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About Girnar Nature Safari
The Girnar Nature Safari Park, officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2008, offers a three hour guided tour through the Girnar foothills—a unique wildlife zone distinct from but ecologically connected to Gir National Park Safari operations were launched in 2021 to ease pressure on Gir National Park while preserving biodiversity in the region. The sanctuary also weaves in religious and cultural elements around the Girnar hill, making the experience spiritual as well as ecological
Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located around the Girnar Hills near Junagadh, Gujarat, India. It is part of the Gir landscape, which is famous for being the last natural habitat of the Asiatic lion. Below are some key details:
Established: 1975 | Area: ~180 sq. km | Location: Junagadh district, Gujarat | Part of: Gir Protected Area Network
Wildlife in Girnar Sanctuary : Asiatic Lions (few roam outside Gir National Park into Girnar region) | Leopards (high density in Girnar Hills) | Sloth Bears (common in hilly terrain) | Hyenas, Jackals, and Wolves | Birds: Over 300 species including eagles, vultures, and migratory birds | Reptiles: Crocodiles in nearby rivers, snakes, lizards
Vegetation : Dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and grassy patches. | Teak, Acacia, Zizyphus species dominate.
Best Time to Visit : Winter (November to February): Pleasant weather, ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing. | Avoid monsoon (July–September) due to heavy rain and slippery paths
Activities : Wildlife Safari: Limited, as the sanctuary is less commercialized than Gir. | Trekking: Famous Girnar Hill trek (steps leading to Jain temples & Ambaji temple). | Photography: Scenic landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Nearby Attractions : Gir National Park (50 km) | Junagadh City (rich in history and architecture) | Girnar Ropeway (Asia's longest ropeway to Ambaji temple)
Wildlife & Habitat (Expect sights of)
- Asiatic lions (around 50+ roam the 26 km route)
- Leopards, sambar, spotted deer, nilgai, chinkara
- Jackals, wild boar, and thousands of birds (over 300 species)
- Reptiles and insects, including vultures and eagles
The vegetation is mainly dry deciduous forest, with teak, acacia, and medicinal plants sheltering this rich fauna The sanctuary also weaves in religious and cultural elements around the Girnar hill, making the experience spiritual as well as ecological
Girnar Timing & Closures:
| Slot | Timing |
|---|---|
| Summer (1 Mar – 15 Jun): | Morning 6:00–9:00 AM, Evening 4:00–7:00 PM |
| Winter (16 Oct – 28/29 Feb): | Morning 6:45–9:45 AM, Evening 3:00–6:00 PM |
Closed from 16 June to 15 October (monsoon), and during Girnar Parikrama and Mahashivratri festivals as per Hindu calendar
Girnar Booking details:
- Advance online booking needed (up to 90 days out)
- Non-transferable & non-refundable permits
- Only one e-permit per visitor per time slot allowed
- ID proof mandatory (Indian: original; Foreigner: passport)
One allowed safari per person per day. On-site booking isn’t available—online in advance is required
Best time to visit Girnar Nautre Safari :
| Season | Timing |
|---|---|
| Open season: | The sanctuary is closed each year from mid June (around June 16) to mid October (approximately October 15) due to the monsoon. Safaris resume from October 16 onward |
| Winter (16 Oct – 28/29 Feb): | Safaris run between 6:45 AM–9:45 AM and 3 PM–6 PM |
| o Summer (Mar 1–June 15): | Drive windows shift to 6 AM–9 AM and 4 PM–7 PM . |
Ideal Months for Safari
- December to April: Regarded as the prime season. Weather is mild, skies are clear, and animals often gather near remaining water spots—boosting sighting chances
- March: Particularly excellent—forest begins to dry, wildlife congregates around ponds, and spotting becomes easier even before summer heat peaks
- May: Hot conditions (up to ~42 °C), but wildlife sightings remain strong near water bodies; favored by photographers who don’t mind the heat
Recommendations
- To maximize both comfort and wildlife activity, plan visits between December and March, with March being optimal for visibility
- April–early May appeals to wildlife photographers—though heat levels rise, animals converge around shrinking water holes.
- Avoid mid June to mid October completely—no safari rides, as the sanctuary is closed for monsoon safety and conservation.
Best Time Summary
- Top choice: March—best balance of comfortable weather, dry forest, and active wildlife.
- Winter window (Dec–Feb): Great overall with mild weather, but denser foliage may hide some sightings.
- Summer start (April–May): Hot, but prime time for wildlife to emerge near water bodies.
How to Reach Girnar Nature Safari (Location & Overview)
- Start point: Indreshwar Naka (trailhead/entry gate), from where the 13 km marked safari track runs into the sanctuary and back (This is a dedicated route — only one safari allowed per slot, with a maximum of 6 adults + 1 child per gypsy/jeep)
- By Road -
From Junagadh (~8 km away): Take a taxi or local bus. It’s about a 20–30 min drive
From Rajkot (~100 km) or Ahmedabad (~320 km): Roads are good; drive or opt for intercity bus services to Junagadh, then onward to the safari gate
Mileage: Rajkot → Girnar: ~100 km (~1.5 h) | Ahmedabad → Girnar: ~320 km (~5–6 h by road) - By Train -
Nearest station: Junagadh Junction (regular trains from Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Surat etc.)
Also accessible via Veraval Junction (~60 km) .
From station, hire a taxi, auto, or catch a local bus to Indreshwar Naka safari gate (20–30 min onward) - By Air -
Closest airports:
Rajkot Airport (~103 km)
Keshod Airport near Junagadh (~70 km)
Alternative: Porbandar (~113 km) or Diu (~98 km)
From the airport, hire a taxi or take a cab to the safari gate - By Bus -
State/private buses connect major cities (Rajkot, Somnath, Diu, Ahmedabad) to Junagadh
From Junagadh, regular local buses or taxis to Indreshwar Naka take 20–30 minutes
Girnar Nature Safari
Girnar is a famous mountain range and pilgrimage site located near Junagadh in Gujarat, India. It holds historical, religious, and natural significance. Here’s an overview:
- Location: 5 km east of Junagadh city, Gujarat.
- Elevation: Around 1,031 meters (3,383 ft), making it the highest peak in Gujarat.
- Significance:Hindu Pilgrimage:
Temples like Ambaji Temple, Dattatreya Temple, and Amba Mata Temple.
Jain Pilgrimage: Ancient Jain temples, especially Neminath Temple.
Associated with legends of Lord Dattatreya and Guru Dattatreya. - Attractions:
Girnar Ropeway: Asia’s longest ropeway to reach Ambaji Temple.
Girnar Nature Safari: Located in the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to Asiatic lions.
Girnar Trek: Around 10,000 steps to reach the top. - Festivals: Girnar Parikrama (November) and Mahashivratri Mela.
Best Time to Visit Girnar Safari
- October to March – Pleasant weather for trekking and sightseeing.
- Avoid summer (April-June) due to heat.
How to Reach Girnar Safari
- By Air: Nearest airport – Rajkot (105 km) or Porbandar (113 km).
- By Train: Junagadh Railway Station (5 km).
- By Road: Well-connected via state highways.
Pilgrimage (Key Features of a Pilgrimage)
A pilgrimage is a journey made by a person or group to a sacred place for spiritual or religious purposes. It often involves visiting temples, shrines, holy cities, or natural sites considered divine. Pilgrimages are found in almost every religion and often symbolize devotion, penance, or the search for blessings.
- Spiritual Purpose: To seek blessings, forgiveness, or inner peace.
- Sacred Destination: Temples, mountains, rivers, or historical sites.
- Rituals & Prayers: Bathing in holy rivers, offering prayers, fasting, etc.
- Journey of Faith: Sometimes long and challenging, symbolizing devotion.
Famous Pilgrimage Sites
- Hinduism: Varanasi, Kedarnath, Rameswaram, Jagannath Puri, Girnar.
- Islam: Mecca (Hajj), Medina.
- Christianity: Vatican City, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela.
- Buddhism: Bodh Gaya, Lumbini, Sarnath.
- Sikhism: Golden Temple (Amritsar).