Gir National Park is the only place in the world where Asiatic lions survive in the wild. The forest ecosystem has been central to saving the Asiatic lion from the threshold of extinction to the current population of over 600. The landscape combines rolling hills, rivers originating from the Gir hills, deciduous forest, and open scrubland.
Open Season: October 16 to June 15 — safari operations active
Wildlife
Asiatic Lion — Gir is the sole surviving habitat of the Asiatic lion in the wild. Over 600 individuals are distributed across the Gir landscape. Sambar, spotted deer (chital), nilgai, chinkara (Indian gazelle), and four-horned antelope are present throughout the park. Over 300 bird species have been recorded including the endangered Indian vulture, Bonelli's eagle, and a diverse assemblage of waterbirds.
Safari Areas
Gir does not operate a numbered zone system. Safari gypsies travel on designated wilderness tracks within the national park from the Sasan-Gir reception center. All safaris depart from and return to the Sasan-Gir reception center — the safari vehicle follows a prescribed route and time limit within the forest.
Safari and Permits
Safari Timings
Three safari sessions operate daily — morning, mid-morning, and evening. All sessions depart from the Sasan-Gir reception center. Report at the Gir reception center at least 45 minutes before your departure time.
Oct 16–Feb 28/29
6:30 AM – 9:30 AM
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Mar 1–Jun 15
6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Safari Vehicle
Open gypsies are the only safari vehicle operating in Gir National Park. All gypsies are locally available at the Gir reception center — no advance vehicle booking is required separately from the permit. A maximum of six visitors plus one child between 3–12 years are permitted per gypsy.
A trained eco-guide accompanies every safari — mandatory.
Permit Booking
All safari permits are booked through the official Gujarat Forest Department portal. There is no authorized alternative.
• Official Booking Portal: girlion.gujarat.gov.in
• Foreign National ID: Valid passport required at booking and at the reception center on safari day.
• Permit validity: One permit can cover up to 6 visitors plus one child (3–12 years).
Permit Charges
Fees below are permit charges per vehicle per session.
Monday to Friday
₹7,440 (up to 6 persons)
₹1,860 — extra child (3–12 years)
Saturday / Sunday / Festival Days
₹9,300 (up to 6 persons)
₹2,325 — extra child (3–12 years)
Permit fees do not include guide charges or safari vehicle charges — both are paid separately at the reception center on safari day. The camera fee for amateur photography is ₹200 per camera (paid online).
Guide Charges
Guide or naturalist charges are paid separately at the Gir reception center on safari day — not included in the online permit fee.
Naturalist
₹700 — possesses undergraduate degree in Zoology, Botany, or Wildlife Biology. Fluent in English.
Guide G1
₹500 — 12th pass. Better knowledge of Gir landscape, flora, and fauna. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Gujarati.
Guide G2
₹400 — 10th pass. Good knowledge of Gir flora and fauna. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Gujarati.
Safari Vehicle Charges
Safari vehicle charges are paid separately at the Gir reception center on safari day — not included in the online permit fee. All vehicles are with cushioned seating and binoculars provided.
• 4-Seater Gypsy: ₹2,500
• 6-Seater Gypsy: ₹3,500
• 8-Seater Gypsy: ₹4,500
Guide and safari vehicle charges are distributed equally among all travelers present in the vehicle on the day of safari.
Getting There
Sasan-Gir is the access town for Gir National Park — the reception center is located in Sasan-Gir village. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes and transport information below.
Gir National Park Access Town — Sasan-Gir
Rail Stations: Junagadh Junction (JND) — 60 km | Veraval (VRL) — 45 km
Airport: No airport in Sasan-Gir. Nearest airport is Keshod Airport (IXK)
Bus Terminals: Sasan-Gir Bus Stand
Travel to Junagadh (JND) or Veraval (VRL) by train and hire a taxi to Sasan-Gir. If flying, Keshod Airport (IXK) at approximately 60 km is the nearest — travel onward to Sasan-Gir by taxi from Keshod. No direct bus services connect major cities to Sasan-Gir.
India Manual is produced by Intodia. All content follows a continuous review cycle and is free from commercial influence, ads, or any affiliate arrangements. All fees and charges listed on this page are applicable to foreign nationals only.
for travelers
for travelers