Gir National Park, Sasan Gir

Photo spot in Sasan Gir

Gir National Park

Sasan Gir, Gujarat

The only home of the wild Asiatic lion — a dry deciduous forest of teak, acacia and rivers, explored by permit jeep safari from Sasan Gir.

Early morning, when mist and low sun light up the teak forest and animals are most active; late afternoon for warm, golden light.Medium crowdPark + safari permit

Best time

Early morning, when mist and low sun light up the teak forest and animals are most active; late afternoon for warm, golden light.

Best angle

Take a wide photo of the track winding through the teak trees, then zoom in when an animal steps into a clearing.

Entry fee

Park + safari permit

Opening hours

Safari slots (mid-Oct to mid-Jun)

Crowd level

Medium

Best outfit colors

KhakiOliveBeige

Overview

Best time to visit Gir National Park

Early morning, when mist and low sun light up the teak forest and animals are most active; late afternoon for warm, golden light. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.

Poses & angles

Photo tips for Gir National Park

Take a wide photo of the track winding through the teak trees, then zoom in when an animal steps into a clearing. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.

1

On the safari jeep

2

At a forest clearing

Outfit guide

What to wear at Gir National Park

For photos at Gir National Park, khaki, olive and beige work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.

Best outfit colors for photos

KhakiOliveBeige

Trending wear for this spot

Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Gir National Park.

Eat nearby

Food near Gir National Park

Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for kathiawadi thali nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.

Good to know

Local tips

Book on girlion.gujarat.gov.in as soon as bookings open, about three months ahead.

Report at Sinh Sadan at least 30 minutes before your slot, or your permit may be cancelled.

Carry the original photo ID of everyone named on the permit.

Take the first morning slot for the softest light and the most active lions.

Carry a scarf for the dust and a warm layer for winter mornings.

Stay in the jeep, keep quiet and never feed or call to animals.

Book more than one safari, as routes and sightings vary.

About Gir National Park

Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 1,410 sq km of dry teak forest, scrub and rocky hills, crossed by seven rivers. Declared a sanctuary in 1965, it is the heart of the Asiatic lion's range and is also home to leopards, spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, four-horned antelope, marsh crocodiles and around 300 kinds of birds.

Visitors enter on the Gir Jungle Safari, a three-hour drive in an open jeep with an eco-guide, starting from Sinh Sadan in Sasan. Routes are allotted when you report, so every drive is different. The park is usually open from 16 October to 15 June.

Questions

Gir National Park — FAQ

What is the best time to visit Gir National Park?

Early morning, when mist and low sun light up the teak forest and animals are most active; late afternoon for warm, golden light. Take a wide photo of the track winding through the teak trees, then zoom in when an animal steps into a clearing.

Is there an entry fee at Gir National Park?

Entry to Gir National Park is by park + safari permit.

What are the opening hours of Gir National Park?

Gir National Park is open safari slots (mid-Oct to mid-Jun).

What should I wear at Gir National Park?

Khaki, olive and beige photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.

How crowded does Gir National Park get?

Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when mist and low sun light up the teak forest and animals are most active; late afternoon for warm, golden light.

What food should I try near Gir National Park?

Try kathiawadi thali, available at nearby restaurants.

How do I book a safari in Gir National Park?

Book the Gir Jungle Safari only on the official site, girlion.gujarat.gov.in. Bookings open about three months ahead, one permit covers up to six adults and one child, and the guide and jeep are paid for separately when you report in Sasan.

What animals can I see in Gir National Park?

Asiatic lions are the main draw, but you may also see leopards, spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, four-horned antelope, chinkara, wild boar, marsh crocodiles and many of the park's 300 or so kinds of birds.

How long is a Gir jungle safari?

Each safari lasts about three hours. There are usually early-morning, mid-morning and afternoon slots, and the exact times change between winter and summer.

Can I choose my safari route in Gir?

No. Routes are allotted when you report at the reception centre, so you cannot pick one in advance. All routes run through lion habitat, and sightings depend on luck as much as on the route.

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