8-Day Coastal Gujarat Wildlife & Birding Expedition

Destinations: Jamnagar, Gir National Park, Velavadar, and Ahmedabad
Duration: 07 Nights and 08 Days
Best time: October-March
Tour Code: #805-DT

Take a breathtaking 8-day trip that allows you to get close to nature and see the untamed and beautiful landscapes of Gujarat.

Your first stop will be Jamnagar, where you will get to visit the coastal wetlands, mangroves, and mudflats that provide shelter to a wide range of native and migratory birds such as flamingos, waders, and waterfowl.

Then, go to Gir National Park, which is one of the renowned habitats of the Asiatic Lion. Besides lions, you will get a chance to see leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, and different species of deer while on a thrilling safari.

Being in Gir for the two days allows you to get acquainted with the park's various types of habitat,s such as dry forests, open grasslands, and riverine corridors.

Moving on, visit Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, which is well-known for its expansive grasslands and big Blackbuck herds. Other animals that you can spot here include wolves, foxes, and many species of grassland birds.

Game drives and birdwatching will be your favorite activities in this one-of-a-kind ecosystem, in which you can also photograph the splendid scenery of the plains of western India.

You will be seeing local traditions, magnificent sceneries, and time-honored villages, honored villages thereby making your wildlife trip more authentic and giving you more memorable experiences. The trip comes to an end in Ahmedabad after a wonderful, memorable journey through the wildlife, birds, and natural environments of Gujarat.

Itinerary Overview
Day 01: Arrive Jamnagar

Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel President

Arrive in Jamnagar, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel, where you can freshen up and relax. If time permits, you can spend some time exploring the city. The city is well-known for its temples, forts, and palaces, and Lakhota Lake in the city is a great place for some casual, idle birding.

Overnight Stay.

Day 02: Jamnagar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel President

Immerse yourself in the avian wonders of Jamnagar with a full day dedicatedto birding. Your exploration will take you to the renowned Khijadia and Narara areas, promising an enriching and diverse bird-watching experience.

Khijadia Birding Exploration Khijadia is a birding paradise known for its rich biodiversity. Nestled amidst mangrove forests and wetlands, Khijadia offers a habitat for a myriad of bird species.

Narara Birding Expedition Venture to the Narara region, another gem for bird enthusiasts. Surrounded by serene landscapes, Narara provides a habitat for an array of bird life.

On this day, capture the beauty of these winged wonders through your lens and revel in the tranquility of these natural habitats. This immersive birding experience promises not only the thrill of spotting rare and vibrant species but also a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving these ecosystems for future generations.

Overnight stay.

Day 03: Jamnagar to Gir National Park

Meals: Breakfast in Jamnagar, Lunch and Dinner in Gir
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge

Morning birding in the surrounding areas. After breakfast, check out from Jamnagar and depart for Gir National Park (5-6 hours).

Arrive at Gir National Park in time for a late lunch, providing a moment to rejuvenate before your next exploration. In the afternoon, venture outside the park with a birding session. While focusing on bird-watching, you may also have the opportunity to encounter wildlife beyond the park boundaries, adding an unexpected yet delightful dimension to your experience. Keep a lookout for diverse bird species and perhaps catch glimpses of other fauna that inhabit the region.

Overnight stay.

Day 04: Gir National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge

Enjoy a full-day wildlife adventure in Gir National Park with morning and afternoon jeep safaris, providing optimal opportunities to witness the majestic Asiatic lions in their natural habitat.

As the sun rises, join a guided jeep safari through Gir's diverse ecosystems. Traverse the rugged landscapes, keeping a watchful eye for the regal Asiatic lions that roam freely in this protected sanctuary. Also keep a keen eye out for the Malabar Trogon, Crested Serpent Eagle, and the vibrant Indian Pitta as they come to life in the soft morning light.

Continue your quest for lion sightings with an afternoon jeep safari, delving deeper into the park's wilderness. The changing daylight conditions present new possibilities for observing wildlife. Apart from the lions, anticipate encounters with other fascinating species, such as leopards, spotted deer, and langurs. The afternoon safari also provides an ideal setting for bird enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot avian species thriving in Gir's diverse habitats.

Overnight stay

Expected key species: Lion, Leopard, Sambar, Nilgai, Spotted Owlet, Red-naped Ibis, Indian Stone-curlew, Oriental Darter, Little Cormorant

Day 05: Gir National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge

Another day of wildlife discovery with morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Gir National Park.

The morning jeep safari promises a unique opportunity to witness the awakening of the park's inhabitants. The venture into the heart of Gir's diverse ecosystems, keeping a keen eye out for the majestic Asiatic lions, elusive leopards, and a plethora of other wildlife species.

After a leisurely break, the afternoon safari unfolds, presenting a different ambiance as the day progresses. The changing light conditions offer a chance to observe wildlife engaged in various behaviors.

This wildlife-centric experience provides not only the thrill of encountering iconic species but also a deeper connection with the natural world and the imperative need for their protection and preservation.

Overnight stay.

Expected key species: Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Indian Golden Oriole, Crested Honey Buzzard, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Mottled Wood Owl, Jungle Nightjar, Woolly-necked Stork

Day 06: Gir to Velavadar

Meals: Breakfast in Gir, Lunch and Dinner in Velavadar
Accommodation: Blackbuck Safari Lodge

After breakfast, check out from Sasan Gir and head to Velavadar National Park. We will travel almost six hours from Gir National Park to Velavadar.

Upon reaching the destination, check into the comfortable resort, allowing you to unwind and prepare for an exciting day ahead. Velavadar is a small but stunning grassland ecosystem, home to many grassland birds and animals. Indian Wolf and Striped Hyena are also here in decent numbers, and make for interesting sightings

Overnight stay

Day 07: Velavadar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Blackbuck Safari Lodge

Immerse yourself in a full day of birding paradise in Velavadar, starting with morning and afternoon safaris. Alternatively, for an extended and immersive experience, you have the option to embark on a safari using your own vehicle, allowing you to stay inside the park for a more prolonged duration.

The morning safari unveils the beauty of Velavadar as the day begins, with golden sunlight casting a warm glow on the expansive grasslands. Guided by experienced naturalists, explore the diverse habitats that attract a plethora of bird species. Look out for the mesmerizing Lesser Florican, harriers, raptors, and other avian residents.

After a leisurely break, embark on the afternoon safari, where the changing hues of the landscape create a different ambiance. The park's varied ecosystems offer a chance to encounter both migratory and resident birds, each contributing to the vibrant avian tapestry of Velavadar.

The full day of birding in Velavadar promises a rich and rewarding encounter with the diverse winged inhabitants of this unique ecosystem. Capture the beauty of these avian wonders and relish the tranquility of Velavadar's natural surroundings.

Overnight stay

Expected key species: Blackbuck, Golden Jackal, White-eyed Buzzard, Egyptian Vulture, Great Grey Shrike, Long-tailed Shrike, Bay-backed Shrike, Crested Lark

Day 08: Velavadar to Ahmedabad and departure

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: None

You will have the morning to go for a productive birding session in the park. After your birding session, check out and drive to Ahmedabad (4 hours) at noon. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Tour Ends.