Gir National Park Travel Guide

Gir National Park, in southern Gujarat, is the only place in the world where the Asiatic lion survives in the wild, after a long conservation effort brought the species back from the brink. The park combines dry deciduous forest and grassland, and beyond lions holds leopards, deer and a wide range of birdlife.

Safaris run by jeep at set morning and afternoon slots, with permits allocated by zone and numbers controlled to limit disturbance. Sightings of the Asiatic lion are relatively reliable here compared with many tiger reserves, though as with any wildlife safari nothing is guaranteed.

Gir is typically open from October to June and closes through the monsoon months when the park is inaccessible. Two days, spanning morning and afternoon safaris, gives a reasonable chance of sightings without the pressure of a single visit.