Gir National Park Booking | Official Safari Entry & Permit Guide

Gir Jungle Safari at Gir National Park, also known as Sasan Gir National Park, is the only place outside Africa where you can spot the majestic Asiatic lion in the wild. If you're planning a wildlife getaway, here’s everything you need to know—from Gir safari booking and timings to what to expect inside this iconic forest.

🦁 About Gir National Park / Sasan Gir

Nestled in Gujarat, Gir Forest National Park (a.k.a. Sasan Gir National Park) covers over 1,410 km², with a core jungle of ~258 km² that’s strictly protected. It’s a biodiversity hotspot and the last stronghold of the endangered Asiatic lion. Besides lions, Gir hosts leopards, chital deer, hyenas, birds of prey, and diverse flora. Its dry deciduous teak forests and savannahs make for excellent lion-spotting terrain.

Why Choose Gir Jungle Safari / Sasan Gir Safari?

• Exclusive lion sightings: The park is the only natural home of Asiatic lions outside Africa.

• Authentic Jeep Safari: The Gir Jungle Safari is a guided open‑jeep ride lasting around three hours, offering up‑close wildlife encounters.

• Well‑regulated booking: The entry system has shifted completely online—no permits are issued at the gate.

Best Time to Visit

• Open season: Mid‑October to mid‑June (closed from 16 June to 15 October due to monsoon season).

• Ideal months: December to March. Cool, dry weather, abundant wildlife sightings, especially near waterholes.

• Heat lovers: March to May can also be good as lions emerge during hotter days to drink or cool off .

Gir Safari Booking: How to Book a Safari Permit

✅ Online Booking (official method)

All Gir safari booking must be done via the official Gujarat Forest Department portal:

1. Register or log in.

2. Select Gir National Park safari booking or Devaliya (interpretation zone).

3. Choose the safari type (Jeep / Jungle Trail), preferred date, and time.

4. Provide visitor details and valid ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter/Pan for Indians, passport for foreigners).

5. Pay the full permit fee online.

6. After confirmation, you receive an e‑ticket via email or portal.

Permits are non-transferable and must match the ID used during booking. Present your original ID at check-in—no refund if it’s mismatched.

Advance booking is advised at least a month ahead during peak season; bookings open up to 90 days in advance, and the latest can be made 48 hours before.

🚫 Offline Booking

On‑spot permits are not available. All permits must be pre‑booked online—no gate‑side booking is allowed.

Safari Timings, Closures & Slot Options

Gir offers three daily slots (depending on the season):

• Winter (Oct 16–Feb 28/29):

  • 6:45 – 9:45 AM

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • 3:00 – 6:00 PM (afternoon slot) 

• Summer (Mar 1–Jun 15):

  • 6:00 – 9:00 AM

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • 4:00 – 7:00 PM

Report at least 30 minutes before your slot at the Sinh Sadan, Sasan Gir reception centre, where parking and boarding are provided.

Costs: Permit, Jeep & Guide Fees

E‑booking charges often include some taxes and coordination services; balance must be paid at boarding.

Day of Safari: What to Expect

• Arrive at Sinh Sadan at least 30 minutes early.

• Your registered guide (forest‑department certified) and gypsy driver will be assigned. Per policy, they cannot be pre‑booked; they are allocated onsite based on permit.

• The jeep safari lasts about 3 hours, with a max of 6 adults + 1 child per vehicle.

• Stay quiet, follow the guide’s instructions, and avoid sudden movements.

• Carry essentials: water, hat, sunscreen, binoculars.

• Phone mobiles are allowed for free; pay camera fees if carrying a DSLR.

Tips & Traveler Insights

• Book early: popular slots fill within weeks during high season.

• No UPI/Indian bank account? Foreign visitors may struggle—some report OTP/payment issues without Indian banking access.

• Gypsy availability is guaranteed if permit is booked online; guides and gypsies are allocated at Sinh Sadan upon arrival.

• Group pooling: Solo visitors or small groups can join others—several have shared unused seats to reduce costs.

• Avoid third-party sites charging vastly inflated fees—always use the official portal for booking your Gir safari booking.

Safari & Booking Keywords Recap

• Gir Jungle Safari, Gir National Park safari booking, Gir safari booking, Sasan Gir safari booking, Sasan Gir National Park booking, Gir national park booking, gir forest national park, sasan gir national park: these terms cover the exact popular searches you'll rank for.

• Use them naturally across your article, guide, or travel content—without keyword stuffing.

Wildlife Expectations: What You May Spot

Reserve your Gir Jungle Safari when animals are most active—especially mornings and late afternoons. Expect to see:

• Asiatic lions in prides

• Migratory birds and resident vultures

• Chital deer, nilgai, sambar, wild boar

• Leopards, hyenas, and lesser carnivores

• Hundreds of plant species and dry teak savannah landscapes 

Beyond the Safari: Other Activities

• Devaliya Interpretation Zone Safari: a well‑fenced and manicured area for light‑wildlife viewing—shorter rides (~1 hr) with predictable locations and guaranteed sightings .

• Local culture: stay at Maldhari tribal villages and eco‑resorts near Sasan for a rich cultural experience.

• Nearby temples and coastline: add visits to Somnath, Diu, and nearby wildlife sanctuaries for a longer trip.

Final Thoughts

Booking your Gir safari online in advance is essential—slots are limited and swiftly sold during peak season. Whether you're doing Gir National Park booking or Sasan Gir safari booking, stick to the official portal, follow the permit rules, and arrive early to make the most of your Gir Jungle Safari experience.

This timeless wilderness, home to Asiatic lions and rich biodiversity, promises a unique honor few places on earth can offer. Happy safari!