How do I book a Gir National Park safari?

Through Gujarat Forest Department — booking opens ~90 days before your safari date. Official portal: https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in/. Carry the same ID you enter at booking to the gate.

When is the best time for a Gir National Park safari?

Wildlife sightings are best in December–April. The park is closed in July–September.

Safari booking · 2026

How to book a Gir National Park safari

Gir National Park (Sasan Gir), Gujarat — booking opens ~90 days before your safari date. Sightings are best in December–April. Below: zones, fees, IDs and the real booking pitfalls — every line source-cited and verified, not a guess off a blog.

Booking window

Verified 2026-06-03

Booking authority: Gujarat Forest Department
Opens in advance: 90 days
Park open: October–June
Closed: July–September

Online booking opens exactly 3 months (90 days) before travel date. Closes 2 hours before safari. No tatkal or urgent bookings allowed; advance-only system.

Book on the official portal →

Safari types & fees

Type	Seats	Fee
Gir Jungle Safari (Gypsy/Jeep permit — main routes 1-9) 6:00-9:00 AM (summer) · 6:45-9:45 AM (winter) · 3:00-6:00 PM Per-vehicle permit for up to 6 adults + 1 child (3-12 yrs); max 6 adult seats. Permit only, vehicle + guide arranged separately. Routes 1-9 randomly assigned at booking. Morning shift best for lion sighting.	6	800 weekday, 1000 weekend (Indian) · 5600 weekday, 7000 weekend (foreigner)
Devalia Safari Park Gypsy Safari 7:00-10:55 AM · 3:00-6:00 PM Semi-enclosed park interpretation zone; easier for beginners; same pricing as Gir jungle permit	6	800 weekday, 1000 weekend (Indian) · 5600 weekday, 7000 weekend (foreigner)
Devalia Safari Park Bus Safari 7:30-11:00 AM · 3:00-5:00 PM Budget option; non-AC bus; interpretation zone; lower sighting probability than gypsy	30+ per bus	150 weekday, 190 weekend (Indian) · 2800 weekday, 3500 weekend (foreigner)
Girnar Nature Safari (Gypsy) 6:45-9:45 AM (winter) · 6:00-9:00 AM (summer) · 3:00-6:00 PM Sacred mountain + nature focus; same pricing; winter-only operating (closed June-Oct plus Girnar Parikrama/Mahashivratri)	6	800 weekday, 1000 weekend (Indian) · 5600 weekday, 7000 weekend (foreigner)
Ambardi Safari Park (Non-AC Bus) 8:00-11:00 AM · 3:00-6:00 PM Least crowded; non-AC bus; lower sighting probability	varies	150 weekday, 190 weekend (Indian) · 2800 weekday, 3500 weekend (foreigner)

Gir Jungle/Devalia Gypsy: Rs. 800 (Indian weekday), Rs. 1000 (weekend); Rs. 5600 (foreign weekday), Rs. 7000 (weekend). Devalia/Ambardi Bus: Rs. 150/190 (Indian); Rs. 2800/3500 (foreign). Extra child (3-12): Rs. 100/125 (Indian); Rs. 1900/2375 (foreign). DOES NOT include vehicle rental (Rs. 2000+/safari) or eco-guide (Rs. 400+). Arranged separately with local operators.

Zones & gates

Gir Jungle Safari routes 1-9Prime
Best for: Asiatic lion territory; all large fauna
9 designated routes through Sasan & Dedakadi ranges; 35 km avg per route; artificial waterholes increase sighting odds; route randomly assigned at permit counter
Devalia Safari Park / Interpretation Zone
Best for: lion introduction for beginners; safer
Semi-enclosed park; lower sighting variability; gypsy or bus options
Girnar Nature Safari
Best for: sacred mountain + nature walks
Winter only; cultural + nature experience; closed June-Oct + religious periods
Ambardi Safari Park
Best for: budget option, fewer crowds
Off-main-circuit; lowest fees; lowest sighting probability

ADVANCE-ONLY: book 90 days ahead via https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in/; no tatkal. Permit ≠ vehicle/guide; arrange separately. ID mandatory. Closed 16 Jun – 15 Oct. Gypsy seats cap 6. Foreigner premiums 7×. Devalia is beginner-friendly alternative.

How to book, step by step

1Use the official portal (linked above) exactly 90 days before intended travel date (booking opens at midnight IST)
2Register/login with email, select permit type (Gir Jungle / Devalia Gypsy / Devalia Bus / Girnar / Ambardi)
3Choose date, time slot (limited slots, sell out fast for popular routes/dates)
4Enter Indian ID or foreigner passport number (mandatory at booking, verified at permit counter)
5Complete payment (online transaction required; non-refundable)
6Print confirmation e-ticket
7Report to Sinh Sadan reception 1 hour before safari (show permit + original ID/passport)
8Permit issued; arrange vehicle + eco-guide separately if Gir Jungle (not incl. in permit price)

ID required: Indians: original government photo ID (Aadhar/PAN/Driving Licence/Voter ID) mandatory at permit counter · Foreigners: passport mandatory; passport number entered at booking

What trips people up

Permit sells out fast
Popular weekends (Dec-Feb) and morning slots booked within minutes of opening. Set phone reminder for 90-day mark; login early.
No tatkal/same-day bookings
Advance-only system; cannot walk in and book; must plan 3 months ahead
Permit-only pricing; separate vehicle costs
E-permit (Rs. 800-7000 depending on type/visitor/day) does NOT include safari vehicle or eco-guide. Arrange gypsy + guide separately; typical additional cost Rs. 2000-3000/vehicle + Rs. 400+ guide.
Foreigners pay 7× Indian rate
Gir Jungle gypsy Rs. 5600 (weekday) vs Rs. 800 (Indian), 7× markup. Total cost for foreigner: permit + vehicle + guide easily Rs. 10K+.
Monsoon closure long (16 Jun – 15 Oct)
4-month shutdown; book well ahead for peak months (Nov-Mar). February-March still slots tight; January best availability.
ID mandatory; without it, no entry
Original photo ID (Indian) or passport (foreigner) REQUIRED. Missing ID = no permit issued on the day, no refund. Verify passport is valid.
Route randomized; no choice
Cannot request specific route 1-9; assigned at permit counter. Some routes historically better for lions, but no guarantee.
Beware fraudulent booking sites
Only use https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in/ (official). Other sites claim 'confirmed' permits at premium rates; scams.

Booking opens 45–120 days ahead and sells out — save it so you don't miss the window.

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Common questions

How do I book a Gir National Park safari?: Through Gujarat Forest Department — booking opens ~90 days before your safari date. Official portal: https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in/. Carry the same ID you enter at booking to the gate.
When is the best time for a Gir National Park safari?: Wildlife sightings are best in December–April. The park is closed in July–September.