The Fern Gir Forest Resort, Sasan Gir, Gujarat
The Fern Gir Forest Resort is a 5-star eco-resort at Sasan Gir beside Gir National Park, with 40 rooms, a pool, the Urban Nirvana Spa and Asiatic lion safari arrangements, about 66 km from Diu Airport.
Live rates and availability confirmed at booking. All prices indicative — updated June 2026.
The Fern Gir Forest Resort, Sasan Gir — quick facts
- Category: 5-Star hotel
- Price: Typically ₹10,000–22,000/night
- Check-in / out: 14:00 / 11:00
- Rooms: 40
- Distance to DIU airport: 66 km (~120 min by car)
Overview & Setting
The Fern Gir Forest Resort sits beside Gir National Park at Sasan Gir, on the SH-26 Sasan road close to the park's safari operations. It is part of the Fern Hotels group, which builds its properties around an environmentally responsible "ecotel" philosophy — a theme that fits the wildlife setting well. The resort has 40 rooms across cottages, premium rooms, villas and suites, with air-conditioned units that open to private balconies looking over the resort's greenery.
The wooded, low-rise layout keeps the resort low-key and in keeping with its surroundings, and its position close to the safari gate makes it a practical base for early-morning game drives in search of the Asiatic lion. The resort balances reasonable comfort and facilities — a pool, spa and proper restaurant — with a price point a little below the area's top-tier properties, which makes it popular with families and groups touring Gujarat. The surrounding forest and the river nearby give the grounds a genuinely natural feel, and wildlife and birdlife are regular sights around the property between safaris.
Location & Getting There
The nearest airport is Diu Airport (DIU), about 66 km away and roughly two hours by road; Rajkot, about 160 km off, and the smaller Keshod airstrip are alternatives. Sasan Gir railway station is a short drive away with metre-gauge connections, and Junagadh, around 60 km off, is the larger railhead. The coastal pilgrimage town of Somnath is about 45 km away, so Gir is often combined with a temple visit on the same trip. Most guests arrive by pre-arranged road transfer, and it pays to plan arrival around safari timings, as the best game drives leave at dawn and permits are limited.
Rooms & Suites
Accommodation runs from Winter Green Cottages and Premium Rooms to the larger Fern Classic Villas and Suites. Air-conditioned rooms come with a private balcony, flat-screen TV, mini-bar and personal safe, and the villas add standalone privacy and outdoor space. The decor is comfortable and practical rather than ornate, with the green surroundings doing the work outside the window. Villas and suites suit families or longer stays built around back-to-back safaris, while the cottages give a closer sense of being in the forest. The balconies are well used here — a place to sit out with a coffee before a dawn drive or to wind down after the afternoon safari. As an ecotel, the resort keeps its room operations low-impact, with attention to water and energy use behind the scenes.
Dining
The Banyan Tree is the resort's multi-cuisine, all-day restaurant, serving Indian, regional Gujarati and international dishes in a relaxed setting. The kitchen is set up for the early and late timings that safaris demand, including dawn breakfasts and packed provisions before morning drives. The resort also runs barbeque and bonfire evenings, a popular way to round off a day in the field, along with candlelight and floating-breakfast options for special occasions. Given Sasan Gir's remote position, most meals are taken on site, so the menu is built to cover a multi-night stay without repetition.
Amenities, Spa & Pool
The Urban Nirvana Spa offers massages and treatments, including an open-air rainshower, and there is an outdoor swimming pool, a health club and a steam room. These facilities fill the long midday break between the morning and afternoon safari slots. The resort's eco-focus runs through its operations, with water and energy conservation built into the property's design.
Experiences & Things to Do Nearby
The main draw is the Asiatic lion safari in Gir National Park, with the safari gate close by and the resort able to arrange permits and drives. Gir is the last wild home of the Asiatic lion, and the morning and afternoon jeep safaris are the reason most guests come. The Devalia Interpretation Zone, a fenced area with reliable sightings, is about 13 km away and a useful alternative when main-park permits are scarce. The resort also runs guided nature trails and wildlife photography sessions, helping guests make the most of the setting beyond the formal safaris, and Gir's birdlife is a strong secondary attraction. Day trips reach the Somnath Temple on the coast, the forest's Kankai Mata Temple and the Tulsishyam hot springs, so a stay can mix wildlife with pilgrimage and sightseeing.
Who It's Best For
The Fern Gir Forest Resort suits wildlife travellers, families and eco-minded guests who want a comfortable, well-equipped base for lion safaris at a slightly more accessible price point than the area's top-tier properties. Its proximity to the safari gate, in-house pool and spa, and nature programmes make it a solid choice for a multi-night stay. As with all Sasan Gir hotels, factor in the two-hour transfer from Diu when planning arrival around safari timings.
The Fern Gir Forest Resort, Sasan Gir — room types
| Room | What you get |
| Winter Green Cottage | Air-conditioned cottage with a private balcony facing the resort's greenery. |
| Winter Green Premium Room | Larger room category with upgraded furnishings and a balcony or sit-out. |
| Fern Classic Villa | Standalone villa with extra space and a private outdoor area. |
| Fern Classic Suite | The top category, with a separate living area and the most generous layout. |
What's near The Fern Gir Forest Resort, Sasan Gir
| Landmark | Distance | Approx. on foot |
| Gir National Park (safari gate) | 2 km | ~24 min walk |
| Sinh Sadan safari booking office | 2 km | ~24 min walk |
| Gir Interpretation Zone, Devalia | 13 km | short taxi/auto |
| Kankai Mata Temple (inside Gir) | 26 km | short taxi/auto |
| Tulsishyam hot springs | 35 km | short taxi/auto |
| Somnath Temple | 45 km | short taxi/auto |
Distances are straight-line estimates; walking times assume roughly 12 minutes per km. Confirm routes locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is The Fern Gir from the nearest airport?
It is about 66 km from Diu Airport, roughly two hours by road. Rajkot and the smaller Keshod airstrip are alternatives.
How close is it to the lion safari?
The Gir National Park safari gate is about 2 km away, making it a practical base for early-morning game drives.
How many rooms does it have?
There are 40 rooms across cottages, premium rooms, Fern Classic villas and suites, all air-conditioned with private balconies.
Does the resort have a pool and spa?
Yes. There is an outdoor pool, the Urban Nirvana Spa with an open-air rainshower, a health club and a steam room.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00, with early check-in or late check-out subject to availability.
What activities are available besides safaris?
The resort runs guided nature trails, wildlife photography sessions, and barbeque and bonfire evenings, and Gir's birdlife is a strong secondary draw.