Top Reasons to Visit Devalia Safari Park on Your Next Sasan Gir Trip

If you are planning a wildlife trip to Sasan Gir, your itinerary is incomplete without a visit to Devalia Safari Park. Located just a few kilometres from the main Gir National Park, Devalia offers a unique and convenient way to experience the rich wildlife of Gujarat. Here are the top reasons why you should include Devalia Safari Park in your next Sasan Gir trip.

1. Guaranteed Lion Sightings

The prime reason most visitors head to Gir is to see the Asiatic lion, found nowhere else in the world. However, in the traditional Gir jungle safari, lion sightings depend on luck, weather, and timing. At Devalia Safari Park, which is a fenced interpretation zone, chances of spotting lions are almost 100%. The park houses multiple lions that roam freely within its safe boundaries, giving tourists a stress-free and fulfilling wildlife experience.

2. A Quick Wildlife Experience

If you are short on time but still want to enjoy the essence of Gir’s wildlife, Devalia Safari Park is perfect for you. Unlike the regular Gir jungle safari that can take 2-3 hours, Devalia safari lasts 30-45 minutes, making it ideal for day trips, family tours with elderly members, or travellers on tight schedules. You get to see the core species of Gir without spending an entire morning or afternoon.

3. Spot a Variety of Wildlife Species

Apart from the majestic lions, Devalia Safari Park is home to an impressive range of wildlife, including:

• Leopards
  
• Spotted deer
  
• Sambhar deer
  
• Blue bulls (nilgai)
  
• Wild boars
  
• Blackbucks
  
• Chinkara
  

The park also hosts numerous bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatching. This diversity offers visitors a glimpse of the complete Gir ecosystem within a compact area.

4. Safe and Comfortable Safari Experience

For travellers worried about venturing deep into the forest, Devalia Safari Park provides a safer alternative. The park has well-managed open bus and jeep safaris that operate within its fenced zone, ensuring safety while maintaining the thrill of spotting animals up-close. The rides are guided by experienced staff who explain interesting facts about the park’s wildlife, enhancing your overall safari experience.

5. Affordable Wildlife Safari

Compared to the traditional Gir jungle safari, the entry fees for Devalia Safari Park are more economical, making it budget-friendly for families and large groups. The bus safari, in particular, is the most affordable way to explore Gir’s wildlife, while the gypsy safari offers a more personalised experience at a slightly higher cost. This affordability ensures that everyone, regardless of budget, can enjoy Gujarat’s rich wildlife heritage.

6. Ideal for Photography

For wildlife photographers, Devalia is a paradise. Since the animals are accustomed to safari vehicles and the park’s area is limited, sightings are closer, giving you ample opportunity to capture stunning shots of Asiatic lions, deer, and birds. The open buses and jeeps provide unobstructed views, enabling photographers to shoot from various angles without restrictions.

7. Great for Family Trips

If you are visiting Sasan Gir with children or senior citizens, Devalia Safari Park is a practical choice. The short safari duration, assured animal sightings, and safe environment make it a stress-free experience for all age groups. Children especially enjoy watching lions and deer roam freely, making it an educational and thrilling addition to your family holiday.

8. Lesser Crowd Compared to Main Gir Safari

While the main Gir jungle safaris often get fully booked during peak seasons, Devalia Safari Park usually has better availability. The lesser crowd ensures a peaceful and comfortable safari experience. However, it is still advisable to book tickets in advance online during weekends or holidays to secure your preferred slot.

9. Easy Accessibility

Devalia Safari Park is located just 12 km from Sasan Gir village and is well connected by road. Whether you are staying in Sasan Gir or nearby resorts, reaching Devalia is quick and convenient. The park’s location makes it an ideal addition to your itinerary, either before or after your Gir jungle safari.

10. Helps Reduce Pressure on Gir National Park

By choosing to visit Devalia Safari Park, you are contributing to the conservation efforts of Gir. The park was created to reduce tourist load on Gir National Park, ensuring the lions’ natural habitat remains undisturbed. It is a sustainable way to enjoy wildlife while supporting conservation goals.

Final Thoughts

Devalia Safari Park offers a complete wildlife experience in a short duration, making it a must-visit destination on your Sasan Gir trip. Whether it is your first wildlife safari or you are an avid traveller exploring Gujarat, the park’s assured lion sightings, diverse fauna, budget-friendly safaris, and family-friendly setup promise an unforgettable visit.

So, the next time you plan your Gujarat itinerary, ensure that Devalia Safari Park finds a place on your list. It is an experience that combines thrill, education, and the raw beauty of nature, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.