Скачать или смотреть Trip to Gir National Forest - Lion Spotting

A jungle safari to Gir National Forest, and that too with a Lion stealing the show... couldn't ask better.

Tips:
You need to book safari online before actually going to the forest. The problem is finding the correct website as you get a list of websites claiming official website of gir forest (but they aren't). Even if you call the number provided on such websites, they would claim being forest officials / authorized personnel. The website to book your safari is: https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in
However, you could still book it through a local trip organizer. Contact an agent at least 2-3 days in advance so that you get a confirmed booking (depends on rush as limited people / cars are allowed per day).

Lions in Gir are plenty but have lot of hiding places in the vast forest, making sighting difficult. Plan your safari in the morning slot (earliest the better) as the cats hunt / prepare for rest at that time and might be prawling. they are sleeping in their hideouts most of the day. in case you dont have chance to take the morning slot, go for evening as it would be the next best candidate to spot a lion.

In case you are desperate to see the lion up close, gir has an option, you may go to devaliya park (within bounds of gir forest) but restricted smaller area with high-fencing so that lion dont go beyond limits and easier to spot. It would be quite similar to visiting a zoo but being inside the cage of lion. Lions are well fed and prepared for the show hence no fun.

No plastic bottles are allowed in the park (though you could always hide / carry but that may result in fine later & probable issues), hence dont carry a bottle inside the park. the forest facility provides Steel bottles (on rent) filled with treated water. They claimed the bottles are well sanitized & safe to use (being in covid times).

Our experience:
We did the evening trip as we had young children and early morning seemed bit too early
Spotted lion on route 12 (2 is said to be best with most sightings on an average). You may check route before boarding the jeep and request for a changed. Officials are helpful and might consider but depends on rush



Audio background sourced from Wondershare Filmora X.