Songadh to Gir National Park

Songadh to Gir National Park - Language, Currency, Distance, How to Reach, Expenses, Best time to go, What to Eat, Where to Go, FAQ

This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip from Songadh to Gir National Park.

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Language

The official language of India is Hindi, but English is also widely spoken. In Gir National Park, you will find that most people speak Gujarati, the local language of the state of Gujarat.

Currency

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). You can exchange your currency at banks or currency exchange counters in Songadh or Gir National Park.

Distance

The distance from Songadh to Gir National Park is approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles). The journey takes around 5-6 hours by car.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Gir National Park from Songadh:

• By car: This is the most convenient way to travel, and it takes around 5-6 hours. You can rent a car in Songadh or hire a taxi.
• By train: There is no direct train from Songadh to Gir National Park. You can take a train to Junagadh and then take a bus or taxi to the park.
• By bus: There are several buses that run daily from Songadh to Gir National Park. The journey takes around 6-7 hours.

Expenses

The cost of your trip will vary depending on your travel style and the time of year you visit. However, here are some approximate costs to keep in mind:

• Accommodation: You can find budget-friendly guesthouses and homestays for around INR 500-1000 per night. There are also several luxury resorts in the area, which can cost upwards of INR 5000 per night.
• Food: Food is relatively inexpensive in Gir National Park. You can find meals for around INR 100-200 per person.
• Activities: The park entrance fee is INR 50 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners. You can also book safaris and other activities, which range in price from INR 500-2000 per person.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Gir National Park is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant and the animals are most active. However, the park is open year-round, and you can visit at any time.

What to Eat

There are several local restaurants in Gir National Park that serve traditional Gujarati cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include:

• Dhokla: A steamed gram flour cake that is often served with chutney.
• Khandvi: A savory dish made from gram flour batter that is rolled up and cut into pieces.
• Undhiyu: A mixed vegetable dish that is cooked in an earthen pot.
• Sev puri: A street food dish made from crispy semolina shells that are filled with potatoes, onions, and tamarind sauce.

Where to Go

In addition to the park itself, there are several other places of interest in the area, including:

• Junagadh: A historic city that is home to several temples, mosques, and palaces.
• Diu: A former Portuguese colony that is now a popular beach destination.
• Somnath: A temple town that is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about traveling from Songadh to Gir National Park:

• Can I book a safari in advance?
  Yes, you can book a safari online or through your hotel.
• What are the timings of the park?
  The park is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Can I bring my own food into the park?
  Yes, but you must declare it at the entrance.
• Are there any ATMs in the park?
  There are no ATMs in the park, but there are several in the nearby town of Sasan Gir.