Gir National Park: Where To Stay, How To Book Lion Safari, Exotic Animals To Spot At Gujarat’s Wildlife Reserve

In Gujarat’s southwestern corner, Gir National Park is more than a patch of protected forest, it’s the last stronghold of the Asiatic lion. Step into this world and you don’t just see wildlife; you feel it. Lions lounge under acacia trees, their golden eyes surveying the dry, cracked earth like royalty guarding an ancient kingdom. Unlike the African lions of documentaries, these cats carry centuries of history in their slow and deliberate movements. Visiting Gir isn’t ticking off a tourist box, it’s walking into a rhythm where the forest, the animals, and human life intersect in ways both fragile and astonishing. Let’s dive deep into what Gir National Park holds for its travellers, how to book a Safari and more! 

Gir National Park: Wildlife Beyond The Lions

Lions are the headline, but life sings everywhere. Early morning, chital graze like strokes of gold on green glades, sambar drink silently from hidden ponds, and leopards vanish into shadow like smoke curling around trees. Bird lovers will find paradise among over 300 species, from painted storks standing like living sculptures to crested serpent eagles slicing the sky.

The shy residents leave traces rather than sightings:

• Indian wolves at dusk, slipping through grass like whispers.
• Sloth bears probing termite mounds with a meditative patience.
• Striped hyenas roaming nocturnally, leaving cryptic footprints.
• Jungle cats and mongooses darting across sun-drenched clearings.
• Mugger crocodiles sunbathing silently in ponds or seasonal rivers.

Every movement, sound, and shadow tells a story. Porcupines disappear into thickets, chameleons become leaves, and nocturnal creatures weave secret lives. Here, a safari isn’t a checklist, it’s reading the rhythm of the forest itself.

Also Read: Indonesia To Cap Komodo National Park Visitors At 1,000 Per Day From April 2026

Accommodation In Gir National Park: Where to Sleep When The Wild Is Next Door

Picking a place to stay in Gir is almost as crucial as picking the right pair of binoculars. Do you want the forest brushing against your window, or do you want comfort without losing your sense of adventure? Here’s a realistic guide:

Luxury Resorts:

• The Fern Gir Forest Resort: Wake up in eco-cottages or tents, smell the earth, hear birds in the trees, and then treat yourself to a spa session after a morning of lion tracking. It’s luxury, but with the forest as your roommate.
• Sasan Gir: This one is a Fern Crown Collection Resort. It has elegantly designed rooms with a shortcut to the park gates; perfect if you want to sip chai while knowing a lion could be twenty minutes away.
• Woods At Sasan: It is a mid-sized retreat with a pool perched over the canopy. The local birds are curious spectators, sometimes too curious and the views make even a lazy afternoon unforgettable.
  

Also Read: Beyond Tigers: 6 Exotic Animals You Can Spot In Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Mid-Range Options:

• Gir Jungle Lodge: At the park entrance, cosy rooms meet guided safari tours. This is where mornings feel like rituals.
• Saavaj Resort: It is family-friendly, with rooms overlooking dry riverbeds that act as the park’s natural thoroughfares. You might see herds wandering while the kids build sand castles nearby.
• Gir Birding Lodge: This one is for those who track life in feathers. Over 300 bird species flit through the trees, and guided tours make sure you don’t miss the shy or rare ones.
  

Also Read: Why Are Tiger Cubs In Karnataka’s Bandipur Forest Being Fed Roadkill? 

Budget-Friendly Stays:

• Gir Anil Farm House: This one is homely and simple. It’s not about chandeliers here, it’s about hearing the forest before the sun rises.
• Maneland Jungle Lodge: It is basic and has clean rooms with the advantage of proximity. Sometimes being the first to hear a lion’s roar beats any luxury suite.
  

For official bookings and the full list of stays, the Gir National Park website is the most reliable compass.

Booking A Safari: Gir National Park

📍Gir National Park was such a vibe 😍😍 pic.twitter.com/RMSS6lLCt8

— Krupa Kotecha (@krupakotecha_) June 18, 2025

You can’t come to Gir and skip the lion safari. Nothing else hits the pulse quite like a jeep rolling over dusty tracks, your stomach flipping as sunlight catches a pride lounging on a rock. One moment, you’re daydreaming of golden manes and lazy roars; the next, you’re squinting at a flicker in the grass, wondering if it was a tail, a shadow, or just a trick of the light. Book wrong, and that thrill collapses into frustration, the forest doesn’t negotiate with indecision.

Where To Book

Go straight to the official sources. They might not be flashy, but they save your time, money, and sanity:

• Gir National Park Safari Booking
• Gujarat Forest Department Booking
  

Ignore third-party portals, as some inflate prices, others disappear after payment, and some manipulate slots.

How To Book

1. Choose your safari zone: Gir Jungle Trail for untamed wilderness, Devaliya Safari Park for easier sightings.
2. Fill in personal details: Aadhar or Passport works.
3. Pick your slot: Mornings 6:30–9:30 or 9:30–12:30; evenings 3:00–6:00.
4. Select vehicle and guide: Four-seater jeeps roughly ₹2,500; eight-seaters around ₹4,500. Guides charge ₹400–700 depending on experience.

Book early. In Gir, hesitation can mean missing the lion you came to see.

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Insider Tips for A True Gir National Park Experience

• Timing: October-March is mild and wildlife is active in these months. Early mornings feel magical.
• Clothing: Earth tones, light fabrics, sturdy footwear. Blend in and stay nimble.
• Photography: Long lenses are essential. Silence and patience beat frantic clicks.
• Health prep: Water, basic medication, insect repellents, and sun protection. Open jeeps expose you to all elements.
• Respect: Keep your distance, move slowly, and never feed wildlife. Observe; don’t interfere.
  

Also Read: Why Are Tiger Cubs In Karnataka’s Bandipur Forest Being Fed Roadkill? 

Gir isn’t just a dot on a map, it’s a living, breathing organism. Every rustle, shadow, and distant call carries meaning. Book your stay, secure your safari slot, and pick guides who know the forest like their own backyard. Enter with curiosity, patience, and respect, and you won’t just see lions, you’ll feel the heartbeat of the wild itself.

Cover Image Courtesy: mayankgavadiya/Wikipedia