How to reach Gir National Park?
The Gir National Park location is quite convenient to reach by air, train as well as road. Here are your travelling options!
Hey wildlife lovers, seem like you are all set to explore the wild again. And if this time you are thinking about visiting Gir National Park in Gujarat, we can’t be more excited for you! Before we tell you why you tell us something. In the movie Lion King, how amazing is the scene when Rafiki introduces Simba as the future lion king and everyone cheers for him? And how great will it be to see the little Simba run around his kingdom? Well, Gir National Park is the perfect place to see the lion kings. Because this sanctuary is proudly preserving the Asiatic lions!
While Gir National Park is famous for preserving Asiatic lions, it is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. All in all, there is a lot to see and explore at this national park. And we say, without any further ado, plan your trip. And we would like to help!
Here goes a complete guide to this Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in India. Read on!
The Gir National Park location is quite convenient to reach by air, train as well as road. Here are your travelling options!
The nearest airport to Gir National Park is in Rajkot. From the Rajkot airport, you can take a private taxi or a bus and reach the national park within a few hours.
If you are travelling by train, you can either get down at the Veraval railway station or at the Junagadh railway station. Then you can hail a taxi and reach the national park easily
Time for a fun road trip! Take a bus from nearby cities like Rajkot, Mumbai, Dwarka, Ahmedabad and Surat. The bus will take you to Junagadh. From there, you will get a private taxi to your destination.
Before you start planning your trip, you need to know the Gir park best time to visit. So, here you go! The winter months, from December to March, are the best time to visit the park. The reason is obviously the pleasant weather. You can comfortably enjoy your wildlife tour and have a delightful experience. Talking about the summer months, from April to May, they can be a little too hot. But if you can handle the weather, it can be an ideal time for wildlife spotting and photography.
So, select any time based on whichever whether you are comfortable with. But remember to not plan your visit between 16th June and 15th October. Because the national park remains closed.
Once you have reached Gir National Park, you will have a lot of places to explore.
Right through the Gir National Park flows the Hiran river. And on the Hiran river is built the Kamleshwar dam. If you are a nature lover, you will really enjoy your time here. You can spot many birds and also see crocodiles. The dam is as important as it is beautiful since it is a major water source of Gir.
After the Kamleshwar dam, you can visit the Somnath temple and spend some time in devotion. The temple houses one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas and is quite popular among tourists all over and even outside of India. Also, the temple is located at the confluence of Kapila, Hiran and Sarasvati river and you will get some breathtaking views!
King Chandragupta Maurya built this fort in 319 BC and now it has turned into a famous tourist spot of Gujrat. Enter through any of the three massive gates and see the two baolis or step wells, Nuri Shah’s tomb and Buddhist several caves. A visit here will surely take you on a walk through history.
One of the most famous tourist spots and for all the right reasons! This waterfall is quite small but that does not compromise its beauty even a bit. The way the water here flows and makes sweet noise while falling on stones and rocks is truly magical and a must-experience on your Gujarat travel guide.
Here goes the list of things you can indulge in Gir National Park!
Not a surprise, we know! When you are at Gir National Park, going on a jungle safari or a lion safari is a must! In fact, a safari is the best way to see the majestic animals in their natural habitat. Now, you have two options. The first option is a jeep safari and the second one is the walking safari. Whichever option you choose, you will get a guide with you who will help you spot the animals. The timing can be different based on the season. If you visit in summer, you can go on a safari either from 6 am to 9 am or 4 pm to 7 pm. And in winter, the timing is from 6.45 am to 9.45 am and 3 pm to 6 pm. And we almost forgot, other than the lions, you will see leopards, chinkara, spotted deer, chausingha, hyena and sambar deer.
Gir National Park is home to many rare species of birds. So, do not leave the place without making the most of the bird watching activity. The best time for this activity is between December and January. Because many migratory birds come to the national park during this time. Which birds can you expect to see here? Bonneli’s eagle, pygmy woodpecker and woodpecker’s flamingo!
The Maldharis tribe and Siddis tribe call Gir their home. Each year the tribes celebrate many festivals. And the best part is that they allow visitors to take part in their celebrations as well. We say, do not miss this opportunity to have a fun time and learn about the tribal cultures. The two festivals that we will suggest you take part in are Dang Darbar which is celebrated right before Holi and Chitra Vichitra fair celebrated 14 days after the Dang Darbar Festival!
There are plenty of good accommodations available for you! The first one that we would like to mention is the Gir Jungle Lodge Resort located near the entrance of the national park. You will get all required amenities and their customer service is commendable as well. The Gateway Hotel Gir Forest, The Fern Gir Forest Resort, Woods At Sasan, Hotel Anil Farmhouse and Gir Pride Resort are also great options!
Now that you know all about Gir National Park, just decide when you want to visit and get the flight and hotel bookings done. Because the wild is calling!