Established to support the marsh crocodile, or mugger, population that lives alongside Gir’s lions in the park’s rivers, tanks and the Kamleshwar Dam, the centre rears hatchlings and juveniles in captivity before their release into the wild. Viewing pens with crocodiles of varying ages make it a straightforward stop near the Sasan Gir entrance for visitors interested in the park’s wildlife beyond its famous lions. Crocodile Breeding Centre is typically explored in about 30-60 minutes. The best time to visit is October to March. Other notable highlights include view mugger crocodiles at outdoor rearing pools, watch feeding time with park rangers, and learn about crocodile egg incubation chambers. It falls within Gir National Park, Gir Somnath district, and Gujarat, India.
State: Gujarat
Ideal Duration: 30-60 Minutes
The centre houses over 200 crocodiles, primarily the Mugger (Marsh) crocodile, along with a few Indian Gharials and Saltwater crocodiles. You’ll see them in large, fenced ponds with basking areas, and the breeding programme has been successful in releasing hatchlings into local rivers. A small museum on site explains their life cycle and conservation efforts.
No, the Crocodile Breeding Centre is located just outside the main Gir forest, near the Sasan Gir entrance, so you do not need a safari permit for this specific visit. You only need to buy a separate entry ticket at the centre’s gate. It is a short walk or drive from the Sasan Gir tourist complex, making it easy to combine with other local sightseeing.
The centre has flat, paved walkways and railings around the enclosures, so it is generally accessible for seniors with mild mobility issues. However, there are no wheelchairs or golf carts available, so you should be comfortable walking slowly for about 500 metres. Benches are placed at intervals for resting, and the staff are helpful if you need assistance.
Photography is allowed and encouraged, with no extra fee for mobile phones or small point-and-shoot cameras. For professional DSLR or video cameras, a small fee (around ₹50-100) is charged at the ticket counter. Do not use flash near the enclosures, as it can stress the reptiles, and always stay behind the safety barriers.
Early morning (around 8:00 to 10:00 am) or late afternoon (after 4:00 pm) are ideal, as crocodiles are most active during cooler hours. Midday sun makes them sluggish and they often remain submerged or hidden in mud, so you may miss them. The centre is open from sunrise to sunset, but plan for a 30-45 minute visit.