The Gir National Park is a known national park and wildlife sanctuary located in Gujarat and has diverse landscapes here which include dry deciduous forests, scrublands, rugged hills, and open grasslands.
This park is also a globally significant site for wildlife conservation . It has made great conservation efforts for the protection of lions as well as other wildlife such as leopards, various species of deer, a large bird population, and numerous reptiles.
Let’s look at some tips for visiting here:
Book safaris well in advance
The Gir National Park has certain safari permits about the number of vehicles that are allowed per day, especially during the peak season. Permits specify safari zones and time slots, and early booking ensures choice of preferred timings and routes. Online booking helps avoid any last-minute disappointments.
Go on early morning or late afternoon safaris
It is considered that the wildlife is most active during cooler hours, so one must go for safaris here between 6:00–9:00 AM or 4:00–7:00 PM. During these timings, one can easily spot lions, leopards, antelopes, and other fauna. The photographs also come out better at these times with the soft morning or evening light.
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Patience and respect for nature
Since wildlife cannot be predicted, it is important that an individual does not create any noise or do anything to scare away the animals. Visitors should remain calm, silently observe the majestic species spotted here, and respect that animals have the liberty to freely move here without any obligation. One should not play any kind of music or speak loudly inside the park.
Monsoon closure (June 16 to October 15)
The Gir National Park remains closed from mid-June to mid-October as these are the annual monsoon months and mainly because this is the breeding season of the Asiatic lions and other wildlife, so there is a need to protect them. The roads inside the park also get dangerous because of the rain, and this period allows habitat regeneration and minimizes human disturbance.
Visit Gir interpretation zone (Devaliya Park)
This zone offers a safer environment to the visitors as it is a smaller and fenced sanctuary where sightings of Asiatic lions, leopards, and chital deer can be easily done, and the controlled environment is ideal for families and older people alike. This zone also has displays that give visitors information on the conservation efforts taken by the park.
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Dress appropriately and carry essentials
Individuals visiting the park should wear proper clothes and cover their arms and legs as it will protect them against insect bites. Wear light tones of color such as greys and blacks; do not wear bright or flashy colours. Carry sun protection (hat, sunscreen), insect repellents, binoculars for distant wildlife, and plenty of water as safaris can last 2–3 hours.
No eatables inside the park
One should not carry any eatable items in the park and should not throw drinking water bottles or plastic wrappers inside the park as it is not a trash site. One should avoid wearing perfumes as it might arouse interest or curiosity in the animals as they are smell-sensitive
This park is also a globally significant site for wildlife conservation . It has made great conservation efforts for the protection of lions as well as other wildlife such as leopards, various species of deer, a large bird population, and numerous reptiles.
Let’s look at some tips for visiting here:
Book safaris well in advance
Go on early morning or late afternoon safaris
It is considered that the wildlife is most active during cooler hours, so one must go for safaris here between 6:00–9:00 AM or 4:00–7:00 PM. During these timings, one can easily spot lions, leopards, antelopes, and other fauna. The photographs also come out better at these times with the soft morning or evening light.
Read more: Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal: History, traditions, and how to meet her in Kathmandu
Patience and respect for nature
Since wildlife cannot be predicted, it is important that an individual does not create any noise or do anything to scare away the animals. Visitors should remain calm, silently observe the majestic species spotted here, and respect that animals have the liberty to freely move here without any obligation. One should not play any kind of music or speak loudly inside the park.
Monsoon closure (June 16 to October 15)
The Gir National Park remains closed from mid-June to mid-October as these are the annual monsoon months and mainly because this is the breeding season of the Asiatic lions and other wildlife, so there is a need to protect them. The roads inside the park also get dangerous because of the rain, and this period allows habitat regeneration and minimizes human disturbance.
Visit Gir interpretation zone (Devaliya Park)
This zone offers a safer environment to the visitors as it is a smaller and fenced sanctuary where sightings of Asiatic lions, leopards, and chital deer can be easily done, and the controlled environment is ideal for families and older people alike. This zone also has displays that give visitors information on the conservation efforts taken by the park.
Read more: What is Paris syndrome and how to know if you are suffering from it
Dress appropriately and carry essentials
Individuals visiting the park should wear proper clothes and cover their arms and legs as it will protect them against insect bites. Wear light tones of color such as greys and blacks; do not wear bright or flashy colours. Carry sun protection (hat, sunscreen), insect repellents, binoculars for distant wildlife, and plenty of water as safaris can last 2–3 hours.
No eatables inside the park
One should not carry any eatable items in the park and should not throw drinking water bottles or plastic wrappers inside the park as it is not a trash site. One should avoid wearing perfumes as it might arouse interest or curiosity in the animals as they are smell-sensitive
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