Gir’s forest, dry teak and acacia scrub, held perhaps the last few dozen Asiatic lions when protection began in the early 20th century and now supports several hundred, alongside leopards, striped hyenas and marsh crocodiles basked along the Kamleshwar Dam. Safaris depart from the gateway village of Sasan Gir into the reserve’s core and buffer zones, with Devalia Safari Park offering a fenced, near-guaranteed-sighting alternative for visitors without an advance safari permit, and a crocodile breeding centre and forest interpretation zone near the park entrance rounding out the visit. Gir National Park sits at an elevation of 237 m and is typically explored in about 2 days. The most favourable months to visit are January, November, December, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Sasan Gir Jungle Trail, Kankai Mata Temple, and Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary. Other notable highlights include dawn jeep safari tracking Asiatic lions, devalia Safari Park's fenced lion sightings, and crocodile basking at Kamleshwar Dam reservoir. It falls within Gujarat, Gir Somnath district, and Gujarat, India.
State: Gujarat
Ideal Duration: 2 Days
January, November, December, February
There is no upper age limit, but the safari involves bumpy, dusty tracks, so you should be reasonably mobile and free from severe back or heart conditions. The Forest Department allows seniors to sit in the front seat of the jeep for comfort, but you must carry a valid ID and any personal medications. Wheelchair access is not available inside the park, so plan for short walks only.
Yes, there are many resorts and forest lodges in and around Sasan Gir, ranging from budget to luxury, with most offering wheelchair-friendly rooms and Indian thali meals. Book a place with an in-house restaurant to avoid long drives after a tiring safari. For groups, consider staying at the government-run Sinh Sadan or a private resort with guided nature walks and evening cultural shows.
You must book safaris online in advance through the official Gujarat Forest Department website, as permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially during peak season. On-the-spot bookings are rarely available, so plan at least 30-45 days ahead. For senior travellers, private jeeps are more comfortable than shared gypsies, so book a full jeep if possible.
The best time is from December to March, when the weather is dry and cool, and lions are more active and visible near water sources. Avoid the monsoon months (June to September) as the park remains closed. October and November are good but can still be humid.
Wear light, earthy-coloured cotton clothes (khaki, beige, olive) to blend in, and avoid bright colours or perfumes. Carry a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a light jacket for the early morning chill. Binoculars are essential for spotting lions from a distance, and do not carry plastic bags or loud items that disturb wildlife.