Gir National Park is proud to be the only place outside Africa where you can see lions in their natural habitat. The special thing about this national park is that lions are majestic. They average 2.75 metres in length. Also, they grow with bigger tail tassels and they have bushier elbow tufs. Also, in comparison with African lions, the lions in this national park have prominent belly folds.
Gir National Park – An Introduction
You might have heard that Gir National Park is the only natural habitat in India for Asiatic lions. You can get a chance of close encounter with lions. Understanding its value, the national park offers customized Gir Wild Life Tour Packages. By choosing one of these packages, you can expect to get a great opportunity to watch those majestic creatures Not only lions, the national park is the home to many other elusive wild animals as well.
At Gir located in Gujarat, you can also see rare species of birds like the Asiatic Wild Ass. The national park is called Susan Gir National Park. It attracts a large number of people including hunters, researchers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, wildlife lovers and travellers alike. From this blog, you can learn everything about this national park so that you can plan your trip accordingly:
How to Reach?
You can choose to travel by different modes to reach Gir National Park. Here are some details to know in this regard:
By Bus
To travel by bus, you can reach Ahmedabad, Veraval or Junagadh. The distance from Ahmedabad is 400 km. The bus will travel via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. From Veraval, the distance is 43 km and from Junagadh, the distance is 65 km. From Junagadh, the bus will travel through Mendarda. From these destinations, public transportation buses are operated to Gir National Park.
By Train
Junagadh and Veraval railway stations are located close to Gir National Park. They are located around the same distance from Gir National Park. Both these railway stations are directly connected to most major railway stations in other cities in India. If you cannot find direct trains from your hometown, you can book tickets to Ahmedabad. Once you are in Ahmedabad, you can take another train to reach Junagadh or Veraval. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi to reach Gir National Park.
By Flight
To travel by flight, you should know about the nearest airport to Gir National Park. It is Rajkot Airport, which is located around 167 km away from the national park. Otherwise, you can choose to visit Bhavnagar Airport, which is located around 193 km from the national park. From the airport, you can hire a cab or travel by public transport to reach the national park.
By Car
You also have the option to travel by car to reach Gir National Park. The distance from Ahmedabad is around 319 km. You can cover this distance by around 9 hours to reach Gir National Park.
So, choose a convenient mode of transportation to reach Gir National Park.
Key Attractions & Things To Do
Key Attractions in Gir National Park
Animals
Indeed, no one can deny the fact that they wish to travel to Gir National Park to get a glimpse of wild animals. The national park is deciduous and dry. It provides a lot of opportunities for Asiatic lions to expand their population.
According to a study conducted in 2015, the whole of Saurashtra region is inhabited by more than 300 leopards and 523 lions. Also, the national park is the home to two different species of deer.
The Gir Forest is the home to sambar deer, which is the largest deer among the Indian varieties. Also, it is the home to Chowsingha. This is nothing but the world’s only four-horned antelope. You can find other smaller carnivores like the Indian fox and striped hyena in this national park.
Birds
With its exotic flora, Gir National Park gives shelter to nearly 430 species of birds. Above all, the Indian Bird Conservation has declared this park as an important bird area.
Gir is the home to raptors some are endangered. For instance, the park is the home to long-billed and white-backed vultures. You can find other variants like the Fish Eagle, greater spotted eagle, crested serpent eagle and changeable hawk-eagle.
Reptiles
It should be stated that Susan Gir is home to more than 40 species of amphibians and reptiles. The national park is the home to a large reservoir called Kamleshwar. Here, you can find marsh crocodiles in large numbers.
You can even find many species of snakes in this park including Russell’s Viper and King Kobra. Even, you can find freshwater turtles and star-tortoise in this park.
Gir Interpretation Zone, Devaliya
Devakiya Safari Park is yet another key attraction that you should not miss out on when visiting Gir National Park. This enclosed region located within Gir is an enclosed region. It provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the wilderness and rustic beauty of the region.
When you are here, do not miss out on taking a safari trip that is organised on a minibus. This safari will take you to another cross-section of Gir. During this safari ride, you will get the opportunity to encounter different varieties of wildlife including Asiatic Lion. This is possible within a 20-30 minute trip.
Things To Do
Now, after knowing about the key attractions in Gir National Park, you will be particular about the top things to do. Here are a few things you can do when you are exploring this national park:
Gir Jungle Trail Safari
This safari trip will keep your fascination wholesome. Yes, you can expect your wilderness to stay alive by taking part in this safari trip. It is the right choice to pamper your soul with its wilderness.
Devalia Safari Park
As I stated above, you should not miss out on participating in the Devalia Safari Park safari, You will experience a lush green feel. You can get along with Asiatic lions during this safari trip. This trip has a lot of wilderness to explore.
Kankai Safari Gir
When you are at Gir, do not miss out on taking Gir Kankal Temple Safari. This temple safari will bring a different spiritual experience amidst the wilderness.
Bird Watching
One of the experiences you should get during your Gir National Park is bird-watching. Yes, with different species of birds available in the national park, it will be an exciting experience with a lot of opportunities to learn about birds.
Best Time & Season To Visit
The Gir National Park has a protected area. This area remains closed from 16th June to 15th October every year. The reason is that the southwest monsoon arrives during this season.
December to March is the best season climatically to visit the Gir National Park.
Indeed, April and May are hot seasons that can make your exploration of the national park hard. Nevertheless, these months are considered the best for wildlife photography and viewing.
The Gir National Park trail remains open for visitors from 6 am to 12 pm. Again, it remains open from 3 pm to 6 pm from Monday to Sunday.
Duration To See
You can spend 2 to 3 days in Gir National Park. Here is how to spend these days in Gir for the best experience:
Day 1
On the first day, you can arrive at the national park. You can check into your accommodation and take some rest. Then, in the evening, you can head to Devaila Park for a safari trip.
Day 2
On the second day, you can take a morning safari. This is the best time to get a chance to see a lion. Also, in the same evening, you can take an evening safari in the areas that you have not explored in the morning.
Day 3
To get the best forest experience, you can again take a morning safari on the third day. But, this time, you can opt for the Devalia Park ring as you would have to take only the evening safari on the first day. Also, you can dedicate the remaining day to exploring Gir Museum and Crocodile Park before heading to your hometown.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around
- Gir Rajwadi Hotel
- Hotel Aditya
- Rasoi Open Restaurant
- Havmor Havfunn Ice cream Parlor, Somnath
- Athithi Farm
- New Thulasi Family Restaurant
- Blue Coriander Restaurant
- Swadesh Restaurant
- Machan Restaurants
- Hotel Welcome
- Hotel Namaste
- Shiv Ganga Restaurant
- Gir Kesari Restaurant
Where To Stay? Rest Resorts
Here are a few options when it comes to the best resorts near Gir National Park:
- Lion Park Hotel & Resort
- AmraNess
- Pride Resort
- The Brook Ville
- Vanveda Resort Susan
- Carina Retreat Resort
- Amidhara Resort
- Woods at Susan
- Daksh Resort and Amusement Park
- The Fern Gir National Park Crown Collection Resort
- Asiatic Lion Lodge
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
If you are travelling from India, the entry fee to the Gir National Park will cost you between Rs.800 and Rs.1000. This applies to a group of 6 people. If this group comes with a child, an extra fee of Rs.100 will be applicable. This rule applies to a visit during weekdays.
If you are visiting Gir National Park on festivals or weekends, you have to pay Rs.125 extra for the cost mentioned above.
In the case of foreign nationals, the entry fee will be between Rs.5600 and Rs.7000 for a group containing not more than 6 people on weekdays. For a group of foreigners with a kid, a fee of Rs.1400 will be applicable. However, there can be changes in these rates. So, it is better to check before you visit.
If you take a jungle safari by jeep, you will have to bear a cost of Rs.1700 per gypsy.
For photography, if you carry a camera, you will have to pay Rs.200 extra if you are an Indian. The camera fee applicable to foreigners is Rs.1400.
In case, you are interested in learning more about the different species of birds and animals in this national park, you can hire a guide. This will cost you somewhere between Rs.400 and 700 per guide.
FAQ
Why Should I Visit Gir National Park?
Many valuable things can motivate you to head to Gir National Park. For instance, Gir holds the pride of being the only natural habitat in the world-famous for Asiatic lions. Above all, the national park offers customized packages that will help you watch Asiatic lions along with thousands of other animals and birds that are otherwise hard to find.
How Many Wild Lions are Available in Gir National Park?
According to an August 2017 survey, there were 650 wild lions in the national park. In June 2020, the number increased to 674 lions. This is an increase of 29% in the Asiatic Lion Population present in this national park. It means choosing the right time for a safari ride will provide you with greater opportunities to spot them.
Are Private Vehicles Allowed Inside Gir National Park?
Some private vehicles that operate with petrol as the fuel are permitted inside the Gir National Park. However, you cannot drive your vehicle inside the park; you will be accompanied by a driver and a guide.
Is It Possible To Book Gir Safari Online?
Yes, you can book a jeep safari online at https://www.girnationalpark.in/book-gir-lion-safari.html. On this website, you can find a calendar that will let you choose the appropriate date of visit if available. This website belongs to a private agency that is a registered private travel agency. This agency organizes Gir Jeep safari and tour packages.
Conclusion
I should conclude this blog post by stating that Gir National Par is a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts. It is an attraction even for nature enthusiasts. Even, you can get unique cultural experiences in this national park. From birdwatching to spotting wild animals in their natural habitat, Gir has something to offer for everyone. So, you can expect a memorable experience in one of the celebrated national parks in India by planning a visit to Gir National Park.
Also, read my other posts on Gujarat: