Two of Gujarat’s most iconic destinations sit just an hour apart one is a sacred Jyotirlinga that draws millions of pilgrims, the other is the last wild home of the Asiatic lion. If you have already visited Somnath Temple and are asking how to get to Sasan Gir National Park next, you are in luck. The journey is short, the road is smooth, and what waits at the other end is a wildlife experience unlike anything else in India.
Here is everything you need to know to make this trip seamlessly.
Distance from Somnath Temple to Sasan Gir National Park
The road distance from Somnath to Sasan Gir is approximately 45 to 60 kilometres. By car or cab, the journey takes around one hour to one hour thirty minutes depending on traffic and the route you take. There is no direct train or flight between the two, which makes road travel the only practical option. The good news is that the road is comfortable, passes through open Gujarat countryside, and is well-marked throughout.
Best Route: Somnath to Sasan Gir by Road
The most recommended route is via NH51 through Kodinar. This is the fastest and most commonly used road by local drivers and tourist cabs alike.
Somnath → Veraval → Kodinar → Sasan Gir via NH51
Distance: approximately 56 km Travel time: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
The roads are smooth for most of this stretch. You pass through small towns, open farmland, and occasional coastal views. A popular tip among travellers is to stop at Kodinar for fresh coconut water before continuing to the park. It is a small break that adds a pleasant local touch to an otherwise straightforward drive.
A second route via Una and the Kodinar-Dhari highway is also used but adds a few extra kilometres and slightly more time. Stick to the NH51 route for the quickest travel.
How to Reach Sasan Gir from Somnath: All Travel Options
By Private Cab or Taxi — Recommended
The most convenient and quickest way to travel from Somnath to Sasan Gir is by private taxi. Cab fares usually range between Rs 1,300 and Rs 3,200, depending on the vehicle selected and the number of passengers.
Booking a cab in advance is strongly advisable, especially during the peak wildlife season from October to March. A pre-booked cab also allows you to set a departure time that works around your safari slot critical since Gir safari timings are fixed and permits are limited per session.
If you are combining a Somnath temple visit with a Gir lion safari in a single day, leave Somnath early in the morning so you arrive at the park with enough time before the morning safari closes. The morning safari typically begins around 6:30 AM and a second slot runs in the afternoon.
By State Bus — Budget Option
Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) operates buses on this route. The bus journey takes approximately one to two hours and is the most affordable way to make this trip. Board a bus from Veraval Bus Stand near Somnath, and ask specifically for Sasan Gir or Talala Gir. Buses run at regular intervals but do not follow the safari schedule, so time coordination needs planning.
This option works well for solo budget travellers who are flexible on arrival time. It is less practical for families, those with luggage, or anyone with a fixed safari booking.
By Auto Rickshaw — Short Distance Only
Auto rickshaws are available from Somnath but are better suited for short trips within town. For the full 56 km distance to Sasan Gir, the fare can be high relative to a cab and the ride is less comfortable over a longer distance.
Best Time to Start Your Journey
Timing your departure from Somnath matters more than most people realise. Gir National Park operates fixed safari sessions and permits are pre-booked online. If you miss your safari slot, there is no walk-in option.
For the morning safari at Gir, leave Somnath no later than 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM. This gives you enough buffer for the one-hour drive and park entry formalities.
For the afternoon safari, leaving Somnath around 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM is comfortable.
If you want to visit both Somnath Temple for the famous Aarti and still make a morning safari at Gir, consider staying overnight near Sasan Gir. Attending the evening Aarti at Somnath and driving to Gir the same evening is one of the most popular combinations among Gujarat travellers.
Book Your Gir Safari Before You Travel
Gir National Park strictly limits the number of vehicles inside the forest per session. Safari permits whether the main Gir Gypsy Safari, the Devalia Safari Park, or the Kankai Temple Safari sell out days or weeks in advance, especially from November to March.
Never arrive at Sasan Gir without a confirmed booking. You can choose from the full three-hour jungle safari for the best lion sighting experience, or the Devalia Safari Park for a shorter 30-minute wildlife drive that is ideal when you are short on time. Kankai Temple Safari is another option for a quieter, more immersive forest experience.
What to Expect When You Arrive at Sasan Gir
Sasan Gir is the only place in the world outside Africa where you can see large wild cats in their natural habitat, specifically the Asiatic lion. The forest is home to over 670 lions as of the latest census, along with leopards, spotted deer, sambar, hyenas, crocodiles, and over 300 bird species.
The main entry point for most visitors is the Sasan village gate near Talala Gir. If you are arriving by cab from Somnath, ask your driver to drop you directly at the forest department office for permit verification and vehicle boarding. The safari gypsy is provided by the forest department and your private cab cannot enter the core zone.
Practical Tips for the Somnath to Sasan Gir Trip
- Leave Somnath early if you want to combine both the temple visit and a morning safari on the same day.
- Carry a printed or digital copy of your safari permit, as forest staff check permits at the entry gate before allowing access to the safari zone.
- Wear light earthy tones brown, green, beige inside the forest. Bright colours disturb the wildlife.
- Carry water, a light snack, sunscreen, and a cap especially for afternoon summer safaris.
- Phone signals inside the forest are limited. Download offline maps before entering.
FAQs: Somnath Temple to Sasan Gir National Park
Around 56 kilometres by road. The drive takes roughly one hour to one hour thirty minutes.
Private cab via NH51 through Kodinar. The fastest option, takes about one hour.
Yes. GSRTC buses from Veraval bus stand cover this route in one to two hours at budget-friendly fares.
Yes, if you leave early. For a more relaxed experience, staying overnight near Sasan Gir and doing both over two days is better.
October to March. Pleasant weather, good visibility inside the forest, and the highest chances of spotting Asiatic lions.
Gir Gypsy Safari for the full three-hour jungle experience. Devalia Safari Park if you are short on time. Kankai Temple Safari for a quieter, off-the-beaten-path forest drive.
Conclusion
The journey from Somnath Temple to Sasan Gir National Park is one of Gujarat’s most rewarding day trips. In a single morning you can stand before one of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas and by afternoon find yourself inside the only forest in the world where Asiatic lions still roam free. The road is short, the route is simple, and the two experiences together make for a trip that is hard to match anywhere in the country.
Hire a cab, follow the NH51 route through Kodinar, time your departure around your safari slot, and make sure your Gir permit is booked and confirmed before you leave Somnath.