Gir – Land of the Lions
- Anshu Azad
- 13 hours ago
- 6 min read
Gir National Park, located in the state of Gujarat, is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts—especially lion lovers. It is the only national park in India dedicated to the conservation of the Asiatic lion, making it one of the most unique wildlife destinations in the country.
Unlike tigers, which are elusive and solitary animals, lions often move in groups (called prides), making sightings in Gir relatively frequent. Many safaris here end with successful lion sightings, making the park especially rewarding for visitors.
HOW TO REACH GIR
Gir National Park is located near the town of Sasan Gir, and the reserve itself is often referred to as Sasan Gir.
By Air
The nearest airports are:
Diu Airport – Closest but limited flight connectivity
Keshod Airport – Limited flights
Rajkot Airport – Best connectivity, about 175 km (4 hours) from Gir
While Diu and Keshod are closer, Rajkot is often the most practical option due to better flight availability. From any of these airports, taxis are easily available to reach Sasan Gir.
By Train
The nearest railway stations are:
Junagadh Junction
Veraval Railway Station
Both stations are at roughly equal distance from Gir, and taxis are readily available outside the stations.
Places to Stay
Gir offers a wide range of accommodation options—from luxury resorts to budget hotels.
Luxury Resorts
Popular high-end properties include:
Aramness Gir
The Postcard Gir
Taj Gir Sarai
Gir Woods Resort
There are numerous mid-range and budget-friendly hotels in the area, making Gir accessible for all types of travelers.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Just like most national parks in India, the best time to spot wildlife in Gir National Park is during the summer months. Gir is no exception, and the ideal time to visit the park is from March until the park closure in June.
Winter (November to February) is also a pleasant time to visit, as the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. However, lion sightings tend to be more frequent during summer compared to winter months. Winter mornings can be quite chilly, while afternoon safaris are usually comfortable with moderate temperatures.
During winter:
A light jacket is sufficient for evenings.
Heavy woollens are recommended for early morning safaris due to the cold temperatures.
During summer:
The weather is hot and dry, so it is important to:
Carry a hat or cap
Wear UV-protective clothing or T-shirts
Use sunscreen
Stay well hydrated throughout the safari
Overall, while Gir can be visited in winter for comfortable weather, summer remains the best season for wildlife sightings, especially for those keen on seeing lions.
THINGS TO REMEMBER – VERY IMPORTANT
When planning a safari in Gir National Park, it is important to understand how the system works and follow the park rules carefully.
Safari Routes and Allocation
Gir National Park is divided into 13 safari routes (zones/gates).
Interestingly, Route 1 and Route 13 are essentially the same route; the only difference is the entry point. One vehicle travels clockwise and the other anticlockwise along the same path.
Routes cannot be selected in advance.
The route or gate number is allotted just before the safari begins at Sinh Sadan, which is the starting point for all safaris.
All vehicles and visitors must assemble at Sinh Sadan before proceeding into the park.
Permits and Entry Rules
It is highly recommended to book safari permits in advance online through the official government website. Getting permits close to the travel date can be difficult, especially during peak seasons. www.girlion.gujarat.gov.in
At this site you may also book safari for Devalia Park which is like a zoo and the lions are raised in captivity. It is also open and quite big and good for school excursions as the sightings are 100% in the park.
Plastic water bottles are not allowed inside the park.
Only steel bottles are permitted, which can be rented at the entry gate if required.
Visitors must carry Aadhaar card or any valid government-issued ID at all times, as it may be checked at the gate. (Foreign nationals to carry their ID as well)
Safari Vehicles and Duration
Only jeep (Gypsy) safaris are available in Gir—no canter safaris operate here.
The driver, guide, and vehicle are assigned at the gate after verification of permits.
Each safari lasts approximately 3.5 hours, and there are three safaris daily:
Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Mid-Morning Safari: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon Safari: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Rules Inside the Park
Vehicles are not allowed to stop for more than 5–10 minutes at one location to watch lions or wait for them to emerge.
If a lion is resting on the track, vehicles cannot bypass it.
You must stop and wait until the lion moves away. Lions always have the first right of way. At times, forest guards may intervene to clear the road if traffic builds up.
Drivers are strictly prohibited from honking inside the park.
Vehicles cannot backtrack on the allotted route. Drivers must move forward only along the designated path.
Drivers and guides must complete the full route within the allotted 3.5 hours.
Delays or late exits may result in fines or temporary suspension.
Monitoring and Wildlife Tracking
All safari vehicles are equipped with GPS, allowing forest officials to monitor their movement.
Forest officials patrol the park regularly using motorcycles and official vehicles.
Since officials are present inside the park, they often share real-time information with guides about areas where lions have been sighted.
This system makes lion sightings in Gir more frequent compared to many other national parks.
Gir National Park is truly a must-visit destination for lion lovers, offering one of the highest chances of lion sightings in India. With proper planning and adherence to park rules, visitors can enjoy a memorable and rewarding safari experience.
NEARBY PLACES TO VISIT
Somnath Temple – A Sacred Visit Near Gir
Located around 70 km from Gir National Park, Somnath Temple can be reached in approximately 1.5 hours by car. It is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva and counted among the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Key Highlights
Situated right on the shores of the Arabian Sea, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere
A deeply significant religious site attracting devotees from across the country
Beautiful temple architecture combined with scenic coastal views
Best Time to Visit
It is advisable to visit the temple in the evening, when you can also attend the aarti, which is a spiritually enriching experience. Do keep in mind that the temple can get quite crowded, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
Dress Code and Entry Guidelines
Modest clothing is recommended
Men should wear full-length trousers (shorts are not permitted)
Women should wear attire that covers the legs
If wearing shorts, cloth wraps (dhotis) are available for rent near the entrance
DIU
Diu Fort A Perfect One-Day Coastal Getaway from Gir
Located around 70 km from Gir National Park, Diu can be reached in approximately 1.5 hours by car, making it an ideal short excursion.
The destination is compact, and most of the key attractions can comfortably be covered in a single day. The main highlights include:
Diu Fort – A historic Portuguese-era fort offering stunning sea views and a glimpse into colonial history.
Beaches – Clean, scenic beaches such as Nagoa Beach and Ghoghla Beach are perfect for relaxation.
Water Sports – Activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides are popular, especially at Nagoa Beach.
Diu Fort Overall, Diu offers a refreshing mix of history, coastal beauty, and light adventure—making it a great add-on to a Gir trip.
Dwarka
One good option is to visit Dwarka from Gir. Dwarka is roughly 230 kms from Gir and takes about 4-5 hours to reach this place.
One can do one day trip too and can stay a night in Dwarka and visit all the temples. In case planning to do one day trip then better to leave early as the temples shut the doors at 12 and then open again at 4 pm in the evening.
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