Wildlife
Crocodile Breeding Centre
Established to support the marsh crocodile, or mugger. Population that lives alongside Gir’s lions in the park’s rivers. Tanks and the Kamleshwar Dam, the centre rears hatchlings. Juveniles in captivity before their release into the wild. Viewing pens with crocodiles of varying ages make it a straightforward stop near. The Sasan Gir entrance for visitors interested in the park’s wildlife beyond its famous lions. Crocodile Breeding Centre is typically explored in about 30-60 minutes. The best time to visit is October to March.
Overview
Established to support the marsh crocodile, or mugger, population that lives alongside Gir’s lions in the park’s rivers, tanks and the Kamleshwar Dam, the centre rears hatchlings and juveniles in captivity before their release into the wild. Viewing pens with crocodiles of varying ages make it a straightforward stop near the Sasan Gir entrance for visitors interested in the park’s wildlife beyond its famous lions. Crocodile Breeding Centre is typically explored in about 30-60 minutes. The best time to visit is October to March. Other notable highlights include view mugger crocodiles at outdoor rearing pools, watch feeding time with park rangers, and learn about crocodile egg incubation chambers. It falls within Gir National Park, Gir Somnath district, and Gujarat, India.
Highlights
- View mugger crocodiles at outdoor rearing pools
- Watch feeding time with park rangers
- Learn about crocodile egg incubation chambers
- Spot basking crocodiles along Hiran River edge
- See juvenile crocodiles in nursery enclosures
- Observe conservation signage on mugger habitat threats
Getting There
Things To Do
Photograph the Crocodile Skull and Skeleton Display
Inside the small visitor shed, examine a real crocodile skull, jaw, and a full skeleton mounted on a frame, with labels pointing out teeth, scutes, and tail muscles. This is a self-guided stop ideal for understanding reptile anatomy up close without disturbing live animals.
15 minutes
Visit the Incubation and Hatchling Nursery Area
Peer into the protected nursery enclosures where freshly hatched crocodile babies are kept under observation before release. Staff sometimes demonstrate how eggs are artificially incubated and monitored for temperature and humidity.
30 minutes
Walk the Nature Trail Around the Breeding Ponds
Follow the shaded, flat walking trail that loops around the main ponds, offering close-up views of crocodiles in different age groups—from juveniles to large adults. The trail also passes by a few old banyan trees where you can spot birds like egrets and kingfishers.
1 hour
Observe Marsh Crocodiles in Enclosed Pools
Walk along the designated pathways to view dozens of marsh crocodiles basking on rocks or gliding in their shallow breeding pools. Informative signboards explain their lifecycle, nesting habits, and the centre’s conservation role.
45 minutes
Attend the Guided Interpretation Talk by Forest Staff
Join a short, informal talk by a forest guard or naturalist stationed at the centre, who explains crocodile behaviour, the breeding programme, and how the centre supports the Gir ecosystem. You can ask questions about the reptiles and the park’s conservation efforts.
20 minutes
Watch the Feeding Demonstration (If Scheduled)
On select mornings, keepers toss fish or meat into the pools to stimulate natural feeding behaviour. This is a dramatic but safe viewing experience from a raised platform, and you’ll learn how the centre manages diet for different size classes.
30 minutes
Travel Tips
Keep the group together and use the railings
Stay with your group and hold onto the provided railings while viewing the pools, as the water edges are unprotected in some spots. This prevents accidental falls and ensures everyone can see without jostling.
Visit during the cooler morning hours
Arrive right at the opening time, usually 9:00 AM, to avoid the midday heat and see crocodiles more active. This is especially important for senior travellers, as the afternoon sun in Gir can be intense.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear
The walkways around the breeding pools can be damp and slippery, so flat, closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must. Avoid sandals or chappals, as they increase the risk of slips for older group members.
Confirm accessibility and rest stops with the ticket counter
Ask at the entry gate about benches, shaded rest areas, and any step-free paths, as the centre is compact but not fully flat. For seniors with mobility issues, request a quick walk-through guide from the forest staff to plan your route.
Carry water and light snacks, but eat before entry
There are limited refreshment options inside, so bring your own water bottles and a few biscuits for energy. However, finish eating before entering the main viewing area, as food attracts birds and may disturb the reptiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
The centre houses over 200 crocodiles, primarily the Mugger (Marsh) crocodile, along with a few Indian Gharials and Saltwater crocodiles. You’ll see them in large, fenced ponds with basking areas, and the breeding programme has been successful in releasing hatchlings into local rivers. A small museum on site explains their life cycle and conservation efforts.
No, the Crocodile Breeding Centre is located just outside the main Gir forest, near the Sasan Gir entrance, so you do not need a safari permit for this specific visit. You only need to buy a separate entry ticket at the centre’s gate. It is a short walk or drive from the Sasan Gir tourist complex, making it easy to combine with other local sightseeing.
The centre has flat, paved walkways and railings around the enclosures, so it is generally accessible for seniors with mild mobility issues. However, there are no wheelchairs or golf carts available, so you should be comfortable walking slowly for about 500 metres. Benches are placed at intervals for resting, and the staff are helpful if you need assistance.
Photography is allowed and encouraged, with no extra fee for mobile phones or small point-and-shoot cameras. For professional DSLR or video cameras, a small fee (around ₹50-100) is charged at the ticket counter. Do not use flash near the enclosures, as it can stress the reptiles, and always stay behind the safety barriers.
Early morning (around 8:00 to 10:00 am) or late afternoon (after 4:00 pm) are ideal, as crocodiles are most active during cooler hours. Midday sun makes them sluggish and they often remain submerged or hidden in mud, so you may miss them. The centre is open from sunrise to sunset, but plan for a 30-45 minute visit.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Crocodile Breeding Centre
Day 1
Begin your journey with a relaxed arrival into Sasan Gir, settling into the calm forest environment. Spend the core of your day at the Crocodile Breeding Centre, observing the marsh crocodiles in their naturalistic pools and learning about conservation efforts. In the late afternoon, take a gentle stroll along the Hiran River banks nearby, where crocodiles often bask in the sun, before returning for a quiet evening.
- Visit the Crocodile Breeding Centre’s main viewing area, observing different age groups of marsh crocodiles in separate enclosures.
- Walk through the centre’s interpretive displays and read about the breeding and release programs for crocodiles.
- Take a short, easy walk to the Hiran River viewpoint (near the centre) to spot wild crocodiles and water birds at dusk.
Day 2
Dedicate your second day to understanding the broader Gir National Park ecosystem, which supports the crocodile population. Start with a morning safari or a guided nature walk in the buffer zone (subject to park permits) to see deer, langurs, and peacocks. After a restful lunch, visit the nearby Sasan Gir Museum or the Gir Interpretation Zone to learn about the park’s flora, fauna, and tribal communities, then end with a sunset visit to the crocodile centre’s feeding time (if available) for a memorable close.
- Morning safari or guided nature walk in the Gir buffer zone (book in advance at the park office) to observe wildlife and the riverine habitat.
- Visit the Sasan Gir Museum or Gir Interpretation Zone to see exhibits on crocodiles, lions, and local biodiversity.
- Return to the Crocodile Breeding Centre for a quiet afternoon session, watching crocodiles during their active feeding period (check timings locally).
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