When planning a wildlife trip to Gujarat’s famous Gir National Park, you might come across Devalia Safari Park, also known as the Gir Interpretation Zone. While Gir Jungle Safari remains a top choice for adventurers, Devalia Safari Park offers an equally exciting and rewarding experience for nature lovers and families. Here are the top reasons why you must include Devalia Safari Park in your Gir itinerary.
1. Guaranteed Lion Sightings
The biggest attraction of Gir is the Asiatic lion, and Devalia Safari Park ensures you see them. Unlike traditional jungle safaris, where sightings depend on luck and tracking skills, Devalia Safari Park is an enclosed interpretation zone spread across 412 hectares, where lions roam freely within the fenced area. This almost guarantees sightings during your safari, making it ideal for those with limited time who want to witness these majestic predators without disappointment.
2. Shorter and Time-Efficient Safaris
For travellers on tight schedules, Devalia Safari Park offers quick safaris lasting around 30-40 minutes, compared to the longer Gir Jungle Safaris that can take up to 3-4 hours including permit formalities. The park is designed to provide an authentic wildlife experience in a short time, ensuring you cover more destinations on your Gujarat trip without compromising on the thrill of seeing wild animals.
3. Budget-Friendly Alternative
Not everyone wants to spend heavily on wildlife safaris. Devalia Safari Park is a cost-effective option, with bus safari tickets priced at approximately INR 150 per Indian adult. Even private gypsy safaris here cost significantly less than the core Gir Jungle Safari. This makes it accessible for families, students, and group travellers without stretching their budgets.
4. Diverse Wildlife in One Zone
Besides lions, Devalia Safari Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife including leopards, blue bulls (nilgai), spotted deer, sambar, blackbucks, wild boars, peafowls, and numerous bird species. The ecosystem here is carefully preserved to reflect Gir’s natural habitat, giving visitors a chance to observe multiple species at close quarters within a single safari trip.
5. Ideal for Educational Visits
Devalia Safari Park, officially known as the Gir Interpretation Zone, was created not just for tourism but also for education and conservation awareness. It offers a great learning experience for students, researchers, and children about wildlife conservation, forest ecosystems, and the importance of protecting endangered species like the Asiatic lion.
6. Safe and Comfortable Experience
Since Devalia Safari Park is a fenced zone, it is considered safer compared to open jungle safaris. The bus safaris are conducted in forest department vehicles with guides ensuring complete safety. This makes it an excellent choice for families with children or elderly members who wish to enjoy wildlife without the challenges of rough forest terrain.
7. Easy Accessibility
Located just 12 km from Sasan Gir village, Devalia Safari Park is easily accessible by taxi, private car, or local jeeps. For those staying in Gir resorts or nearby hotels, reaching Devalia takes only 15-20 minutes, making it convenient for morning or afternoon safaris before heading towards other attractions like Somnath or Junagadh.
8. No Hassle of Permit Waiting
While Gir Jungle Safari requires advance booking, permit approvals, and often long waiting times during peak seasons, Devalia Safari Park offers a streamlined booking system. You can book online through the Gujarat Forest Department website or buy tickets directly at the counter without much hassle, especially on non-peak days.
9. Great for Wildlife Photography
If you are a budding wildlife photographer, Devalia Safari Park provides incredible opportunities to capture lions, leopards, and herbivores in natural settings without needing extensive telephoto lenses, as the animals are usually visible at comfortable distances. Morning safaris are especially ideal for golden light photography.
10. Combines Well with Other Gir Attractions
A visit to Devalia Safari Park can be easily combined with Gir Jungle Safari, Crocodile Breeding Centre, Kankai Mata Temple inside the forest, and Kamleshwar Dam. It adds depth to your Gir experience by offering a different perspective on the park’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
Best Time to Visit Devalia Safari Park
The park remains open from mid-October to mid-June, with timings generally from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Winter (December to March) is the best time for comfortable weather and clear sightings. The park remains closed during the monsoon (mid-June to mid-October) due to heavy rains and breeding season.
Tips for Visiting Devalia Safari Park
- Wear earth-toned clothes to blend with the environment.
- Carry valid ID proofs for ticket verification.
- Follow all forest guidelines, avoid loud noises, and do not feed animals.
- Carry a camera or binoculars for better viewing and photography.
- Book tickets online in advance during weekends and holidays to avoid queues.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are travelling with family, friends, or on a solo wildlife exploration trip, Devalia Safari Park is a must-visit on your Gir itinerary. It is a testament to Gujarat’s commitment towards responsible tourism and conservation. Offering guaranteed lion sightings, diverse wildlife, safety, affordability, and educational value, Devalia Safari Park ensures that your visit to Gir remains memorable and fulfilling.
On your next trip to Sasan Gir, make sure to include Devalia Safari Park to witness the grace of Asiatic lions and the beauty of Gujarat’s vibrant wildlife ecosystem, all in one enriching safari experience.
