Mangoes of Gir Forest - A Trail of Sweetness, Diversity and Culture 

The peak summer brings in the invitation to enjoy the king of all fruits: the mango. Sasan Gir is a to-go place for mango lovers where you can delve into various varieties of mango, from the famous Rajapuri to the Dhava, which is everyone’s favourite. From indulging in the flavours of Maruka mangoes to relishing the divine flavours of Gir Kesari, Sasan is no less than a mango lover’s paradise.

The well-known habitat of Gir is the home of the Asiatic lions, but this arena also shelters the masters of adaptability in its abode - the leopards. Even though they coexist with the lions in the area, their unique abilities, such as their intelligence, agility, and speed, make them carve out their own identity. These creatures find their bliss in solitude, and hence, one has to navigate deep in the forests of Gir to spot them.

Gir Birding Lodge in Gujarat should be your absolute go-to place during spring, as it offers myriad activities to be explored before the harsh summer kicks in. The mango orchard that surrounds the lodge comes to life during spring, becoming home to species such as the blue-cheeked bee-eater and crested serpent eagle.

Gir Birding Lodge​​​​​​: Explore wildlife in its most primitive essence at Gir Birding Lodge. Adjacent to the Gir National Park in Gujarat, the lodge offers splendid views into the natural habitat of the Asiatic lions. The dry deciduous forests, the calming environment, and the rustic setting perfectly combine comfort and wildlife. Rich in biodiversity, Gir Birding Lodge also provides an insight into the avian culture of the place. The Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Magpie Robin, Tawny-bellied Babbler, and several raptors are your neighbours.

Embarking on a wildlife safari in India is an exhilarating adventure, but preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. As someone who has spent many holidays on safari, here’s a guide to what I feel you should pack:

Gir Birding Lodge is a beautiful eco-lodge in Sasan Gir. It not only borders the Gir National Park, but also has lush, well-wooded grounds, and a beautiful mango orchard which, along with its comfortable rooms, makes for an amazing stay for travelers to Gir.

So what can you expect to do at Gir Birding Lodge? Here’s a list of the top 5 things one can experience on their visit here.

The Monday morning greeted us with a refreshing coolness, and the sun cast a bright glow all around. Mr. Mohit, in his kindness, had made all the necessary arrangements, considering it was my first safari experience. Our safari adventure was set for the evening, from 3 to 6 PM.

The Gir Forest is home to several tribal communities who have lived there for generations. The main tribes found in the Gir area are the Maldharis, who are a pastoral community who raise cattle and are dependent on the forest for their livelihood, and the Siddis, who are an ethnic group of African descent who have lived in the region for centuries.

The West Indian state of Gujarat may seem dry and uninviting at first glance. But a deeper look will prove you wrong, from some amazing birdwatching and wildlife destinations, each with something unique to offer, to the warmth, affection, and hospitality of the people of the region.

Many know Gujarat for its festivals, culture, and even cuisine. I, however, have always been drawn to the wildlife of Gujarat. Not only is this state rich in wildlife, but many of the birds and mammals found here are unique to the region, or at least best seen here. It wasn’t a surprise then, that it took me almost no time at all to plan and book a week-long Gujarat birding tour.