The annual jungle safari season at Gir National Park and Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary has officially concluded, with safari operations suspended from June 23 to October 15 as part of the routine monsoon closure.
This year, the Forest Department extended the safari season by one week due to the delayed onset of the monsoon. While Gir safaris generally end on June 15 every year, visitors were allowed to explore the forest until June 22.
Despite the extension, the Gir region witnessed little rainfall during the additional week. Nevertheless, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts made the most of the opportunity to spot the region’s iconic Asiatic lions and other wildlife species that inhabit the forest.
With all safari vehicles returning on June 22, the forest has now been formally closed to visitors. The annual four-month shutdown coincides with the monsoon season and the breeding period of several wildlife species, including the Asiatic Lion. The closure also helps protect forest roads from weather-related damage and reduces human interference in the animals’ natural habitat.
Safari operations at Gir are scheduled to resume on October 16 after the monsoon break.
However, wildlife lovers will still have opportunities to observe animals during the closure period, as Devaliya Safari Park and Ambardi Safari Park will remain open throughout the rainy season, continuing to welcome visitors even while the main Gir jungle safari remains shut.