Veraval to Sasangir Car Rental – Cab Fare, Route and Booking Guide
40 km. One hour, maybe one and a half if you stop at Talala for tea. Veraval to Sasangir—the drive most wildlife enthusiasts take when they want to see the only place on Earth where Asiatic lions roam free. Sasangir isn’t just a forest. It’s the last refuge of the Asiatic lion—674 of them, according to the 2020 census. The national park spans 1,412 square kilometers of dry deciduous forest, grasslands, and rocky hills. And the drive from Veraval? One of the shortest in Saurashtra—green farmland, mango orchards, and the kind of quiet that makes you roll down the window. Here’s everything—fare, route, stops, and a few opinions I couldn’t resist throwing in.
Why Book a Car Rental from Veraval to Sasangir
Here’s what most guides gloss over: Sasangir is deep in the forest region. GSRTC buses run to Sasan Gir town, but the safari pickup points are scattered across the park. Auto-rickshaws won’t take you inside. A car rental fixes everything. Door-to-door. AC. Freedom to stop at Talala for breakfast, Gir Interpretation Zone for a quick preview, or any viewpoint that catches your eye along the way. And the cost? Starts at ₹3,450. For 40 km, that’s competitive—especially when you factor in the time you save and the headaches you avoid.
The route itself is part of the experience. This isn’t a boring highway drive. It’s farmland for the first stretch, then the forest begins—teak, acacia, and the kind of dense canopy that makes you forget you’re in Gujarat. Your driver navigates the highway while you scan for wildlife. Peacocks. Deer. Maybe a lion crossing the road (it happens). Different moods. Both valid. The full Somnath itinerary covers the region—but getting to the lions? That’s this guide.
Veraval to Sasangir Car Rental Fare — All Cab Options
Six vehicles. Three price tiers. The cheapest (Swift Dezire) runs ₹3,450. The priciest (26-seater Tempo) hits ₹16,800. All fares include fuel, toll charges, and driver allowance. No hidden costs. Here’s the breakdown—not the polished version, the real one.
| Vehicle | Type | Capacity | Luggage | Fare (₹) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dezire | Sedan | 4 Seats | 2 bags | 3,450 | Couples, solo travelers |
| Ertiga | SUV | 6 Seats | 2 bags | 4,800 | Small families |
| Innova Crysta | SUV | 6 Seats | 4 bags | 7,200 | Comfort-focused families |
| Tempo Traveller 14 | Tempo | 14 Seats | 10 bags | 11,200 | Groups of 8-12 |
| Tempo Traveller 17 | Tempo | 17 Seats | 10 bags | 12,000 | Larger family groups |
| Tempo Traveller 26 | Tempo | 26 Seats | 10 bags | 16,800 | Wildlife tour groups |
Swift Dezire — The Budget Pick
₹3,450. The cheapest option on this route. AC sedan, four seats, two bags. Is it luxurious? Not remotely. But the highway is mostly well-maintained—the Dezire handles 40 km without complaint. For couples or solo travelers heading to Gir, it’s the obvious choice. Not fancy. Just works.
Ertiga & Innova Crysta — Family Choices
Ertiga at ₹4,800 seats six with two bags. Decent for a family of four who packed reasonably. Then there’s the Innova Crysta at ₹7,200—noticeably more spacious, four bags fit without playing luggage Tetris, and the ride quality takes a noticeable step up. If you’re traveling with elderly parents or small kids? The extra ₹2,400 pays for itself over a 1-1.5 hour drive. Both are AC. Both are clean. But the Innova—it just handles the forest roads better. Different class of vehicle entirely.
Tempo Travellers — Groups & Wildlife Tours
The 14-seater at ₹11,200. The 17-seater at ₹12,000. Same price difference as other routes—bit odd, but that’s the rate. The 26-seater jumps to ₹16,800. All AC. All carry 10 bags. For 10-12 people, the 14-seater works. Larger wildlife tour groups? The 26-seater at ₹16,800 breaks down to ₹646 per person. Add the return and it’s still under ₹1,300 for the complete Veraval-Sasangir transfer. That’s cheaper than most bus tickets. Good instinct.
Booking link: somnathyatra.com/booking — pick your vehicle, choose a date, book instantly. Or call 099789 02166 / WhatsApp 919228317067.
Veraval to Sasangir Route — Distance, Time & Road Conditions
One route. No ambiguity. SH 26 from Veraval to Sasangir is the only sensible option—shorter, faster, and better maintained than any alternative. Here’s the detail.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~40 km |
| Travel Time | 1–1.5 hours (without stops) |
| Route | Veraval → Talala → Sasan Gir (SH 26) |
| Road Type | State Highway |
| Road Condition | Good — smooth highway, well-maintained |
| Toll | Minimal (included in cab fare) |
| Best Time to Start | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM (arrive before safari timings) |
The route is straightforward. Exit Veraval, follow SH 26 through Talala, and into Sasan Gir. The road is mostly smooth, well-maintained. In light traffic, you can cover 40 km in under one and a half hours. Most people take longer because the stops along the way earn the time. And they will. Talala alone is worth a 15-minute stop—mango orchards that stretch for kilometers. Gir Interpretation Zone at 30 km is worth a quick detour. And the final stretch to Sasangir? The forest begins. The air changes. You start looking out the window. That’s the Gir effect.
How to Book Your Car Rental
Three ways. All simple. All take under five minutes.
Online Booking
somnathyatra.com/booking — Select your vehicle, choose pickup date and time, enter your details. Confirmation arrives instantly via email and SMS. The entire process takes about 90 seconds.
WhatsApp Booking
Send a message to 919228317067. Mention your pickup location (Veraval), drop location (Sasangir), preferred date, and number of passengers. The team responds within minutes with vehicle options and fare details. Confirm, and your booking is locked. WhatsApp works well if you have questions—more conversational, less formal.
Phone Booking
Call 099789 02166. Direct. Immediate. No waiting. The booking team handles everything—vehicle selection, route planning, special requests. Good for last-minute bookings or if you prefer speaking to a human. Also works if you’re already on the road and need to adjust your plans.
One-Way vs Round Trip — Which Makes More Sense
Depends on your plans. Both options are available. Here’s the honest comparison.
| Option | Distance | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way (Veraval → Sasangir) | 40 km | Staying near Gir, continuing to Rajkot | Starting ₹3,450 |
| Round Trip (Return Same Day) | 80 km | Day safari, return to Veraval | Starting ₹6,900 |
| Round Trip (With Safari) | 120 km | Safari + sightseeing + return | Starting ₹9,500 |
My suggestion? If you’re doing a day safari—leave Veraval early, catch the morning safari, explore the interpretation zone, return by evening. The round trip makes sense. If you’re staying near Gir or continuing to Rajkot, book one-way. Don’t overthink it. The one-way fare covers 40 km comfortably. The round trip doubles the distance. Decide what serves your wildlife trip best.
Best Time to Travel
Ideal Departure Time
6:00 AM. Start early. Reach Sasangir by 7:30 AM. The morning safari starts at 6:30 AM (October-June). The afternoon safari starts at 3:00 PM. Morning is better—cooler temperatures, more active wildlife, better light for photography. The lions are most active during dawn and dusk. Miss the morning slot and you’re watching shadows.
Season Guide
| Season | Months | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Safari | October – March | Best time. Pleasant 18-28°C. Lions active. Book safaris 2-3 days ahead. |
| Hot Safari | April – June | Hot (35-42°C). Lions gather near water holes. Easier sightings. Fewer tourists. |
| Closed | July – September | Monsoon. Park closed for breeding season. No safaris. Roads can flood. |
Gir has its own peak season—during Diwali and Christmas holidays, the park fills up with tourists from Gujarat and Maharashtra. Book your vehicle and safari well in advance if you’re visiting during this period. The entire region buzzes with wildlife enthusiasts. Different energy entirely. March-April is surprisingly good—fewer crowds, hot weather pushes lions to water holes, and the forest has a different quality of light.
Popular Stops on the Veraval-Sasangir Route
40 km isn’t a long drive. But three stops make it memorable. And they’re worth the time.
Talala (15 km from Veraval)
Mango country. Talala is surrounded by orchards—Alphonso season (April-June) turns the entire area fragrant. Not much to see for a passing traveler—but the dhabas here serve excellent Gujarati thali. 15-minute breakfast stop. Then the final stretch to Sasangir through quiet farmland.
Gir Interpretation Zone (30 km from Veraval)
Devalia Safari Park. A 4 km² fenced area within Gir—guaranteed lion sightings. Not the real jungle experience, but a solid backup if you don’t have time for the full safari. ₹80 per person. 30-minute bus ride. You’ll see lions, leopards, hyenas, and the kind of wildlife photography that makes your friends jealous. Worth the detour.
Kamleshwar Dam (35 km from Veraval)
The lifeline of Gir. This dam feeds the Savarmati River and creates a reservoir that attracts crocodiles, birds, and the occasional lion coming to drink. Not a tourist spot—just a quiet place where the forest meets water. 10-minute stop. Take photos. Move on.
Veraval to Sasangir — Taxi vs Other Options
You have options. Some good. Some less so. Here’s the honest comparison.
| Option | Time | Cost | Comfort | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car Rental | 1-1.5 hours | From ₹3,450 | AC, door-to-door | Best option. Period. |
| GSRTC Bus | 1.5-2 hours | ₹80-120 | Basic, no AC on some | Cheap. Uncomfortable. No flexibility. |
| Train | 1.5 hours | ₹50-150 | Basic, fixed timing | Budget option. Only twice daily. Station is far from safari points. |
| Self-Drive | 1-1.5 hours | ₹1,500-2,500 + fuel | Full control, GPS needed | Only if you know Gujarat roads well. Forest roads can be tricky. |
The car rental wins. Not even close. Door-to-door. AC. No waiting. No transfers. No “the bus left 10 minutes ago” moments. For ₹3,450, you get a clean vehicle, a professional driver, and the freedom to stop wherever you want. That’s not a luxury—that’s common sense.
Group Travel — Tempo Traveller & Packages
Traveling with 10+ people? The math changes. And it gets better.
| Vehicle | Capacity | Total Fare | Per Person | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tempo 14 | 14 Seats | ₹11,200 | ₹800 | Groups of 10-12 |
| Tempo 17 | 17 Seats | ₹12,000 | ₹705 | Larger groups |
| Tempo 26 | 26 Seats | ₹16,800 | ₹646 | Wildlife tour groups |
The 26-seater at ₹16,800. Twenty-six seats. AC. Ten bags. That’s ₹646 per person for a 40 km journey. Add the return and it’s still under ₹1,300 for the complete Veraval-Sasangir transfer. That’s cheaper than most bus tickets. Most Somnath Yatra taxi packages include this option. Good instinct.
Group booking tip: For 15+ people, book at least 3 days in advance. Peak season (October-March) fills up fast. WhatsApp your group size and preferred date to 919228317067 — the team will match you with the right vehicle.
About Sasangir — The Lion Country
Sasangir. The name itself—the land of lions—tells you everything. This is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion. 674 of them, according to the 2020 census. The national park spans 1,412 square kilometers of dry deciduous forest, grasslands, and rocky hills. But Gir isn’t just about lions. 237 bird species. 38 species of mammals. 37 species of reptiles. The forest teems with life—sambar deer, nilgai, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and the kind of biodiversity that makes ecologists nervous with excitement.
And the safari itself? It doesn’t try to impress you. The jeeps are basic. The guides are practical. The roads are bumpy. But when you see a lion—crossing the road, drinking from a stream, walking past your jeep like you don’t exist—that’s when the forest earns its reputation. Not a zoo. Not a theme park. The real thing. Different energy entirely.
Safari Timings
| Session | Timing | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Safari | 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM | 3 hours |
| Afternoon Safari | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 3 hours |
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main Attraction | Asiatic Lion |
| Park Area | 1,412 sq km |
| Nearest Town | Sasan Gir (0 km) |
| Nearest Railway | Sasan Gir (0 km), Veraval (40 km) |
| Nearest Airport | Rajkot (160 km) |
| Best Season | October – June (closed July-September) |
| Safari Vehicle | Jeep (6 passengers) or Canter (20 passengers) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Sasangir from Veraval?
40 km by road via SH 26. Travel time: 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and stops. The route passes through Talala.
What is the car rental fare from Veraval to Sasangir?
Starts at ₹3,450 for a Swift Dezire. Ertiga: ₹4,800. Innova Crysta: ₹7,200. Tempo Travellers: ₹11,200 to ₹16,800. All fares include fuel, toll, and driver allowance.
How long does the drive take from Veraval to Sasangir?
About 1 to 1.5 hours. Leave early at 6:00 AM and you reach Sasangir before the morning safari. The route is mostly smooth with light traffic.
How do I book a car rental from Veraval to Sasangir?
Three options. Online at somnathyatra.com/booking, WhatsApp at 919228317067, or call 099789 02166. All take under five minutes.
Can the cab stop at places along the route?
Yes. Tell the driver before departure. Talala at 15 km, Gir Interpretation Zone at 30 km, Kamleshwar Dam at 35 km. Detours add 10 to 30 minutes depending on how long you spend.
Is it safe to travel at night?
Yes. Drivers are police-verified, vehicles GPS-tracked. But recommended hours are 6 AM to 6 PM. The forest stretch has limited lighting and occasional wildlife crossings after dark.
Can I book a round trip?
Yes. Both one-way and round-trip available. Round trip fares include return distance and driver allowance. Popular option for day safaris.
What types of cabs are available?
Three tiers. Sedan (Swift Dezire) for 4 passengers. SUV (Ertiga, Innova Crysta) for 6 passengers. Tempo Traveller for 14 to 26 passengers. All AC.
Is fuel included in the fare?
For outstation routes, fuel is usually included. Confirm when booking. No surprise charges at the end.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Contact the booking team via WhatsApp or phone. Usually free if cancelled 12 plus hours before pickup. Flexibility built into the system.
