Gir Jungle Safari is closed from 16 June to 15 October every year and reopens on 16 October, according to the Gujarat forest department’s official booking site. Sasan Gir has no airport of its own. Diu is about 100 km away by road, Rajkot about 160 km and Ahmedabad about 370 km. Book permits only on the official Gir website.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Sasan Gir, in Gujarat, is the home of the Asiatic lion, and the winter safari season is the most popular time to visit. Here is how the season works and which airport suits your plans.
When is the Sasan Gir safari season in 2026-27?
The Gujarat forest department’s official Gir site states that the Gir Jungle Safari is closed from 16 June to 15 October every year. That means the new season starts on 16 October, and it has just reopened this week as this article is published.
The same official page lists the winter safari timings, from 16 October to the end of February, as 6:30 to 9:30 AM and 3 to 6 PM, every day of the week. From 1 March to 15 June, the timings shift to 6 to 9 AM and 4 to 7 PM. Timings and rules can change, so confirm on the official site when you book.
Many visitors prefer the cooler months from the reopening through February. Summer is hotter but is also an open season, so the choice is mostly about comfort and how far ahead you can plan.
How do you book Gir safari permits safely?
The official site describes itself as the only official booking website for the Gir online permit booking system, and warns against fraudulent websites that claim to provide confirmed permits at premium rates. It also states that tatkal or urgent bookings are not allowed on that website.
In practice, this means two things. Book permits well before you book non-refundable flights, or choose a flight fare that lets you change dates. And use only the official Gujarat forest department site for the permit, not anyone who contacts you offering a “guaranteed” slot.
Which airport is nearest to Sasan Gir?
The official Gir page lists these approximate road distances to Sasan Gir:
- Veraval: 45 km (nearest by that table)
- Junagadh: 60 km
- Diu: 100 km
- Rajkot: 160 km
- Ahmedabad: 370 km
For air travel, the same page says Keshod is the closest airport at 60 km, with Diu at about 100 km, and Rajkot and Ahmedabad as the larger, better-connected options. Keshod has had limited scheduled service and sources disagree on its current status, so check whether any airline is actually flying there on your dates before you plan around it.
Which airlines fly to the airports near Gir?
For Diu, a published airline-and-destination listing shows Alliance Air flying to Mumbai, IndiGo flying to Ahmedabad, Navi Mumbai and Surat, and Star Air flying to Ahmedabad and Goa. Schedules and frequencies on small airports change often, so confirm the days of operation with the airline before you book.
Rajkot’s commercial flights moved to Rajkot International Airport at Hirasar in September 2023, so look for that airport when searching. Ahmedabad is the major hub in the state and is served by Indian airlines from many cities, which makes it a useful option if your route to the smaller airports is limited. The trade-off is the longer road journey of around 370 km.
A practical approach is to search all three airports for your dates and compare the total journey: flight time, road transfer and cost. A direct flight to Diu may beat a cheaper flight to Ahmedabad followed by a long drive.
How should you plan the road transfer?
The official page says Gir is approachable by road from Junagadh, Mendarda and Talala, and also from Veraval, Amreli and Una. Sasan has a Western Railway station, and taxis and buses to Sasan Gir run from Junagadh and Veraval stations.
Plan to reach Sasan the evening before a morning safari, since the early slot starts at 6:30 AM in winter. Arriving the same morning after a flight is risky. Book your stay close to the reception centre if you can, and keep a buffer on the return day for your flight home.
If you are combining Gir with a wider Gujarat trip, you can fly into one airport and out of another. Many airlines let you book two one-way tickets, which can save a long backtrack by road. Compare this against a return ticket, as the fare rules differ between airlines and fare families.
Common Questions
When does Gir safari reopen in 2026?
The official site says the safari is closed from 16 June to 15 October each year, so it reopens on 16 October.
Does Sasan Gir have an airport?
No. You fly into a nearby airport such as Diu, Rajkot or Ahmedabad, or Keshod if flights are operating, and continue by road.
Which airlines fly to Diu?
A published listing shows Alliance Air, IndiGo and Star Air. Frequencies vary, so check before booking.
Is the Gir permit website official?
The Gujarat forest department’s site at girlion.gujarat.gov.in describes itself as the only official booking website. Avoid other sites claiming to sell confirmed permits.
Can I book a same-day safari permit?
The official site states that tatkal or urgent bookings are not allowed on it, so plan ahead.
Do Indian airlines charge for check-in?
No. Neither web check-in nor airport check-in is charged by Indian airlines.
Planning a lion safari? Search and compare flights to Diu, Rajkot and Ahmedabad on HappyFares, pay zero convenience fee on domestic bookings, and set a price alert for your dates.
Safari rules, flight schedules and fees change. Verify current specifics with the Gujarat forest department, your airline or the airport before you travel.
