Ambardi Safari Park vs. Devalia Safari Park: Which One to Visit?

If you are planning a wildlife trip to Gujarat and wondering whether to choose Ambardi Safari Park or Devalia Safari Park, this detailed comparison will help you make an informed decision. Both parks offer incredible safari experiences and a chance to witness the majestic Asiatic lions, yet each has its own unique offerings, atmosphere, and management style.

Here is a complete comparison of Ambardi Safari Park vs. Devalia Safari Park based on location, wildlife experience, crowd, management, timings, ticket prices, and overall visitor experience.


About Ambardi Safari Park

Ambardi Safari Park is located near Dhari town in Amreli district, around 7 km from Dhari and approximately 36 km from Amreli. It was developed to reduce tourist pressure on Gir National Park and offers a similar open safari experience within a 400-hectare fenced forest area, allowing animals to live in natural conditions while ensuring visitor safety.


About Devalia Safari Park

Devalia Safari Park, also known as Gir Interpretation Zone, is located near Sasan Gir, around 12 km from Gir National Park. It covers an area of 412 hectares and is designed to provide a quick glimpse of Gir’s wildlife, especially for visitors who do not have time for the longer Gir Jungle Safari.


Wildlife Experience: What You Can See

Ambardi Safari Park
  • Asiatic lions: Main attraction; often seen roaming freely.
  • Herbivores: Spotted deer, sambhar, nilgai (blue bull), and langurs.
  • Birds: Rich avian life including peafowls, partridges, drongos, and eagles.
  • Reptiles: Monitor lizards and occasional snakes.

The safari here is longer, covering rugged terrains, waterholes, and hills, giving a feel of an authentic forest safari with fewer crowds.


Devalia Safari Park
  • Asiatic lions: High chance of spotting due to compact enclosure.
  • Other animals: Leopards, sambhar deer, chital, nilgai, blackbucks, and wild boars.
  • Birdlife: Good variety due to grassland and water bodies.

Devalia Safari Park offers a zoo-like experience in a large open enclosure, ensuring that visitors see most animals within the 30-45 minute safari duration.


Safari Style and Duration

  • Ambardi Safari Park: Conducted in government-managed open vehicles with a trained guide. Safari duration is 45 minutes to 1 hour, covering larger areas and rugged forest trails.
  • Devalia Safari Park: Conducted in buses with metal grills for safety. The safari lasts 30-45 minutes on a fixed route within the fenced zone.

Crowd and Experience

  • Ambardi Safari Park: Less crowded compared to Devalia, offering a quieter and more peaceful safari with better opportunities for photography and undisturbed animal observation.
  • Devalia Safari Park: More popular due to proximity to Sasan Gir, often crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.

Timings

Both parks remain closed on Wednesdays and have similar timings:

  • Morning Safari: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • Afternoon Safari: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

During peak summer, timings may vary to avoid extreme heat.


Tickets and Entry Fees

Ambardi Safari Park
  • Indians: ₹150 per person
  • Foreigners: ₹1,500 per person
  • Camera Charges: No charges for mobile cameras; extra for professional cameras.

Devalia Safari Park
  • Indians: ₹150 per person
  • Foreigners: ₹2,400 per person
  • Camera Charges: Included in ticket price for mobiles; separate fee for professional equipment.

Accessibility

  • Ambardi Safari Park: Nearest city is Amreli (36 km). Rajkot Airport is 150 km away. Well-connected by road via Dhari.
  • Devalia Safari Park: Located near Sasan Gir, which is easily accessible from Junagadh (60 km) and Veraval (45 km). Rajkot Airport is about 160 km away.

Which One Should You Visit?

Here is a summarised comparison to help you decide:

FactorAmbardi Safari ParkDevalia Safari Park
LocationNear Dhari, Amreli districtNear Sasan Gir
ExperienceAuthentic forest safari, fewer crowdsCompact safari, quick sightings
WildlifeLions, herbivores, rich birdlifeLions, leopards, herbivores, blackbucks
Safari VehicleOpen jeeps with guidesClosed buses with grills
Duration~1 hour~45 minutes
Tickets₹150 (Indians)₹150 (Indians)
Best ForPeaceful safari lovers, photographersFamilies with children, quick visitors

Final Verdict

If you want a peaceful, authentic forest safari with fewer tourists, choose Ambardi Safari Park. It offers rugged terrains, hill landscapes, and natural habitats with more personalised experiences. On the other hand, if you are short on time and want guaranteed wildlife sightings including lions, leopards, and herbivores within a compact area, then Devalia Safari Park is the better option.

For wildlife enthusiasts visiting Gujarat, both safaris are worth experiencing to understand the state’s conservation efforts and to witness the grandeur of Asiatic lions, India’s pride and Gir’s treasures.


Travel Tip

Combine both safaris on different days for a holistic wildlife trip – visit Devalia Safari Park for quick sightings and Ambardi Safari Park for an immersive forest safari. This way, you will experience the best of Gujarat’s wildlife tourism in one trip.

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