The pride of Gujarat Tourism, Gir National Park is one of a kind. It is a place where the centuries-long human-lion interaction comes alive as it is the last home of the endangered majestic Asiatic Lions in India. Gir Sanctuary is the only place and an ideal habitat where Asiatic Lions roam freely.
The Park invites wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, thrill seekers and nature lovers from all over the world. The most joyful experience for a tourist is to take an amazing Lion Safari in Gir National Park and roam around to spot wild creatures amidst the enchanting wilderness. If you are planning a trip to Gujarat, the beauty and adventures of Gir National Park would be the one to cherish for a lifetime.
A Quick Summary of Important Information About Gir National Park
| Location |
Gujarat, West India |
| Established |
1965 |
| Area |
About 1,412 sq km |
| Famous for |
Wild Asiatic Lions |
| Total Numbers of Lion in Gir |
674 ( According 2020 Census) |
| Flora in Gir |
Deciduous Forests, Grasslands, Scrublands..etc |
| Popular Animals Found in Gir |
Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Hyena, Chital, Sambar, Langur, Jackal, etc. |
| Best Time to Visit Gir |
December to March |
| Gir Climate |
Tropical monsoon, with a hot summer and moderate winter |
| Accessibility |
Nearest airport: Rajkot Airport (Approx 160 km away) & Nearest railway station: Sasan Gir and Veraval |
| Accommodation Options |
Various forest lodges, resorts, and hotels are available in and around the park. |
When Does Gir National Park Open & Close for Jungle Safari?
Gir National Park remains closed annually from 16th June to 15th October, coinciding with the southwest monsoon season. Ideally, the months from December to March offer the most pleasant climate for visitors. While April and May are quite warm, they are renowned as prime months for wildlife spotting and photography.
Popular Gir National Park Wildlife Safari Tour Packages
Let’s dive deep into the uniqueness of Gir National Park
History of Gir National park – Let’s go back in time!
The endangered population of Asiatic Lion (Panthera Leo Persica) is very rare and in 1893 only 18 animals of this subspecies were found in Northern Greece through most parts of western and central Asia. In 1970, keeping in mind the uniqueness of this species, the wildlife organizations decided to protect Asiatic Lions by creating a sanctuary.
It was the Nawab of Junagarh who first gave protection to this rare species and later due to strict protection and care of the Gujarat Forest department, the population of Asiatic Lions increased 284 in 1990 by 200 in 1938. Gir protected area was established in 1965 and later the sanctuary was expanded in 1974. In 1975, Gir National Park was constituted in the middle of the sanctuary.
Landscape of Gir National Park- Look at the amazing Beauty!
Gir National Park has beautiful rugged terrains. The landscape is hilly and paleotropical. You will be mesmerized by the beauty of dry deciduous forests, Thorn forests, wetland biomes and shrublands. It is a perfect place for nature and wildlife photography. If you are looking forward to spending quality time with your family and friends then Wildlife holidays in Gir National Park would be the best option to enjoy some blissful moments in the lap of pristine wilderness and serenity.
Best Time to Visit Gir National Park
If you really want to enjoy the wildlife and click awesome pictures then the best time to Visit Gir National Park is in the month of April and May. April and May are hot months but it is the best time for wildlife adventures. If you want to enjoy the wildlife tourism of Gir National Park during winters then the month of December to March is the best time to visit. The climate will be the best for sightseeing. Gir National Park remains closed from 16th June to 15th October.
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Lion Safari Tour at Gir National Park – Meet king of the Jungle
Gir National Park is the best destination for Lion Safari in Gujarat. It is the only natural habitat of endangered Majestic Asiatic Lions other than Africa. Lion Safari in Gujarat for wildlife holidays would be a thrilling and remarkable voyage to the wild world of adventures. Depending on your mood and choices, you can take the morning slot to witness the beautiful sunrise and pristine greenery other than spotting Asiatic Lions or you can take a walking Safari Tour with a licensed Gir National Park travel guide to get great insights Indian forests and wild animals.
Gir National Park Safari Timings
- Morning Time – 6.45 am to 9.45am and 8.30am to 11.30am
- Evening Time– 3:00pm to 6.00pm
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Wildlife at Gir National Park
- Wild Animals- Gir National Park is the natural home for Asiatic Lions. The Park is a home to Deers, Nilgais, Chausinghas, chinkaras, Jackal, Striped Hyena, Leopards, Crocodiles which will soothe your soul. Wildlife sightseeing is the top thing to do in Gir National Park.
- Birds – Gir National Park is a heaven for bird watchers. It has been marked as an important bird area by Indian Bird Conservation Network. More than 300 species of birds will blow your heart away. Birds like long-billed vultures are an endangered species and it is the most prominent bird species found here. Birds like Bonelli’s Eagle,Hawk Eagle, Indian Pitta,Oriole etc will give you the best birdwatching experience.
- Reptiles– More than 40 species of amphibians and reptiles found here. To see Marsh Crocodiles in Kamlesh Reservoir and King Cobra, Saw-Scaled Viper, Krait, Russell’s Viper species will be a mind-boggling experience.
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Flora at Gir National Park
Gir National Park has a very rich collection of Flora. There are more than two thousand three hundred species of flora ranging from deciduous trees, evergreen trees, savannah type grasslands, thorny shrubs, trees like Babool, Banyan, Acacia, Dhak, Jamun, Tendu etc will be the most beautiful sights to behold in your Gir Wildlife Holidays.
In the coastal side of the forest department, you will find beautiful trees of Casuarinas and Prosopsis. Visiting Gir National Park will be the most cherished experience of your life as such kind of pristine greenery and serenity is found nowhere else.
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Major Tourist Attractions to Visit in and around Gir National Park
- Kamleshwar Dam
- Tulsi Shyam Temple
- Tribal Settlements
- Uparkot Fort
- Somnath Temple
- Devalia Safari Park
- Zamzeer Waterfall
Kamleshwar Dam
It is one of the top tourist attractions to visit in Gir National Park. It is also one of the most important sources of water supply in Gir. If you are a nature lover and a bird watcher then this palace will delight your heart. You will also see crocodiles and amazing views of scenic tribal villages of Gujarat and Hiran River. It is the best place to spend some fun moments with family and friends.
Time – 8:30am to 6:00pm
Tulsi Shyam Temple
Tulsi Shyam temple is one of the best tourist attractions to visit in Gir National Park. It is situated in the center of Gir. The temple is known as Tapodak in the Puranas. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is very popular for its hot springs. Surrounded by serenity and dense forests all around this temple is one of the best places to see eternal peace. It is a 700 years old temple.
Tribal Settlements
If you are in Gir National Park then don’t forget to visit the scenic tribal settlements located in the sanctuary. It is one of the best things to do in Gir National Park. You will get useful insights on the lifestyle of tribal people and their culture. You will need a guide to see the Maldhari and Siddhi tribal settlements.
Highlights – Siddhi settlement is an 800-year-old African settlement that migrated to India and merged with Indian culture. The Maldhari settlement is a 125 years old tribal settlement living in Gir forest with peace and harmony.
Uparkot Fort
It is said that Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya built this Uparkot Fort in 319BC. It is the most popular tourist attraction to visit near Gir National Park. You will get the stunning views of the city and Girnar Mountain from the top of the fort. It also houses Buddhist Caves, two stepwells and a Mosque. November to February is the best time to visit here.
Somnath Temple
It is the landmark destination of Gujarat and one of the best destinations to visit near Gir National Park. The Somnath Temple of Gujrat is the house of first of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas in India. The temple lies at the confluence point of three rivers – Kapila, Hiran and Saraswati. The temple is older than 649 BC. The temple of Somnath has been renovated many times. It is said that the moon god built this temple in Gold, Lord Krishna in wood, Ravana in silver and Bhimdev in stone.
Devalia Safari Park
It is another gem to spot pristine greenery and wilderness. It is also one of the best spots to witness Lions and Leopards and click awesome pictures of nature.
Safari Timings- 8.00am to 11.00pm and 3.00pm to 5.00pm
Zamzeer Waterfall
It is the most popular tourist attraction to visit in Gir National Park. Serenity and nature’s beauty is at its peak here, that’s why tourists from all around the world come here to witness this blissful cascading waterfall every year.
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Travel Tips for Gir National Park
- Wear clothes of non-reflective textures, it is better not to catch unnecessary attention from wild animals. Wear clothes that blend with nature.
- Don’t feed wild animals as it is dangerous to do so.
- Smoking, lighting and drinking are strictly prohibited in the park premises.
- Book your Safari online in Advance.
- Carry your Id proofs for checking at the entrance gate.
- Hiking, camping and picnicking are not allowed in the park premises.
- Comfortable clothes, binoculars, pairs of shoes and cameras should be in your packing list.
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Top Things to Do in and around Gir National Park
- Lion Safari and Birdwatching is a must do thing to enjoy the best wildlife holidays at Gir National Park.
- Gir National Park has numerous small shopping stores which are very famous for handicraft items, local products, Patola silk sarees, Bandhanis, cholis to soothe your shopper soul. Shopping is one of the best things to do in Gir National Park.
- Every year tribal festivals at Gir National Park delights the hearts of tourists that visit there from all over the world. Don’t you want to be a part of it? Festivals are organized by Maldharis and Siddis. Travelling to Gir National Park during festive time will be the experience of a lifetime.
- Sightseeing is the best option apart from Lion Safari at Gir National Park. Some of the most popular tourist attractions are Crocodile Breeding Center, Somnath Temple, Tulsi Shyam Temple, Uparkot Fort, Zamzeer Waterfall and Kamleshwar Dam etc.
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If you have any other questions, let us know in the comment Section. Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is not only the best place to spend your wildlife holidays but also it is one of the best places to get the useful insights on the history of forests and the knowledge of the rarest species of Asiatic Lions that is only found here after Africa.
If you are planning to Visit Gir National Park, TourMyIndia will get you covered on the best accommodation, Safari and sightseeing arrangements along with the best Gir National Park Travel Guide. So, enjoy the best of Gujarat Wildlife Tourism in India with TourMyIndia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Why is Gujarat’s Gir National Park famous?
Gujarat’s Gir National Park is famous for Asiatic Lions. It is the only natural habitat of the endangered species of Asiatic Lions other than Africa.
Q.What is the best time for Lion Safari in Gir National Park in Gujarat?
If you want to enjoy Lion Safari in Gir National Park then the month of April to May is the best time for it. The climate will be hot but it is the best time to spot Lions as they feel thirsty and come near water spots. Morning Lion Safari is the best option to spot Lions as they are most active in the morning.
Q.What are the major Tourist attractions in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary?
Other major tourist attractions in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary are:
- Devalia Safari Park
- Crocodile Breeding Farm
- Kamleshwar Dam
- Tulsi Shyam Temple
- Zamzeer Waterfall
Q.What are the top things to do in and around Gir National Park?
Top things to do in and around Gir National Park are-
- Shopping
- Lion Safari
- Bird watching
- Tribal Village settlements sightseeing
- Visit Somnath Temple
- Visit Crocodile Breeding Center
- Devalia Safari Park
- Girnar Mountains
- Diu Island
Q.Are there any resorts, lodges and hotels inside Gir National Park?
Yes, there are hotels, lodges and resorts inside Gir National Park. Some of the best hotels and resorts are –
- SinhSadan Lodge
- Gir Lodge
- Amidhara Resort
- Anil Farm House
- Fern Gir Forest
- Gir Birding Lodge
- Saavaj Resort
- The Gateway Hotel
- Hotel Umang
Q.How to reach Gir National Park in Gujarat?
Yes, there are hotels, lodges and resorts inside Gir National Park. Some of the best hotels and resorts are –
- By Air- Rajkot Airport is the nearest Airport which is 170 km away from Gir National Park. From the airport you can easily get a cab or taxi.
- By Train- Junagadh (60 km) and Veraval (45 km) are the two main railheads located near Gir National Park.
- By Road- Gujarat has good road connectivity. Gir National Park is connected to the major cities of Gujarat and can be reached via bus or taxi. From Junagadh and Veraval, you can easily get bus services to reach the National Park.
Q.How many days are enough to explore Gir National Park?
If you want to explore Gir National Park at least three days are needed to explore Gir National Park. Your Safari will be done in a day but if you want to explore the sights in comfort, three days will be needed. Gir Park has many beautiful tourist attractions and if you really want to enjoy the best of Gir Park by clicking pictures and admiring the beauty of the jungle then three days are enough.
About the author
She is a candle who burns and melts in the chaos of infinity, from where her visceral whistles and leaves an imprint of desire in her heart to know the map of an Island where there are different sunrises and sunsets. Her curiosity brightens to conquer the hearts unrelieved and sometimes mysterious. Her name is - Pallavi Roy - A traveller by soul and a writer by Profession.
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