Plan A Trip To This National Park In India And Discover Incredible Wildlife

A vast array of traditions, religions, cuisine, and historical stops make up the fascinating country of India. This South Asian destination has a way of capturing the imagination of visitors through breathtaking scenery, bold flavors, and beloved landmarks. It's also a county that's home to some truly incredible wildlife. If you want to make sure your next trip this way includes a wild encounter or two, be sure to add a stop at Gir Forest National Park to your itinerary.

Located in Western India in Gujarat, Gir Forest National Park doubles as a vital wildlife sanctuary. A visit here puts you right in the heart of the only place left on the planet that still hosts a population of wild Asiatic lions. While these impressive cats once roamed landscapes ranging from the Middle East to India, today, Gir Forest National Park is the only place these endangered lions still thrive and the remaining pride is well protected. According to the Zoological Society of London, about 600 lions are living within the park's natural habitats.

The park covers around 545 square miles of terrain, giving visitors plenty of space to explore and for wildlife to roam. Wildlife viewing at the park can be accomplished with a permit-based safari, a visit to the permit-free area called Devalia Safari Park, or a stop at the fenced-in Interpretation Zone.

When you're planning to visit India and enjoy time at Gir Forest National Park, you'll find it's conveniently located just about 40 miles from Junagarh and less than 25 miles from the Veraval railway station. Travelers will want to note that mid-June through mid-October constitutes the rainy season in this area, and the park is closed to visitors in the name of safety. You'll want to be sure to book your trip for sometime between November and March for optimal weather and wildlife-watching options. The park is also open to the public between April and May, but do be advised that temperatures are on a steep rise that time of year.

Gir Forest National Park first opened as a sanctuary in 1965 and became a designated national park in India in 1975. At that time, there were estimated to be fewer than 200 Asiatic lions remaining on the premises. Today, park staff, conservation specialists, and visitors are thrilled by the progress in numbers that have been documented across the park.

While the lions are undeniably fascinating for visitors to witness, Gir Forest National Park is home to over 40 mammal species and 400 bird species. Touring the grounds on a guided safari could put you within reach of everything from crocodiles and antelopes to leopards, pythons, and more. Hyenas, jackals, foxes, and deer are also known to roam the national park sanctuary grounds.

The most comprehensive route to seeing all of the wildlife that roam throughout Gir Forest National Park is to book a jungle safari through the park's official channels. These safari adventures are led by dedicated and knowledgeable park staff and are offered Monday through Sunday when the park is open. It's important to book your place as early as possible because wildlife viewing permits are required for these safaris.

If, for any reason, you happen to miss out on a spot on an official safari, you can still make the most of amazing lion encounters at Devalia Safari Park. This is a designated section of the sanctuary where you'll set your sights on Asiatic lions in a more controlled environment. Thirty-minute bus tours of the Devalia Safari Park can be booked during your visit for a comprehensive look at the grounds and wildlife, though it's important to note that the park closes on Wednesdays.

There's also a nearby Interpretation Zone for visitors to explore, referred to simply as Devalia. This small, fenced-in space hosts a unique cross-section of wildlife and wilderness made up of dry deciduous forests to admire. When you make your way in this direction, you'll likely see wildlife ranging from lions and leopards to mongooses and blackbucks.