People go to the wild Gir National Park for thrilling and adventurous gypsy safari rides, and they are the main attraction of this spot. But this park offers several other experiences that let you enjoy its beauty and spend a nice vacation. There are many things to do in Gir that allow tourists to enjoy a nice exploration time and let them connect with nature.
1. Visit the Orientation Centre
This centre is located near the Sasan Gir Safari Gate and Devalia Safari Park, and people can go there to learn about the wildlife and ecosystem of Gir. Many people go to the centre before the safari ride so that they get an idea of what could be spotted inside. Here, you can even see the life-size models of animals like Asiatic lions, leopards, and deer, along with their information about the behavior, habitat, and conservation. This is a good place to learn about the park, and families and students should definitely come here before their thrilling safari ride.
2. Souvenir Shop
This shop is located close to the main park entrance and tourist areas. One can visit the shop to buy some amazing stuff like Handicrafts, local artwork, wildlife-themed souvenirs like T-shirts, caps, mugs, and eco-friendly items. These shops sell handmade items, and all the profit is used to support forest workers, tribal communities, and conservation programs. This is a good place to take home some amazing memories and also to support the local community of this area. Whenever you visit Gir, do visit the souvenir shops around it, as you might find some amazing things to take back home as a memory.
3. Gir Arboretum & Birding Point
This is a gallery, or you can say a botanical garden, with rare medicinal plants that are labeled to provide information to tourists. The Arboretum is located inside Gir, and one can go there after the safari. If you were unable to see the birds during the safari, then you can spot many bird species like the Paradise Flycatcher, Kingfisher, etc here. Also, this is in the buffer area of the park, so you can get an amazing chance to spot deer and other small animals here. This spot is best for nature lovers and bird photographers, especially if the safari sightings were fewer during the ride.
4. Amphitheater
This is truly an amazing spot, which is located near the Devalia Safari Park. Here, people can watch free documentaries and film shows related to the flora, fauna, conservation efforts, and history of Gir National Park. Usually, the show happens in the evening and allows the tourists to spend an amazing time learning in a new way. A show in this amphitheatre can be a relaxing way to end the day while learning about the forest through visuals and stories. A lot of people go to this spot after the safari ride, as they can relax and see a short film about the story of Gir. This is an amazing spot to visit with children and friends.
5. Crocodile Breeding Centre
The Crocodile Breeding Centre is another exciting place to visit near Sasan Gir. This centre was built to protect and increase the population of marsh crocodiles, which are found in and around Gir. Here, you can see crocodiles of different ages as they live here in a safe environment. Visiting this centre will let you experience a new way of watching crocodiles from close, and you can also get to learn about how they are protected and cared for. This point gives an educational as well as thrilling experience at the same time to families and kids.
6. Tribal Village visits
These are the local tribes that live in the buffer areas of Gir. You can find many Maldhari tribal settlements outside the main park, where you can go and see how they live near the forest and wildlife. A visit to these tribal villages gives you a chance to see their simple way of life, traditional homes, folk music, and handicrafts. Tourists love interacting with the locals, tasting traditional food, and learning about their deep connection with nature. Visiting the villages will let you know about the culture of this spot, and you can also listen to amazing stories about animals here.