Animal Lovers Should Visit The One Place Where Lions And Tigers Have Been Spotted Together
Gujarat, Western India, is a coastal state of great spiritual importance. It's the site of formidable Hindu temples like the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple and Dwarkadhish Temple, which are thousands of years old. With its proximity to the Arabian Sea and toasty weather throughout the year, Gujarat is an ideal winter honeymoon destination. However, Gujarat is perhaps best known for its large population of Asiatic lions that call Gir National Park home. Notably, this 500-square-mile region is the animals' only natural habitat. Asiatic lions are considered rare and endangered; they almost went extinct from poaching in the 1800s.
Unfortunately, Gujarat's tigers were not as lucky and were reported extinct from the state in 1992. But, in 2019, something spectacular happened: A tiger was captured on camera. The Hindustan Times reported that this was the first time a tiger had been seen in Gujarat since 1989. This prompted Gujarat's Chief of Forest Conservation, Dr. AK Saxena, to tell The Independent, "With the sighting of the tiger, Gujarat is now the only state in the country to have the lion, tiger and leopard." Notably, Gujarat also has a booming leopard population.
As of August 2023, a safari park featuring Asiatic lions and tigers is in the works in Kevadia, Gujarat, located nearly 10 hours from Gir National Park. While the opening date of this safari park is unclear, visitors can, in the meantime, head to the surrounding region of Gir National Park. While there are no tigers here, there are plenty of lions.
Visitors can view Asiatic lions at Devalia Safari Park
Gir National Park, established in 1913, and other institutions like the Zoological Society of London have revived the nearly decimated Asiatic lion population. In fact, a 2023 article from The Times of India states that there are an estimated 674 lions in Gujarat. Visitors can experience seeing these majestic animals up close through the Devalia Safari Park. Also referred to as the Gir Interpretation Zone, it is located about an hour and a half from Gir National Park.
The safari takes visitors on a tour of a stunning wildlife sanctuary home to Asiatic lions, jungle cats, and several other animals. Likewise, visitors can choose between riding in an open-air vehicle or a minibus. Safaris are provided daily in the morning and evening, except Wednesdays. You can book your tour in your choice of vehicle online.
The open-air vehicle, called a gypsy, can accommodate six adults and one child. In addition, tourists have to purchase what is referred to as an E-Permit as part of their visit to Devalia Safari Park. The E-Permit is suitable for six individuals and one child and can cost upwards of around $72. The price depends on what vehicle you decide for your tour. If you opt for a gypsy, there are two additional fees: one for the safari guide and the other provided to the gypsy's owner.
Stay near Gir National Park
Are you ready to see some lions? There are several lodging options close to Gir National Park. This includes the Gir Lion Safari Camp and the Asiatic Lion Lodge, both located about an hour and a half from Gir National Park. The Gir Lion Safari Camp uniquely offers three types of accommodations: tents, cottages, and suites. This four-star establishment has a pool, a game room, and more. A tent with lunch, breakfast, and dinner will cost visitors under $150 a night. You can book the Gir Lion Safari Camp online.
On the other hand, the Asiatic Lion Lodge is a three-star hotel with 16 cottages with a king-sized bed. Other highlights include free Wi-Fi, a pool, and an onsite restaurant dishing up local fare. Prices start at under $100 a night. You can book a cottage online. With that said, visitors must keep in mind while staying at these establishments and visiting Gujarat that they will primarily be in the forest. Thus, they need to maintain their distance from any wild animals they encounter, including the Asiatic lions.
There have been multiple reports of lions attacking humans in Gujarat. In addition, the majestic creatures have even been spotted on Gujarat's beaches. It's believed that these interactions are due to the large population of lions exceeding Gir National Park's capabilities. Visitors are advised never to stray into the wilderness without a guide or after the sun goes down. It's also recommended to wear neutral colors to avoid invoking any reaction from the animals.