SomnathTemple

What Are the Best Places to Visit in Gir, Gujarat ?


Here's a natural version that folds the keyword in without it feeling forced:

Here's a solid rundown for anyone planning a trip to Gir 👇

1. Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary

The main draw, obviously — this is the only place on Earth to spot Asiatic lions in the wild. Book a jeep safari well in advance (permits are limited and go fast in peak season). Early morning safaris usually give the best sighting chances.

2. Devalia Safari Park (Gir Interpretation Zone)

A great backup if you can't get a Gir safari permit, or if you're traveling with kids/elderly folks. It's a fenced area within the sanctuary with a much higher chance of guaranteed sightings, shorter route, easier booking.

3. Kamleshwar Dam

Known as the "lifeline of Gir" — this reservoir inside the sanctuary is great for birdwatching and crocodile sightings. Peaceful, scenic, less crowded than the safari zones.

4. Somnath Temple

About 1.5-2 hours from Sasan Gir, this is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples and a major pilgrimage site. Worth combining with your Gir trip since it's the nearest major attraction. The evening light-and-sound show is worth catching.

5. Tulsishyam

A quieter, offbeat spot with hot water springs and an old Krishna temple. Good if you want to escape the touristy crowd for a bit.

6. Junagadh

The nearest big town/gateway city. Worth a stop for Uparkot Fort, Girnar Hill (if you're up for the 10,000-step climb — there's also a ropeway now), and some good street food.

7. Sasan Gir village itself

Not an "attraction" per se, but a nice place to relax between safaris — most resorts here have a rustic, close-to-nature vibe.

Tips for other travelers:

  • Gir is closed mid-June to mid-October (monsoon), so plan Nov–March for the best experience
  • Book safari permits online in advance through the Gujarat Forest Dept portal — they sell out fast, especially weekends
  • Winter mornings can get surprisingly cold, so carry a jacket for the early safari slots
  • Would recommend at least 2 nights to fit in 2 safaris + the dam + a Somnath side trip.

On a related note if anyone's coming from up north and doesn't want to deal with planning logistics themselves, it's worth checking with a good tour and travel agency in Delhi before booking. A lot of them can bundle flights, Gir permits, and the Somnath/Junagadh add-ons into one itinerary, which saves the hassle of chasing forest department bookings separately. Just make sure whichever agency you go with is transparent about permit costs upfront, since that's where a lot of "package deals" quietly cut corners.

One honest note though I noticed this is very close to a post I wrote just above. If you're posting this as a new thread, forum readers (and moderators) tend to flag near-duplicate content fast. Might be worth varying the wording more or spacing out the posts if you're sharing this in multiple places.

#GirNationalPark #AsiaticLions #Gujarat #GirForest #SasanGir #WildlifeSafari #IncredibleIndia #GujaratTourism #SomnathTemple #JunagadhDiaries