Sasan Gir is where my journey as a wildlife enthusiast began. Witnessing the majestic wild animals up close in their natural habitat was a life-changing experience for me. Gir inspired me to explore wildlife photography.
During my the first trip to Gir in 2020, I took a four-day break and went on six wildlife safaris while also visiting nearby attractions. I traveled from Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir in a private car, covering a distance of approximately 370 km.
Alternatively, one can take a train to the nearest city of Junagadh or a flight to Rajkot, which is about 155 km away from Gir. While spotting the majestic lions should be the top priority during your visit, there are several other exciting activities that you can include in your itinerary to make your trip even more interesting and enjoyable.
1. Go on Safari in the forest
Gir is the only place in the world where the grand Asiatic Lion species resides. If you want to witness these magnificent cats, you must make a trip to the north Gujarat town of Sasan. During winter, it may be challenging to spot the lions as they tend to hide in the lush green forests. However, summer is an excellent time to witness the pride as they gather around water bodies to escape the heat. Moreover, during the winter season, Gir is an excellent forest for birdwatchers, where you can spot owls, peacocks, flycatchers, kingfishers, barbets, hawks, eagles, and, if you’re lucky, even vultures. Remember to book safari permits at least 30-40 days before the trip to get the best timings and chance to spot the big cat.
2. Do the Devalia Park Safari
This is an interesting space constructed by the government, and it functions like an open zoo, albeit on a smaller scale compared to the Sasan Gir Safari. If you are short on time, you can opt for a tour of Devalia Park, which lasts about an hour. The wild animals are as free as they are in the jungle but confined to a smaller space. Since it is a controlled environment, the chances of spotting a lion are almost guaranteed. We visited this space when we were feeling disappointed about not encountering the king of the jungle in Sasan Gir. Unfortunately, luck was not on our side, and we did not get to see the ‘Devraj’ of Devalia on our first attempt. Nevertheless, we did get to witness plenty of jackals, blackbucks, birds, and even some playful leopards (who are allegedly man-eaters) confined to a specially created open pit.
3. A stroll by the Hiren River
The Hiren River flows from within the Sasan Gir sanctuary and through the nearby village. We took a leisurely stroll on the banks of the river near the Hirenshwar Mahadev Temple, where we spotted a lot of crocodiles lounging on the banks, swimming in the water, resting on small islets, and numerous birds. It was a delightful break between two safaris on the same day. For birding enthusiasts, this trail is a paradise. We got to witness the unique coexistence of wildlife and humans on the banks of the Hiren River.
4. Discover the Rich Culture of the Indigenous Tribes of Sasan Gir
As you explore the forest on the safari, you might stumble upon human settlements within the jungle. These settlements belong to the indigenous tribes that have coexisted with the wild for centuries. One such tribe is the Siddi community, believed to be the descendants of African slaves, and traders brought to India during the Portuguese colonial era. The Siddis have their unique culture, language, music, and dance forms that they have preserved over generations. In fact, you may find a Siddi community guide during your safari as well. Another tribe that you can encounter in Gir is the Maldharis, a pastoral community of cattle herders who move with their herds in search of grazing grounds. Both the Siddi and Maldhari communities have a deep connection to the land and the forest and have learned to live in harmony with the wildlife. They have also contributed towards protecting the environment and preserving the biodiversity of the region.
5. Experience a Train Journey through Sasan Gir
Few people are aware of this unique way to travel through the land of the lion king. A meter-gauge railway line runs through the national park and has a passenger train service from Junagadh to Delvada during the daytime. The train can be quite crowded as it is a passenger train, but it provides the thrill of crossing the forest in a train and may even offer a chance to catch a glimpse of a pride. If you happen to be on the train during twilight hours, keep your eyes open as you might spot the king of the jungle taking a stroll beside the train tracks. To ensure the safety of wildlife, the train only operates during the daytime and its speed is reduced in the patch of the forest reserve zone. Interestingly, during your safari in the forest, you may come across the railway track on one of the routes.
6. Experience spirituality at Somnath
The temple is one of Jyotirlingas – a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Somnath is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva, boasting an ancient and powerful temple situated on the seashore. The beautiful temple exudes a divine energy that’s hard to miss. While Somnath is easily reachable from Sasan Gir with just an hour’s drive, the temple can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. Despite the crowds, the temple premises surrounded by the sea is breathtaking and worth a visit; just be prepared to wait in long queues.
7. Ascend Girnar Hill
Located on the route from Rajkot to Sasan Gir, Girnar Hill is the highest peak in Gujarat. While it wasn’t initially part of our itinerary, our enthusiastic driver took us there for a quick visit. As an avid trekker, I was initially keen to hike to the top, but given our limited time, I opted for the Girnar Trolley ride instead. The trolley, which was inaugurated in 2020, takes less than 10 minutes to reach the top, affording stunning views along the way. We were lucky enough to see vultures soaring in the skies, making for a memorable experience.
8. Relax on the Beach
For a change of pace, both Diu and Chorwad are fantastic beach destinations located near Sasan Gir. Diu is a small island town located around 120 kilometers away, while Chorwad is a fishing village located around 70 kilometers away. Both locations are known for their clear waters, picturesque surroundings, and beautiful beaches. To get there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus, with the journey taking approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions. Once there, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities such as sunbathing, swimming, water sports, or simply lounging on the beach. Additionally, Diu also has several historical monuments, such as the Diu Fort, St. Paul’s Church, and the Naida Caves, while Chorwad offers a glimpse into the local fishing community and a chance to experience the local way of life.
9. Discover the Nawabi History
For those interested in history, a visit to Junagadh city is a must-do activity. Just 50 kilometers from Sasan Gir, the city offers a glimpse into the opulent Nawabi era. The Muslim Babi dynasty ruled the city from the late 1700s until India gained independence in 1947. During their reign, the Nawabs of Junagadh constructed several magnificent palaces, mosques, and other grand structures that still stand to this day. The city is home to numerous historical monuments, forts, palaces, and temples that are worth exploring. The Uparkot Fort, which dates back to the 4th century BC, is a major attraction that has witnessed several wars and battles. The fort also houses several other monuments, such as the Adi-Kadi Vav, Navghan Kuvo, and Jami Masjid.
10. Indulge in Local Cuisine and Shopping
Saurashtra is renowned for its spicy and delicious cuisine, so don’t miss out on sampling some of the region’s iconic dishes like dhokla, khandvi, thepla, and fafda. Additionally, relish the bold and tangy flavors of Kathiawadi cuisine, which is a local specialty. For shopping, stop by the souvenir shops at the Sasan Gir safari gate, where you can purchase an array of items like textiles, handicrafts, woodwork, and more. Be sure to pick up some exquisite textiles like Patola and Bandhini from Junagadh and Somnath. During my trip, I stumbled upon a street vendor on my way to Somnath who crafted fascinating toys out of discarded iron scraps.
