Rare Birds & Mammals of Gujarat
Destinations: Ahmedabad, Little Rann of Kutch, Gir National Park, and Velavadar
Duration: 06 Nights & 07 Days
Best time: October-March
Tour Code: #219 V.04
Experience Gujarat's Wildlife Extravaganza: A Journey from Salt Deserts to Grasslands
It is hard to find a story that would describe the Little Rann of Kutch as perfectly as its landscape does. This is a huge, breathtaking salt desert where the reinvention of nature and its beauty seem to be inventions that never end. The Little Rann of Kutch is a strange and rare environment that just happens to be the only home for the endemic Asiatic Wild Ass. People who love birds will find here species like McQueen's Bustard, Hoopoe Lark, and many other migratory birds. There are so many open spaces, wetlands, and desert beauties in this region that it should be a dream of every photographer and a paradise for those who love nature.
From there, we make our way to the world-famous Gir National Park, the last jaguar haven of the Asiatic Lion. The park's dry deciduous forests, rocky hills, and continuous rivers provide a habitat for an amazing variety of wildlife that includes 800+ lions, 400+ leopards, and an abundance of various birds and small mammals. Walking through the forest, you will be given a chance to see the home of India's top feline, the lion, which will probably stay in your memory forever.
Our last point of the trip is Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, a tranquil area of golden grasslands that makes one think of the African savannas. This is where beautiful Blackbucks wander in groups, Indian wolves and Striped hyenas stalk their prey, and one can enjoy a dramatic evening by watching the spectacular harrier roosts. The peace and spaciousness of Velavadar make it an ideal ending to the whole trip.
Itinerary Overview
Day 01: Delhi to Ahmedabad
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Lemon Tree
Day 1: Arrival in Ahmedabad – Heritage, Peace & Birds
Morning:
Your journey begins with a comfortable pickup from your Delhi hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Ahmedabad, the bustling cultural capital of Gujarat. Upon landing, you are greeted by our friendly local representative, ready to guide you into the heart of the city. The drive to your hotel offers a glimpse of Ahmedabad’s rhythm — its lively streets, colonial-era architecture, and occasional glimpses of colorful street markets. After check-in, take a moment to relax, sip a cup of traditional masala chai, and absorb the city’s atmosphere.
Lunch:
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the hotel, where local Gujarati flavors mingle with international cuisine. Fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and subtle sweetness create dishes that are as comforting as they are memorable, giving you a delicious taste of the region.
Afternoon:
Step into history at the Sabarmati Ashram, perched peacefully along the banks of the Sabarmati River. As you wander through its sunlit courtyards, simple cottages, and quiet meditation spaces, you can almost hear the whispers of Gandhi’s vision of truth and non-violence. The museum within the ashram showcases photographs, letters, and personal belongings, offering an intimate portrait of the Mahatma and his life’s work.
After this reflective journey, immerse yourself in nature at Parimal Garden, a verdant oasis in the midst of the city. Walk along winding paths shaded by mature trees, and pause to watch the garden’s abundant birdlife. Tiny sunbirds flit from flower to flower, parakeets chatter overhead, and Indian Koel wade gracefully through ornamental trees, creating a delightful introduction to Gujarat’s rich avian diversity.
Evening:
As the day winds down, enjoy a dinner experience at House of MG, a heritage hotel that transports you to the elegance of 20th-century Ahmedabad. The blend of traditional architecture, restored art deco interiors, and flavorsome Gujarati cuisine makes dining here both a feast for the senses and a cultural experience to remember.
Night:
Return to your hotel for an overnight stay, letting the gentle hum of the city lull you into rest, while anticipation builds for the wildlife adventures awaiting you in the coming days.
Day 02: Ahmedabad to Little Rann of Kutch
Meals: Breakfast in Ahmedabad, Lunch and Dinner in Little Rann Of Kutch
Accommodation: Rann Riders, Dasada
Morning:
After a hearty breakfast at your Ahmedabad hotel, embark on a scenic drive of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to the Little Rann of Kutch, one of India’s most extraordinary and lesser-explored wildernesses. As you leave the city behind, the landscape transforms — rolling fields, clusters of traditional villages with mud-and-thatch houses, grazing livestock, and shimmering wetlands create a patchwork of rural charm. Along the way, keep your binoculars ready: the wetlands attract a variety of resident and migratory birds, offering a gentle prelude to the wildlife adventures ahead.
Arrival & Lunch:
Check in to your charming safari lodge in Dasada, thoughtfully designed using local materials that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The lodge is set amidst tranquil ponds, gardens, and farmlands, offering a serene sanctuary and an intimate introduction to the region’s unique ecosystem. After settling in, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch featuring regional flavors that celebrate Gujarat’s culinary traditions.
Afternoon Safari:
In the afternoon, venture out on a guided wildlife safari across the Little Rann of Kutch, a remarkable ecosystem and the last refuge of the endangered Indian Wild Ass. Once an ancient seabed, the Rann now stretches as a vast mosaic of saline plains, grasslands, and seasonal wetlands, sustaining a fascinating array of wildlife. Watch for wild asses grazing gracefully, desert-adapted birds and raptors, and other small mammals that call this stark yet enchanting landscape home.
As the day draws to a close, witness the sunset over the Rann, painting the salt plains in golden, pink, and fiery hues. The herds of wild asses return to their resting grounds, silhouetted against the glowing horizon — a magical and unforgettable sight.
Evening:
Return to your lodge for a relaxed dinner, exchanging stories of the day’s sightings while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the Rann. Spend the night enveloped by the quiet of the wilderness, lulled by the sounds of nocturnal birds and distant calls of wildlife. Overnight stay.
Day 03: Little Rann of Kutch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Rann Riders
Morning:
Wake up to the serene sounds of the Rann of Kutch and enjoy a refreshing tea and coffee session at the lodge. Then, embark on a morning jeep safari that takes you deeper into this extraordinary landscape. Guided by experienced naturalists, explore salt plains, grasslands, and seasonal wetlands, observing the endangered Indian Wild Ass in its natural habitat. Keep your binoculars ready for flamingos, pelicans, larks, harriers, and other resident and migratory birds that make this ecosystem their home.
A packed breakfast will be enjoyed in the field, allowing you to savor local flavors while soaking in the wild surroundings.
Lunch:
Return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch, savoring fresh, local flavors while sharing stories of your morning sightings and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the lodge surrounded by ponds and gardens.
Afternoon:
Set out for a visit to Nawa Lake for an evening birding session. Witness the lake come alive as migratory and resident birds settle in, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the wetlands at dusk — a perfect way to end a day immersed in the Rann’s wildlife.
Evening:
After birding, return to the lodge for a leisurely evening, sharing stories of your sightings and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of ponds and gardens surrounding the property. As night falls, sit down to a delightful dinner featuring regional and continental dishes, freshly prepared with local ingredients. Later, gather under the starlit sky to enjoy a captivating Rabari tribe dance performance, where local artists bring Gujarat’s desert culture to life through rhythmic drumming, vibrant costumes, and soulful movements. It’s a magical way to end the evening — immersed in the warmth, spirit, and traditions of the Rann.
Spend a peaceful night at the lodge, letting the unique sounds and sights of the Rann lull you into rest, ready for the next stage of your wildlife adventure.
Day 04: Little Rann of Kutch to Gir National Park
Meals: Breakfast in the Little Rann of Kutch, (Lunch on the way), and Dinner in Sasan Gir
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge
Morning:
After a hearty breakfast at the lodge in the Little Rann of Kutch, bid farewell to the salt plains and wild asses as you embark on the journey to Gir National Park, home of the legendary Asiatic Lion. The drive spans approximately 9–10 hours, offering a scenic passage through the heart of rural Gujarat. Along the way, rolling farmlands, quaint villages, and stretches of scrub forest provide glimpses of everyday life and the natural landscapes that make this region so unique.
Lunch:
Enjoy a convenient en-route lunch at a local restaurant or picnic-style stop, sampling traditional Gujarati fare while stretching your legs and soaking in the passing scenery.
Afternoon:
Arrive at Sasan Gir by late afternoon and check in to the charming Gir Birding Lodge, nestled close to the forest’s edge. If time permits, take a short walk around the lodge grounds to spot the resident and migratory birds that thrive in this tranquil environment — parakeets, kingfishers, drongos, and more. The lodge’s serene setting, with native trees and water bodies, offers a gentle introduction to the wilderness you are about to explore.
Evening:
Savor a relaxed dinner at the lodge, reflecting on the landscapes and wildlife encountered so far. Spend the night enveloped in the calm of the Gir forests, listening to the subtle calls of nocturnal creatures, and preparing for an exciting day of wildlife safaris tomorrow. Overnight stay.
Day 05: Gir National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge
Morning:
Wake up early at Gir Birding Lodge to the gentle sounds of the forest — the calls of parakeets, drongos, and the distant roar of the Asiatic lion creating a thrilling sense of anticipation. After a hearty breakfast, set out for your morning safari into Gir National Park, one of India’s most iconic wildlife reserves. Guided by experienced naturalists, traverse the dry deciduous forests, rocky hills, and riverine areas in search of the park’s most famous residents: the majestic Asiatic Lions. Along the way, keep your binoculars ready for leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, antelopes, and a spectacular variety of resident and migratory birds. Every twist of the forest trail offers the possibility of a rare or unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Lunch:
Return to the lodge mid-day for a relaxed lunch, replenishing your energy while sharing stories and photographs from the morning safari. The peaceful lodge surroundings, with native trees and bird-filled ponds, provide a perfect setting to unwind before the afternoon adventure.
Afternoon:
Embark on a second afternoon safari, exploring new zones of the park. The soft, golden light of late afternoon creates dramatic scenery, perfect for photography and wildlife observation. Spotting a pride of lions lounging in the sun, or witnessing the flight of eagles and kites overhead, makes every moment in Gir an exhilarating experience. Your guides will provide insights into the behavior, ecology, and conservation of the park’s wildlife, enriching your understanding of this remarkable ecosystem.
Evening & Overnight:
Return to the lodge as dusk falls, enjoying a hearty dinner while reflecting on the day’s sightings. After dinner, experience a vibrant folk dance performance by Siddhi Trip, where local artists bring the traditions and stories of Gujarat to life through colorful costumes, rhythmic drumming, and captivating movements. Spend the night afterward enveloped in the serenity of the Gir forests, the distant calls of nocturnal wildlife serving as a gentle lullaby, and dream of the adventures yet to come.
Day 06: Gir National Park to Velavadar
Meals: Breakfast in Gir, Lunch and Dinner in Velavadar
Accommodation: Blackbuck Safari Lodge
Morning:
Begin your day with an early breakfast at Gir Birding Lodge, savoring the peaceful morning sounds of the forest. After breakfast, check out from the lodge and embark on a scenic 6-hour drive to Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, traversing rural landscapes, farmlands, and scrub forests that offer glimpses of local life and wildlife along the way.
Arrival & Lunch:
Upon arrival at Blackbuck Lodge, check in and take some time to freshen up and relax after the journey. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the lodge, featuring fresh local ingredients and regional flavors, preparing you for your first safari in this unique grassland ecosystem.
Afternoon & Evening Safari:
In the afternoon, venture out for your first safari in Velavadar, a sanctuary renowned for its large Blackbuck antelope population. While elusive, wolves occasionally roam these grasslands, and more commonly spotted species include jackals, jungle cats, hares, and the Indian fox on the park’s periphery. Velavadar is also a paradise for birders: watch for Sirkeer Malkoha, Painted Francolin, Chestnut-bellied and Spotted Sandgrouse, Rufous-tailed, Crested and Sykes’ Larks, as well as Red-rumped Swallows, Desert and Variable Wheatears, and numerous raptors including Short-toed Snake Eagle, Imperial, Steppe, Tawny, Greater and Lesser Spotted Eagles, Laggar Falcon, Hobby, Common Kestrel, Red-necked Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, White-eyed and Long-legged Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, Shikra, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, and occasionally the Northern Goshawk. Rare sightings may include the Stoilczka's Bushchat.
As the evening sets in, witness a massive roost of Montagu, Pallid, and Marsh Harriers, a breathtaking display of wildlife gathering before nightfall.
Overnight:
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, soaking in the tranquility of the grasslands and reflecting on your first encounter with Velavadar’s unique wildlife.
Day 07: Velavadar to Ahmedabad to Delhi
Meals: Breakfast and Packed Lunch
Accommodation: None
Morning:
Start the day with early morning birding around the lodge, enjoying the serene grasslands and spotting species such as Sirkeer Malkoha, Painted Francolin, Sandgrouse, Larks, Wheatears, and a variety of raptors.
After breakfast, check out from the lodge and begin the 4-hour drive back to Ahmedabad, taking in the scenic countryside along the way. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport to connect your flight back to Delhi, marking the conclusion of this unforgettable journey through Gujarat’s wildlife and natural landscapes. Tour Ends
Highlights
- Witness the rare and endemic Asiatic Wild Ass in its natural habitat, along with flamingos, pelicans, and countless migratory birds.
- Spot raptors, sandgrouse, larks, wheatears, and rare species like Stoliczka’s Bushchat across Gujarat’s diverse habitats.
- Experience thrilling jeep safaris in the only home of the Asiatic Lion, and look out for leopards, antelopes, and rich avian life.
- Marvel at large herds of Blackbucks racing across the golden grasslands and enjoy sightings of wolves, foxes, and jungle cats.
- Witness the magical golden hues over the salt plains of the Rann and the harrier roost spectacle at Velavadar.
- Enjoy comfort and authenticity at Rann Riders, Gir Birding Lodge, and Blackbuck Lodge, surrounded by nature and local charm.
- Experience traditional Rawadi and Siddhi dance performances, bringing Gujarat’s vibrant folk traditions to life.
- Relish regional Gujarati dishes made with local ingredients, offering a delicious cultural immersion.
- Travel through picturesque countryside dotted with traditional villages, farmlands, and wetlands teeming with birdlife.
- Capture breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and cultural moments that define the wild heart of western India.
Services Included
- Domestic flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad on Day 01 (Economy Class)
- Accommodation for 01 night in Ahmedabad
- Accommodation for 02 nights in the Little Rann of Kutch
- 02 Jeep Safaris in the Little Rann of Kutch with park entrance fee
- Rabadi Tribal Dance at Rann Riders
- Accommodation for 02 nights in Sasan Gir
- 02 Jeep Safaris in Gir National Park with park entrance fee
- Siddhi Tribe Dance at Gir Birding Lodge
- Accommodation for 01 night in Velavadar
- 01 Jeep Safari in Velavadar with park entrance fee
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Dedicated birding guide for the full tour
- Dedicated air-conditioned coach for the full tour
- Domestic flight from Ahmedabad to Delhi on Day 07 (Economy Class)
- All applicable taxes
Services Not Included
- Optional tours, tips, any monument, museum entrance fee, any activity fee, camera fee, excursions, personal and incidental expenses
- International flight, train tickets, and insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
