Gir National Park

Gir National Park sits in Junagadh district, Saurashtra, in the Indian state of Gujarat, and is the last wild habitat of the Asiatic lion on Earth. The protected area covers 1,412 sq km of dry teak forest, scrub, and grassland — a landscape closer to semi-arid savanna than the lush tropical forest most visitors expect. It’s harsh, rust-and-beige country, punctuated by the occasional scarlet bloom of flame-of-the-forest trees, and it is one of India’s most consequential biodiversity strongholds — one of several national parks across India worth building an itinerary around.

Forced into this narrow forested corner of Gujarat, the Asiatic lion population has recovered dramatically since those lows. The most recent count, the Gujarat Forest Department’s 16th Asiatic Lion Census conducted in May 2025, recorded 891 lions across Gujarat — up from 674 in the 2020 census — with 384 of them within Gir National Park and its adjoining sanctuary. The remaining population has spread into surrounding districts including Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Rajkot, part of the wider Western India expedition territory we cover — a sign of how far the recovery has extended beyond Gir’s original boundaries.

Visiting Gir — Season, Permits & Safari Rules (2026)

When the park is open
Gir closes annually for the monsoon, typically from 16 June to 15 October, though in recent years this closure has occasionally extended into late October depending on conditions. The Gujarat Forest Department confirms exact dates each season through its official Gir booking portal — we check current status before finalising any itinerary, so get in touch and we’ll confirm live availability for your travel window.

How safaris work
Gir operates on a permit system, with a limited number of jeep safari slots released daily and bookable in advance through the official portal. The Devalia Interpretation Zone — a fenced section of the sanctuary offering near-guaranteed sightings — closes every Wednesday, separate from the main jungle safari’s own closure calendar.

Safari timings
Timings shift with the season: broadly 6:00–9:30 AM for the morning safari and 3:00–6:00 PM for the evening safari in winter, adjusting earlier and later through the hotter months. Exact gate times are confirmed on the day by our guide.

What Our Clients Say

Travelling is not just a journey, it's a story.

RAP Safaris curated a bespoke three week itinerary for me that included 17 safaris across five national parks, as well as visits to key attractions in Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra and Jaipur. Rakesh and his team organised everything for me including all ground transportation, accommodation and most importantly, my park permits and gypsies/drivers/guides. I had wonderful first visit to India and will definitely work with RAP Safaris when organising my next visit.

What I appreciated most about RAP Safaris was their conservation-first approach. The workshop wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about understanding the ecosystem, respecting wildlife, and documenting nature responsibly. I well remember seeing an elephant with its calf, and Rakesh’s concern as one from our group was getting overwhelmed and expressing it in words.For photographers or nature lovers travelling from Australia to India, a safari tour with RAPS is an unforgettable way to experience one of Asia’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. I found it incredible and I recommend it.

I had a good experience with Rakesh. His guidance during the safaris and photography sessions was exceptional. To witness those big cats in Jawaharlal Nehru National Park was a wow experience - a majestic tiger emerged silently from the forest and walk across the track just meters away was a moment I will never forget.Tadoba was equally exciting, with several tiger movements, I got good opportunities to photograph these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. My group size was small, the forest guides were knowledgeable, and RAP Safaris' overall organization was smooth and professional. I had an overall good experience.

I had a good experience with Rakesh. His guidance during the safaris and photography sessions was exceptional. I have carried those memories with me ever since. it was about understanding the ecosystem, respecting wildlife, and documenting nature responsibly. I felt incredibly blessed to sight a Tigre a breathtaking moment that I enjoyed without having to compromise on luxury. The place we stayed was also beautiful. It had that proper safari feel comfortable beds, great setup, and just the right vibe to relax and enjoy the experience. Thank you RAPSafaris for a flawless wildlife tour in India. I highly recommend this experience to Australian wildlife lovers, especially those who enjoy expertly guided tours. He really made sure everything was smooth and that we had the best time.

"I've always loved India's rich culture, but I was truly amazed by its incredible conservation success! The Asiatic lion population is back up to over 800. My wildlife tour made unforgettable memories—the luxurious, eco-friendly lodging and amazing home-style food were "wow." Our guide, Rakesh, was a natural storyteller, making the lions' journey from near extinction feel incredibly real. As an Australian of Indian origin, he totally understood how to connect me back to my roots."Would highly recommend RAPS safari for wildlife exposure

While nature fascinates me, I have always had a personal rule: I do not like to step outside of my luxury and comfort zone.Today, I am sharing a fantastic memory from my recent trip to Pench Wildlife Safari. I felt incredibly blessed to sight a tigress and her cubs together—a breathtaking moment that I enjoyed without having to compromise on luxury.Every detail, from the surface transfers to the quality of the food, was handled seamlessly by the team. This allowed me to simply focus on the meaningful, adventurous safaris while maintaining my primary requirement for comfort. For anyone who wants to experience the wild without giving up the finer things in life, I highly recommend Rakesh-ji’s wildlife safaris.

Gir National Park