In the rugged landscapes of Gujarat lies Gir National Park, the only place on Earth where the regal Asiatic lion roams free. Beyond its fame as the last sanctuary of this rare big cat, Gir offers an extraordinary encounter with an untouched wilderness. Imagine embarking on an exclusive, chauffeur-driven 4×4 safari at dawn, the cool air laced with the earthy scent of the forest, as you follow the pawprints of lions, leopards and elusive striped hyenas.
The park’s undulating hills and teak-lined trails are alive with chital, nilgai, jackals and the occasional shy antelope. In its shimmering water bodies, you might spot baby crocodiles basking under the sun, a testament to the park’s rich biodiversity. For the discerning traveller from the UAE, our bespoke Gir National Park tour packages offer the perfect blend of luxury and adventure, private safaris, opulent jungle lodges and curated cultural experiences that immerse you in Gujarat’s vibrant heritage.
Gir National Park or SasanGir, is the proud hub of Asiatic lions. It is the sole Indian National park with such a huge population of lions. Gir National Park is probably one of those rare national parks where lions can be seen roaming freely and with such vigour.
It's a paradise for all the wildlife photographers and wildlife enthusiasts as the lions here don't regard humans as threats and are quite camera friendly! So, gear up with your cameras to capture the king of the jungle in their natural wilderness. Soothe your mind and soul with a trip to Gir National Park or SasanGir.
There are eight major zones, open for tourists, to explore in the National Park. These zones are- Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, and Zone 8. The most popular zones among the tourists are Zone 1 and Zone 3. You will have to get a permit to enter the National Park.
The permits can be booked online through this website as Gir Forest does not allow on-spot booking. After booking, the zone in which you will be taking your safari will be randomly provided by the authority.
Another major tourist attraction of the Gir National park is the Gir Interpretation Centre, Devalia. Gir Interpretation Center is situated at a distance of 12kms from The Gir National Park.
You can go for a short safari at the Gir Interpretation Centre to have a sight of almost all of the animals that can be traced in Gir National Park. It is a comparatively smaller area than that of The Gir National Park.
Gir Interpretation Centre is more of a park sort of setting. It was constructed to give a better understanding of the ecosystem of the Gir and the animals found there. It is convenient to spot major animals like lions and leopards.
In the year 1977, the Indian Crocodile Conservation Project was started in SasanGir. Gir National Park houses the largest population of marsh crocodiles.
The management of Gir National Park along with The Gujarat State Forest Department has been taking adequate measures to conserve marsh crocodiles.A small area near the National park is used for preserving the crocodiles.
The sight of the baby crocodiles is just heart-warming. A visit to the Crocodile Breeding Farm will add an extra flavor of wilderness to your Gir National Park Tour package.
Unlike most of the other national parks of India, there are no Canter or Elephant Safari in Gir National Park. The National Park can be only explored only by Jeep (Gypsy) safaris. Although there are options of exploring this majestic wilderness through the bus as well, yet, the most preferred mode of Jungle Safari is the gypsy ride.
Safari on an open roof gypsy and spotting the lion is itself an out of the world experience.
The Jeep Safaris can be easily booked from the hotel in which you will be staying.
There are three-morning slots- 6:45 to 9:45 AM, and 8:30 - 11:30 AM and two evening slots- 3:00-6:00 PM and 4:00-7:00 PM for the jeep safari in Gir National Park. You can pick up any timing as per your comfort but make sure to book it two hours prior.
The morning safaris are the most preferred ones as they provide a marveling view of sunrise from the National Park. Mornings are also considered the best time to spot the lions as they often come out in the morning in search of prey.
Gir National park is known as the kingdom of the lions. The sight of Asiatic lions roaming freely is a very common view in Gir National Park.
Gir National Park is the home to about 400 Asiatic lions and a vast range of leopards, that count to about 300. Moreover, Gir National Park proudly houses mammals, almost 38 species.
Other than Asian lions, animals such as Indian Leopards, Sloth Bears, Indian Palm Civets, Striped Hyenas, Indian Mongoose, Ratels, Indian Cobras Rusty-Spotted Cats, Chital, Antelope, Indian Gazelle, Sambar, Desert Cats Wild Boar, Nilgai (or Blue bull), Blackbucks, Porcupine, Black-Naped Hare, Pangolin Marsh, Langur, Crocodile, Four-Horned Chinkara, Tortoise, Monitor Lizard, Pythons.
Gir National Park is also a paradise for bird watching. Almost 300 species of birds can be found here. Birds like Sarus Crane, Pygmy Woodpecker, Bonelli’s Eagle, Indian Vultures, Eagle-Owl, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Hawk-Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Headed Oriole, Indian Pitta, Rock Bush-Quail can be seen here.
The best time for Safari in the Gir National Park is in the winter season. Planning a tour to Gir National Park in the summer season is not a very good idea because of the intolerable heat.
Thus, the best time to visit Gir National park is the winter season, as the temperature remains very ideal during this time. The Gir National Park remains closed from 16th June to 15th October every year as safari isn’t possible during the monsoon season.
(Please note that this is just a SAMPLE itinerary. Our Gir National Park Tour Itinerary can be customised as per your preferences.)
Day 1
After you reach Rajkot /Ahmedabad you will be taken to your hotel. The evening will be free for you to explore. Visit the local markets and get amused by the colourful culture and tradition of Gujarat.
Day 2
After your breakfast, you will head towards Gir National Park, which will be a seven-hour ride. After you reach the National Park,check in to your hotel and take some rest. After your lunch, you will be taken for an evening jungle safari to witness the majestic king of the jungle. The evening safari is best for bird-watching.
Day 3
Start the day with an early morning jungle safari. The morning safari is the best time to spot lions as they usually come out of their caves to look for their prey. After your lunch, head over to the Crocodile Breeding Farm, and meet the cutest baby crocodiles.
Day 4
Visit the Gir Interpretation Centre in Devalia and enrich yourself with the knowledge of ecosystems, found in Gir. You can also spot tigers and leopards in the park.
Relish your taste buds with authentic Gujrati Food in the tribal villages where the Maldharis and Siddis reside. Enjoy the evening among the locals, their culture as they perform their local tribal dance only for you. After a delicious dinner, head back to your hotel.
Day 5
This will be your last day in Gir National Park. The morning time is free for you to chill near your resort. You will be taken back to Ahmedabad/Rajkot after your lunch which marks an end to yourtour.
Please email me a copy of the sample itinerary
Which is the best time to visit Gir National Park?
The best time for Safari in the Gir National park is the winter season.
Is Sasan Gir Safari safe?
Yes, a safari in the Gir is safe because the safaris are conducted by properly trained guides. There are multiple tracks with cameras monitoring the tracks. The forest rangers are well aware of the jungle and before going for a safari, all the necessary precautions are taken.
What is Gir forest famous for?
Gir Forest is the last natural habitat of Asiatic Lions.
How to plan a Gir forest trip?
Contact Flying Squirrel Holidays to plan a hassle-free customised trip to the Gir forest.
Are private vehicles allowed in Gir National Park?
No, private vehicles are not allowed in Gir National Park. The national park can only be explored via Jeep (gypsy) safari and by bus.
How far in advance should UAE travellers book Gir National Park?
It is recommended to make safari and accommodation bookings at least four to six weeks in advance, especially during peak travel periods.
It's quite easy to book a safari at SasanGir National Park. You can contact Flying Squirrels Holidays to plan a hassle-free safari and a trip to National Park.
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