Skip to main content

Gir National Park Safari: A Roaring Journey

When the heart seeks adventure and the soul craves silence, Gir National Park answers with a roar. For Siri and Sindhu, this isn’t just a safari—it’s a memory in motion. Here’s a complete guide to help you plan a safe, soulful, and thrilling visit.

📍 Location & Landscape

Gir National Park, also known as Sasan Gir, is located in Gujarat, near Talala Gir. It’s:

  • 🗺️ 43 km from Somnath
  • 🗺️ 65 km from Junagadh
  • 🗺️ 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.

🕒 Safari Timings

Gir offers two types of safaris:

🚙 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)

🛻 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

💰 Fees & Booking

🧾 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.

🍽️ Food Availability

Gir offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with local Kathiyawadi flavors and global cuisines:

🥘 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.

🚐 Local Transport Options

Gir is well-connected by road, rail, and air:

🚆 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

🚖 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

🧣 Tips for Comfort

  • 🩺 Carry medical records and prescribed meds
  • 🧢 Use hats, sunglasses, and light cotton clothing
  • 🧘 Choose Devaliya Safari for minimal physical strain
  • 📱 Save emergency contacts and hospital addresses
  • 🧃 Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals before safari

💬 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.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Choosing the Right LIC Policy: Jeevan Utsav vs Jeevan Labh vs Jeevan Anand

In every kutumba, there comes a moment when we pause and ask: What legacy am I building? Whether it’s for our children’s future, our parents’ comfort, or our own peace of mind, choosing the right life insurance policy is more than a financial decision—it’s a reflection of our values. Let’s explore three LIC policies that offer distinct paths to protection and prosperity: Jeevan Utsav , Jeevan Labh , and Jeevan Anand . 🧾 Policy Overview Feature Jeevan Utsav (Plan 871)  Jeevan Labh (Plan 936)  Jeevan Anand (Plan 915) Plan Type Whole Life, Non-Linked, Non-Participating Endowment, Limited Premium, Participating Endowment + Whole Life Cover, Participating Premium Paying Term 5 to 16 years 10, 15, or 16 years 15 to 35 years Policy Term Whole life 16, 21, or 25 years Chosen term + lifetime cover Surv...

Veer Savarkar: A Life of Fire and Freedom

On this day, 26 February 1966, India bid farewell to one of her most fiery sons— Vinayak Damodar Savarkar , remembered as Veer Savarkar . His life was a saga of courage, sacrifice, and unyielding devotion to the motherland. Early Days in Bhagur Born on 28 May 1883 in Bhagur , near Nashik, Maharashtra, Savarkar grew up in a household that valued tradition and resilience. His father Damodar Savarkar and mother Radhabai nurtured him with discipline and cultural pride. The early loss of his mother left a deep mark, but his elder brother Ganesh Damodar Savarkar (Babarao) became a guiding force, instilling in him the spirit of nationalism. Education and Awakening Savarkar’s brilliance shone early. He studied at Fergusson College, Pune , where he organized students into nationalist groups. Later, in 1906 , he sailed to London to study law at Gray’s Inn . But his true classroom was India House , a hub of revolutionary thought. Here, he wrote the seminal work “The First War of Indian Ind...

Divine bridges built by God's

Across cultures and centuries, bridges have carried more than bodies—they’ve carried souls, stories, and the weight of moral reckoning. From the divine engineering of Ram Setu to the rainbow shimmer of Bifröst, these mythological pathways are more than architectural marvels. They are metaphors for transition, judgment, and connection. 🌊 Ram Setu: The Bridge of Devotion In the heart of the Indian epic Ramayana , Ram Setu was built by vanaras under Lord Rama’s guidance to reach Lanka. It wasn’t just a physical feat—it was a testament to collective faith, righteous purpose, and divine collaboration. Even today, its submerged stones whisper of dharma and determination. 🌈 Bifröst: The Norse Rainbow Bridge In Norse mythology, Bifröst connects Midgard (Earth) to Asgard (realm of the gods). Guarded by Heimdall, it’s the gods’ cosmic highway—destined to collapse during Ragnarök. It reminds us that even divine structures are vulnerable to imbalance. ⚖️ Chinvat & As-Sirāt: Bridges of ...