Located near Dhari in Gujarat’s Amreli district, Ambardi Safari Park is a rising star in India’s wildlife tourism circuit. Designed as an eco-sensitive zone within the Gir Protected Area, Ambardi offers a curated safari experience that blends conservation, accessibility, and scenic beauty. It’s a perfect alternative—or complement—to the main Gir Jungle Trail and Devalia Safari Park.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family seeking a weekend escape, or a traveler exploring Gujarat’s lesser-known gems, Ambardi promises close encounters with Asiatic lions, panoramic landscapes, and a tranquil forest vibe.
🧭 What Is Ambardi Safari Park?
- Location: Near Dhari town, Amreli district, Gujarat
- Distance from Sasan Gir: Approx. 60 km
- Area: 412 hectares
- Established: As part of the Gir Eco-Tourism initiative
- Purpose: To decentralize tourism pressure from Gir National Park and offer a new wildlife viewing zone
Ambardi is nestled in the foothills of the Girnar range, offering a unique topography of dry deciduous forest, grasslands, and rocky outcrops.
🦁 Why Visit Ambardi Safari Park?
- Asiatic Lion Sightings: The park is home to several lions relocated from Gir, offering high chances of sightings
- Scenic Terrain: Hills, valleys, and water bodies make the safari visually stunning
- Less Crowded: Compared to Sasan Gir, Ambardi offers a quieter, more intimate safari experience
- Eco-Friendly Design: Minimal human interference and sustainable tourism practices
- Accessibility: Well-connected to Amreli, Dhari, and nearby pilgrimage sites like Girnar and Somnath
Ambardi is ideal for those seeking a peaceful yet thrilling wildlife escape.
🚙 Safari Experience in Ambardi
Safari Format
- Vehicle Type: Open 4×4 jeeps with trained guides
- Safari Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
- Safari Routes: Pre-defined trails through lion zones, waterholes, and forest corridors
Safari Timings
- Morning Safari: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Evening Safari: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Closed: Every Wednesday and during monsoon (June 16 – October 15)
Booking Process
- Online: Through Gujarat Forest Department’s portal
- On-Site: Subject to availability; advance booking recommended during weekends and holidays
- Documents Required: Valid ID proof for all visitors
🐾 Wildlife You Can Spot
Ambardi Safari Park mirrors the biodiversity of Gir, offering sightings of:
- Asiatic Lions: Often seen resting near water sources or patrolling trails
- Leopards: Occasionally spotted in rocky zones
- Blue Bulls (Nilgai): Commonly seen grazing in open areas
- Spotted Deer and Sambar: Found in herds across the park
- Striped Hyenas and Jackals: Scavengers that add to the ecological balance
- Birdlife: Peacocks, parakeets, eagles, and seasonal migratory birds
Ambardi is a paradise for wildlife photographers and birdwatchers.
🌿 Landscape and Ecology
Ambardi’s terrain is a blend of:
- Dry Deciduous Forests: Dominated by teak, flame-of-the-forest, and acacia
- Grasslands: Ideal for herbivore sightings
- Water Bodies: Seasonal ponds and streams attract predators and prey alike
- Rocky Hills: Provide shelter for leopards and nesting sites for birds
The park’s elevation and natural contours make each safari route visually dynamic.
🏨 Where to Stay Near Ambardi
While Ambardi itself has limited accommodations, nearby towns offer comfortable options:
Dhari and Amreli
- Budget lodges and guesthouses
- Ideal for short stays and backpackers
Sasan Gir (60 km away)
- Mid-range and luxury resorts
- Examples: Gir Jungle Lodge, The Fern Gir Forest Resort
Junagadh and Somnath (within 100 km)
- Heritage hotels and pilgrimage-friendly stays
Tour operators often bundle Ambardi with Gir and Somnath for multi-day itineraries.
🧳 Travel Tips for Visiting Ambardi Safari Park
- Best Time to Visit: November to March for pleasant weather and active wildlife
- What to Wear: Earth-toned clothes, hats, sunglasses, and closed shoes
- What to Carry: Binoculars, camera, water bottle, and ID proof
- Health & Safety: Follow forest rules, stay seated in the vehicle, and avoid loud noises
- Photography: DSLRs with zoom lenses are ideal; check for additional camera fees
🚌 How to Reach Ambardi Safari Park
- By Air:
- Rajkot Airport: 130 km
- Diu Airport: 120 km
- By Train:
- Amreli Railway Station: 35 km
- Junagadh Railway Station: 90 km
- By Road: Well-connected via state highways from Rajkot, Junagadh, and Somnath
Local taxis and tour operators offer pickup/drop services from nearby transit hubs.
🧭 Sample 2-Day Itinerary with Ambardi Safari
Day 1
- Arrival at Dhari or Amreli
- Check-in at lodge
- Evening Ambardi Safari
- Dinner and local Kathiawadi cuisine
Day 2
- Optional morning safari
- Breakfast and checkout
- Visit to Girnar or Somnath Temple
- Departure
✨ Conclusion: Why Ambardi Safari Park Is Worth Exploring
Ambardi Safari Park is a hidden gem in Gujarat’s wildlife map. It offers the thrill of lion sightings, the serenity of forest trails, and the charm of eco-conscious tourism—all without the crowds of mainstream safari zones. For those seeking a soulful, scenic, and sustainable wildlife experience, Ambardi Safari Park is a destination that delivers on every front.
Whether you’re tracing paw prints in the dust or watching a lion emerge from the thickets, Ambardi invites you to witness nature’s drama in its purest form.
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