Gir Forest National Park is located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, famous for being the last refuge of the Asiatic lion. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a major southern city known for its IT industry and pleasant climate. Many travelers journey from Bangalore to Gir Forest to experience wildlife and nature.

This guide explains the best ways to travel from Bangalore to Gir Forest, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will find detailed travel times, routes, and tips to help you plan a smooth and comfortable trip to this unique wildlife destination.

Getting from Bangalore to Gir Forest – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for this long-distance journey. While there is no direct train to Gir Forest, you can reach nearby stations and continue by road.

• You can board trains from Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) to Junagadh Railway Station, which is the closest major station to Gir Forest, about 60 km away. The journey takes approximately 30 to 36 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains on this route include the Ahmedabad Express and the Saurashtra Express, which run several times a week. Booking tickets via IRCTC well in advance is recommended due to high demand.

• From Junagadh station, you can hire a taxi or take local buses to Gir Forest National Park. The road journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours on National Highway 27 and State Highway 27.

• Train travel is comfortable but can be crowded during festivals and holiday seasons like Diwali and summer vacations, so plan accordingly to avoid rush.

Bus

Bus travel is suitable for budget travelers who do not mind longer journey times and multiple transfers. There is no direct bus from Bangalore to Gir Forest, so you will need to break the journey.

• Start by taking a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) or private bus from Bangalore to Ahmedabad or Rajkot, which takes about 24 to 28 hours depending on the service.

• From Ahmedabad or Rajkot, you can catch a Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) bus to Junagadh, which takes around 5 to 7 hours on well-maintained highways.

• Junagadh to Gir Forest is accessible by local buses or shared jeeps, but these services may be infrequent, so plan your arrival time carefully.

• Buses are economical but can be less comfortable for such long distances. Night buses are available but may be crowded, especially during peak travel seasons.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Gir Forest offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes. The distance is about 1,700 km and takes roughly 30 to 32 hours of driving time.

• The most common route is via NH48, passing through cities like Pune, Mumbai, Surat, and Rajkot before reaching Junagadh. This route has many toll plazas, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Plan for multiple stops at highway dhabas and restaurants for meals and rest. Popular rest stops include Pune and Surat, which have good food options and clean facilities.

• Driving through Maharashtra and Gujarat during monsoon (June to September) can be challenging due to heavy rains and occasional flooding on highways.

• Ensure your vehicle is well-serviced before the trip, and use GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or MapMyIndia for real-time traffic updates and alternate routes.

• Self-drive is ideal for groups or families who want to travel at their own pace and explore nearby attractions like Somnath Temple or Diu en route.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance, but Gir Forest does not have its own airport. You will need to combine air travel with road transport.

• Fly from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore to Rajkot Airport (RAJ) or Ahmedabad Airport (AMD). Direct flights are limited, so connecting flights via Mumbai or Delhi may be necessary.

• Flight duration is approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, with fares ranging widely depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Rajkot or Ahmedabad, hire a taxi or take a GSRTC bus to Junagadh, which takes 2 to 4 hours depending on your arrival airport.

• From Junagadh, local transport options like taxis or shared jeeps can take you to Gir Forest National Park within 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Booking flights early can save money, especially during holiday seasons when prices rise. Use apps like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip for best deals.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Gir Forest. It will help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, time, and comfort. Train and flight are faster, while bus and car offer flexibility.

• Step 2: Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and get better prices. Avoid last-minute bookings during festivals.

• Step 3: Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Carry valid ID proofs required for train and flight travel in India.

• Step 4: On arrival at Junagadh, pre-book a taxi or use local transport apps if available. Prepaid taxi counters at stations help avoid overcharging.

• Step 5: Confirm your accommodation near Gir Forest in advance, especially in peak tourist seasons. Options range from forest lodges to budget hotels in nearby towns.

• Step 6: Plan your safari or park visit timings according to park rules. Carry cash for entry fees and local purchases, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry sufficient drinking water and avoid tap water during the journey. Bottled water is widely available but always check seals before purchase.

• Use official ticket booking platforms like IRCTC for trains and airline websites for flights to avoid scams and fake tickets.

• When traveling by road, keep your vehicle documents and driver’s license handy for toll plazas and police checks common on NH routes.

• Download offline maps of Gujarat and Karnataka to navigate areas with poor internet connectivity, especially near Gir Forest.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in cities like Bangalore and Ahmedabad to ensure fair pricing and safety.

• Be cautious of food hygiene when stopping at roadside eateries. Opt for popular and clean dhabas to avoid stomach issues during long road trips.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Gir Forest is during the cooler months from October to March when wildlife sightings are easier and weather is pleasant. Summers can be hot, and monsoons bring heavy rains.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so plan accordingly to avoid delays and discomfort.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and delays, especially on highways through Maharashtra and Gujarat.

• Festivals like Diwali and Navratri see increased travel demand, causing crowded trains and higher flight fares. Book well in advance if traveling during these times.

• Early morning departures from Bangalore help avoid city traffic and allow better connections for onward journeys.

• Winter mornings in Gujarat may have fog, causing minor train delays, so keep some buffer time in your schedule.

Arrival at Gir Forest & What to Expect

When you arrive at Junagadh Railway Station or bus stand, you will find several options for onward travel to Gir Forest. Prepaid taxis and shared jeeps are common and reliable choices.

Accommodation options are available near the park entrance and in nearby towns like Sasan Gir. Local transport within the park area is limited, so pre-arranged safari vehicles or guides are recommended.

Most travelers stay in forest lodges or guesthouses that offer easy access to safari zones. Booking in advance is important, especially during peak season.

Local buses may not run frequently, so arranging private transport or using hotel shuttles is advisable for convenience and safety.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bangalore to Gir Forest involves covering a long distance, but several options make it manageable. The train to Junagadh combined with a taxi is the most economical and popular choice, while flights to Rajkot or Ahmedabad save time but require additional road travel.

Planning ahead, booking tickets early, and choosing travel times outside peak seasons will make your journey smoother. With proper preparation and local knowledge, you can confidently enjoy the unique wildlife experience that Gir Forest offers.