: Contact Sasan Gir Tourism
Devalia Park – Bus Safari
Budget-friendly shared bus safari inside Devalia interpretation zone. Guided wildlife commentary. Duration: 45 min – 1 hr. Available Oct 16 – Jun 15.
Booking: Entry at Devalia Gate
Ambardi Safari Park
Eco-tourism area offering nature walks and jeep safaris in a scenic forested zone. Less crowded — ideal for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Available Oct 16 – Jun 15.
Booking: Contact Sasan Gir Tourism
Girnar Nature Safari
Safari through the dense foothills of sacred Mount Girnar near Junagadh. Known for leopard sightings, rare birds, and scenic Girnar views. 60 km from Sasan Gir.
Booking: Contact Sasan Gir Tourism
Udan Khatola – Girnar Ropeway
Asia's longest passenger ropeway (2.3 km) connecting Girnar base to Ambaji temple plateau at 900 m. Breathtaking aerial views. Available year-round.
Booking: Contact Sasan Gir Tourism
Safari Shift Timings
| Safari Type | Shift 1 (Morning) | Shift 2 (Mid-day) | Shift 3 (Evening) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gir Gypsy Jungle Safari | 6:00 – 9:00 AM ⭐ | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Devalia – Gypsy & Bus Safari | 7:00 – 8:30 AM | 8:30 – 10:00 AM | 3:30 – 5:00 PM |
| Ambardi Safari Park | 6:00 – 9:00 AM | — | 4:00 – 6:30 PM |
| Udan Khatola Ropeway | 7:00 AM open | — | Last ride 5:30 PM |
⭐ Morning Shift 1 is recommended for highest chance of lion sightings. All Gir safaris closed Jun 16 – Oct 15.
Wildlife of Gir National Park
🦁 Carnivores & Big Cats
- • Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica)
- • Indian Leopard
- • Striped Hyena
- • Jungle Cat
- • Golden Jackal
- • Bengal Fox
- • Small Indian Mongoose
- • Ruddy Mongoose
🦌 Herbivores
- • Chital (Spotted Deer)
- • Sambar Deer
- • Nilgai (Bluebull)
- • Four-horned Antelope
- • Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)
- • Wild Boar
- • Indian Hare
- • Indian Flying Fox
🐊 Reptiles
- • Marsh Crocodile (Mugger)
- • Indian Rock Python
- • Indian Star Tortoise
- • Indian Monitor Lizard
- • Indian Cobra
- • Russell's Viper
- • Common Krait
- • Saw-scaled Viper
🦅 Notable Birds
- • Crested Serpent Eagle
- • White-backed Vulture
- • Indian Pitta
- • Asian Paradise Flycatcher
- • Brown Fish Owl
- • Dalmatian Pelican
- • Indian Skimmer
- • Painted Sandgrouse
Best Time to Visit Gir
Best weather, green forest, excellent wildlife sightings, ideal for bird watching. Book well in advance as slots fill quickly.
Hot but excellent for lion sightings near water. Wildlife concentrates near water sources. Park closes Jun 16.
Park is completely closed for monsoon regeneration. No safaris or entry permitted during this period. Reopens October 16.
How to Reach Sasan Gir
✈️ By Air
Nearest airport: Diu (85 km) — has regular flights from Mumbai. Also: Rajkot Airport (160 km) and Porbandar Airport (120 km) with connections from major cities.
🚂 By Train
Sasan Gir has its own railway station on the Junagadh–Veraval line. Veraval Junction (40 km) has better connectivity. From Ahmedabad: change at Rajkot or Junagadh.
🚌 By Bus
Regular buses from Junagadh (65 km), Veraval (40 km), and Somnath (45 km) to Sasan Gir. Private buses also available from major Gujarat cities.
🚗 By Road
Well-connected by NH-947 and state highways. Self-drive or hire a taxi. From Ahmedabad: ~360 km (6 hrs). From Rajkot: ~160 km (3 hrs). From Somnath: ~45 km (1 hr).