Gir National Park, home to the majestic Asiatic lions, is one of India’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries. Located in Junagadh district Gujarat, Gir attracts nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and adventure seekers from all over the world. If you’re traveling from Ahmedabad to Gir National Park, you have multiple transport options, including trains, buses, private taxis, and flights. In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of routes, travel times, fares, and essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Where is Gir National Park Located?
Gir National Park is situated near Sasan Gir village in Gujarat, approximately 375 km southwest of Ahmedabad. The park covers an area of 1,412 square kilometers and is the only place in the world where Asiatic lions roam freely in the wild.
Distance and Travel Time to Gir National Park from Ahmedabad
| Mode of Transport | Distance | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Road (Car/Bus) | 375 km | 7-8 hours | Comfortable & Flexible Travel |
| By Train | 360 km (via Junagadh) | 7-9 hours (including road transfer) | Budget-Friendly Travel |
| By Air (Rajkot or Diu) | 250 km (Rajkot) / 110 km (Diu) | 4-6 hours (including road transfer) | Fastest Option |
Best Ways to Reach Gir National Park from Ahmedabad
By Road: Private Car or Bus (Best for Comfort & Flexibility)
Traveling by road is the most convenient way to reach Gir National Park. Gujarat’s highways are well-maintained, making for a smooth journey.
1. Self-Drive or Private Taxi
- Route: Ahmedabad → Rajkot → Junagadh → Sasan Gir.
- Distance: 375 km.
- Travel Time: 7-8 hours.
- Taxi Fare: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 (one-way) depending on car type.
- Car Rental: ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 per day for a self-drive car.
2. Bus Services from Ahmedabad to Gir
- Several government (GSRTC) and private buses operate daily.
- Types: Sleeper, AC Volvo, and Non-AC buses.
- Duration: 7-9 hours.
- Fare: ₹400 – ₹1,500 (depending on the bus type).
- Boarding Points: Ahmedabad Central Bus Station (Gita Mandir) and Paldi.
- Drop-Off Points: Junagadh or directly at Sasan Gir (limited options).
Recommended Option: Take an overnight sleeper bus for a comfortable journey.
Suggested Itineraries for Gujarat tour:
- 15-Day Gujarat Tour Itinerary – Best Travel Experience
- 5-Day Gujarat Wildlife & Beach Tour – Explore Nature
- 8-Day Rann of Kutch & Sasan Gir Safari – Adventure Awaits
- 8-Day Dwarka, Somnath & Diu Tour – Spiritual & Scenic Journey
By Train: Budget-Friendly Option
Since Gir National Park doesn’t have its own railway station, you need to take a train to Junagadh or Veraval and then travel by road to Sasan Gir.
1. Best Trains from Ahmedabad to Junagadh
| Train Name | Train Number | Departure (Ahmedabad) | Arrival (Junagadh) | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somnath Express | 22957 | 10:10 PM | 05:30 AM | 7h 20m | Daily |
| Jabalpur Somnath Express | 11464 | 11:50 AM | 08:15 PM | 8h 25m | Daily |
| Veraval Express | 16334 | 06:00 AM | 02:30 PM | 8h 30m | Daily |
2. Best Trains from Ahmedabad to Veraval
| Train Name | Train Number | Departure (Ahmedabad) | Arrival (Veraval) | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somnath Express | 22957 | 10:10 PM | 06:10 AM | 8h 00m | Daily |
| Ahmedabad Veraval Express | 19119 | 09:30 PM | 06:30 AM | 9h 00m | Daily |
3. Junagadh/Veraval to Sasan Gir (Last Mile Journey)
- From Junagadh: 70 km (1.5-2 hours by taxi or bus).
- From Veraval: 45 km (1-1.5 hours by taxi or bus).
- Taxis available: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 (one-way).
- Buses available: ₹100 – ₹200 per person.
Recommended Option: Take the Somnath Express to Junagadh, then hire a taxi to Sasan Gir.
By Air: The Fastest Option
The nearest airports to Gir National Park are:
- Rajkot Airport (RAJ) – 160 km away.
- Diu Airport (DIU) – 110 km away.
1. Flights from Ahmedabad
- Ahmedabad to Rajkot: 1-hour flight (~₹3,000 – ₹6,000).
- Ahmedabad to Diu: 1-hour flight (~₹3,500 – ₹7,000).
2. Rajkot/Diu to Sasan Gir (Last Mile Journey)
- From Rajkot: 3-4 hours by taxi (₹3,500 – ₹5,000).
- From Diu: 2-3 hours by taxi (₹2,500 – ₹4,000).
Recommended Option: Fly to Diu and take a taxi (shorter journey).
Best Travel Option Based on Budget and Convenience
| Preferred Mode | Best Option | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Time Taken | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Travel | Train to Junagadh + Bus | ₹600 – ₹1,500 | 9-10 hours | Budget Travelers |
| Fastest Route | Flight to Diu + Taxi | ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 | 4-6 hours | Time-Sensitive Travelers |
| Most Comfortable | Private Car/Taxi | ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 | 7-8 hours | Families & Groups |
Travel Tips for Visiting Gir National Park from Ahmedabad
Book Train & Bus Tickets in Advance: Especially during peak seasons (November to March).
Best Time to Visit: December to March for the best wildlife sightings.
Safari Booking: Book safaris online via Gir National Park Official Website.
Carry Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for hot afternoons.
Stay Near Sasan Gir: Opt for forest lodges or resorts for an early morning safari experience.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Which is the best way to reach Gir National Park from Ahmedabad?
The fastest way is a flight to Diu, then a taxi. The cheapest way is a train to Junagadh, followed by a bus or taxi.
2. How far is Gir from Ahmedabad?
Gir National Park is 375 km from Ahmedabad, taking 7-9 hours by road.
3. Can I take a direct bus from Ahmedabad to Gir?
Yes, there are overnight sleeper buses directly to Sasan Gir, taking 8-9 hours.
4. Is there a train station in Gir?
No, the nearest railway stations are Junagadh (70 km) and Veraval (45 km).
5. What is the best time to visit Gir National Park?
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Best for wildlife sightings.
- Summer (Mar–May): Good for spotting lions, but very hot.
- Monsoon (June–Oct): Park is closed from June 16 to October 15.
Conclusion
Traveling to Gir National Park from Ahmedabad is easy, with multiple transport options. Whether you prefer a scenic train ride, a comfortable road trip, or a quick flight, there’s an option for every traveler.
Now that you know the best ways to reach Gir, start planning your adventure and get ready to spot the majestic Asiatic lions in the wild!
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below! Safe travels!
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