Gir Forest is located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, famous for its Asiatic lions and rich wildlife. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, lies in eastern India, making this journey a popular route for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts traveling across the country.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Gir Forest, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will get practical tips on travel times, routes, and local transport to plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Kolkata to Gir Forest – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and affordable option for this long-distance journey. Trains connect Kolkata to major cities near Gir Forest, but you will need additional transport to reach the sanctuary.

• The nearest major railway station to Gir Forest is Junagadh, about 60 km away, connected by trains from Ahmedabad and Rajkot. From Kolkata, you can take direct trains to Ahmedabad or Rajkot, which take around 30 to 36 hours.

• Popular trains include the Howrah-Ahmedabad Express and Howrah-Rajkot Express, running several times a week, offering sleeper and AC classes with fares ranging from ₹700 to ₹2500 depending on class.

• From Junagadh or Veraval stations, you can hire taxis or take local buses to Gir Forest, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps are also available for last-mile travel.

• Train travel can be crowded during festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali, so booking tickets early on IRCTC is advisable. Monsoon season may cause occasional delays on this route.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly way to travel but require multiple changes and longer travel times. This option suits travelers who prefer road journeys and want to explore en route.

• Direct buses from Kolkata to Gir Forest are not available; you need to break the journey at Ahmedabad or Rajkot, which are well connected by MSRTC and GSRTC buses.

• The Kolkata to Ahmedabad bus journey takes approximately 36 to 40 hours, with fares ranging from ₹1500 to ₹2500 for AC sleeper buses. From Ahmedabad, you can take state transport buses to Junagadh or Veraval, taking 5 to 6 hours.

• From Junagadh bus stand, local buses and taxis are available for the 1.5-hour trip to Gir Forest. Bus frequency reduces during late evenings, so plan accordingly.

• Road conditions on NH19 and NH48 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause delays and slippery roads, especially near the Western Ghats region.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Gir Forest is an adventurous option for travelers who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The route covers around 1900 km, mostly on national highways.

• The most common route is via NH19, NH48, and NH27, passing through states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The drive typically takes 32 to 36 hours without long breaks.

• Major cities on the way include Varanasi, Nagpur, and Ahmedabad, where you can stop for rest and food. Toll plazas are frequent, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Fuel stations and dhabas are available along the highways, but some stretches in central India have limited options, so plan refueling carefully.

• Driving during the monsoon requires caution due to waterlogging and slippery roads, especially near river crossings. Night driving is not recommended in rural areas due to poor lighting and animal crossings.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from Kolkata with companies offering one-way drop options, but confirm drop charges and insurance coverage for interstate travel.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance, but Gir Forest does not have a nearby airport. You will need connecting ground transport from the nearest airports.

• The nearest airport to Gir Forest is Diu Airport, about 60 km away, with limited flights. Alternatively, Rajkot and Ahmedabad airports are well connected to major Indian cities including Kolkata.

• Direct flights from Kolkata to Ahmedabad take around 3.5 hours, with fares typically between ₹3500 and ₹7000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Ahmedabad or Rajkot airports, you can hire taxis or take buses to Junagadh or Veraval, then proceed to Gir Forest by road, which takes 2 to 3 hours.

• Booking flights well in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals, to get better fares and seat availability.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate from Ahmedabad and Rajkot airports, providing convenient last-mile connectivity to Gir Forest region.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Kolkata to Gir Forest, helping you organize your journey smoothly.

• Book your train or flight tickets early on IRCTC or airline websites to secure your preferred dates and classes, especially during holiday seasons.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to Ahmedabad or Rajkot, then arrange local transport from Junagadh or Veraval to Gir Forest, as direct trains to Gir are not available.

• For flights, book a flight to Ahmedabad or Rajkot, then pre-book a taxi or use app-based cabs to reach Gir Forest, ensuring you have local contact numbers handy.

• If opting for bus travel, plan your breaks at Ahmedabad or Rajkot and check MSRTC or GSRTC bus schedules online to coordinate onward travel to Junagadh and Gir Forest.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, as some stretches may have limited facilities, especially on road journeys.

• On arrival near Gir Forest, confirm your accommodation and safari bookings in advance, as permits and guides are required for wildlife visits.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a valid ID and printouts of your train or flight tickets, as these are required for verification during travel and at entry points to Gir Forest.

• Drink only bottled water and avoid street food during long journeys to prevent stomach issues, especially when traveling through multiple states.

• Use official booking portals like IRCTC for trains and airline websites or trusted travel apps to avoid scams and get confirmed tickets.

• Local transport options near Gir Forest include prepaid taxis and shared jeeps; negotiate fares beforehand or use app-based cabs where available to avoid overcharging.

• Pack light but include rain gear during monsoon months (June to September), as sudden showers can disrupt travel plans and road conditions.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid displaying valuables openly, especially at crowded railway stations and bus depots to prevent theft.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Gir Forest is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are easier. Traveling during this period also means fewer disruptions due to weather.

Summer months (April to June) can be hot and uncomfortable, while monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rains that may cause roadblocks and delays.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja in Kolkata or Navratri in Gujarat, as transport services can be overcrowded and prices higher.

• Winter mornings may have fog in eastern India, causing train delays, so plan buffer time if connecting to flights or buses.

• Depart early in the morning to avoid city traffic congestion in Kolkata and Ahmedabad, ensuring a smoother start to your journey.

• Monsoon rains can cause waterlogging on NH routes, so check weather forecasts and road conditions before starting your trip.

Arrival at Gir Forest & What to Expect

Upon arrival near Gir Forest, you will find limited public transport options, so pre-arranging taxis or jeep safaris is advisable. The nearest towns like Junagadh and Veraval have basic facilities and accommodation.

Local commute inside the Gir Forest area is mostly by authorized safari vehicles arranged through forest department permits. Stay in nearby lodges or resorts in Sasan Gir village or Junagadh for convenient access to the sanctuary.

Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs are available at Ahmedabad and Rajkot airports, but inside Gir Forest, transport is mostly arranged by your hotel or safari operator. Carry cash as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Gir Forest from Kolkata is by taking a flight to Ahmedabad or Rajkot, followed by a taxi or bus to Junagadh and then onward to Gir Forest. This option saves time and offers comfortable travel.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, arranging local transport, and considering seasonal weather will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently organize your trip to explore the unique wildlife and natural beauty of Gir Forest from Kolkata.