Gir is the only place on earth where you can see wild Asiatic lions. A little over a century ago their numbers had fallen to a few dozen. Today, thanks to the Gujarat Forest Department and the local Maldhari herders who share the land, there are several hundred lions in and around Gir.
The forest is dry teak and scrub, crossed by rivers and dotted with Maldhari settlements. Seeing a pride lying in the shade or a male walking down a forest track is something you’ll never forget.
In this guide
Gir quick facts
| Location | Junagadh, Gir Somnath and Amreli districts, Gujarat |
|---|---|
| Area | About 1,412 sq km (national park and sanctuary) |
| Established | 1965 |
| Famous for | The only wild Asiatic lions in the world |
| Best time | December to May |
| Nearest town | Sasan Gir |
| Safari types | Gypsy jeep |
Why visit Gir?
Gir is a must for anyone who loves big cats. It's the only chance to see this subspecies in the wild, and lion sightings are frequent.Wildlife in Gir
Lions are the headliners, but Gir has a lot more.
Asiatic lion
Slightly smaller than African lions, with a distinctive fold of skin along the belly. Sightings on the Gir Jungle Trail are frequent.
Leopard
Gir has a good leopard population, often seen on the same safari as lions.
Mugger crocodile
The Kamleshwar dam and rivers hold many crocodiles.
Antelope and deer
Chital, sambar, nilgai, chinkara and four horned antelope.
Gir safari zones
Gir has one main safari inside the park and two smaller interpretation zones nearby.
Gir Jungle Trail
The main safari inside the national park, on several fixed routes from Sasan Gir.
Devalia Safari Park
A large fenced area near Sasan where lions are seen on most visits, good for families.
Ambardi Safari Park
A similar interpretation zone near Dhari, on the eastern side.
Safari types and timings
Gypsy jeep safaris on the Gir Jungle Trail run in three shifts a day. Devalia and Ambardi offer shorter drives by jeep or bus.How to book a Gir safari
Safari permits for Gir are issued by the Gujarat Forest Department, with a fixed number of vehicles allowed in each zone and shift. You can book permits yourself on the official portal, girlion.gujarat.gov.in.
Gir Jungle Trail permits sell out quickly for Diwali, Christmas and winter weekends. Book as early as you can.
If you’d rather not deal with portals, zone choices and timings yourself, we can plan the trip and apply for permits on your behalf, then arrange your stay, vehicle and guide. Government fees are charged at actuals and our service charges are listed separately in your quote, so you always know what you’re paying for. See our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Best time to visit Gir
December to February
Cool and pleasant, with good activity in the morning.
March to May
Hot, but the best time for lion sightings as the forest thins.
16 June to 15 October
The Gir Jungle Trail is closed for the monsoon. Devalia stays open.
How to reach Gir
By air
Rajkot Airport is about 160 km away; Diu is about 100 km.
By train
Junagadh and Veraval are the nearest major stations.
By road
About 1.5 hours from Junagadh and 2 hours from Somnath.
Where to stay near Gir
Stays are concentrated in and around Sasan Gir, from budget rooms to high end lodges.Suggested Gir itinerary
Here’s a simple plan that works for most first time visitors. We’ll tailor it to your dates and interests.
- Day 1: Drive from Rajkot or Diu, check in at Sasan Gir and visit Devalia in the afternoon.
- Day 2: Morning and afternoon Gir Jungle Trail safaris.
- Day 3: Final safari, then continue to Somnath or Diu.
Tips from our safari team
- Do at least two Gir Jungle Trail safaris for the best chance of wild lions.
- Use Devalia as a backup or for young children.
- Combine with Somnath temple or the beaches of Diu.
- Wear muted greens, browns or khaki, and skip perfume. Bright colours and strong smells can disturb animals.
- Carry your original photo ID. It must match the name on your permit.
- Keep your voice low and never ask the driver to go off the track or crowd an animal.
Gir packages
Ready made trips you can book as they are or adjust to your dates. Prices are confirmed in a written, itemised quote.
Photos of Gir
Gir safari FAQs
Is Gir the only place to see Asiatic lions?
Yes. Gir and the surrounding Saurashtra region are the only places in the world where Asiatic lions live in the wild.
What is the difference between Gir Jungle Trail and Devalia?
The Jungle Trail is the open national park. Devalia is a smaller fenced area with easier sightings.
When is Gir closed?
The Gir Jungle Trail is closed from 16 June to 15 October for the monsoon.
How many safaris should I do in Gir?
Two to three Gir Jungle Trail safaris give a good chance of seeing lions.
Is Eagle Safaris the official booking website for Gir?
No. Eagle Safaris is a private travel company. Permits for Gir are issued by the Gujarat Forest Department and can be booked directly at girlion.gujarat.gov.in. We plan your trip and can apply on your behalf, with our service charges shown separately.
