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Gir National Park, located in Gujarat, India, is renowned as the last refuge of the Asiatic lion. Established in 1965, it spans 1412 square kilometers of diverse habitats, including dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and scrublands. The park's landscape is dotted with rocky hills and perennial rivers like the Hiran, which provide vital water sources. Besides the Asiatic lion, Gir is home to other wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, sambar deer, and over 300 species of birds. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the endangered lion population and maintaining the park's biodiversity, making it a prominent destination for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.

Gujarat, West India

Gypsy / Jeep, Canter / Bus, Other (Elephant, Boat)

Rajkot Junction, Junagadh Junction, Veraval

Morning, Evening

Rajkot International Airport, Keshod Airport

Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Four-horned Antelopes, Hyena

4,000 - 5,000 Average Safari Price *

June, July, August, September

Gujarat, West India

Gypsy / Jeep, Canter / Bus, Other (Elephant, Boat)

Rajkot Junction, Junagadh Junction, Veraval

Morning, Evening

Rajkot International Airport, Keshod Airport

Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Four-horned Antelopes, Hyena

4,000 - 5,000 Average Safari Price

June, July, August, September

CORE ZONE

Zone Name Entry Gate
1,3,5,7,8,10,13 Bhambhafol Forest Checkpost
2,4,6,9,11,12 Bhambhafod Check Post

BUFFER ZONE

Zone Name Entry Gate
N/A N/A

Safari Price depends on operators and services and may exceed the average price shown

Currently Closed

Core Zone Open

Buffer Zone Open

About Gir National Park

Gir National Park, located in the western state of Gujarat, India, is a unique and significant wildlife sanctuary, renowned as the last natural habitat of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). Spanning over 1,400 square kilometers, the park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

History and Significance: Established in 1965, Gir National Park's primary purpose was to protect the critically endangered Asiatic lions, whose population had dwindled to alarming numbers. Thanks to rigorous conservation efforts, the lion population has rebounded from less than 200 in the early 20th century to over 600 today. This remarkable recovery makes Gir a conservation success story and a critical stronghold for these majestic creatures.

Conservation Efforts: Gir's success in lion conservation has been achieved through a combination of habitat management, anti-poaching measures, and community involvement. The park authorities work closely with local communities to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and promote sustainable tourism practices.

Tourism: Gir National Park attracts thousands of visitors annually who come to experience the thrill of seeing Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. Safari tours, guided by experienced naturalists, offer an opportunity to observe these magnificent animals up close. The best time to visit is between October and June, when the weather is favorable, and wildlife sightings are more frequent.

In conclusion, Gir National Park is not only a vital sanctuary for Asiatic lions but also a testament to successful wildlife conservation efforts. Its rich biodiversity and unique landscape make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Flora

Gir National Park’s flora includes a variety of plant species, such as Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus, and Amli.The region benefits from the cool shade and moisture content these broad-leaved trees provide. Prosopis and Casuarina have been planted along Gir’s coastal borders as part of the afforestation plan.


Fauna

The Asiatic lion, nature’s most majestic big cat, is a one-of-a-kind gift. It is a highly intelligent animal with exceptional social habits and hunting abilities. Gir has been home to over 425 different species of birds. Aquila clanga, Greater  Spotted Eagle, Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus Crispus, Indian Skimmer Rynchops Albicollis, Oriental White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis, and Long-Billed Vulture Gyps Indicus are all globally threatened species. Gir’s wetlands support a variety of waterfowl species, particularly at Kamaleshwar Dam. Gir is home to six of India’s nine vulture species. Two Gyps species, White-rumped Vulture and Eurasian Griffon, are now extremely rare. Birds Tawny eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, Crested serpent eagle, King vulture, Crested hawk eagle, Painted storks, Pelicans, Peafowl, etc.The Gir National Park is home to several avifauna species, including the brown fish owl, Indian eagle owl, pygmy woodpecker, vultures, and crested serpent. The Gir Forest, near the town of Sasan Gir, is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including langur monkeys, jackals, leopards, antelope, deer, and crocodiles.

How to Reach Gir National Park

By Road
Gir forest is approachable by road from Junagadh-Mendarda-Talala and Junagadh-Visavadar state highways from Junagadh; Veraval-Talala-Sasan state highway from Veraval; Amreli-Dhari-Kodinar state highway from Amreli, Una-Tulsishyam Dhari and Una Jamwala state highways from Una.

By Rail
The western railway's station is located at Sasan, approximately 60 km away from Junagadh and 45 km away from Veraval. Veraval is well connected to Ahmedabad by a broad-gauge railway line via Junagadh and Rajkot. Taxi and bus services for Sasan-Gir are readily available from both Junagadh and Veraval train stations.

By Air
If you are travelling from outside Gujarat, there are also multiple options available for air travel. Keshod is the closest airport (60 km), another nearest airport is Diu (100 km) from Sasan. The other two big and better-connected airports are Rajkot (160 km) and Ahmedabad (370).