Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Know Before You Go
TIP: The National Park Service changes fees on an almost
daily basis! Do not rely on any of the information below.
Odds are, the Indian Government has changed the rules and
restrictions.
Tipping
. A Park Service naturalist and driver accompanies each jeep, and expects to be
tipped for good service even though this is
included
in your game drive. Anywhere from
200-300 Rupees to
each
is considered a fair tip;
Camera fees
. A camera fee is charged for
each
camera, each time you enter the park,
no exceptions. Park rangers monitor all activity inside Sasangir. Your guide could lose his
license if you try to sneak in an extra camera, and he looks the other way;
Camcorder fees
.
$50 U.S. for each camcorder!
This must also be paid each time
you enter the park. I decided to forget it, since early morning and late-afternoon lighting
wouldn't be sufficient. Otherwise, it would have cost another
$100 U.S. per day;
Entrance and permit fees
. There are per person charges along with all the other fees.
Only 30 vehicles are allowed into the park at one time. Have your agent apply for permits in
advance or risk disappointment in high season;
Private cars
are allowed into the park and pay an entrance fee. It isn't advised to drive
your automobile on the terrible roads throughout Gir Sanctuary Zone. The roads are bumpy,
muddy and rutted;
There are
specific routes
through the park. No off-road searching for animals is allowed
a la
Kenya. The naturalist, and driver accompanying you, will decide
before
each game
drive which route they will take. That route is then registered with the park service at the
entrance into Sasangir.
Only one route per game drive is permitted
. If that route turns out
to be a dud,
que sera
. Perhaps, you'll have better luck on the next game drive;
Visitors can join a
group tour
to cut down on expenses. This can be arranged by your hotel,
tour operator, or at the park entrance. We booked three, private game drives to maximize
our chance to see Asiatic Lions. Go on at least
two
game drives. After all, you've come to
Sasangir (Sasan Gir) to see the only Asiatic Lions on the entire continent;
Summer and Winter
Park Hours
vary a bit. Think...6:00-9:30a, and 3:30-6:00p. You'll
awaken around 4:00a, grab a fast cup of coffee, drive to the park entrance, change into jeeps,
complete formalities, and wait at the entrance until the park opens, not a nanosecond before
6:00a. The park is closed from June-October during monsoon season; and
