If you’re short on time but big on wildlife dreams, Devalia Safari Park is your perfect entry point into Gujarat’s famed Gir ecosystem. Devalia Safari Park, also known as the Gir Interpretation Zone, offers a curated, high-probability wildlife experience—especially for spotting the majestic Asiatic lion. Located just 12 kilometers west of Sasan Gir village, this fenced eco-tourism zone was created to reduce pressure on the core Gir forest while still giving visitors a taste of its biodiversity.
Whether you’re traveling with family, on a tight schedule, or simply seeking a guaranteed glimpse of Gir’s iconic species, Devalia delivers a thrilling, accessible, and educational safari experience.
🦁 What Is Devalia Safari Park?
Devalia Safari Park is a 412-hectare fenced zone within the Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. It was established by Gujarat’s Forest Department to:
- Offer a controlled, safe environment for wildlife viewing
- Reduce tourist traffic in the core Gir Jungle Trail
- Provide an alternative for visitors who couldn’t secure main safari permits
This interpretation zone is home to a cross-section of Gir’s wildlife, including:
- Asiatic lions (with high sighting probability)
- Leopards
- Blue bulls (nilgai), spotted deer, and blackbuck
- Wild boars, foxes, and mongoose
- Peacocks, eagles, and other bird species
Sources: GirNationalPark.in, TravelSetu, Gujarat Tourism
🚍 Safari Experience: What to Expect
Devalia Safari Park offers guided bus tours that last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. These tours follow a fixed route through the park’s trails, maximizing chances of wildlife sightings while ensuring visitor safety.
Key Features:
- High Lion Sighting Probability: Unlike the open Gir Jungle Trail, Devalia’s enclosed habitat makes lion sightings almost guaranteed.
- Safe & Comfortable: Ideal for children, elders, and first-time safari-goers.
- Educational: Guides share insights about animal behavior, conservation, and Gir’s ecology.
- Quick & Efficient: Perfect for travelers with limited time.
🧭 Safari Timings & Booking Info
🕒 Timings:
- Morning: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays and National Holidays
🎟️ Booking:
- Online: girlion.gujarat.gov.in
- Offline: At the Devalia Safari Park gate (subject to availability)
- Documents Required: Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)
💰 Safari Charges:
| Category | Price (Approx.) |
| Indian Nationals | ₹200–₹300/person |
| Foreign Nationals | ₹1,000–₹1,200/person |
| Jeep Safari (Private) | ₹4,000–₹5,000 per vehicle |
🧳 What to Pack
To make the most of your Devalia Safari experience:
- Wear earth-toned clothing (avoid bright colors)
- Carry binoculars and a camera with zoom lens
- Bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen
- Pack water bottles and light snacks
- Use insect repellent, especially during warmer months
🏨 Where to Stay Nearby
Devalia Safari Park is close to Sasan Gir, which offers a range of accommodations:
| Stay Type | Features | Ideal For |
| Jungle Resorts | Luxury rooms, nature trails, spa | Couples, families |
| Eco-Lodges | Sustainable stays, local cuisine | Nature lovers |
| Budget Hotels | Basic amenities, close to safari gates | Solo travelers |
| Forest Camps | Rustic tents, bonfire nights | Adventure seekers |
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Safari Tips
Devalia is ideal for families:
- Short duration and enclosed setting make it safe for kids
- High chances of lion sightings keep children engaged
- Educational commentary adds value for all age groups
- Avoid midday slots during summer for comfort
💑 Romantic Safari Add-ons
For couples, Devalia offers:
- Private jeep safaris (on request)
- Sunset tours with scenic views
- Stay in boutique jungle lodges
- Spa treatments and wellness retreats nearby
📸 Photography Tips
Devalia is a great spot for wildlife photography:
- Use telephoto lenses for close-ups
- Opt for morning light for softer tones
- Capture behavior, not just portraits
- Respect distance and avoid flash
🧘 Wellness & Nature Retreats
Some nearby resorts offer:
- Yoga in the wild
- Ayurvedic treatments
- Digital detox packages
- Guided forest meditations
📅 Best Time to Visit Devalia Safari Park
- October to March: Cool weather, peak lion activity
- April to June: Hot but excellent visibility
- July to September: Closed during monsoon
📦 Sample Devalia Safari Packages
| Package Name | Duration | Highlights | Price (Approx.) |
| Devalia Day Safari Tour | 1D | Bus safari, nature walk, local lunch | ₹1,500–₹2,500 |
| Gir Combo Package | 2D/1N | Devalia + Gir Jungle Trail Safari | ₹6,000–₹8,000 |
| Wildlife Weekend Escape | 3D/2N | Devalia Safari, tribal village visit, resort stay | ₹10,000+ |
🌟 Why Choose Devalia Safari Park?
Here’s why Devalia stands out:
- Guaranteed Lion Sightings: Unlike open forest safaris, Devalia’s enclosed habitat ensures high visibility.
- Time-Efficient: Ideal for short trips or day visits.
- Safe & Accessible: Great for families, elders, and first-time safari-goers.
- Educational: Learn about Gir’s ecosystem and conservation efforts.
- Budget-Friendly: Lower cost compared to full jungle safaris.
Devalia Safari Park is more than a shortcut—it’s a smart, soulful way to experience the wild. Whether you’re watching lions lounge in the sun, spotting deer dart through the grass, or listening to peacocks call from treetops, Devalia offers a compact yet powerful taste of India’s wilderness. It’s not just about seeing wildlife—it’s about understanding it.
