Latest Update : For the upcoming season 2024/25, safari bookings are open for Gir National Park. Always book your safari in advance.
Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, an exceptional blend of Savanna grasslands and distinct wildlife is home to Asiatic Lions who live in the hilly and forested area of the park. Girnar is located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat close to the Gir National Park and Wildlife Reserve. The Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna as it houses a variety of animals, birds, reptiles and insects.
In recent years the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary has become a great tourism zone for tourists to witness the wildlife in their natural habitat and enjoy the trekking opportunities as well. People can enjoy trekking through the Girnar Mountain along with nature safari during their wildlife vacation.
The region of Girnar was a beautiful forest where thousands of people happily lived in harmony, but the population was relocated in the 1960s and 70s. The Asiatic lions and other wild animals were becoming extinct due to excessive hunting, especially during British Rule. After realising how serious the situation was, the ruler of Junagadh banned hunting.
Many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries were made in the region, one of them is Gir National Park. The tourism sector flourished which led to the start of Girnar Park Safari in the Junagadh district of Gujarat which became a wildlife sanctuary in 2008 and later in 2021 safari rides were introduced for the visitors.
The magnificent and unique biodiversity of the Girnar helps visitors take a moment to appreciate the vibrant greenery of the safari park while relishing in the melodies of the migrating and resident birds. The ecosystem of the wildlife sanctuary includes plant species, avian species, insect species, animal species and reptile species.
The stunning landscape and exquisite flora and fauna make the sanctuary a great place for the animals. The region is filled with several trees, climbers, twiners, creepers and many other varieties of flower plants. Travellers are enthralled by the spectacular beauty of the surroundings, which is enhanced by the trees, flowers, and other attractions such as the ecology of the Savanna.
The wildlife sanctuary is filled with abundant wildlife including Asiatic lions, spotted deer, Sambar, Chousinghas, Chinkaras, leopards, Indian golden jackals and around 300 species of birds which include both resident and migratory. The sanctuary gives a good chance to witness wildlife in their natural habitat.
The Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary of Gujarat attracts a wide number of visitors every year to witness the Asiatic Lions and other stunning wildlife creatures from all across the world. The efforts on conservation and maintenance of the sanctuary make it a great place for vacation. Reaching the wildlife sanctuary is fairly easy by any means of transportation which includes roadways, railways and airways.
By Airways : Keshod Airport is a domestic airport serving the cities of Junagarh. Other major airports are in Diu, Ahmedabad and Rajkot located almost 200 km, 300 km and 103 km away respectively. Travellers can take a cab or bus to reach the sanctuary.
By Railways : The Rajkot Railway Station (100 km) and Ahmedabad Railway Station (325 km) are the closest to the national park which connects with different cities. From Rajkot, it takes around one and a half hours to reach the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourists have to take a bus or hire a cab to cover the distance between the railway station and the wildlife sanctuary.
By Roadways : The roadways of Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary are well constructed and maintain a good network with all the major cities of Gujarat which include Ahmedabad, Surat, Nashik, Junagadh, Veraval and Rajkot. The sanctuary is around 58 km from Sasan Gir National Park. NH 8B, NH 8D, NH 8A and many other national highways run both state bus and private bus services in various parts of the state. Cab and taxi services are also available in the region.
To embrace the wildlife and click stunning photographs at Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, the months of December to April will be the best time to visit and explore for wildlife enthusiasts. Wildlife tourism during winter is the ideal time as the months are well suited for sightseeing and witnessing the rare migratory birds in the region. The sanctuary usually remains closed from Mid-June to Mid-October in the region every year.
Summer : In the months of summer, the region records its hottest temperature, therefore travellers should choose the appropriate safari timings and early summer months to explore the region. Despite being hot, these months are perfect to witness the amazing wildlife and do photography of Girnar's flora and fauna.
Winter : The months of winter are the perfect time to plan vacations to the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary because the weather provides a cool and comfortable climate to the visitors. Witnessing the wildlife in the winter months is a great chance to explore the flora and fauna of the region in its natural habitat.
Monsoon : Girnar's abundance of flora and fauna is hidden from visitors since it remains closed from June 16th to October 15th of each year because of the monsoon period. The rains bring relief to the region during the scorching hot and humid days.
Some Popular FAQ's About Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Get In TouchNo outside food but water bottles are allowed inside the park. Water bottles must be kept within themselves.
The Girnar Nature Safari Park became a wildlife sanctuary in the year 2008 as the tourism sector was flourishing in the region.
The wildlife sanctuary stays closed in the monsoon season from 16th June to 15th October every year and also, during the Girnar Parikrama and Mahashivratri Festival.
A variety of wildlife species including Asiatic lions, spotted deer, Sambar, Chousinghas, Chinkaras, leopards, Indian golden jackals, reptiles and several bird species can be spotted in the wildlife sanctuary of Girnar.
Safari rides at Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary tend to offer amazing wildlife experiences to tourists as the safari rides have been started recently in 2021. The safari rides were started to reduce the pressure on Gir National Park and enjoy witnessing wildlife in the Girnar region of Gujarat.
The feeling of encountering wild animals in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience that words cannot describe. In a single permit, 6 adults are allowed along with a kid to observe the wildlife in its greatest form.
The Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary timings are divided into several slots according to different seasons so that people can choose between these slots to experience the best of their vacation. After Girnar Safari booking it is advisable to reach the safari office half an hour before the scheduled time from the accommodation centre.
| Safari Season | Days | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (1st March to 15th June) | Monday to Sunday | 6:00 AM to 09:00 AM | 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM |
| Winter (16th October to 28th/29th February) | Monday to Sunday | 6:45 AM to 09:45 AM | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
The ticket prices of Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary may differ on several web pages depending on whether it is a government or private website. Below are the prices defined to book your safari.
Adult
Child
Adult
Child
Note- The wildlife sanctuary stays closed in the monsoon season from 16th June to 15th October every year. During the Girnar Parikrama and Mahashivratri Festival as per the Hindu calendar, Girnar Safari remains shut every year.
