1 Night 2 Days · Gir Safari

India's Greatest Wildlife Experience

700 Asiatic lions. One forest. Here's everything you need before you go.

Know Your Options

Two Ways to See Gir

Gir has two safari zones — choose based on what you want from the experience. Most visitors do one of each across their stay.

✦ The Real Experience

Gir Jungle Safari

A permit-based 3-hour jeep safari through Gir's core forest zone. Wild, open, unscripted — the animals move freely and sightings are never guaranteed.

  • Duration3 hours
  • Starts6:00 AM (morning slot)
  • VehicleShared jeep · 6 people per vehicle
  • PermitRequired · Book only at official govt portal
  • Cost₹800–1,200 per person approx.
  • Lion sightingNot guaranteed — depends on forest activity
This is the main Gir experience. Even if you don't spot a lion, the forest itself — the sambar, the birds, the light through the trees at 6 AM — is worth the morning.

Good Backup / First Timer

Devalia Park Bus/Gypsy Safari

Also called the Gir Interpretation Zone — a smaller enclosed area within Gir where Asiatic lion sightings are near-guaranteed. Two vehicle options available.
  • Duration~1.5 hours
  • SlotsMorning & afternoon slots
  • VehicleShared bus OR Open Gypsy (both available)
  • PermitTicketed at gate · advance booking needed for Gypsy
  • CostLower than main safari
  • ClosedEvery Wednesday — both Gypsy & bus
  • Lion sightingNear-guaranteed
Best for first-time visitors who want to be certain of seeing a lion. The Open Gypsy option gives a more open-air experience closer to the main safari feel. Remains fully closed every Wednesday — plan accordingly.

Permits & Booking

How to Book Your Safari

Main zone permits are mandatory — no walk-in bookings. Book only on the official Gujarat Government portal portal well before you travel. Peak season slots (Nov–Feb) fill up 2–4 weeks in advance.

Beware of Fake Booking Sites & Tour Operators

Many third-party websites and travel agencies pose as official Gir safari portals. Some charge inflated prices, issue fake permits, or simply take your money.Always book directly on the official Gujarat Government website below. If a site or agent is asking you to pay offline or via UPI without a government receipt — walk away.

01

Safari Booking

Go to girlion.gujarat.gov.in — the only official Gujarat Government booking portal for Gir safari permits.

02

Choose Date & Slot

Morning slot starts at 6 AM. Book the morning slot — afternoon heat reduces animal activity significantly.

03

Pay & Download Permit

Pay online on the government portal. Download your permit — carry printed or digital copy. Mandatory at gate.

04

Arrive 30 Min Early

Gate opens at 5:45 AM. Arrive early — your vehicle and guide are assigned at the gate on the day.
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Day by Day Plan

Your Gir Itinerary

Arrive Day 1 afternoon, do Devalia in the evening if time allows, sleep early — the safari starts at 6 AM sharp the next morning.

Day 1 — Arrive & Settle In

Afternoon Arrival
Afternoon

Arrive Sasan Gir · Check-in

Nearest railhead is Sasan Gir station (small, limited trains) or Junagadh (45 km, 1 hour). Check in to your jungle lodge. The moment you arrive, confirm your safari permit and ask the lodge to arrange your vehicle and guide for 5:45 AM Next Day.

  • Confirm safari permit on arrival
4:30 PM

Devalia Park Bus/ Gypsy Safari (Optional)

If you arrive in time — Devalia Park is 12 km from Sasan Gir and has afternoon slots. An enclosed zone with near-guaranteed Asiatic lion sightings — available as a shared bus or Open Gypsy safari. Good warm-up for first-time visitors. Ticketed at the gate, no advance booking needed.
Note: Devalia remains closed every Wednesday.
  • Ticketed at gate
  • lionNear-guaranteed sighting
7:00 PM

Dinner at Lodge · Early Rest

Most jungle lodges serve dinner by 7:30 PM. Eat well, sleep early. The safari gate opens at 5:45 AM — plan to wake by 5:00 AM to get ready and reach the gate comfortably.
  • Dinner
  • timeWake by 5 AM tomorrow

Day 2 — The Safari

Morning Safari
5:00 AM

Wake Up · Get Ready

Wear muted colours — khaki, olive, grey, brown. No bright red, white, or orange. Closed shoes. Carry water, a light jacket (Gir mornings are cold in winter), binoculars if you have them, and your safari permit. No perfume or strong scents.

  • Muted colours only
  • Carry permit + ID
5:45 AM

Reach Safari Gate

Your vehicle and naturalist guide are assigned at the gate. If your group is smaller than 6, you may share the jeep with other visitors. Gate opens sharp — don't be late. Show your permit, collect entry receipt.
  • Gate opens 5:45 AM sharp
6:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Gir Jungle Safari ⭐

Three hours in the core zone of Gir National Park — the only place on earth where Asiatic lions live in the wild. Your naturalist guide will navigate the forest tracks, read animal signs, and call out sightings. Follow all guide instructions, stay inside the vehicle at all times. The golden morning light through the teak and acacia forest is itself worth the early start — even before you spot anything.
  • The Main Experience
  • lionWild Asiatic Lions
  • Pre-booked Permit
After Safari
9:00 AM

Return · Breakfast · Check-out

Return from the safari, have a relaxed breakfast at your lodge. Check out by 11 AM. The morning after a safari has a particular energy — take your time over breakfast before the drive out.
  • Breakfast
  • Check-out by 11 AM
11:00 AM

Crocodile Breeding Centre (Optional)

10 minutes from Sasan Gir on the way out. A government-managed facility for Mugger crocodiles — one of the largest freshwater crocodiles in India. Worth a 30-minute stop, especially for families with children. Free entry. Can be done on the way to Junagadh or Rajkot without going out of route.
  • Free Entry
  • On the way out · 30 min
12:00 PM

Depart Sasan Gir

Junagadh is 45 km (1 hour). Rajkot is 160 km (2.5 hours). Ahmedabad is 400 km (5.5 hours). Somnath is 65 km (1.5 hours) if continuing the Saurashtra circuit in reverse.
  • Junagadh 45 km · Somnath 65 km
On lion sightings: The main zone safari is wild — lions are not guaranteed. On average, most morning safaris do encounter lions, but it's never certain. If seeing a lion is the one non-negotiable of your trip, do Devalia on Day 1 afternoon as your guaranteed sighting, and treat the main safari as the full forest experience on top of that.

Inside the Forest

What to Expect on the Safari

Asiatic Lions

Gir has approximately 700 Asiatic lions — the only wild population outside Africa. They're smaller than African lions, with a distinctive fold of skin along the belly. The morning hours (6–9 AM) are peak activity time. Lions are often spotted near water sources, on open tracks, or resting under trees.

Other Wildlife

Even without a lion sighting, the 3 hours inside Gir are rich. The forest is home to several species beyond the headline attraction.
  • leopardLeopard
  • sambar-dearSambar Deer
  • crocodileMugger Crocodile
  • hyenaStriped Hyena
  • langur-monkeyLangur
  • bird300+ Bird Species
  • porcupineIndian Porcupine
  • lizarMonitor Lizard

The Jeep Experience

Open-sided jeep, 6 people per vehicle, with a trained naturalist guide. You'll cover 20–30 km of forest tracks in 3 hours. The guide reads animal signs, communicates with other vehicles over radio, and positions you for sightings. Follow every instruction — stay seated, no standing, no loud sounds.

The Forest Itself

Gir at 6 AM in winter is one of the most beautiful natural environments in Gujarat — golden light filtering through dry teak and acacia, the sound of birds before the day heats up, the smell of forest soil. First-time safari visitors consistently say the atmosphere surprised them more than the wildlife.

Pack Right

What to Bring

Clothing

  • Muted colours only — khaki, olive, grey, brown, beige
  • No bright red, white, orange, or neon
  • Full sleeves recommended — sun and insects
  • Light jacket for winter mornings (Nov–Feb)
  • Closed, comfortable walking shoes

Essentials

  • Safari permit (printed or digital)
  • Government photo ID — mandatory
  • Water bottle — 1 litre minimum
  • Light snacks — no food stop inside
  • Small backpack or waist bag

Gear

  • Binoculars — greatly improve the experience
  • Camera with zoom lens — animals can be at distance
  • No flash photography inside the park
  • Fully charged phone / power bank
  • No selfie sticks inside the vehicle

PRACTICAL INFO

Know Before You Go

Safari Booking

Book only at the official Gujarat Government portal: girlion.gujarat.gov.in. Many fake third-party sites are operating — always verify you're on the .gujarat.gov.in domain. No walk-in entries for the main zone. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season.

Safari Season

October 16 to June 15 only. The park closes completely from June 16 to October 15 for monsoon. No exceptions. Always verify exact open dates before planning travel.

Getting There

Sasan Gir station has limited trains. Junagadh (45 km) is the most practical railhead with better connectivity. Rajkot (160 km) is the major hub. Somnath is 65 km if combining circuits.

Where to Stay

Stay as close to the main gate as possible — you need to be there by 5:45 AM. Forest Department rest houses are the most affordable. Jungle lodges range from basic to premium.

Explore More

Gir as Part of a Larger Circuit

Gir connects naturally with Somnath, Junagadh, and Dwarka as part of the Saurashtra pilgrimage and wildlife circuit.

4

Days · Somnath + Gir

Temple + Forest

Somnath Jyotirlinga followed by Gir safari — two completely different experiences that pair well together. Somnath is 65 km from Sasan Gir.

  • Pilgrimage + Wildlife
  • 65 km apart
View Circuit

5

Days · Somnath + Gir + Junagadh

Temple, Forest & Hills

Add Junagadh and Girnar to the Somnath–Gir circuit. The Girnar hills, Uparkot fort, and the city's wildlife museum make it a natural third stop.

  • 3 Destinations
  • Easy Routing
View Circuit

7

Days · Full Saurashtra

Somnath · Gir · Junagadh · Dwarka

The complete Saurashtra circuit — Jyotirlingas, wildlife safari, Girnar hills, and Dwarkadhish. Best for families or groups with a full week.

  • 4 Destinations
  • ~600 km loop
  • Car Recommended
View Circuit

Planning the Full

Saurashtra Circuit?

Somnath, Gir, Junagadh, Dwarka — we cover the whole region. Our
travel desk can help with routing, safari permit assistance,
accommodation across stops, and local transport. No packages,
no commission.

Book Official Safari Permit →
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Also Visit Somnath →