Gir National Park

Gir National Park, located in Gujarat, is a natural treasure in the region and is renowned for its unique wildlife and pristine landscapes. It is the only place in the world where the critically endangered Asiatic lion is found. Although the primary goal of Gir was to conserve Asiatic lions, it is also home to hundreds of other terrestrial and avian species.

Gir Forest National Park is the perfect example of a balanced environment in today’s world of declining ecological equilibrium. Numerous wild animals have made Gir their home, and it has also made a significant contribution to its survival. View lions in their natural environment at Gir and capture memories of threatened creatures that your future generations might not be able to see.

Quick Fact

People often associate Gir with “Maldharis,” creatures that have endured through the ages thanks to their symbiotic association with lions. They reside in Gir and are pastoral religious communities. Their towns are referred to as “nesses.”

History of Gir National Park

This park has served as the only naturally occurring habitat for critically endangered Asiatic lions since 1884. When the British were in power, these British officers always took great pride in ruthlessly hunting lions and other animals. All their hunting activities were carried out with the assistance of locals, Maharajas, and the nawabs who owed them a favor. The number of tigers and lions successfully hunted during this time served as a measure of the pride and prowess of the Maharajas.

The great famine of 1899 caused a sharp decline in the number of lions, and Lord Curzon abandoned plans for any “Shikhar” or hunting expedition at that time. It was also suggested that the local Maharajas and Nawabs protect the sparse remaining lions. The Indian government outlawed lion hunting in 1960, allowing only picture safaris, which are being conducted today.

Flora and Fauna of Gir National Park

The Gir National Park has a topography that supports various plant life, including deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen trees. There are also savannah-like grasslands, thorny jungles, open mixed woodland areas, and many more places where you might find them. However, a significant portion of the park, primarily made up of teak trees, is covered by a deciduous and mixed forested belt.

Compared to evergreen trees, which appear shaded, moisture-retaining, and broad-leaved, deciduous trees are actually of the dry variety. On the coastal side of the forest department, various plants such as casuarinas and Prosopis have been planted. 

Moreover, Gir is renowned for having more than 2,300 species of fauna, many of which are unique. Statistics show that it protects close to 300 kinds of lions and leopards. The fact that Asiatic lions reside here makes Gir famous. Regarding the number of Asiatic lions, only Africa is behind Gir. In addition, carnivores like jungle cats, striped hyenas, Indian leopards, Indian mongoose, and Golden jackals can be seen alongside mammals like porcupines and hares.

Places to Visit Near Gir, National Park

This renowned national park in Gujarat is a must-visit for magnificent animals. While enjoying nature and observing endangered species, you may visit nearby places with your family or friends. Here are some of the best places to visit.

  • Somnath Temple: Lord Shiva is the owner of this historic Hindu shrine. It is one of our nation’s twelve Shiva Jyotirlingas. Somnath is a pleasant shore temple with magnificent architecture and a spiritual ambiance. Visitors to Gir should take the time to visit this incredible temple.
  • Darbar Hall:  Near Diwan Chowk lies the ancient historical palace known as Darbar Hall Museum, which displays the exotic possessions of former Nawabs. The museum houses a vast collection of historical artifacts, including swords, armor, palanquins, chandeliers, clothing, thrones, tapestries, and paintings. This museum is a must-visit location in Gir National Park since it will unquestionably take you to the time of the Nawabs.
  • Kamleshwar Dam: A beautiful spot that should be noticed is Kamleshwar Dam, which is situated within the safari park. One of the seven rivers that drain the sanctuary is the Hiran River, across which the dam has been built. The dam’s location serves as a crucial nesting habitat for the well-known marsh crocodiles and a haven for many different bird species.
  • Junagadh Zoo: The Nawab established the Junagadh Zoo in 1863 to save the lions from extinction. However, these lions have been endangered due to excessive trophy hunting. So he found the zoo that would eventually become the renowned Safari Park in a desperate bid to save the lions.

Safari in Gir National Park

Jeep Safari 

Jeep safaris are the most popular and common way to explore Gir National Park. The park has three Gir Jungle Trail vehicle excursions each day. In addition to numerous creatures and vibrant birds, one can see lions in their native environment during this 3-hour Jeep safari. A limited number of vehicles are allowed into the park at a time. Jeep safaris are available for both morning and evening rides, each offering different experiences and wildlife sightings.

Safari Timings

Winter (16 October to 28/29 February)

  • Morning – 06:30 a.m. to 09:30 a.m.
  • Evening – 09:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Summer (1 March to 15 June)

  • Morning – 06:00 a.m. to 09:00 a.m.
  • Afternoon- 09:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m

Devalia Safari

There is a site called Devaliya inside the Gir National Park to the west of Sasan Gir Village, about 12 km from Sasan Gir, and that area has now been designated as a Gir Interpretation zone. 4.12 km of fencing surrounds this location. This space has been set aside to lessen Gir National Park’s demands and emphasize its significance. The tourists visiting the Gir Interpretation Zone leave with utmost satisfaction as it makes spotting animals easier. In Devaliya, you can take a minibus safari or a gypsy safari to explore this region.

Minibus safari in Devaliya offers a singular opportunity to witness nature’s wildlife and beauty. Most wild animals may be observed in the open and in their natural habitat. The beauty of the flora and grassland of Devaliya is especially enchanting.

Summer Timings

  • Morning- 7.30 AM – 11.00 AM
  • Evening- 3.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
  • Closed on Wednesday

Gir Zones

Gir National Park has designated zones for visitors. The park is divided into different tourism zones, each with its own entry gate. Thus, the zones help manage the visitor flow and provide access to different parts of the park for wildlife safaris. Moreover, zones of Gir National Park aim to offer different experiences and cater to various visitor preferences while ensuring the conservation of the park’s wildlife and ecosystems.

Sasan Gir Zone 

This is the most popular and frequently visited zone of Gir National Park. It is known for its high concentration of Asiatic lions. The main entry gate for the Sasan Gir Zone is the Sasan Gir gate, which is also the park’s headquarters. This zone offers the best chances of lion sightings.

Devalia Interpretation Zone (Devalia Safari Park) 

Devalia is an enclosed safari park within Gir National Park. It provides a more controlled environment for tourists to view wildlife. Visitors can take a safari within this zone and observe lions, leopards, deer, and other animals up close. It is an excellent option for those who want to see wildlife without entering the core areas of the park.

Kankai Zone

The Kankai Zone has its own entry gate. It is a lesser-visited area compared to Sasan Gir, offering a quieter and more pristine wilderness experience. This zone also provides opportunities to spot wildlife.

Resorts at Gir National Park

Promoting tourism in Gujarat greatly benefits from high-quality hotels and resorts near any wildlife refuge. For this reason, numerous new hotels and resorts have been built over the past couple of years. The Gir hotels are remarkable in some aspects, whether the landscape or the architecture. These residences are furnished with contemporary comforts and conveniences that visitors greatly value while on vacation. Some of the resorts are-

  • Gir Serai – IHCL SeleQtions
  • Gir Lion Safari Lodge.
  • The Fern Gir Forest Resort
  • Gir Birding Lodge
  • Gir Jungle Lodge
  • Jagira Ananta Elite

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    BEST TIME TO VISIT GIR NATIONAL PARK

    SUMMER SEASON

    (March to June)

    Summer in Gir National Park brings heat and humidity, and the temperature fluctuates between 25°C to 42°C. Despite that, Summer is a preferable season to spot wildlife creatures and thus engage in nature photography. It is advised to visit early in the morning as this is when the weather is better for a decent experience in exploring the wildlife. All in all, if your main focus is to sight the lions, then you should visit during the summer months.

    MONSOON SEASON

    (July to October)

    The Monsoon season is set in July and lasts till October in Gir National Park. However, during this season, the southwest Monsoon hits the national park, making the safari impossible for visitors. Hence, the park remains closed, and unfortunately, you cannot plan a wildlife tour to Gir. Though the scenic beauty of this park is said to double in the Monsoon, Keeping all these factors in mind, it is better to avoid a wildlife tour plan. If you are still inclined to visit, you can check out the nearby Devalia Park, which opens throughout the year.

    WINTER SEASON

    (November to February)

    Winter is an ideal time to visit Gir National Park to admire the region’s natural beauty and unique landscapes. During this season, the weather brings a cool and comfortable climate, and the temperature varies from 10°C to 22°C. You can spot a wide variety of animal species and some endangered birds that flock here during this time. The overall beauty of this park enhances during this season, bringing comfortable climate conditions to explore at any time of the day.

    HOW TO REACH GIR NATIONAL PARK

     
    By Flight
    By Train
    By Road
    Rajkot and Keshod airports are the nearest to Gir National Park. The Rajkot airport is about 165 kilometers from the park, whereas the Keshod airport is about 89 kilometers away. Take a taxi or a bus to Gir National Park from either of these two airports. 

    However, the Mumbai International Airport is the most effective way to travel to Gir National Park from abroad. From the Mumbai airport, one may fly to the Diu airport. One can take a cab from the Diu airport to Gir National Park, about a two-hour drive away.

    The two railway stations nearest Gir National Park, Junagadh, and Veraval, are roughly equal in distance from the park. Both train stations are located on the state’s primary rail route and have direct trains running to all major cities across the nation. 

    Take a cab, taxi, or state bus from either of these two railway stations, and it will take 1.5 to 2 hours to travel to Gir. The Rajkot Railway Station is the next closest station, which is around 163 kilometers and takes about 3 and a half hours from the Gir forest.

    The roads are always pleasant and are the best commute alternative. Given Gujarat’s generally excellent road conditions, traveling by car may be relaxing and fun. There are well-developed road networks between Gir and other major cities of Gujarat.

    Regular state and private buses run between Gir and all the other main cities of Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Surat, Jamnagar, and Dwarka, among others. Cabs and taxis are relatively accessible in Gujarat’s major cities to reach Gir National Park.

    TIPS FOR GIR NATIONAL PARK

    • Do not feed or disturb the wildlife.
    • Carry water bottles with you.
    • Hire field guides to learn about your surroundings.
    • Do not scare the wildlife with quick or sudden movements.
    • Smoking is not allowed as cigarette butts may start a forest fire.
    • Walking or hiking is not permitted in the park. For safety reasons, stay in a vehicle with a guide.
    • Picking plants or insects is prohibited; do not remove anything from the park.

    FAQs

    Why Gir National Park is famous?

    Gir National Park is famous for its Asiatic Lions

    Where is Gir National Park located?

    The Gir National Park is located in Gujarat, India.

    What other wild animals can be seen in Gir National Park?

    The Gir forest is home to a wide variety of animals and birds, while the Asiatic lion is its most famous resident. Along with lions, we also saw crocodiles, eagles, owls, and many other animals. Therefore, it is preferable to go slowly and take in the jungle instead of asking your safari jeep to speed around the park in quest of lions like most tourists do. Additionally, you must exercise patience and make several visits to the sanctuary.

    How many days are required to explore Gir National Park?

    At least three days are required to explore Gir National Park thoroughly. It will take one day to complete your safari, but three days are required if you want to explore the sights comfortably.