In addition to the heritage and culture, and the deserts, Gujarat hosts one of the best wildlife experiences in India, the Lion Safari at the Gir National Park. The Asiatic lion is the unique feature of the Junagadh district as Gir National Park is the last natural habitat of this animal thus considered a unique source of wildlife tourism. The Lion Safari in Gir national park is an experience to be remembered as you get to see these great big cats in their natural forest, not mentioning the numerous other species of wildlife and birds. The Gujarat Safari is regarded as among the best activities undertaken in Gujarat by nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and adventure tourists.
Gir national park is located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat and is a place of dense forest, open grasslands and small water bodies which are home to wildlife. The national park and sanctuary areas are also a part of the park that covers 1,412 square kilometers. The safari is usually started at specific locations like Sasan Gir which is the center of the lion safari. Its clearly marked routes lead you deep into the wild whose inhabitants can be seen, lions, leopards, antelopes, crocodiles as well as different bird species in the natural habitat.
The Gir National Park Lion Safari is an early morning tour or evening tour. The park is opened before the sun goes down to enable the visitors to see lions at their prime time. When you are in the safari jeep, you are accompanied by highly trained forest rangers who assist in trailing wildlife besides giving interesting facts about the animals and the ecosystem.
The major attractions of the safari are:
Sightseeing the Asiatic Lion in its natural habitat.
Watching lion prides on the hunt or rest.
Sightseeing of other animals such as striped hyenas, jackals, sambar deer, chinkara, and peacocks.
Savouring the calmness of the woodlands and the grasslands.
Knowing how the Asiatic Lion was conserved and it is still alive.
The rush of adrenaline that comes as a result of sighting the lions in their natural environment makes this safari an exciting journey.
The schedules of the safari are arranged in the manner that would ensure the maximum due to wildlife sightseeing. There are two major safari sessions in the park:
Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening Safari: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Lion sightseeing is best done in mornings when the temperature is low and thus the beasts are better off. The evening safaris are tranquil and one has a chance to see lions moving back to their resting places and other nocturnal animals.
Cost Lion Safari in Gir national park and cost can be different according to the vehicle and the kind of safari:
Shared Jeep Safari: It is one of pocket friendly ride
Private Jeep Safari: It is highly expensive ride.
Luxury Safari Packages: Rs. 7000-10000 (all inclusive in the form of meals, accommodation and guide) The booking of the tickets can be done either online or at the main gate of the park. Children below the age of 5 are typically free and student discounts can be offered periodically.
The Lion Safari is usually an indoor tour of the wildlife lasting 3 to 4 hours which includes the jeep ride, wildlife observations and photography. There are longer safaris that can be taken by a group or photography lovers. The safari is an educational experience and a combination of adventure, so it is appropriate to all the family, students, and wildlife researchers.
Other than lions, Gir national park can support:
Leopards and jungle cats
Wild boars and jackals
Striped hyenas and the Indian wolves.
More than 300 bird species such as peacock, eagles and vultures.
Several reptiles such as snakes, monitor lizards and crocodiles.
All these attractions promote the Lion Safari in Gir National Park as an adventure as well as an educational experience about wildlife in India.
Minimum age: 5 years
Take binoculars and cameras to be able to see better.
Obey all the directions of the forest officials.
Do not feed and disturb wildlife.
Dress up in easy-to-wear clothes, ideally in pastel colors, so as to fit the surroundings.
The Lion Safari is a special experience of seeing the Asiatic lions in their habitat in Gir national park. This safari does not present a zoo experience or a trapping of wild animals like in the wildlife parks, but rather a real life adventure. It is a unique experience due to the excitement of seeing lions, the beauty of the forest and the variety of wild animals. To any tourist visiting Gujarat, the safari is one of the top activities to do in Gujarat that cannot be overlooked as it offers both adventure, education and exploration of nature which makes it one of the activities that should not be ignored in Gujarat.
