Gir National Park Safari Guide: How to See Asiatic Lions
Plan a Gir National Park safari: booking permits online, safari zones, Devalia, the best season to see Asiatic lions, stays and nearby Somnath.
Gir National Park, in Gujarat's Saurashtra region, is the only place in the world where Asiatic lions live in the wild. A century ago, only a small number survived. Thanks to decades of protection, their numbers have grown steadily, and a lion walking past the safari jeep is an unforgettable sight.
When to go
The Gir Jungle Trail safari usually runs from mid-October to mid-June. Lion sightings are generally best in the hot months (March–May), when animals gather near water and the forest thins out. Winter (December–February) is more comfortable and the forest is greener.
Getting there
The base village is Sasan Gir. The nearest airports are Rajkot (about 160 km) and Diu (about 100 km); Keshod has limited flights. Junagadh (about 60 km) and Veraval (about 45 km) are the nearest major railway stations.
Booking a safari
- Go to the official Gir booking website of the Gujarat Forest Department. Avoid unofficial sites that add large fees.
- Choose Gir Jungle Trail (the real forest safari in an open jeep, about 3 hours) or Devalia Safari Park (a fenced interpretation zone with a near-guaranteed sighting, around 1 hour).
- Pick a date and slot (early morning slots are usually best).
- Pay online and carry the ID used for booking. Jeeps and guides are hired at the reception centre in Sasan.
Permits are limited each day, so book weeks ahead for weekends and Diwali/Christmas holidays.
Other wildlife in Gir
Gir's dry deciduous forest is also home to leopards, spotted deer (chital), sambar, nilgai, chinkara, four-horned antelope, jungle cats, marsh crocodiles at Kamleshwar Dam, and around 300 bird species, including crested serpent eagles and Indian pittas in season.
A 2-day plan
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Sasan Gir by lunch. Afternoon Devalia safari. Evening at the resort. |
| 2 | Early morning Gir Jungle Trail safari. Afternoon drive to Somnath (about 1.5 hours) for the evening aarti and light show. |
Add Junagadh (Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara and the climb up Girnar, now with a ropeway) or Diu's beaches for a longer Saurashtra trip.
Where to stay
Sasan Gir has options from the forest department's Sinh Sadan guest house to farm stays and resorts along the Hiran river. Many include Kathiyawadi meals.
Food
Expect hearty Kathiyawadi food: bajra rotla, ringan no olo (smoked brinjal), sev tameta, lasaniya bateta, buttermilk and white butter, with plenty of garlic and chilli.
Safari etiquette
- Stay seated in the jeep and keep voices low.
- Don't ask drivers to go off-track or crowd animals.
- No flash photography, no feeding, no littering.
- Wear earthy colours rather than bright red or white.
Frequently asked questions
When is Gir National Park open?
The Gir jungle trail safari usually runs from mid-October to mid-June and closes during the monsoon. Devalia Safari Park is open for most of the year. Check the official Gir booking site for current dates.
How to book a Gir safari?
Book permits online through the official Gujarat Forest Department Gir booking website. Permits are limited and sell out early for weekends and holidays, so book as soon as booking opens.
