In the Land of the Lion - Gir National Park
Gir National Park stands apart from India’s other wild places.It covers 4 districts-Junagadh,Gir,Somnath and Amreli. This is the last natural home of the Asiatic lion, a species that has shaped—and been shaped by—this dry, open forest of western Gujarat. Gir is not dense or remote; it is a working landscape where scrub, rocky hills, and wide valleys meet human life without sharp boundaries.
The forest here is built for visibility. Trees grow spaced apart, the ground is largely open, and dry riverbeds cut long lines through the land. Heat dominates much of the year, and water dictates movement, drawing life toward streams and reservoirs during the harsher months. The terrain offers little concealment, yet it provides exactly what the lion requires—space, prey, and tolerance.
Gir also has a healthy Leopard population,although not frequently seen.
Gir has a rich birdlife too.There are around 350 species of birds seen in and around Gir.
What truly distinguishes Gir is coexistence. Maldhari communities live within the forest, grazing livestock and moving with the seasons. The lion survives not behind walls, but through long-standing acceptance, adapting to a landscape shared with people rather than separated from them.
Gir’s lions are not symbols of wilderness at a distance; they are part of a living, negotiated space. Rooted in history, shaped by restraint, and sustained by balance, Gir remains one of the world’s rare places where a large predator endures not in isolation, but in continuity with the land and its people.
About the Reserve
Gir National Park
Gir National Park, located in Gujarat across Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli districts, is the only place in the world where you can see Asiatic lions in the wild.
The landscape is dry and open, with scrub forests, rocky hills, and wide valleys. Seasonal rivers and water sources attract animals, especially in summer, leading to more frequent and clearer wildlife sightings.
Gir National Park Jungle Safari Experience
Royal Bengal Tigers of Bandhavgarh
The Asiatic lion is the main highlight of a Gir safari. Unlike other reserves, lions here are often seen in open areas, resting under trees or walking along forest tracks.
The park has a good population of prey animals like chital, sambar, nilgai, and wild boar, which helps maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Leopards are also found in Gir, though they are harder to spot as they are more elusive.
Overall, the safari experience here feels more open and easier to navigate, rather than dense and closed.
Gir is also home to many bird species, with around 300–350 recorded. Birds can be seen near water bodies, in forests, and in open areas, adding to the overall experience.
Safari Zones in Gir National Park
Gir has a few safari areas, each offering a slightly different experience.
Gir Core Zone Safari
The main safari area where you have the best chance of seeing Asiatic lions in their natural habitat.
Gir Devalia Safari Park
A fenced area where wildlife can be seen more easily in a shorter time, in a more controlled setting.
Gir Interpretation Zone Safari
Focuses more on understanding the ecosystem, while still offering chances to see wildlife in a controlled environment.
Gir National Park safari timings
(Timings may vary slightly depending on the season)
Morning Safari
Better chances of wildlife sightings
Evening Safari
Good for observing animal movement and enjoying the landscape.
Best Time to Visit Gir National Park
Winter
April - June
Higher chances of spotting lions near water sources
Summer
Decemeber - March
Pleasant weather and good overall sightings
Monsoon
July - October
Park remains closed.
How to Reach Gir National Park
By Air
The nearest airport is Diu, with Rajkot offering better connectivity to major cities.
By Train
The closest railway stations are Junagadh and Veraval.
By Road
Gir is well connected by road from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Somnath.
Why Choose Curated Canopy Safaris
- All-Inclusive Packages – Stay, all meals, forest permits, gypsy safaris, and trained guides are included for a seamless experience.
- Experienced Local Guides – Knowledgeable guides who understand the jungle, read alarm calls, and track wildlife effectively
- Comfortable Safari Lodges – Carefully selected stays that offer both comfort and proximity to the park
- Thoughtfully Planned Expeditions – Every detail is considered to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and rewarding safari
- Fair Pricing – Well-curated experiences offered at reasonable and transparent costs.
Plan Your Safari
How to Book
You can book your complete package through Curated Canopy Safaris.
You will need to provide a valid ID (Aadhar card / PAN card / Driving Licence) for permit booking.
Safaris are limited and should be booked in advance.
Tips for Safarists
- Book in Advance – Safari permits are limited and sell out quickly, so plan ahead.
- Wear Neutral Colours – Earth tones help you blend into the surroundings and avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Carry Essentials – Mobile phones may be restricted in some parks, so bring a camera and binoculars.
- Follow Park Guidelines – Always follow the rules and instructions provided by forest authorities and guides.
testimonials
Trusted by many, proven by results
Dr Suneet Raut, Palghar
Namaskar, I am Dr Suneet Raut. Myself and my wife, Dr Sushila visited Kanha National park, last year, by April 2025. Our close friend, Dr Prakash Babu,called me whether we were interested doing this Safari trip. As we both are nature lovers, and having visited Tadoba and other sanctuaries,were delighted by this call. It was last week of April.We flew from Mumbai to Jabalpur,then to Kanha sanctuary. I must say,the total experience of those 4 days was WONDERFUL. The flights, transportation to and fro by road, the accommodation, food, overall comforts and personal attention and care of Curated Canopy Safaris was exceptional. One thing I would like to mention, that, Dr Prakash himself is a wildlife enthusiast, has a deep knowledge of birds and animals, has good knowledge of flora and fauna. His planning is meticulous and punctual. His venture CURATED CANOPY Safaris is dependable service. We both look forward to join his safaries in future also. -- Dr Suneet Raut, Palghar
Dr. Susheela Raut, Palghar
We had gone with Dr. Prakash Babu for a Tiger safari to Kanha National Park safari last year. We enjoyed the trip thoroughly. The trip was very meticulasly arranged by Dr. Babu from Curated Canopy Safaris, taking into consideration all the minutest needs of ever member The stay was very comfortable. Tours well arranged and comfortable. We saw 4 tigers and made us all very happy and fulfilled.
Dr. Geeta Raju
Curated Canopy Safaris organised our trip to Kanha National Park in May ‘25. The Stay was in a serene hotel close to the park with amazing food and courteous staff. We did 1 night safari and 4 day safaris. We could see 4 tigers in 5 safaris. The tour guide and drivers were very alert and had a thorough know how of the parks. Besides tigers we could spot many deer, wild boars, peacocks and bisons. Overall we felt the time and money was well spent and looking forward to similar experiences with Canopy Safaris 👍
Dr. Surya Raju
Attended Curated Canopy Safari trip to Kanha National Park in May 2025 with family and friends, it was a wild thrilling trip, early morning trips,Night rides with awesome rides through jungle. Well organised, over zealous guides,saw a lot of tigers,birds,deers bear etc.It was a wholesome awesome experience, good food, good stay.Looking forward to future safaris with curated canopy safaris.
Dr. Shobha Sankhe
Dr. Prakash Babu is a true and passionate naturalist, and the ideal person to begin his venture, Curated Canopy Safaris. It is rightly said that a true naturalist is best suited to design wildlife safaris, as such a person is deeply well-versed with nature, flora, and fauna. Dr. Babu brings with him rich and varied experiences from safaris and sanctuaries across India. Along with wildlife exploration, he consistently strives to inculcate a love and respect for nature among the common man. Living in harmony with nature is essential for the survival of our ecology, which today stands at the edge of a cliff, challenged by increasing human impact. We wish him the very best in pursuing his passion, not only through curated wildlife experiences but also in contributing towards the protection of sanctuaries and wildlife. Apart from this, his deep knowledge of birdlife, combined with immersive wildlife exploration, truly serves as a panacea for human stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Madhya Pradesh's Mandla and Balaghat districts are home to Kanha National Park.
You can witness a number of birds, as well as Bengal tigers, barasingha, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, and wild dogs.
The optimum time to go is from October to June, and summer is the best time to see tigers.
You can book through safari operators who arrange permits, jeep safaris, guides, and accommodation