Western India Birding Tour-Gujarat Special
Destinations: Ahmedabad, Nal Sarovar, Little Rann of Kutch, Velavadar
Duration: 06 nights and 07 days
Tour Code: #629
During this 7-day Gujarat Birding Tour, you will experience some of the most vibrant western India wildlife habitats and wetland ecosystems. After starting in Ahmedabad, the journey will take you through bird-rich destinations like Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, the distinctive Little Rann of Kutch, the vast Banni Grasslands, and the grassland sanctuary of Velavadar (Blackbuck National Park).
There will be morning and evening safaris, birding walks aimed at the spotting of birds, and great chances of witnessing both resident and migratory species in a variety of landscapessaline deserts and wetlands, and open plains. The tour will provide a wonderful wildlife experience, a little bit of the local culture, and great photographic opportunities before finishing in Ahmedabad.
Itinerary Overview
Day 01: Arrival in Ahmedabad
Meals: On Own
Accommodation: Hotel Lemon Tree
Arrive in Ahmedabad, where you will be met and transferred to the hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax after your journey or settle in at the hotel.
In the evening, enjoy a short city birding outing, exploring urban green spaces and water bodies around Ahmedabad. This gentle walk offers chances to observe common city and wetland birds while experiencing the city’s quieter natural side. Return to the hotel later in the evening.
Overnight stay
Day 02: Ahmedabad to Nalsarovar to Little Rann of Kutch
Meals: Breakfast in Ahmedabad and Dinner in LRK (Lunch On Own)
Accommodation: Rann Riders
Arrive in Ahmedabad in the morning and drive to Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, one of Gujarat’s most important wetland habitats. Spend time birding around the lake, observing a variety of resident and migratory waterbirds across the open waters and marshes. After the birding session, continue your journey towards the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK), passing through changing rural landscapes.
Arrive at LRK in the evening and check in at the hotel. The remainder of the evening is at leisure, followed by dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 03: Little Rann of Kutch
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Rann Riders
Birding and wildlife watching in the Little Rann of Kutch with morning and afternoon jeep safaris.
As the day begins with a morning jeep safari, exploring the vast expanses of Little Rann that come alive with the first light. Accompanied by experienced naturalists, traverse through the diverse landscapes, keeping a keen eye out for the myriad bird species that inhabit the region. From migratory birds to resident species, the morning safari unveils the intricate tapestry of avian life against the backdrop of the unique wilderness.
Following a leisurely break, resume your birding adventure with an afternoon jeep safari. The changing light conditions and the dynamic nature of the Little Rann provide a fresh perspective on birdwatching. Encounter different species engaged in various behaviors as your jeep navigates through the varied ecosystems of the sanctuary.
As the day unfolds, the expert guidance of naturalists enhances your chances of spotting rare and vibrant birds, ensuring a comprehensive birding experience.
Overnight stay.
Day 04: Little Rann of Kutch to Velavadar
Meals: Breakfast in LRK and Dinner in Velavadar (Lunch On Own)
Accommodation: Blackbuck Safari Lodge
After breakfast, depart from the Little Rann of Kutch and drive towards Velavadar (7 hours), passing through rural Gujarat and changing landscapes en route. The journey offers glimpses of village life, farmland, and open countryside. On arrival at Velavadar, check in to your resort and enjoy lunch.
In the late afternoon, head out for gentle birding and sightseeing around the resort surroundings.
Overnight stay.
Day 05: 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 06: Velavadar to Statue of Unity to Ahmedabad
Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner on own)
Accommodation: Hotel Lemon Tree
After breakfast, check out from the lodge and depart for Ahmedabad at 1400 hrs, with an en route visit to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue and one of India’s most iconic landmarks. Spend time exploring the monument area and surrounding attractions, taking in views of the Narmada River and the scenic landscape.
Continue the journey to Ahmedabad, arriving by evening and checking in to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 07: Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed with your transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Tour Ends.
Highlights
- Explore Gujarat’s most iconic birding landscapes, from wetlands and grasslands to saline deserts
- Birding at Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, one of India’s most important wetland habitats
- Experience the unique ecosystem of the Little Rann of Kutch, home to the Indian Wild Ass
- Morning and evening birding safaris in the Little Rann for desert and migratory species
- Discover the bird-rich Banni Grasslands and Chhari-Dhand Wetlands, a haven for raptors, cranes, flamingos, ducks, and waders
- Visit Velavadar (Blackbuck National Park), India’s finest grassland reserve for birds and mammals
- Extended safaris in Blackbuck Sanctuary using the main tour vehicle to maximise birding time
- Visit the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue.
- Excellent opportunities to photograph raptors, grassland birds, waterbirds, and wide open landscapes
- Guided by experienced naturalists with in-depth knowledge of regional birdlife and habitats
- Comfortable stays at nature-focused lodges and wildlife camps
- A well-paced itinerary combining wildlife, photography, and relaxed exploration
Services Included
- Accommodation for 02 nights in Ahmedabad
- Birding in Nal Sarovar
- Accommodation in LRK for 02 nights
- 03 Jeep Safaris in the Little Rann of Kutch with park entrance fee
- Accommodation in Velavadar for 02 nights
- 02 Safaris in Velavadar with park entrance fee
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Dedicated guide for the full tour
- Dedicated air-conditioned car for the full tour
- All taxes
Services Not Included
- Optional tours, tips, laundry, drinks, bottled water, meals not specified
- International airfare, Visa, insurance, monument entrance fee, camera fee, etc
- Any last-minute safari price hike by the forest department
