Devalia Safari Park (Gir Interpretation Zone)
Devalia Safari Park — commonly called the Gir Interpretation Zone — is a small fenced wildlife sanctuary inside the greater Gir ecosystem close to Sasan Gir. Managed by the Gujarat Forest Department, it was developed to provide easy and reliable sightings of the Asiatic lion in a controlled setting, along with an interpretation centre that explains lion ecology and conservation efforts. The park consists of open grasslands, scrub and small water bodies that attract lions, chital, sambar, nilgai and many resident and migratory birds.
Location
Devalia Safari Park (Gir Interpretation Zone), Sasan Gir, Gir Somnath, India
Duration
Typically 1–3 hours on-site (including registration, safety briefing and a 30–90 minute safari); allow half a day if combining travel and waits.
Best Time to Visit
October to March for comfortable weather and good visibility; early morning (sunrise slot) and late afternoon (pre-sunset) visits give the best wildlife activity and photo light.
Pricing
Varies by visitor category and season — forest department charges apply for entry and jeeps. Typical components: government entry fee (different rates for Indians and foreign nationals), jeep safari/vehicle charges (per vehicle), guide fees, and optional camera/video fees. Advance booking and vehicle-slot confirmation are recommended during peak season. (Check the Gujarat Forest Department website or local ticket counter for current rates.)
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
High probability of Asiatic lion sightings in a managed, fenced area
Short, sturdy jeep safaris suitable for families and first-time wildlife visitors
Interpretation centre with educational displays on Gir lion ecology and conservation
Good birdwatching — resident and migratory species frequent the park
Opportunity to observe ungulates (chital, sambar, nilgai) and smaller carnivores in semi-open habitat
Itinerary
Pre-book jeep slot and entry tickets (if possible) and reach the park entrance 30–45 minutes before the scheduled safari time.
Allow extra time during peak season — national holidays and weekends can be busy.
Check in at the ticket counter, present IDs, pay any camera fees and attend a mandatory safety briefing.
Carry a government ID for all adults (required for many forest bookings). Camera/video equipment may have additional charges.
Board forest-approved open jeep with a local driver/guide for the guided circuit inside the fenced Devalia zone.
Jeep will follow park rules and stay on designated tracks. Guides will point out lions and other wildlife; maintain silence for the best sightings.
After the drive, visit the interpretation centre and exhibits to learn about Gir’s conservation history, lion behaviour and management practices.
Interpretation displays are useful for families and students; combine with a short nature walk in designated areas if allowed.
Safety Requirements
Follow all instructions from forest staff and guides
Remain inside the vehicle unless explicitly allowed in designated areas
Maintain silence and avoid sudden movements — loud noise can disturb animals and reduce sighting chances
Do not feed, tease or approach animals at any time
Carry government-issued ID (often required for booking/ticketing)
Observe vehicle capacity limits — do not overcrowd jeeps
Tips
Book in advance through the forest department or authorized counters — slots are limited and popular
Opt for early morning or late afternoon safaris for cooler conditions and active wildlife
Carry binoculars, a telephoto lens (if photographing) and a small daypack with water and sunscreen
Wear neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown) to blend with the environment
Keep camera batteries charged and carry extra memory cards — charging points may be limited
Check local timings — park often has fixed morning and evening slots and closes during extreme weather or special management days
Respect rules and support conservation: avoid littering, follow guidelines and consider visiting local interpretation centres to learn about Gir’s recovery and lion management
