How to Reach Gir National Park & Sasan Gir Safari Booking

Asiatic lions have only one remaining home, Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India’s most popular and oldest wildlife sanctuaries. The Gujarati district of Junagadh is located roughly 37 miles southeast of the national park, commonly known as Sasan Gir. The formal entry to the vast Gir forest is located in Sasan Gir hamlet. With 258 square kilometers serving as the national park’s center and 1153 square kilometers serving as the animal sanctuary, the park’s overall area is 1412 square kilometers.

Asiatic lion populations fell precipitously in the nineteenth century as a result of indiscriminate hunting operations conducted by British colonists and Indian kings. There were only twelve lions remaining in the Gir Safari Booking at the beginning of the 20th century. Then, with British assistance, the rulers of Junagadh took the initiative to save the endangered species. The region was designated as a sanctuary by the Indian government in 1969 in an effort to protect the threatened species. It was subsequently designated as a national park in 1980.

The number of Asiatic lions in the Gir forest was 359 in 2005. The government forbade hunting and poaching in the area. The number of lions expanded dramatically as a result of successful conservation measures. There were 523 lions in the Gir forest in 2015. The state of Gujarat issued statistics indicating that there were 674 lions in the National Park in 2020. Asiatic lions can currently only be found in the Gir National Park, the sole protected region in the world.

How to reach Gir National Park?

By Air: Gir is not reachable by direct aircraft. The reserve zone is located 92 kilometers (two hours’ driving) from the closest airport, which is in Diu. The next closest airport is about 160 kilometers (3.5 hours’ travel) away from Gir in Rajkot. There are direct flights to Rajkot from Mumbai and Delhi. Diu has few connections.

By Rail: Frequent trains travel to Veraval (45 km from Gir) and Junagadh (65 km from Gir) from Ahmedabad and Rajkot. Once in Junagadh/Veraval, travel to Sasan Gir via bus or taxi. There are daily trains (meter-gauge line) from Junagadh and Veraval to Sasan Gir station; however, their schedules can clash with your plans for the jungle safari.

By Road: Gir National Park is situated 360 kilometers from Ahmedabad and 60 kilometers from Junagadh, as was previously mentioned. You may go to the Sasan Gir region by bus or cab from most places in Gujarat. The nearest entry point to the sanctuary can be reached by a number of cars, both owned by the government and the private sector. To pinpoint the precise location of Sinh Sadan’s entrance.

What is the best time to visit Gir National Park?

Although April and May can be extremely hot, this is the ideal season to see Asiatic lions. The woodlands are filled with man-made bodies of water so that animals can easily get access to clean drinking water. This helps tourists see the elusive creatures more easily, although the stifling 45° heat can make it difficult. Gir National Park is best visited in the mild, pleasant months of November through March. In late December and early January, the nights become extremely chilly. Every year, from mid-June until mid-October, the park is closed due to the monsoon season.

Wildlife in Gir National Park?

Since the Gir National Park is the only location in the world where Asiatic lions may be found, this is the park’s principal attraction. Apart from these stunning animals, Sasan Gir visitors can witness 2375 distinct kinds of wildlife. More than 300 Indian leopards, striped hyenas, crocodiles, cobras, reindeer, sambar, jackal, fox, vultures, Indian mongoose, wild boar, porcupines, monitor lizards, jungle cats, eagles, owls, and numerous other uncommon species are among the most striking and well-known animals. In general, animal aficionados will have an unforgettable time exploring the Gir Forest’s heavily covered slopes, plateaus, and valleys.

How to plan for Jungle Safari in Gir National Park?

You have to reserve your Jungle Safari far in advance if you want to see the forest. Only online reservations are accepted for permits at girnationalpark.co.in. You need your identity documents in order to make a safari reservation. INR 4500/- to 4800/- for Indians (Per Jeep), INR 12,000 to 15,000/- for Foreigners (Per Jeep)

Thirteen pathways intersect the jungle at different spots. You are given a route by the forest authority, and you must follow it. Your chances of getting a better route increase with early arrival.

Estimated Jeep Safari timings: Open from Monday through Sunday is the woodland. Three hours is how long the safari lasts. The timing of the safari may vary slightly according on the season.

What are the chances of spotting the Asiatic lion in Gir National Park?

Eighty percent of the time, local guides say, you will see a lion. But the kind of sighting will change according on the route, the season, and the time of day. Because lions are most active in the morning, early morning safaris are the best. They are normally only seen from a distance during the day when they are napping in the bushes. A safari in the evening should be the second option, while a safari starting at 8:30 a.m. should be the last one. You stand a high chance of spotting the lion if you visit the park in the months of March through May. This is your chance to see the enormous creatures who are searching for water. You have a decent possibility of seeing lions with cubs in the summer.

Rescue teams are often called in to help track lions. They would locate the lions precisely and disseminate the news. The jeeps would soon be gathered close to the lion’s location. Because Asiatic lions do not dwell in big groups like African lions do, you are more likely to encounter a single or two lions together than a pride like in African jungles.

You have an alternative if you are unable to get a permit or witness a lion while on a jungle safari. Explore the sanctuary’s fenced-in Devaliya Safari Park, which houses rescued animals. Although sightings are assured, the ambiance is more zoo-like. You are transported about on a bus, and reservations are not required in advance.

Tourist Attractions in Sasan Gir?

If you are spending a few days in Sasan Gir and have some free time in between safaris, you can check out the nearby sights such as Durbar Hall Museum, Junagadh Zoo, Uperkot Fort, Temple of Mallinath, Mahabat Maqbara

Nearby Attractions?

It makes sense to see surrounding sights if you have traveled this far and have the time to spare.

Somnath: This place is thought to be the first of Shiva’s 12 jyotirlingas. In India, it is a highly popular pilgrimage and tourism site. It is worthwhile to see the Somnath Mahadev Temple, Bhalka Tirth, Triveni Tirth, and Prabhas Patar Museum. Sasan Gir is about 70 miles away from Somnath.

Girnar: One of the most revered and historic pilgrimages for the Jain community, Girnar is located 60 kilometers from Sasan Gir. At Girnar, not only did Jain Tirthankara Neminath achieve Nirvana, but on top of the hill, Hindu Lord Dattatreya also carried out penance. The 3660-foot-long hill has numerous Jain and Hindu temples built on its peaks and summit due to its religious significance. The final summit was once reached by climbing 9,999 stairs, but a ropeway has since been installed that drops you off at the midway Ma Ambaji temple, which is located at 5000 steps.

Diu Island: 95 kilometers from Gir, Diu is a well-liked beach resort. Diu Fort, Naida Caves, Diu Museums, Panikota Fort, St. Paul’s Church, and several beaches are among the island’s well-known features.

Accommodation at Sasan Gir?

There are three choices available to you if you want to remain in luxury. Aaranya Resort, The Fern Gir Resort, and Woods at Sasan. The priciest option is Woods at Sasan, but it gets great reviews. It’s a brand-new, modern hotel with well-kept grounds and lots of entertainment options. The Taj Hotel benefits from having AB Tours and Travel, a renowned tour company, and being situated on the edge of the Gir forest.