The permit is a single sheet of paper, but in the dark outside Sinh Sadan at quarter to six, it is the one thing everyone is holding carefully. Gir safari permits are issued by the Gujarat Forest Department in limited numbers, and they cannot be booked online: they are processed in person. Guests at Woods at Sasan secure theirs through our naturalist team. Mention your safari when you reserve your stay, share a government-approved ID for every traveller, and ask at least two weeks before you arrive.

At a Glance

Why You Cannot Book a Gir Safari Online

The government website shows how many permits remain for each date and slot, which leads many travellers to assume they can book there. They cannot. Permits are processed in person, against each visitor's identity documents, and released in a fixed daily number so that the forest is never crowded with vehicles.

This is why the permit is best arranged by someone in Sasan. Our naturalist team works closely with the Forest Department, knows how quickly each slot fills through the season, and handles the process on your behalf.

How to Book Your Gir Safari Through Woods at Sasan

1. Mention the safari when you reserve your stay. Tell our reservations team which safari you would like (Gir Jungle Trail, Devaliya, or both), your preferred dates and the time of day. Early morning slots fill first, so a second choice helps.

2. Share a government-approved ID for every traveller. Each person on the permit needs a valid photo ID, children included. Indian nationals can share an Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence or voter ID. Foreign nationals share their passport.

3. Travellers of Indian origin holding a foreign passport: share your OCI card. An Overseas Citizen of India card is needed to be booked at Indian rates. Without it, the foreign national fee applies.

4. Ask at least two weeks in advance. Permits are limited and are not held for anyone. For weekends and festive weeks, the earlier the better.

5. We confirm your permit. Our naturalist team procures the permit with the Forest Department and confirms your safari, slot and charges before you arrive.

6. Carry the same IDs on the day. Bring the original documents shared at booking. The details on the permit must match the IDs presented at Sinh Sadan.

What to Avoid

• Waiting until you arrive. Permits for the next morning are rarely available in season, and almost never on weekends or holidays.

• Websites offering online booking. Permits are not sold online. A site that takes payment for one is not issuing a government permit.

• Sharing ID late. Without an ID for every traveller, the permit cannot be processed, and the slot may go to someone else.

• Mismatched details. A permit is issued against the names and IDs given. Check spellings and carry the same documents.

• Forgetting the OCI card. Travellers of Indian origin on a foreign passport without one are charged foreign national rates.

• Arriving late at Sinh Sadan. Gypsies leave on time, and a missed slot is not held.

• Planning a monsoon safari in the core forest. The Gir Jungle Trail closes from 16 June to 15 October. Ask our team about Devaliya during those months.

The Two Safaris, Briefly

The Gir Jungle Trail enters the sanctuary in an open gypsy, along one of several routes through teak, scrub and riverine forest. Sightings are never promised, and that uncertainty is part of the morning.

Devaliya Safari Park, the Gir Interpretation Zone, is a fenced 412-hectare stretch of Gir habitat a short drive from Sasan. Drives are shorter and lion sightings far more likely, which suits families, older travellers and shorter stays.

If your stay allows both, ask for both. For a fuller comparison and seasonal guidance, read our Gir Safari Guide.

Who Goes With You

Our naturalists are from Sasan Gir. Once the permit has done its work, theirs begins: a fresh pugmark in the dust, a chital's alarm call, the tree where a crested serpent eagle has settled this week. Every safari booked through Woods at Sasan is accompanied by a naturalist, with refreshments from our kitchen.

Questions We Hear Often

Can I book a Gir safari online?

No. The government website shows permit availability, but Gir safari permits cannot be booked online. They are processed in person with the Gujarat Forest Department. Guests at Woods at Sasan book through our naturalist team.

How far in advance should I book a Gir safari?

At least two weeks before you arrive, and earlier for weekends, long weekends and festive season. Permits are limited, so the best time to ask is when you reserve your stay.

What documents are needed for a Gir safari permit?

A valid government-approved photo ID for every traveller, including children. Foreign nationals need a passport. Travellers of Indian origin holding a foreign passport need an OCI card to be booked at Indian rates.

Can Woods at Sasan book my Gir safari?

Yes. Our naturalist team works closely with the Forest Department to procure permits for in-house guests, and a naturalist accompanies every safari. Mention it to our reservations team when you book.

Is the Gir safari open in the monsoon?

The Gir Jungle Trail is closed from 16 June to 15 October each year. Devaliya Safari Park follows its own schedule, so ask our team when planning a monsoon stay.

When the gate at Sinh Sadan opens, your permit, your naturalist and your seat in the gypsy will already be waiting. Mention your safari when you reserve your stay, or write to us on WhatsApp.