For those with a wild heart and a love for raw nature, Gir National Park is nothing short of a treasure trove. Located in Gujarat, this incredible sanctuary is the only place in the world where the endangered Asiatic lions live freely in their natural habitat. But did you know that Gir isn’t just a single forest you drive through? The park is smartly divided into distinct safari zones, each offering its own unique encounters and dramatic landscapes.
If you’re planning a trip to Gir and wondering which safari zone is right for you, this complete guide will make your planning easier. In this blog, we’ll walk through every safari zone in Gir National Park with detailed descriptions, what you can expect, timings, highlights, and useful travel tips. So grab your notepad (or bookmark button), because your wildlife adventure starts here!
Why Safari Zones in Gir Matter
Many travelers assume that Gir is one big jungle trail. But that’s not the case. The park is divided into multiple safari zones to ensure the protection of wildlife, reduce overcrowding, and improve visitor experiences. Each zone gives you access to different parts of the forest and increases your chances of spotting lions, leopards, and other wild creatures in their prime.
Whether you want to go deep into the jungle or prefer a quicker, scenic safari, there’s a zone in Gir tailored for you. Explore India’s Best Monsoon Wildlife Parks – Plan Your Visit Today
Overview of Safari Zones in Gir National Park
There are mainly two types of safari experiences available in Gir:
- Gir Jungle Trail (Core Safari Zones)
- Devaliya Safari Park (Interpretation Zone)
Let’s dive into each of them in detail. Experience Gujarat Deeply – 15 Days Complete Tour Package
1. Gir Jungle Trail – The Main Safari Zone
Another tourist attraction that takes you deep into the wilderness, the Gir Jungle Trail is the most popular and authentic way to experience the national park. This is where you venture into the heart of lion territory, exploring real forest trails where each turn may surprise you with a majestic sighting.
Set within the core forest area, this safari requires advance booking and follows strict guidelines to ensure minimal disruption to the wildlife. Birding in Pench National Park: A Captivating Birdwatching Experience
Location – Sasan Gir (Central Region of the Park)
Time Required – Approx. 3 hours per safari ride
Operational Hours:
- Morning Safari: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- Late Morning Safari: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
- Afternoon Safari: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
(Safari timings may change slightly based on the season)
Main Highlights:
- Real forest experience
- Spotting of Asiatic lions in the wild
- Opportunities to see leopards, jackals, deer, langurs, and birds
- Accompanied by a trained forest guide and driver
How It Works:
You are assigned one of the several internal safari routes (Zones 1–13) at the Gir Jungle Trail. These routes are randomly allotted and rotate frequently to preserve the forest environment.
Zones 1–13 Breakdown:
Although the park doesn’t publicly list which specific zone you’re in (you’ll know only after allotment), here’s a general idea:
- Zone 1 – 6: Lion-centric areas near Kamleshwar Dam and dense forests. Good for big cat sightings.
- Zone 7 – 9: Mix of open grassland and dense jungle, ideal for photographing sambar and antelopes.
- Zone 10 – 13: Leopard-prone zones and higher bird activity. Lesser-known, but equally rich.
Safari Permit Required: Yes
Booking Portal: https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in
Tip: Book well in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during November–March. Early morning safaris usually offer the best chances to see lions. Book Now: 2 Nights, 3 Days Statue of Unity Tour – Full Itinerary
2. Devaliya Safari Park – Gir Interpretation Zone
If you’re short on time or traveling with kids or elders, the Devaliya Safari Park is your go-to option. This fenced eco-tourism zone inside Gir was developed to offer visitors a controlled, yet enriching wildlife experience.
Unlike the core jungle, here you’re almost guaranteed to spot lions as the animals roam in a relatively confined yet vast natural habitat.
Location – Near Sasan Gir (Approx. 12 km from main town)
Time Required – 45 minutes to 1 hour
Operational Hours:
- Morning Slot: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Evening Slot: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays
Main Highlights:
- High chance of lion sighting
- Crocodile lake, spotted deer, blue bulls, hyenas
- Ideal for families with kids or elderly travelers
- Bus safari with panoramic windows
Type of Vehicle: 22-seater open-roof bus (first-come, first-serve)
Safari Permit Required: Yes
Booking Portal: https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in
Why Visit Devaliya Safari Park?
Another great advantage is accessibility—no need to wake up early or rush through long trails. Devaliya offers a more relaxed, picture-perfect safari for those who may not handle the bumpy jungle rides. Travel from Ahmedabad to Gir National Park – Start Your Journey Now
Other Safari Trails Around Gir National Park
While the Jungle Trail and Devaliya are the two official safari zones, there are a few other areas around Gir where you can have unique wildlife and cultural experiences. Explore Gujarat in 7 Days – Full Tour Package & Itinerary
3. Kamleshwar Dam Safari Area
Located within the Gir Jungle Zone, Kamleshwar Dam is often referred to as the “lifeline of Gir.” While not a separate safari zone, this scenic spot lies within many Jungle Trail routes and offers glimpses of crocodiles basking in the sun and waterbirds fluttering around.
Location – Within Gir Jungle Trail (Zone 3 and 4)
Time Required – Covered during 3-hour safari ride
Main Highlights:
- Crocodile sighting
- Stunning sunrise views
- Birdwatching paradise
Travel Tip: If your route includes Kamleshwar, get your camera ready—it’s one of the most photogenic spots in Gir.
4. Ambardi Safari Park
Ambardi Interpretation Zone is located near Dhari, a lesser-known gateway to Gir. Designed similar to Devaliya, it features a fenced area where animals roam freely. Adventure Awaits: 5 Days Gujarat Wildlife & Beach Tour Plan
Location – Dhari, Amreli District (approx. 60 km from Sasan Gir)
Time Required – 1 hour
Operational Hours:
- Morning: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Evening: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Main Highlights:
- Less crowded than Devaliya
- Opportunity to spot Asiatic lions, chinkaras, and nilgai
- Perfect for travelers exploring the eastern part of Gir
Tip: It’s best suited for those staying in or around Amreli or Bhavnagar and want a quick safari alternative. Discover How to Reach Gir from Rajkot – Your Quick Travel Guide
What Wildlife Can You Spot Across the Safari Zones?
No matter which zone you’re in, Gir has an incredibly diverse ecosystem.
Likely Sightings:
- Asiatic Lions – The pride of Gir
- Leopards – Especially in deeper zones
- Striped Hyenas – Often seen near Devaliya
- Nilgai (Blue Bull) – Roams freely in almost every zone
- Spotted Deer & Sambar – Regular sightings
- Crocodiles – Near dams and water bodies
- Birds – Over 300 species, including peacocks, eagles, vultures, and paradise flycatchers
Did You Know?
Zone 6 and 11 are often preferred by wildlife photographers for the rich light, lion movements, and bird density. Plan Your Surat to Gir Safari – Easy Routes & Travel Tips
Choosing the Best Safari Zone in Gir – A Quick Guide
| Safari Zone | Ideal For | Duration | Vehicle Type | Sightings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gir Jungle Trail | Adventure seekers, nature lovers | 3 hours | Jeep | Lions, leopards |
| Devaliya Safari Park | Families, short visits | 1 hour | Open bus | Lions (guaranteed) |
| Ambardi Safari Zone | Offbeat explorers | 1 hour | Safari bus | Lions, herbivores |
| Kamleshwar Area | Photographers, bird watchers | 20 mins | Part of jungle trail | Crocs, birds |
Travel Tips for an Amazing Safari Experience
- Book Early: Safari permits are limited, especially for core zones.
- Wear Earthy Tones: Avoid bright colors. Browns, greens, and neutrals blend better with nature.
- Be Silent, Be Patient: Wildlife sightings reward the quiet observer.
- Carry Binoculars & Camera: But remember—no flash photography!
- Best Time for Safari: Morning rides (especially 6–9 AM) have higher chances of lion sightings.
- Check for Park Closure: Gir is closed from June 16 to October 15 annually due to monsoons.
Where to Stay Based on Safari Zones
If your goal is to maximize your safari experience, your choice of accommodation matters.
Near Jungle Trail Entry (Sasan Gir):
- The Fern Gir Forest Resort
- Woods at Sasan
- Asiatic Lion Lodge
Devaliya Park:
- Gir Pride Resort
- Gir Jungle Lodge
Near Ambardi Safari Park:
- Hotel Bhagwati, Dhari
- Local farmstays (budget options)
Booking Tip: Choose resorts that offer in-house naturalists or organize pick-and-drop for safaris.
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How to Book Safaris in Gir
- Visit: https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in
- Choose your zone (Devaliya or Jungle Trail)
- Select date, number of people, and vehicle type
- Make payment online and download the permit
- Carry ID proofs for all visitors on the day of the safari
Safari Entry Fee (Approximate):
- Indian Nationals: ₹800 – ₹1,200 per person
- Foreign Nationals: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 per person
- Jeep Rent: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per safari (shared among 6 tourists)
Final Thoughts
Each safari zone in Gir National Park brings its own flavor of wilderness. Whether you’re tracking a lion through thick acacia woods in the Jungle Trail or catching a relaxed glimpse from the Devaliya bus, the thrill of being in lion country is unforgettable. It’s not just a park; it’s an experience that will live in your memory long after your jeep rolls out of the gates.
So, pick your zone, pack your safari hat, and get ready for a journey into one of India’s most iconic wild escapes.
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