Devalia Safari Park
Set up as an enclosed "interpretation zone" within Gir Sanctuary. Devalia Safari Park lets visitors tour a fenced patch of representative Gir habitat. By bus, offering a high chance of spotting Asiatic lions, leopards. Deer and antelope even without the advance booking required. Jeep safaris into the main reserve. It functions as an accessible alternative during the peak season when permits. The core Gir forest sell out quickly, and closes along. The rest of the park during the monsoon.
Devalia Safari Park at a Glance
Essential information about Devalia Safari Park.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Set up as an enclosed "interpretation zone" within Gir Sanctuary, Devalia Safari Park lets visitors tour a fenced patch of representative Gir habitat by bus, offering a high chance of spotting Asiatic lions, leopards, deer and antelope even without the advance booking required for jeep safaris into the main reserve. It functions as an accessible alternative during the peak season when permits for the core Gir forest sell out quickly, and closes along with the rest of the park during the monsoon. Devalia Safari Park sits at an elevation of 164 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, November, December, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Other notable highlights include guaranteed Asiatic lion sightings from open bus, spotted deer and chital grazing near safari track, and leopard and hyena enclosures visible from vehicle. It falls within Gir National Park, Gir Somnath district, and Gujarat, India.
Highlights
- Guaranteed Asiatic lion sightings from open bus
- Spotted deer and chital grazing near safari track
- Leopard and hyena enclosures visible from vehicle
- Birdwatching for peafowl and junglefowl along waterholes
- No advance permit needed, easy walk-in entry
- Short 30-minute safari ideal for senior travellers
Getting There
Things To Do
Souvenir and Craft Kiosk Visit
Browse the small government-run kiosk near the exit for Gir-themed books, postcards, and locally made Patola-print textiles and wooden carvings. Proceeds support the park’s conservation fund, and it’s a gentle way to end your visit without rushing.
20-30 minutes
Short Nature Trail Along the Perimeter Fence
Walk the paved, shaded pathway that runs inside the park’s boundary, where you can see spotted deer, sambar, and wild boar grazing close to the fence. The flat, even ground makes it suitable for those with limited mobility, and benches are available for rest.
1 hour
Guided Jungle Safari in the Devalia Interpretation Zone
Hop into a shared open-top Gypsy for a 45-minute guided drive through the fenced 412-hectare park, where you’ll almost certainly spot Asiatic lions, leopards, and chital deer in their natural habitat. The park’s high success rate for lion sightings makes this the most popular activity for first-time visitors.
1.5 hours (including boarding and safety briefing)
Walk Through the Bird Watching Hide
After your safari, climb into the elevated, camouflaged hide near the central waterhole to observe herons, kingfishers, and migratory waterfowl without disturbing them. This quiet spot is perfect for senior travellers who want a slower, seated wildlife experience.
30-45 minutes
Visit the Interpretation Centre and Museum
Explore the small but informative museum with taxidermy displays, maps of Gir’s ecosystem, and detailed panels on lion behaviour and conservation history. It’s an excellent way to understand the park’s significance before or after your drive.
45 minutes
Lion Observation Deck at the Main Waterhole
Take a seat on the fixed concrete deck overlooking the artificial waterhole, where lions often come to drink in the late afternoon. Rangers point out individual pride members and share anecdotes about their territories, making it a relaxed, low-effort viewing option.
1 hour (best between 4 PM and sunset)
Travel Tips
Pre-book tickets online at least 3-4 days in advance
Devalia Safari has limited seats, and walk-in tickets often sell out by 7 AM, especially on weekends and holidays. For groups and seniors, secure your slot online via the official Gir website to avoid standing in long queues and to pick a convenient time slot.
Book the earliest safari slot to avoid heat and crowds
The 6:00-9:00 AM safari is the coolest and most active time for wildlife. For senior travellers, this means less sun strain and a more comfortable ride, while groups get better photo opportunities before the park gets busy.
Use the on-site wheelchair and restroom before boarding
Devalia has a wheelchair available at the entry gate on request, and clean restrooms near the ticket counter. Use them before the 3-hour safari since there are no stops inside, and keep a small bottle of water and your medicines handy in a waist pouch.
Carry a light jacket and a soft neck pillow for the bumpy ride
The safari track is dusty and uneven, so a small cushion or rolled-up shawl helps support your back and neck. A light windbreaker is useful for the morning chill, and it also protects against dust when the vehicle moves.
Choose the larger gypsy or cantilever bus for group comfort
Request a cantilever (open-sided bus) if your group has 8 or more people—it offers better legroom and easier boarding than the smaller gypsy. For seniors with mobility issues, ask the counter for a vehicle with a lower step and sit near the entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Devalia is a fenced, 412-square-kilometre interpretation zone within the larger Gir forest, where animals like lions, leopards, and deer are more easily sighted because they are habituated to visitors. The main Gir safari covers a much larger, unfenced area with fewer guaranteed sightings, but offers a more wilderness-like experience. For senior travellers who prefer comfort and a higher chance of seeing wildlife, Devalia is often the easier and less tiring option.
You can carry water bottles and small snacks, but eating is not allowed inside the safari zone to avoid attracting animals, and all litter must be taken back out. Cameras and mobile phones are allowed, but the use of flash photography is strictly prohibited to avoid disturbing wildlife. Binoculars are highly recommended for better viewing, as some animals may be at a distance from the vehicle.
The safari uses open 4x4 gypsy vehicles, and you must climb a small step to get in, but the driver and guide are usually very helpful in assisting elderly passengers. There are no wheelchair ramps inside the park, but the roads are fairly smooth, and restrooms are available at the entry point. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and carry a light jacket or scarf for the open vehicle, especially during early morning rides.
The park offers two safari slots daily, one in the morning (around 6:30-9:30 am) and one in the afternoon (around 2:30-5:30 pm), depending on the season. Each safari lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the morning slot is generally better for spotting lions and other wildlife when they are more active in cooler temperatures.
Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak season (November to March), as slots fill up quickly and can be booked online through the official Gujarat tourism website. Senior citizens (60 years and above) are eligible for a discounted entry fee, but you must carry a valid government-issued photo ID to claim the concession at the ticket counter.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Devalia Safari Park
Day 1
Arrive in the Sasan Gir area by late morning, settle into your accommodation, and enjoy a relaxed lunch. The highlight is a late-afternoon visit to Devalia Safari Park, where a guided safari bus takes you through the fenced zone for near-certain Asiatic lion sightings, along with leopards, hyenas, and deer. End the day with a quiet evening walk around the park’s nature interpretation centre.
- Check in and freshen up, then have a traditional Gujarati thali lunch at a local restaurant near Sasan Gir
- Take the 3:00 PM guided safari bus inside Devalia Safari Park (book tickets in advance; carry binoculars and a camera)
- Visit the interpretation centre and watch the short documentary on lion conservation before returning to your lodge
Day 2
Start early with a second safari inside Devalia, as morning light is ideal for photography and animals are most active. After breakfast, take a short guided walk through a nearby Maldhari settlement to understand the traditional cattle-herding lifestyle that coexists with lions. Then, if time permits, stop at the Gir Birding Trail or a local craft shop before departing in the afternoon.
- Enjoy a 6:30 AM safari bus ride in Devalia, focusing on spotting lions near waterholes and birdlife like painted storks and crested serpent eagles
- Have breakfast at your hotel, then take a 1-hour village walk with a local guide to see mud huts, livestock, and learn about human-lion coexistence
- Visit the nearby Gir Eco-Tourism office for a quick souvenir purchase (wooden carvings, honey) and a final glimpse of the forest from the viewpoint
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Tour Packages for Devalia Safari Park
Gir National Park
Gujarat
3 place(s) covered within Gir National Park
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