Offbeat and Wild: Discover Ambardi Safari Park
If you’re looking for a quieter, more immersive alternative to Gir’s main safari zone, Ambardi Safari Park is your hidden gem. Located near Dhari in Gujarat’s Amreli district, Ambardi Safari Park offers a savannah-style wildlife experience with fewer crowds, rich biodiversity, and a dramatic landscape that feels both wild and welcoming.
🧭 What Is Ambardi Safari Park?
Ambardi Safari Park—also known as the Ambardi Wildlife Interpretation Zone—is a 365-hectare protected forest area situated on the banks of the Shetrunji River. Established in 2017, it serves as an eastern extension of the Gir Protected Area and was designed to ease tourist pressure on Gir National Park while offering a comparable wildlife experience.
Key Highlights:
- Home to Asiatic lions, leopards, chinkaras, and blue bulls
- Undulating terrain with savannah-like grasslands and forest patches
- Proximity to Khodiyar Temple and a large water reservoir
- Eco-tourism focus with conservation education
🐾 Wildlife You Can Spot
Ambardi Safari Park is a biodiversity hotspot with:
| Species | Likelihood | Best Time to Spot |
| Asiatic Lion | Moderate–High | Early morning, summer afternoons |
| Indian Leopard | Moderate | Dusk and dawn |
| Chinkara (Indian Gazelle) | High | Open grasslands |
| Blue Bull (Nilgai) | Very High | All day |
| Spotted Deer | Very High | Forest edges |
| Porcupine | Rare | Night sightings |
| Birds (300+ species) | High | Winter mornings |
| Reptiles (37 species) | Moderate | Near water bodies |
The park’s floral diversity—over 600 plant species—creates ideal habitats for mammals, birds, and insects.
🚙 Safari Experience and Booking Info
Safari Duration:
- ~45 minutes to 1 hour
Safari Modes:
- Bus Safari: Ideal for families and groups
- Jeep Safari: More intimate and flexible
Timings:
- Morning: 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Evening: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Closed on Wednesdays
Booking:
- Online via Gir Safari Portal
- Advance booking recommended during peak season (Dec–Feb)
💰 Safari Tariffs (2025 Season)
| Visitor Type | Mode | Price (Approx.) |
| Indian Nationals | Jeep | ₹5,200 per jeep (6 adults + 1 child) |
| Foreign Nationals | Jeep | ₹16,800 per jeep |
| Bus Safari | All | ₹250–₹400 per person |
Prices include permit, guide, vehicle, and taxes.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Ambardi Safari Park
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Pleasant weather, high animal activity
- Summer (Mar–June): Good for lion sightings near waterholes
- Monsoon (Mid-June to Mid-Oct): Park closed
For comfort and sightings, December to March is ideal.
🧳 What to Carry
- Valid ID (same used during booking)
- Binoculars and camera
- Water bottle and sun protection
- Earth-toned clothing and closed shoes
🏨 Where to Stay Nearby
- Budget: Forest guesthouses in Dhari
- Mid-range: Resorts near Sasan Gir (~30 km away)
- Luxury: Woods at Sasan, The Fern Gir Forest Resort
Combine your Ambardi visit with a stay in Gir for a complete wildlife circuit.
🌿 Conservation and Community Impact
Ambardi Safari Park supports:
- Eco-tourism and education
- Wildlife monitoring and habitat preservation
- Local employment and tribal engagement
Your visit contributes to sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.
Final Thoughts
Ambardi Safari Park is Gujarat’s quieter, wilder alternative to Gir—perfect for travelers seeking authenticity, serenity, and a deeper connection to nature. Whether you’re spotting lions in the grasslands or listening to birdsong by the Shetrunji River, Ambardi offers a soulful safari experience that’s both accessible and unforgettable.
Ready to explore the wild beyond the usual? Book your slot, pack your curiosity, and let Ambardi surprise you.