Devalia Safari Park: Best Time to Visit, Entry Fees, and Travel Tips

If you are planning a wildlife getaway to Gujarat, Devalia Safari Park should definitely be on your list. Officially known as the Gir Interpretation Zone, this park offers a convenient and rewarding wildlife experience, especially for those who want to see Asiatic lions and other Gir wildlife in a short time without entering the deep forest areas of Gir National Park. Here is a complete guide on the best time to visit Devalia Safari Park, entry fees, and essential travel tips for a memorable visit.

About Devalia Safari Park

Devalia Safari Park was developed by the Gujarat Forest Department to reduce tourism pressure on the core Gir National Park while ensuring visitors get an authentic glimpse of its rich biodiversity. Spread across 412 hectares, it replicates the natural ecosystem of Gir with grasslands, rocky areas, and water bodies, housing a variety of wildlife including:

• Asiatic lions
  
  

• Leopards
  
  

• Blue bulls (nilgai)
  
  

• Spotted deer and sambar deer
  
  

• Blackbucks
  
  

• Wild boars
  
  

• Peafowls and other bird species
  
  

This fenced park provides a safe, educational, and assured wildlife experience suitable for families, students, and quick travellers.

Best Time to Visit Devalia Safari Park

Devalia Safari Park remains open from mid-October to mid-June each year. The park is closed during the monsoon season (mid-June to mid-October) due to heavy rains and breeding season for wildlife.

Ideal Visiting Months

✔ December to March:
The weather is pleasant with cool mornings and mild afternoons, making it the best time for safaris and photography.

✔ April to June:
Summer brings higher temperatures (30-42°C), but sightings are often excellent as animals come out to drink water near the safari routes. Carry water, caps, and sunscreen if visiting during these months.

Safari Timings

• Morning Safari: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  
  

• Afternoon Safari: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  
  

• Weekly Holiday: Closed every Wednesday for maintenance.
  
  

It is advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before your safari slot to complete ticket verification and boarding smoothly.

Entry Fees for Devalia Safari Park

Here is the approximate entry fee structure as of 2025:

Bus Safari (Most Popular and Budget-Friendly)

• Indian Adults: INR 150
  
  

• Indian Children (3-12 years): INR 90
  
  

• Foreign Nationals: Around INR 280 per adult
  
  

• Camera Charges: Vary depending on the type of camera and lens used.
  
  

Gypsy Safari (Private Vehicle Safari)

• Costs range between INR 2800 to INR 3500 per vehicle, including permit, guide, and vehicle charges. Ideal for families seeking privacy or wildlife photographers needing flexibility for capturing frames.
  
  

Booking Tickets

You can book tickets:

✔ Online: Through the Gujarat Forest Department official website. Recommended for weekends, holidays, and peak seasons (Dec-Mar).
✔ On-Spot Booking: Limited tickets are available at the Devalia Safari Park counter, but availability is not guaranteed during peak days.

Always carry valid government-issued photo ID proofs (original) for ticket verification at the entry gate.

Travel Tips for Visiting Devalia Safari Park

1. Choose the Right Safari Slot

Morning safaris are ideal for pleasant weather and active wildlife, while afternoon safaris are good for photography due to softer light.

2. Wear Appropriate Clothing

Opt for earth-toned clothes (brown, green, beige) to blend with the environment. Avoid bright colours or flashy patterns as they can disturb wildlife.

3. Carry Essentials

Bring along:

✔ Water bottles (especially in summer)
✔ Sunglasses and caps
✔ Binoculars for birdwatching and distant animal sightings
✔ A camera with zoom lens for photography (remember to check camera fee details)

4. Follow Safari Guidelines

Maintain silence to avoid disturbing animals, do not feed wildlife, and listen to your guide’s instructions at all times for safety and optimal sightings.

5. Combine with Nearby Attractions

Enhance your Gir visit by combining Devalia Safari Park with:

• Gir Jungle Safari for a full forest adventure
  
  

• Somnath Temple (approx. 50 km away)
  
  

• Junagadh Fort and Uparkot Caves
  
  

• Diu beaches, ideal for relaxation after wildlife explorations
  
  

6. Know the Difference from Gir Jungle Safari

While Gir Jungle Safari offers the thrill of tracking wildlife deep in the forest, Devalia Safari Park guarantees sightings within a shorter and safer experience, making it ideal for families with children or elderly members, and travellers with tight schedules.

Why Visit Devalia Safari Park?

✔ Guaranteed lion sightings without the unpredictability of jungle safaris
✔ Short, budget-friendly safaris lasting only 30-40 minutes
✔ Excellent educational value about Gir’s ecosystem and conservation efforts
✔ Safe and comfortable for travellers of all age groups
✔ Ideal for wildlife photography and quick visits

Final Thoughts

Devalia Safari Park is a shining example of responsible wildlife tourism and conservation. Whether you are a nature lover, photographer, family traveller, or student, visiting Devalia ensures an enriching experience with close encounters of Asiatic lions, leopards, and other fascinating wildlife without the challenges of forest safaris.

On your next Gujarat trip, include Devalia Safari Park in your itinerary to enjoy the best of Gir’s wildlife in a safe, organised, and memorable way.