π Location & Landscape
Gir National Park, also known as Sasan Gir, is located in Gujarat, near Talala Gir. It’s:
- πΊ️ 43 km from Somnath
- πΊ️ 65 km from Junagadh
- πΊ️ 60 km from Amreli
Spread across 1,295 sq. km, Gir is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion. The terrain is a mix of teak forests, rocky hills, and dry scrubland—home to over 300 bird species, leopards, deer, crocodiles, and of course, the majestic lion.
π Safari Timings
Gir offers two types of safaris:
π Gir Jungle Trail (Main Safari)
- Morning Safari:
- 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening Safari:
- 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Closed: June 16 to October 15 (monsoon break)
π» Devaliya Safari Park (Interpretation Zone)
- Open year-round except Wednesdays
- Ideal for senior citizens and children
- Duration: ~55 minutes
- Easier access and guaranteed lion sightings
π° Fees & Booking
π§Ύ Jungle Trail Safari (per vehicle)
Category Indian Visitors Foreign Visitors
Entry Fee (up to 6 persons) ₹800–₹1000 ₹6560–₹8200
Safari Vehicle (4–8 seater) ₹2500–₹4500 Same
Guide Fee ₹400–₹700 Same
Book online via the Gir Lion Permit Portal. Advance booking is essential—on-the-spot permits are not available.
π½️ Food Availability
Gir offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with local Kathiyawadi flavors and global cuisines:
π₯ Recommended Restaurants
- Flavours of Forest – Pure veg, inside Asiatic Lion Lodge
- Gir Kathiyawadi Restaurant – Authentic Gujarati thali
- Terracotta – Multicuisine, scenic ambiance
- Hotel Aditya – Tasty thali and family-friendly service
- Swadesh Restaurant – Known for service and variety
Carry light snacks and water during safaris. Alcohol is prohibited as Gujarat is a dry state.
π Local Transport Options
Gir is well-connected by road, rail, and air:
π Nearest Railway Stations
- Somnath (56 km)
- Veraval (45 km)
- Junagadh (65 km)
- Rajkot (160 km)
- Ahmedabad (350 km)
✈️ Nearest Airports
- Diu Airport (69 km) – Limited flights
- Rajkot Airport – Good domestic connectivity
- Ahmedabad Airport – International access
π Local Travel
- Taxis and auto-rickshaws available at all major stations
- Private jeeps for safari pickup/drop
- State buses and private operators connect nearby towns
π§£ Tips for Comfort
- π©Ί Carry medical records and prescribed meds
- π§’ Use hats, sunglasses, and light cotton clothing
- π§ Choose Devaliya Safari for minimal physical strain
- π± Save emergency contacts and hospital addresses
- π§ Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals before safari
π¬ Closing Thought
Gir isn’t just a forest—it’s a feeling. This journey will echo with lion roars, rustling leaves, and shared laughter. It’s a celebration of nature, family, and the quiet strength that binds them.
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