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WILDLIFE · EASTERN GIRAmbardi Safari Park
An open-air lion safari on the eastern edge of Gir near Dhari — Amreli's window onto the wild Asiatic lion, with deer, antelope and the dry Saurashtra forest.
Lions on the eastern frontier
On the eastern fringe of the Gir forest, near the town of Dhari in Amreli, lies the Ambardi Safari Park — a wonderful, less-crowded place to encounter the Asiatic lion. Set in the Shetrunji river country where forest meets farmland, this safari zone offers guided vehicle tours through a stretch of Gir habitat, where lions, leopards, spotted deer, nilgai and other wildlife can be seen.
Because eastern Gir’s lions increasingly range out of the core sanctuary into the Amreli countryside, this region has become an important second home for the big cats, and Ambardi is its accessible showcase. Quieter than the famous Sasan gate far to the west, it is ideal for travellers based around Amreli or Dhari who want a reliable, relaxed wildlife experience. (Booking is via the official forest portal.)
An Asiatic lion in the Gir landscape.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Dry forest on the edge of Gir.
Gir's lions spread east into Amreli.
The big cats share the Dhari countryside.
Ambardi is opened as an eastern-Gir safari.
An accessible, quieter lion experience.
Reasons to make the time
Asiatic lions
The eastern-Gir pride.
Less crowded
Quieter than Sasan.
Eastern Gir
Forest meets farmland.
Guided tour
A relaxed wildlife drive.
Deer & nilgai
Plentiful grazers.
Near Dhari
Easy from Amreli.
What to look for inside
Asiatic lions
The eastern-Gir cats.
Chital & nilgai
The forest's grazers.
The hunting pride
Watch for lions resting in the shade of the dry forest.
Nilgai & antelope
Plentiful grazers move through forest and farmland.
Elusive cats
Leopards share this stretch of eastern Gir.
Dry Gir scrub
The dry deciduous habitat that frames every sighting.
How to spend an hour or two
Get a ticket
Book the Ambardi tour.
Go at dawn
Early drives are best.
Track the lions
Follow your guide.
Spot the others
Deer, nilgai, leopards.
Enjoy the calm
A quieter Gir experience.
Pair with Dhari
Explore eastern Gir.
The dry Gir forest near Dhari.
Gir habitat on the eastern edge
Ambardi is a managed eastern-Gir safari zone — a stretch of the dry deciduous forest and scrub characteristic of Gir, set near Dhari and the Shetrunji river, with a controlled route for guided vehicles.
It offers the wildlife of Gir in a quieter, more accessible setting than the crowded western core. The draw is the living forest and its lions, not architecture — a relaxed window onto the Asiatic lion’s expanding eastern range across Amreli.
Eastern-Gir dry forest
Guided vehicle safari
Near Dhari & the Shetrunji
Quieter than Sasan Gir
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the best season across Amreli.
Green countryside; Gir's core closes (Jun–Oct).
Hot inland, but the best time for Gir lion sightings.
⏰ Book the safari ahead via the official portal; December–March is most comfortable, summer best for sightings.
Timings & entry
- Guided tours run in set slots
- Often closed on a weekly off-day
- Mornings are best for wildlife
- Allow 1–2 hours
- Book the safari via the official portal
- A guide accompanies each tour
- This is NOT a booking site — book officially
- Carry ID as required
Getting there
By Air
Rajkot and Diu are the nearest airports.
By Rail
Amreli and Dhari are the nearest stations.
By Road
Near Dhari, ~45 km south of Amreli.
On safari
LION & FOREST
The Asiatic lion in eastern Gir
What to shoot
Lions in the morning light.
Wildlife
Deer and nilgai.
Reach
A zoom lens from the vehicle.
Etiquette
Quiet, no flash, keep distance.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Where to eat around the ashram
Kathiawadi Thali
Rotla, kadhi, shaak and ghee-rich fare.
Ganthiya & fafda
Saurashtra's beloved fried snacks.
Local bites
Bhajiya, chevdo and chaat.
Pure-veg & ghee
Hearty Kathiawadi veg fare; jaggery sweets.
Ambardi Safari Park FAQ
What is Ambardi Safari Park?
An eastern-Gir lion safari near Dhari in Amreli, quieter than the Sasan gate.
Will I see lions?
It offers reliable Asiatic-lion sightings in the eastern Gir landscape.
How do I book?
Book the safari via the official forest portal — this is an information guide, not a booking service.
What else lives there?
Leopards, spotted deer, nilgai and other Gir wildlife.
When is the best time?
December–March for comfort; summer for the best sightings.
Where is it?
Near Dhari, about 45 km south of Amreli town.
Is it crowded?
Much less than Sasan Gir — a relaxed alternative.
Why are lions in Amreli?
Gir's lions have expanded their range eastward into the district.
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