Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

Introduction

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is a premier protected wildlife reserve located in Gujarat, safeguarding rare bio-regions and indigenous forest species.

Quick Facts

Particular	Details
State	Gujarat
Districts	Forest Division of Gujarat
Year of Notification	1978 (Wildlife Protection Act)
Total Area	285.00 sq km
Landscape	Rann of Kutch saline mudflats, Thar desert sand dunes, Gir teak forest, Aravalli thorn scrub, and Gulf of Khambhat coastal mudflats.
Major Rivers & Waterbodies	Kaveri River and Kapila (Kabini) River
Nearest Airport	Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport Ahmedabad (AMD) / Rajkot (RAJ) – 45 to 110 km
Nearest Railway Station	Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) / Rajkot Junction (RJT) / Junagadh (JND) – 20 to 60 km
Best Time to Visit	October to April

Location

The wildlife sanctuary lies in the Forest Division of Gujarat region of Gujarat. Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Gujarat.

History

Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act to conserve native wildlife corridors, watersheds, and forest ecosystems in Gujarat.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

Covering an exact area of 285.00 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Rann of Kutch saline mudflats, Thar desert sand dunes, Gir teak forest, Aravalli thorn scrub, and Gulf of Khambhat coastal mudflats.

Flora

Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Teak (Tectona grandis), Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia tomentosa, Boswellia serrata, Acacia catechu, Bamboo brakes..

Fauna

The sanctuary harbors a diverse array of mammalian, reptilian, and avian wildlife:

Primary Mammals: Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer (Chital), Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Porcupine.
Predators & Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena.
Herbivores & Ungulates: Sambar Deer, Chital, Barking Deer, Four-horned Antelope (Chousingha), Wild Boar.
Reptiles & Amphibians: Indian Rock Python, Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Monitor Lizard, Star Tortoise.

Other Wild Animals & Avifauna

Resident Woodland Birds: Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Grey Hornbill, Indian Peafowl, Red Junglefowl, Paradise Flycatcher, Blue-throated Barbet.
Raptors & Owls: Crested Hawk-Eagle, Black Kite, Spotted Owlet, Eurasian Eagle-Owl.
Migratory Species: Pintail Duck, Cotton Teal, Common Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Little Egret.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The lifeline of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Kaveri River and Kapila (Kabini) River.

Other Attractions

Major nearby tourist attractions and historic viewpoints include: Rann of Kutch salt flats, Sun Temple Modhera, Rani Ki Vav, Somnath Temple.

Weather & Climate

Subtropical climate with pleasant winters (12°C to 26°C) and warm summers (24°C to 38°C).

How to Reach

Nearest Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport Ahmedabad (AMD) / Rajkot (RAJ) – 45 to 110 km
Nearest Railway Station: Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) / Rajkot Junction (RJT) / Junagadh (JND) – 20 to 60 km
Road Connectivity: Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Gujarat.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal season for visiting Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April.

Accommodation

Forest Rest Houses and State Tourism eco-lodges near Forest Division of Gujarat.. Advance booking through official portals is recommended.

Conservation Highlights

Key conservation zone protecting native wildlife corridors and forest watersheds in Gujarat.

Visitor Tips

Obtain necessary entry permits from the local forest division office prior to visiting.

Did You Know?

Official protected Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat notified under Indian wildlife conservation acts.
Preserves key wildlife species including Indian Leopard and native avifauna.
Covers an exact area of 285.00 sq km along the Kaveri River and Kapila (Kabini) River watershed.

Last Updated: August 2026