Gir, in Gujarat’s Saurashtra peninsula, is the only place in the world where Asiatic lions live in the wild. A century ago they were close to extinction; today their numbers are rising and they are spreading across the region. Seeing them on a morning safari through Gir’s dry teak forest is one of India’s great wildlife experiences, as long as you plan around the permit system.
The lions of Gir
The 2025 lion census, announced in May 2025, counted 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat, up from 674 five years earlier. Of these, 384 were inside Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and 507 outside it, across 11 districts. The sanctuary covers about 1,412 square kilometres, with a core national park of about 259 square kilometres. Other wildlife includes leopards, chital, sambar, nilgai, chinkara and crocodiles, and more than 300 bird species have been recorded.
How safaris work
- Book online only, through the official site, girlion.gujarat.gov.in. Permits are released in advance and popular dates sell out; there is no on-the-spot or urgent booking.
- Beware of fake sites that claim to sell confirmed permits at a premium. The forest department says its site is the only official booking channel.
- Each permit covers up to six people plus one child aged 3 to 12.
- Vehicle and guide charges are paid separately at the Sinh Sadan reception centre in Sasan Gir.
- Carry the same ID used for booking.
Safari timings
When we checked, the official site listed these slots. Confirm on the site before booking, as timings can change.
| Season | Safari slots |
|---|---|
| Winter (16 October to end of February) | 6:30–9:30 am, 9 am–12 noon, 3–6 pm |
| Summer (1 March to 15 June) | 6–9 am, 9 am–12 noon, 4–7 pm |
Early-morning and late-afternoon safaris give the best chance of seeing lions on the move.
The monsoon closure
Gir National Park is closed to safaris from 16 June to 15 October every year, for the monsoon and the breeding season.
If you cannot get a permit: Devalia
The Devalia Safari Park, also called the Gir Interpretation Zone, is a fenced area of about 4.12 square kilometres, about 12 km west of Sasan Gir village. Bus and jeep tours run along fixed trails, and sightings of lions are very likely. It is more controlled than a forest safari, but a good option if permits are sold out. Gujarat also runs a safari park at Ambardi, near Dhari.
When to go
- December to February: cool mornings and pleasant days.
- March to mid-June: hot, but the forest thins out and animals gather near water, so sightings can be good.
- Weekends and festivals are busiest, and permit fees are higher.
Getting there
- Base: Sasan Gir village, home to the Sinh Sadan reception centre.
- By road: about 60 to 70 km from Junagadh and about 45 km from Veraval.
- By train: Junagadh and Veraval are the main railheads; Sasan Gir has its own small station on a metre-gauge line.
- By air: Keshod airport is the nearest, about 55 to 60 km away; Rajkot and Diu are alternatives, and Ahmedabad is about 370 km away.
Combine Gir with
- Somnath, the seaside temple near Veraval, about an hour away.
- Junagadh, with the Uparkot Fort, the Mahabat Maqbara and the steps up Girnar.
- Diu, a former Portuguese enclave with a fort and beaches, a few hours’ drive south-east.
Responsible safaris
- Stay in the vehicle and keep your voice low.
- Do not ask drivers to chase animals or go off track.
- Never feed wildlife, and take all litter with you.
- Respect the rules on photography and flash.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a Gir safari?
Only online, through the forest department’s official website, girlion.gujarat.gov.in. Book as early as you can, and avoid third-party sites that claim to sell confirmed permits.
When is Gir National Park closed?
From 16 June to 15 October every year.
What are the chances of seeing a lion in Gir?
Good, but never guaranteed on a forest safari. If you want a near-certain sighting, the fenced Devalia Safari Park is the best option.
How many lions are there in Gir?
The 2025 census counted 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat, 384 of them inside Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Keep reading
- Modhera Sun Temple: Gujarat’s 11th-century masterpiece
- Kutch and the White Rann
- Ahmedabad and its stepwells
- When to visit West India
Plan the rest of your trip with our Gujarat guide.
Sources and image credits
Facts that can change were checked on 8 November 2026:
- Gir official booking site: about Gir, timings and fees
- Gujarat Tourism: Gir National Park
- Down To Earth: Asiatic lion population rises to 891
- Gujarat Samachar: Gir closed till 15 October, Devaliya and Ambardi open
Photography: Siddharth Shah via Unsplash (Unsplash License). Stock images, not the author’s own.
Permit rules, fees and safari timings are set by the forest department and change from time to time. Always confirm on the official site before booking.
