Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary - The Majestic Home Of The Asiatic Lions - Gujarat - India

The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Also known as Sasan-Gir is the last abode to the surviving population of the Asiatic Lion in the wild. The Gir National Park and wildlife sanctuary is located about 65 km south east in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. Gir has about 400 lions and 300 leopards, making it as one of the major 'big cat' concentrations in India. Established in 1965 total area of 1,412 km2 for the fully protected area as the national park and 1,153 km2 for the Wildlife Sanctuary.

Location: Gir, 42 km from Junagadh, Gujarat in the western part of India
Main Wildlife Attractions: The only home of Asiatic Lions
Coverage Area: 1412 sq.kms.
Established: 1965
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Photography and Videography: Allowed (Charges Apply)
Nearest railway station: Junagadh Railway Station
Major Attractions : Asiatic Lions, Leopards, Chowsingha
Main Wildlife Attractions: Lion, leopard, hyena, chital, sambar, bulbul, chausingha, chinkara, wild boar, crocodile, langur, porcupine, ratel, jackal, fox, mongoose, civets.

Since 1884, Gir National Park has been the only habitat of the Asiatic lion. During the British Raj, lions were hunted mercilessly by the British officers assisted by the obliging Maharajas and Nawabs. Every Maharaja was proud of the number of lions or tigers he killed during his lifetime. This park is marked by a rugged terrain and the steep rocky hillsides covered with mixed deciduous forests. Besides lion, other important animals in the area are leopards, wild ass, numerous chital, nilgai, chinkara, four horned antelope and wild boar.

Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular attractions of Gujarat. Protection was first given in 1900, when lion numbers were down to a mere 12 individuals! By 1936, the number had increased to 250 animals and today there are a little over 300 individuals. There are guided trips available, to watch these magnificent animals from a very close range. Wildlife viewing in the Gir is best done, by driving around the forest. Government of India banned the hunting process in the area in the year 1960 and today with an approachable count of increase in lions the area is only available for photo safaris. The Gir National Park of Gujarat and its Lion Sanctuary is collectively known as the Gir Protected Area. Gir is also home to the the marsh crocodile. Gujarat State Forest Department adopted the Indian Crocodile Conservation Project in 1977 and released close to 1000 marsh crocodiles into the Kamaleshwar Lake. The Gir National Park at Gujarat also has three smaller wildcats such as the Jungle Cat, Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat. The forests of the Gir National Park has a rich variety of bird life.

Entry Fee And Other Charges For Visit Gir National Park

• Entry Fees: For Indian Rs.30.00 and For Foreigners USD 5.00
• Vehicle Fees: For Indian Rs.35.00 and For Foreigners USD 4.00
• Still Camera Fees: For Indian Rs.50.00 and For Foreigners USD 5.00
• Video Camera Fees: For Indian Rs.2500.00 and For Foreigners USD 200.00
• Guide (4 Hrs.) Fees: For Indian Rs.50.00 and For Foreigners Rs.50.00

(Rates are subject to change)

Jeep Safari Charges For Visit Gir National Park

Jeep Safaris are an ideal way to travel inside the park, as the uneven terrain of the park can be conveniently covered on a sturdy vehicle. The park authorities permit you to take your own vehicle inside the park but only with the addition of a park guide.

• Jeep Hire (per safari) Fees: For Indian Rs.600.00 and For Foreigners Rs.600.00
• Safari (plus entry) Fees: For Indian Rs.600.00 and For Foreigners Rs.600.00
• Lion Safari Camp (For 6 pax) Fees: For Indian Rs. 1000.00 and For Foreigners Rs. 1000.00
• Lion Show Fees: For Indian Rs. 50.00 and For Foreigners USD 5.00

(Rates are subject to change)

Booking Cancellation Rules:

• Before 10 Days Refund Percentage: 75%
• Before 5 Days Refund Percentage: 50%
• Before 2 Days Refund Percentage: 25%
• Less than 2 Days Refund Percentage: No Refund.

Note :

The Gir National Park is open from Mid - October onwards till mid June & The Devaliya Safari park (Gir Interpretation Zone) is open throughout the year. The Devalia Safari Park closed on every wednesday.

Timing For Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

• Park Timings : 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Safari Timings : 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Timing for Gir Jungle Trail:

Monday To Sunday

• Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Evening: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Timing for Devalia Safari Park:

Monday To Sunday

• Morning: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Evening: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Wildlife At Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

During the several decades that Lion and man have lived together in the forests of the Gir there have been remarkably few wilful instances of aggression by the Lion. The group of the carnivores in Gir is truly comprised of the presence of Asiatic lions, Indian Leopards, Indian Cobras, Sloth bears, Jungle cats, Golden Jackals, Indian Palm Civets, Striped Hyenas, Indian Mongoose and Ratels. Desert cats and Rusty-spotted cats exist but can be rarely seen. The park’s wildlife is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and photographers. The management has also set up an Interpretation Zone at a place called Devalia where tourists are taken into a fenced area comprising 412 Ha in Forest Dept. buses which race around looking for the 4 Lions that are here.

Flora and Fauna at Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

Species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here. These trees are mostly broad leaved and evergreen, giving the area a cool shade and the moisture content. The exotic flora of Gir National Park gives shelter to more than 200 species of birds and moreover the sanctuary has been declared an important bird area by the Indian Bird Conservation Network. The entire forest area of the Gir National Park is dry and deciduous which provides best habitat for Asiatic Lions. As per the new statics of 2015, the entire Saurashtra Region is inhabited by 523 Lions and more than 300 Leopards. Other animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar Deer, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle,Chowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai Antelope, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo etc. The river Hiran is the only one to flow year-round; with rest of the inflows being seasonal.

Best Time To Visit Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

The best time to visit the Gir Sanctuary is between the months of November and June. The Protected Area is closed between June and October during the south west monsoon. Visiting the park during winter is ideal as the weather during this period is pleasant. Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.

Tourist Attractions Near Gir National Park

Within the Protected Area there are some old temples like Kankai Mata and Tulsishyam, a place of pilgrimage with hot springs. Tracks to Deva Danga, Riley's, Bawal Chowk, Kankai, Chodardi, Tulsishyam and Kamleshwar dam/lake. The historic town of Junagadh has a number of attractions that include forts, palaces and gardens. Somnath, Dwarka, Veraval, Jetpur, Girnar, Diu Island are very closed Attractions Near Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

Shopping Near Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

There is nothing for shopping in Sasan Gir for the visitors. Shopping options in Junagadh provide with ethnic Rajasthani goods finding the top spot on a shopper's list. Somnath, Dwarka, Veraval, Jetpur, Girnar, Diu Island is nearest from Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary where you can do shopping some things.

Restaurants Near Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

There are no eating options within the park. It is advisable to carry your own food, But arround Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary there are many Restaurants and hotels availabe. Here listed some Restaurants which are very nearest from Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Bhavna J Hirpara Restaurant
• Gir Garden Restaurant
• Murlidhar Pratha And Restaurant
• Hotel Gir Garden
• Bapa Sitaram Hotel and Restaurant
• Aruti Tea
• Hotel Sun Shine
• Sardar Restaurant
• Jalaram Restaurant

Hotels Near Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

You can get budget as well as luxury hotels and lodges. The forest department operates two lodges Sinh Sadan Forest lodge and the Gir lodge. Arround Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary there are many hotels availabe some of listed here.

Lords Resorts Sasan Gir
Sasan Junagadh Road, Village Bhalchel, Gir National Park
22.2 km from Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

Asiatic Pride Resorts
Chalala Dhari Road State Highway no.33, Dhari
22.5 km from Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

Vishal The Green Wood Hotel
Madhumanti Dam, Gujarat State Highway 26 ,Malanka village, Sasan Gir, Gir National Park
33.4 km from Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

Hotel Sukhsagar
Near Somnath Byepass Corner ,Prabhas Patan, Somnath, Veraval
48.1 km from Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

Hotel Ambar
Veraval - Kodinar by Pass Nr. Somnath Railway Station,, Somnath
48.2 km from Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

Lords Inn Somnath 3.0 Star Hotel
Veraval Somnath Bypass ,Prabhash Patan, Somnath
48.2 km from Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

How to Reach Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

By Air :

Nearest airport is Keshod. Another major airport is Ahmedabad, connected to Delhi, Mumbai.

By Rail :

The nearest railheads are Sasan Gir and Veraval and Rajkot which is connected from Delhi & Mumbai. Another railhead is Junagadh connected to Ahmedabad.

By Road :

State Transport buses are available from Junagadh and Veraval between November and June. Gir forests can be reached easily by roads through buses, cars or taxis.

Some Major Accesses From Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary :

Sasan (1 km), Junagadh (42 km), Ahmedabad (400 km), Veraval(42 km),Mumbai(340 km), Rajkot(160 km ) Keshod (86 km)

Google Map For Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary