How to Reach Gir National Park in Gujarat, India, continues to attract global attention as the last surviving home of the Asiatic lion. Nestled in the Gir Somnath district, the sanctuary spans an impressive 1,412 sq km of rugged hills and dense forest landscapes. Every year, thousands of wildlife lovers, researchers, filmmakers, and photographers from the UK, the US, and around the world travel to Gujarat to witness this iconic conservation success story.
However, before planning a trip, visitors must note that Gir National Park remains closed to tourists from 16 June to 15 October every year due to the monsoon season and breeding period of wildlife.
A Wildlife Experience Unlike Anywhere Else on Earth
A jungle safari in Gir is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in Asia. Even without spotting a lion, the journey through untouched teak forests, acacia woodlands, and open grasslands offers immersive contact with nature. But the highlight remains the endangered Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) — the only place in the world where this species exists in the wild.
The sanctuary is accessible only with a prior online safari permit, which travelers must book well in advance due to high global demand. Safaris are conducted in open jeeps with trained guides and expert trackers, ensuring responsible tourism and enhanced chances of wildlife sightings.
What If Safari Permits Are Sold Out?
For tourists unable to secure a safari permit, Devalia Safari Park (also known as the Gir Interpretation Zone) serves as the best alternative. Located 12 km west of Sasan Gir village, the fenced wildlife zone guarantees lion and leopard sightings while providing a shorter experience suitable for families and day visitors. Hourly 45-minute guided bus tours operate here, offering assured glimpses of predators and other species.
Wildlife Beyond Lions
While lions steal the spotlight, Gir is home to more than 37 mammal species and over 300 species of birds, making it equally appealing for zoologists and birdwatchers. The forest ecosystem supports:
- Chital (spotted deer)
- Sambar (large deer)
- Nilgai (blue bull / antelope)
- Chousingha (four-horned antelope)
- Chinkara (gazelle)
- Crocodiles
- Leopards (rare, but possible sightings)
- Blackbuck, foxes, and mongoose in Devalia
More than half of the area’s Maldhari herding community has been resettled outside the sanctuary in recent decades to reduce human–wildlife conflict, although nearly 1,000 residents still live within the forest zone today. Their livestock continues to contribute nearly one-quarter of the lion population’s diet.
History of Gir National Park
Gir has become a global model for endangered species recovery.
- The sanctuary was established in 1965
- A core zone of 259 sq km was later declared as a National Park in 1975
- Lion numbers have seen remarkable growth from fewer than 200 in the 1960s to 674 by the 2020 census
This extraordinary turnaround is credited to stringent conservation efforts, community participation, and controlled tourism.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal season to visit Gir is from November to March, when temperatures are pleasant, vegetation is minimal, and wildlife sightings are at their peak. April and May also offer excellent sighting opportunities, though the heat can be intense.
How to Reach Gir National Park (Main Ranking Keyword — Included Naturally)
Reaching Gir is easy and well connected by road, rail, and air. Below is the complete travel guide for international and domestic visitors:
By Road
Gir National Park is smoothly accessible from nearby major towns:
- Junagadh — 71 km
- Veraval — 42 km
Both cities offer regular bus services and private taxi options to Sasan Gir, the park’s entry point.
By Train
For travelers preferring rail connectivity:
- Junagadh Junction and Veraval Junction are the nearest major railway hubs
- Sasan Railway Station lies closest to the park, serving meter-gauge trains on:
- Junagadh ↔ Delvada route
- Amreli ↔ Veraval route
The station is only a short drive from the safari booking counter and resort zone.
By Air
The closest airport is:
- Keshod Airport — 54 km from Gir National Park
Visitors flying from New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, the UK, the US, and other international locations can connect via Mumbai or Ahmedabad to reach Keshod. Rajkot and Ahmedabad airports also serve as convenient alternatives with wider flight options, followed by a road trip to Sasan Gir.
Final Travel Tips
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Closure | 16 June – 15 October |
| Safari Type | Jeep (Gir Jungle Safari) & Bus (Devalia Safari Park) |
| Best Season | November – March |
| Permit Requirement | Mandatory, advance online booking highly recommended |
Also read: how much does Gir Safari cost per person? Full Price Breakdown for Indian and Foreign Tourists
Conclusion
Gir National Park is not only a wildlife destination — it is one of the world’s greatest conservation success stories. For travelers wondering “How to reach Gir National Park“, multiple convenient travel routes make it easily accessible from anywhere in India and the rest of the world. Whether you’re visiting from the UK, the US, Europe, Canada, or Asia, Gir promises a raw, unforgettable experience for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, family adventurers, and researchers alike.
