Ambardi Safari Park

Q: How much is Ambardi safari ticket?

Indian: ₹150 (weekday) or ₹190 (weekend/festival) per seat on a shared bus. Guide is included. Smartphone photography free. DSLR camera fee ₹200 (Indian), ₹1,400 (foreigner). A family of 4 pays ₹600 on a weekday.

Q: Which day is Ambardi closed?

Tuesdays only. Ambardi stays open during monsoon (July-October) while core Gir is closed—it's one of the only places in Gujarat for a lion safari during rainy season.

Q: How long is the Ambardi safari?

Approximately 1-1.5 hours. The shared bus drives through designated zones within the 365-hectare compound, stopping at wildlife sighting points.

Q: What is near Ambardi Safari Park?

Khodiyar Temple and Dam on Shetrunji River, Dhari town, Tulsishyam hot springs (45 km), Amreli city (55 km). The dam viewpoint is recommended for stunning photos after the safari.

Q: What should I carry to Ambardi?

Original ID used for booking, binoculars (essential for water birds at Khodiyar Dam), camera with zoom lens, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, neutral-colored clothing.

7 km from Dhari town. 365 hectares on the banks of the Shetrunji River. This is Ambardi—Gir’s eastern extension. Established in 2017, it’s the newer, less crowded alternative to Devalia. Part of the Gir Protected Area, Ambardi was created to ease pressure on the core forest while giving visitors another chance to see Asiatic lions. The terrain is different from Devalia—undulating grasslands meeting riverine forest, a savannah-like landscape that feels more open, more spacious. And the lions are here. Free-roaming. Visible during every safari. The kind of experience that makes you forget you’re in a “interpretation zone.” Ambardi is quieter than Devalia. Fewer tourists. Shorter queues. The same lions. For travelers who want a guaranteed sighting without the crowds, this is the spot. The Shetrunji River adds a scenic element that Devalia lacks—water, reflections, the kind of landscape that makes your photos look better than you expected. And the nearby Khodiyar Temple gives you a spiritual add-on that no other safari park offers. Different experience. Same wildlife. Better vibes. Important warning — Distance from Sasan Gir: Ambardi is marketed as a Devalia alternative, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s close to Sasan Gir. Ambardi is approximately 60-70 km from the main Sasan Gir tourist hub—a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. If you’re staying in Sasan Gir, do not book a morning slot at Ambardi. You will struggle to make the 1.5-hour drive in time. Ambardi is best suited for travelers staying near Dhari, Amreli, or those willing to make a dedicated half-day road trip from Sasan Gir. Plan accordingly.

About Ambardi Safari Park

Detail	Information
Full Name	Ambardi Wildlife Interpretation Zone
Area	365 hectares
Location	7 km from Dhari, Amreli district
Established	2017
Setting	Banks of Shetrunji River
Part of	Gir Protected Area (eastern extension)
Safari Type	Bus safari (closed vehicle)
Duration	1-1.5 hours
Closed Day	Tuesdays
Contact	+91 2797 225 044

What Wildlife You Can See

Asiatic lions are the headline. But Ambardi’s biodiversity is surprisingly rich for a 365-hectare zone. Indian leopards—elusive but present. Chinkara (Indian gazelle) bounding across the grasslands. Blue bulls (nilgai) grazing in clearings. Spotted deer moving through the riverine forest. Indian porcupines and monitor lizards in the undergrowth. And overhead, over 300 bird species—eagles, vultures, parakeets, woodpeckers, peafowl. The Shetrunji River attracts migratory waterfowl during winter, making Ambardi a genuine birdwatching destination. Marsh crocodiles bask on the riverbanks. Different layers. All visible during the 1-hour bus drive.

The Bus Safari Experience

Ambardi operates a closed bus safari—no open gypsies like Devalia or core Gir. The non-AC mini bus carries 20-30 passengers through designated zones within the 365-hectare compound. The drive lasts approximately 1-1.5 hours. An expert guide accompanies every bus, explaining animal behavior, conservation efforts, and pointing out wildlife that your untrained eyes might miss. The bus moves slowly—stopping when lions are spotted, pausing at waterholes, lingering at viewpoints. It’s not a race. It’s a tour. The closed bus has advantages. Protection from sun, wind, and dust. Safer for families with elderly members or young children. No risk of animals approaching too close. The downside? Photography through windows. No option to stop at will. Less personal than an open gypsy. But for ₹150-190 per person, it’s the most affordable Asiatic lion safari in Gujarat. Different trade-offs.

Safari Timings & Slots

Six slots daily—three morning, three evening. The park operates every day except Tuesday.

Shift	Slot 1	Slot 2	Slot 3
Morning	8:00 AM – 9:00 AM	9:00 AM – 10:00 AM	10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening	3:00 PM – 4:00 PM	4:00 PM – 5:00 PM	5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Best slot for lions: The earliest morning (8:00 AM). Lions are most active in the cool morning hours. By midday, they’re typically sleeping in the tall grass. Evening slots offer better birdwatching and the golden-hour light over the Shetrunji River. During peak tourist season (Diwali, weekends), the park sometimes extends hours—up to 11 AM morning and 6 PM evening. Check with the park before visiting.

How to Book & Cost Breakdown

100% online booking through the official Gujarat Forest Department portal: girlion.gujarat.gov.in. No on-spot booking for Ambardi. Booking opens 90 days in advance. Plan ahead—especially for winter weekends.

Permit Charges

Day	Indian (per person)	Foreigner (per person)
Monday – Friday	₹150	₹2,800 – ₹3,760
Sat/Sun/Festival	₹190	₹3,500 – ₹4,700

Additional Charges

Item	Indian	Foreigner
Guide Charge	₹400 (included in shared bus)	₹400 (included in shared bus)
Camera Fee (DSLR/Professional)	₹200	₹1,400

How the shared bus works: The ₹150 (weekday) or ₹190 (weekend) permit is a per-seat ticket on a shared 20-30 seater minibus. You don’t hire or pay for a private guide individually—the guide accompanies the bus and is included in the permit cost. You only share with other passengers. The ₹400 guide charge listed on some websites is included in the permit—it’s not an additional per-person fee. Camera fees: Smartphone photography is free. The ₹200 camera fee (₹1,400 for foreigners) only applies if you bring a high-end DSLR or professional camera with large telephoto lenses. If you’re shooting on your phone, no extra charge. Actual cost for a family of 4 (weekday): ₹150 x 4 = ₹600. That’s it. No guide fees. No camera fees (unless you bring a DSLR). For a weekend: ₹190 x 4 = ₹760. The most affordable Asiatic lion safari in Gujarat. Not even close.

Ambardi vs Devalia vs Core Gir — Which Should You Choose?

Factor	Ambardi	Devalia	Core Gir
Area	365 hectares	4.12 sq km	1,412 sq km
Location	Dhari, Amreli	Sasan Gir	Sasan Gir
Vehicle	Closed bus only	Bus or gypsy	Open gypsy only
Duration	1-1.5 hours	45 minutes	3 hours
Cost (Indian)	₹150-190 per person	₹200-3,800	₹4,800-5,000
Lion Sighting	High probability	Guaranteed	Not guaranteed
Crowds	Low-moderate	High	High
Closed Day	Tuesday	Wednesday	Monsoon (Jun-Oct)
Best For	Budget, less crowds	Guaranteed sighting, families	Wildlife enthusiasts

Choose Ambardi if: You want the cheapest Asiatic lion safari (₹150-190). You prefer fewer crowds. You’re visiting Dhari or Amreli. You want a combined safari + Khodiyar temple experience. You’re on a budget. Choose Devalia if: You want a guaranteed sighting with gypsy option. You’re already in Sasan Gir. You want better photography opportunities (open gypsy). You’re visiting on a Wednesday when Ambardi is open but Devalia is closed—wait, that’s reversed. You want the 45-minute express experience. Choose Core Gir if: You want the authentic wilderness. You’re a wildlife photographer. You have 3 hours and patience. You understand that uncertainty is part of the thrill.

When to Visit Ambardi

Season	Months	Experience
Winter	November – February	Best time. Pleasant weather. Peak tourist season. Book early.
Summer	March – June	Hot (35-42°C). Lions gather near water sources. Better sightings, harsher conditions.
Monsoon	July – October	Ambardi stays OPEN while core Gir is closed. Lush green landscape, dramatic clouds, fewer tourists. One of the only places in Gujarat for a lion safari during monsoon.

Closed day: Every Tuesday. Plan around it. If your only available day is Tuesday, combine with Khodiyar Temple visit instead—the temple is open daily.

The Khodiyar Dam Connection

The reservoir created by the Khodiyar Dam on the Shetrunji River is what gives Ambardi its unique “savannah-meets-wetland” ecosystem. This massive water body is what attracts the 300+ bird species—particularly migratory waterfowl during winter. The dam’s presence means Ambardi has a water source that keeps the landscape green longer than other Gir interpretation zones. After your safari, drive to the Khodiyar Dam viewpoint for stunning photos of the reservoir against the forest backdrop. Pack binoculars specifically for the water birds near the dam—herons, egrets, kingfishers, and during winter, migratory species that arrive from Central Asia. The dam and temple together make Ambardi more than a safari—it’s a full-day experience.

How to Reach Ambardi

From	Distance	Time
Dhari town	7 km	15 minutes
Amreli	55 km	1 hour
Junagadh	65 km	1.5 hours
Rajkot Airport	131 km	3 hours
Veraval	80 km	1.5 hours
Visavadar Railway Station	10 km	20 minutes
Ahmedabad	300 km	5-6 hours

By air: Rajkot Airport (131 km) is the nearest major airport. Ahmedabad Airport (300 km) is the international hub. By train: Visavadar Railway Station (10 km) is the nearest. Dhari also has a small station with limited services. By road: Well-connected via Amreli-Dhari-Kodinar state highway from Amreli. Una-Tulasishyam-Dhari and Una-Jamwala state highways from Una. Dhari bus stand is 5 km from the park. Inter-city bus stand is 9 km.

Tips & Rules

Do’s: Arrive 30 minutes before your slot. Carry original ID used for booking. Wear neutral colors. Bring binoculars and camera. Follow guide instructions. Stay seated inside the bus at all times. Don’ts: Don’t make loud noises. Don’t feed animals. Don’t litter. Don’t use flash photography. Don’t attempt to exit the bus. The animals are wild—even in a fenced zone, they’re unpredictable. Respect the boundaries. Photography tip: The closed bus makes photography challenging. Use a high ISO setting to compensate for the window glass. Shoot in burst mode when lions are spotted—most frames will be blurry, but a few will be sharp. A polarized lens filter helps reduce window glare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ambardi Safari Park?

Ambardi is a 365-hectare wildlife interpretation zone near Dhari, Amreli district. Part of the Gir Protected Area, it was established in 2017 as an eastern extension of Gir. It offers bus safaris through lion zones with high probability of Asiatic lion sightings.

How much is Ambardi safari ticket?

Indian: ₹150 (weekday) or ₹190 (weekend/festival) per person. Foreigner: ₹2,800-4,700 per person. Additional charges: ₹400 guide fee, ₹200 camera fee (Indians), ₹1,400 camera fee (foreigners).

What are Ambardi safari timings?

Morning: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM slots. Evening: 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM slots. Each slot is approximately 1 hour. Closed on Tuesdays.

What is the difference between Ambardi and Devalia?

Ambardi: 365 hectares near Dhari, bus only, ₹150-190 per person, less crowded, closed Tuesdays. Devalia: 4.12 sq km near Sasan Gir, bus or gypsy, ₹200-3,800, more crowded, closed Wednesdays. Both offer lion sightings as part of the Gir ecosystem.

Are lion sightings guaranteed at Ambardi?

Lion sightings have high probability but are not officially guaranteed like Devalia. Ambardi is home to a resident lion population, and sightings are common during most safaris. The park’s 365-hectare area with riverine habitat supports a healthy lion population.

Can I book Ambardi safari online?

Yes. 100% online booking through girlion.gujarat.gov.in. No on-spot booking is allowed. Booking opens 90 days in advance. Advance booking is essential during winter peak season.

Which day is Ambardi closed?

Tuesdays. Ambardi Safari Park is closed every Tuesday. The park is also closed during monsoon season (approximately July-October) for regeneration.

How long is the Ambardi safari?

Approximately 1-1.5 hours. The bus drives through designated zones within the 365-hectare compound, stopping at wildlife sighting points and waterholes.

What is near Ambardi Safari Park?

Khodiyar Temple and Dam (on Shetrunji River), Dhari town, Tulsishyam hot springs and temple (45 km), Amreli city (55 km). Ambardi works well as part of a Saurashtra temple + wildlife circuit.

What should I carry to Ambardi?

Original ID used for booking, binoculars, camera with zoom lens, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, neutral-colored clothing. Avoid bright colors and perfumes. The closed bus provides shade, but carry water for the wait time before boarding.