Book the lion safari permit online on the Gujarat forest site.
Gir, at Sasan Gir in Gujarat, is the only home of the Asiatic lion, so the safari is in high demand. Book the permit in advance on the official Gujarat forest site, girlion.gujarat.gov.in. There are two ways to see the lions: the main jungle safari by permit, and the smaller Devalia enclosure, which is easier to get and good if you could not get a main permit. Foreigners pay a higher fee than Indians, so declare the nationality correctly. Gir is closed in the monsoon.
Who needs to book
- Every visitor on the safari, Indian or foreign, per person and per vehicle.
- Foreigners pay a higher fee than Indians, so the nationality must be correct.
- You cannot take your own vehicle inside. A registered gypsy and a guide are part of the booking.
The main safari and Devalia, in plain words
- Main jungle safari: an open gypsy takes you through the Gir forest on a permit, in a morning or afternoon slot. This is the real safari and the most sought after.
- Devalia Safari Park: a fenced interpretation zone near Sasan Gir, seen by a shared bus or gypsy. Sightings are more likely here, and it is a good backup if the main permit is full.
How to book, step by step
- Go to the official site girlion.gujarat.gov.in and open the permit booking.
- Choose the main safari or Devalia, the date, and the slot, morning or afternoon.
- Add each visitor with identity details, and declare the correct nationality.
- Pay online, then download the permit.
- Carry the permit and your original identity to the gate, because the identity is matched there.
What it costs
The cost is made of a few parts: the permit fee, the gypsy charge, and a guide fee. Foreigners pay a higher fee than Indians. The exact government fee lines are shown on the official site when you book. [Exact fees for Indians and foreigners are set by the Gujarat Forest Department and are to confirm on the official site. Following the honest rule of this resource, we do not print a fee we cannot see on the official source. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Documents you need
- One government photo identity per visitor at booking. Indians can use Aadhaar. Foreigners use a passport.
- The same original identity carried to the gate, matching the booking exactly.
- A working mobile number for the booking.
Season and booking window
- Gir is open in the cooler, drier months and closed in the monsoon, usually from about the middle of June to the middle of October.
- The main permits are limited and open in advance, so popular dates fill fast. Devalia is easier to get.
- Book early, especially for a weekend or holiday. [Exact dates and the advance window change season to season. Confirm on the official site. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking on a look alike site. Only girlion.gujarat.gov.in is the official government site. Many private sites look official.
- Booking in the wrong name, then failing the identity check at the gate.
- Declaring the wrong nationality, then being stopped or charged again.
- Planning a monsoon visit, when Gir is closed. Devalia can sometimes stay open, so check.
- Leaving the main permit to the last minute, when it is full. Devalia is the backup.
Questions people ask
Do I need to book the Gir safari in advance?
Yes. Book the permit in advance on the official Gujarat forest site.
What is the difference between the main safari and Devalia?
The main safari is the real jungle drive by permit. Devalia is a fenced interpretation zone, easier to get, with more likely sightings.
Do foreigners pay more?
Yes, foreigners pay a higher fee than Indians.
When is Gir open?
In the cooler, drier months, roughly mid October to mid June. It is closed in the monsoon.
Where do I book?
On the official government site, girlion.gujarat.gov.in.