Sasan Gir: Devalia Park Safari with Skip-the-Line Access

If you’re planning a trip to Gujarat and want a close-up look at some of India’s most elusive wildlife, the Devalia Safari Park offers a practical yet memorable experience. This guided open-jeep tour provides a chance to see the iconic Asiatic lions along with a variety of other animals and birds in a setting that mimics their natural habitat.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the skip-the-line access means you avoid long waits—crucial in busy seasons. Second, it’s a cost-effective way to encounter the Gir ecosystem without venturing into the larger, more restricted Gir National Park. Lastly, the guides are known for their knowledge, adding genuine insight to the wildlife sightings.

One thing to consider is that since it’s a mini-parks, the safari is shorter than a full national park visit. Travelers interested in a quick, focused wildlife encounter will find this ideal, especially if they’re pressed for time or prefer a smaller group setting. The tour suits families, wildlife enthusiasts, or those seeking an authentic, budget-friendly introduction to Gujarat’s unique fauna.

Key Points

• Convenient skip-the-line access saves waiting time and enhances your experience
• Excellent for photography, with animals roaming freely in lush surroundings
• Guided tours offer insightful commentary from knowledgeable eco-guides
• Variety of wildlife including lions, leopards, deer, and birds
• Shorter, manageable visit perfect for travelers with limited time
• Accessible from nearby towns like Junagadh and Sasan village

You can check availability for your dates here:

What is Devalia Safari Park?

Devalia Safari Park functions as a small-scale, accessible version of Gir Forest, covering roughly 412 hectares. Its primary goal is to foster awareness about the Gir ecosystem’s conservation efforts while giving visitors a taste of its wildlife. It’s designed to give you a near-natural experience where animals roam relatively freely.

This park is particularly good for those who want to see wildlife without the complexities of a full national park. It’s a curated experience where the focus is on quality sightings and education. The park’s design ensures that visitors can observe animals like Indian leopards, sambar deer, blue bulls, and endangered vultures in environments that resemble their natural homes.

The main attraction? The chance to spot the Asiatic lion, which is found only in Gujarat and is a symbol of the park’s conservation success. Visitors often comment on how the park showcases the diversity of flora and fauna typical of Gir, making it an excellent introduction for first-timers.

How the Safari Is Structured

The safari itself is a guided journey in open jeeps or gypsies, with three different routes designed to optimize sightings. These safaris are run by trained eco-guides who know the park well, often sharing interesting facts and behaviors about the animals encountered.

In terms of group size, the gypsy safaris are limited to just six visitors plus a guide, creating an intimate and less crowded experience. Many visitors appreciate this, noting that it enhances their chances of spotting elusive wildlife and allows for closer, more personal observation.

The timing of the safari is flexible, and the experience can be tailored to different seasons—monsoon, winter, or summer—each offering a different visual and sensory experience. Expect to spend around 2-3 hours exploring the park, with plenty of opportunities for photos and wildlife spotting.

How to Reach Devalia Safari Park

Getting there is straightforward:

• By road: About 56 km from Junagadh and 13 km from Sasan village. It’s conveniently located for visitors staying nearby, especially if you’re coming from Rajkot (160 km) or Ahmedabad (375 km).
• By train: The closest railway station is at Sasan village, 13 km away. From there, you can take a short local train or taxi.
• By air: The nearest airport is in Rajkot, roughly 160 km away, with Diu and Ahmedabad airports also serving as options.

The park’s reception is at Devalia Safari Park or Sinh Sadan Campus, making it easy to coordinate your visit.

What’s Included & What You Should Know

Your ticket price of $45 per person covers a lot—permit, safari by gypsy, guide services, and all taxes. It’s a tidy package that offers excellent value, especially considering the skip-the-line privilege.

However, extras like camera fees, food, and bottled drinks are not included, so plan to carry cash for snacks or refreshments. Bring your ID or passport, and keep in mind that pets and plastic bottles are not allowed inside the park.

The guided safari ensures you get meaningful insights, and many reviews mention the guides’ knowledge—”they know the animals and share interesting facts,” says one visitor. The tour is suitable for most, but pregnant women and those with mobility issues should consult with the provider beforehand, as the safari involves open jeeps.

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Unique Experiences & Highlights

Wildlife Encounters

Most visitors are particularly excited about the chance to see Asiatic lions in a setting that’s more accessible than Gir National Park. Guides often highlight the importance of conservation efforts, adding context to each sighting. Observing the lions lounging or moving in the open is a highlight, especially for wildlife photography enthusiasts.

Beyond lions, expect to see leopards often near the park’s “Indian leopard moat,” which many reviewers say is a “beautiful setup.” Other animals like sambar deer, spotted deer, and blue bulls are plentiful. Bird lovers will enjoy spotting vultures, jungle cats, and a variety of native bird species—adding color and activity to the scenery.

The Environment

The park’s lush greenery and natural-like enclosures provide a pleasant setting for the safari. Visitors frequently mention the quality of the scenery, noting that the park’s design effectively mimics Gir’s natural environment without requiring a full-day trek.

Photography Tips

Because animals roam freely, you’ll want to bring a good zoom lens and be patient. The guides are helpful in advising on best angles and timing for photographs. The park’s natural light changes through the seasons, giving different moods—bright and vivid in summer, soft and atmospheric during winter.

Final Thoughts

This safari offers a cost-effective, manageable way to experience Gir’s wildlife without the more complex logistics of a large national park visit. The skip-the-line access cuts down on waiting times, making it a practical choice for busy travelers or those on a tight schedule.

The guided aspect is a major plus—knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with facts and stories that bring the animals’ worlds to life. The small group size means more personalized attention and better chances of sightings, especially of elusive animals like leopards and lions.

While it’s not a full-day adventure or a deep wilderness trek, it hits all the right notes for a short, authentic wildlife experience. Perfect for families, wildlife buffs, or anyone wanting a safe, informative introduction to Gujarat’s incredible fauna.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after short, well-organized wildlife viewing with expert guides and skip-the-line convenience, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s ideal for those who want a focused encounter with Gir’s animals without dealing with the more restrictive larger parks. It’s also a great choice for photographers looking for accessible wildlife shots in a lush setting.

Travelers with limited time and a desire to see lions and leopards up close will find this tour offers serious value. It’s also suitable for families or casual wildlife enthusiasts who want an easy, enjoyable safari experience.

FAQ

Is this safari suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 3-12 are allowed, and the small group size makes it a family-friendly option.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking online is recommended to secure skip-the-line access and ensure availability, especially in peak seasons.

What should I bring on the safari?
Bring cash, your ID or passport, a camera with zoom, and comfortable clothing. Avoid plastic bottles and pets.

Can I take my camera?
Yes, camera fees are not included, but visitors often bring cameras for wildlife photography.

How long is the safari?
Expect around 2-3 hours exploring the park with multiple route options.

What seasons are best for visiting?
Each season offers a different experience—monsoon, winter, and summer—each with unique lighting and animal activity.

Is the park accessible for people with mobility issues?
The information suggests it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments, so check with the provider beforehand.

What happens if the safari is canceled?
If canceled due to natural reasons, a refund minus INR 1000 per jeep is issued.

To sum it up, the Devalia Safari Park provides an accessible, engaging glimpse into Gir’s wildlife at a fair price point. Its guided tours, small group size, and prime location make it a smart choice for anyone wanting a taste of Gujarat’s incredible animals without the hassle of a full park visit. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just in search of memorable photos, this tour balances value, comfort, and authentic sightings beautifully.

You can check availability for your dates here: