Family Vacation at Gir Forests

There is no better way to have a family vacation than at someplace where you and the kids may have fun while learning. One such place is the Gir forest in Gujarat. Read on to find out why it is perfect for your next vacation.

Why Gir for your next family vacation?

The Gir National Park is the only place in the world where you will get to see the Asiatic Lion roaming freely in the wild. The national park was established to protect these animals from going extinct. Officials also aim to increase people’s concern towards nature and biodiversity conversation. This makes it a great place for family vacations where you may teach your kids about nature while enjoying yourselves.

What you will see

There are two zones in the National Park. These are: 

1. Gir Jungle Trail

As part of the 1882.6 sq km Gir Forests, 1412.1 sq km has been denoted as a Protected Area by the Gujarat State Government. Most of it consists of a dry deciduous forest with around 39 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles, and 606 species of plants. Forest safaris here are conducted via an open Jeep.

2. Devalia Safari Park

The Devalia Safari Park is also known as the Gir Interpretation Zone. It was established so that tourists could experience Gir in a shorter duration as well as to reduce the overload of visitors going on the Jungle Trail. The facility will let you view animals and birds in their natural habitats. Some of these include the Asiatic lion, blue bull, Sambar, leopard, jackal, peafowl, vulture, and more.

Plan a vacation in the abode of the king of the jungle and stay around these scenic points of interest in Gir at our Gir resort.

Tips while traveling with family

Here are a few tips you should keep in mind before and during your family vacations to Gir:

• Book a safari permit in advance (Can be done online)

• A maximum of six people plus one child is allowed on one Jeep during the Jeep Safari

• If you are traveling during the peak tourist season, be sure to book your Gir resorts in advance as rooms here get booked quickly.

• Report 30min before your scheduled safari

• At the national park, be sure to inquire about the camera fee so that you may take treasured memories home

• If you are traveling with small children, it is best to opt for the Devalia Safari Park since the tours here are of a shorter duration and they will find it easier to spot animals.

Best time to visit

Climatically, the best time to visit Gir for family vacations is from December to March. However, the months of April and May, though hot, are considered the best for viewing wildlife and for photography. The protected area in the national park is closed from 16th June to 15th October due to heavy monsoons. Unlike the protected area of the park, the Devalia Safari Park is open throughout the year. It is, however, closed every Wednesday.

How to reach

The nearest places to the Gir National Park are Diu, Junagadh, and Somnath. The nearest airport is at Diu which is 81.6km away. The nearest railway stations are at Junagadh and Somnath which are at a distance of 77km and 66.1km respectively. There are a number of buses and private taxis that will take you to and from the national park.

Where to stay

The Club Mahindra Gir Resort is located on the outskirts of the national park. Apart from the safari, it also offers various in-resort activities for the entire family!

Read about Club Mahindra member reviews to know how our members enjoy their family vacations with us!

Take a relaxing spa session, relish the mouth-watering Gujarati delicacies and enjoy the Siddhi Dhamal Folk Dance in the evening – that’s what your holiday at Club Mahindra Gir resort will be like! It is all this and more that makes it one of the best resorts in Gir. Read these Club Mahindra reviews by our happy members before you embark on a wild adventurous family vacation at Club Mahindra Gir resort!

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