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WILDLIFE · BIRDING · GIRGir Wildlife & Birding
Beyond the lions — Gir is a wildlife and birding paradise of leopards, deer, crocodiles and 300+ bird species, from paradise flycatchers to crested serpent eagles.
A whole forest of wildlife
Gir is famous for its lions — but the forest is a far richer wildlife and birding destination than the big cats alone. Alongside the Asiatic lion roam leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, chital and sambar deer, blue bull (nilgai), chinkara, wild boar and langur, while the rivers and dams hold marsh crocodiles and turtles.
For birdwatchers, Gir is a treasure: over three hundred species have been recorded, from the crested serpent eagle, Bonelli’s eagle and the rare critically-endangered vulture to paradise flycatchers, Indian pittas, woodpeckers, owls and bee-eaters. The Kamleshwar reservoir draws waterbirds in winter.
On safari, with eyes open beyond the lions, Gir reveals itself as one of the most rewarding all-round wildlife experiences in India — a living, breathing dry-forest ecosystem.
A chital herd in the Gir forest.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
The dry teak forest of Gir.
Saving the lion preserves the whole Gir ecosystem.
Prey, predators and birdlife flourish under protection.
Over 300 bird species are recorded in the forest.
A premier all-round wildlife and birding destination.
Reasons to make the time
300+ birds
A birdwatcher's paradise.
Big cats
Lions and leopards both.
Rich prey base
Deer, nilgai and chinkara.
Raptors
Eagles, owls and vultures.
Wetland life
Crocodiles and waterbirds.
Whole ecosystem
Far beyond the lions.
What to look for inside
Deer & nilgai
The forest's grazers.
Lions & leopards
Gir's great cats.
How to spend an hour or two
Book a safari
Reserve via the official portal.
Bring binoculars
Essential for birding.
Watch the canopy
Flycatchers, pittas, woodpeckers.
Scan the water
Crocodiles and waterbirds.
Look beyond lions
Leopards, deer, raptors.
Go at dawn
The richest wildlife hours.
Varied habitats sustain the wildlife.
Dry forest, rivers and grassland
Gir’s wealth of wildlife rests on its mosaic of habitats: dry deciduous teak forest, thorny acacia scrub, open grassland (vidis), seasonal rivers and reservoirs. Each niche supports different species — grazers on the grassland, raptors over the canopy, waterbirds and crocodiles at the dams, cats throughout.
Watching Gir as a whole ecosystem, rather than a lion show, is what makes it so rewarding for naturalists and birders alike — every safari turns up something new.
Teak forest & acacia scrub
Grassland ‘vidis’
Rivers & reservoirs
300+ recorded bird species
When to go
Cool and clear — the best season for Gir and the coast.
Lush, but Gir's core largely closes.
Hot, but the best season for Gir wildlife sightings.
⏰ Carry binoculars and a long lens; winter is best for birds, summer best for mammals at the waterholes.
Timings & entry
- Wildlife viewing is via Gir safaris/Devalia
- Park closed mid-June to mid-October
- Permits and a guide are required
- Allow a half to full day
- Book safari permits via the official portal
- A guide accompanies each safari
- This is NOT a booking site — book officially
- Carry ID matching your permit
Getting there
By Air
Diu (~75 km), Rajkot and Keshod airports.
By Rail
Sasan Gir and Junagadh stations.
By Road
Sasan Gir, ~45 km from Somnath.
Wildlife photography
FEATHER & FUR
From raptors to the great cats
Birds
A long lens for the canopy and water.
Mammals
Cats and deer at dawn.
Wetlands
Crocodiles at Kamleshwar.
Etiquette
Quiet, no flash, keep your distance.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Triveni Sangam
Where three rivers meet the Arabian Sea
Kamnath Mahadev
A revered Shiva shrine near Veraval
Gir National Park
The last wild home of the Asiatic lion
Ahmadpur-Mandvi Beach
A long, clean beach near Diu
Hiran River
The lifeline river of the lion forest
Sutrapada Coast
Seasonal whale sharks off the shore
Where to eat around the ashram
Kathiawadi Thali
Rotla, kadhi, shaak and ghee-rich fare.
Ganthiya & fafda
Saurashtra's beloved fried snacks.
Coastal bites
Snacks along the Somnath–Diu coast.
Pure-veg & Kesar
Veg fare inland; seafood near Diu; Gir Kesar mangoes.
Gir Wildlife & Birding FAQ
Is Gir only about lions?
No — it has leopards, deer, crocodiles and over 300 bird species.
How many birds are in Gir?
More than 300 recorded species, making it a top birding site.
What mammals live there?
Lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, deer, nilgai, chinkara and more.
How do I see the wildlife?
On a permit-controlled Gir safari or at the Devalia zone.
When is best for birds?
Winter, when migrants and waterbirds arrive.
When is best for mammals?
Summer, when animals gather at the waterholes.
What should I bring?
Binoculars, a long lens, and patience.
Do I need a permit?
Yes — permits and a guide are mandatory; book officially.
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