Destinations: Gondal, Gir National Park
Duration: 04 Nights & 05 Days
Best Season: October to June
Tour Code: 934
https://linktr.ee/Girbirdinglodge
Description:
Say the name Gujarat, and the first things that come to mind are wildlife and heritage, and not without reason. The culture and tradition, as well as the wildlife, of the region are truly rich and famously known. This tour is designed to give you the best of both of these aspects, within a short span of time, making it perfect for those restricted by time who want a well-rounded journey through Gujarat.
Itinerary Overview:
Day 01: Ahmedabad to Gondal
Meals: On Own
Accommodation: Riverside or Orchard Palace
Our tour begins as we arrive in Ahmedabad and make our way to Gondal. Most flights and trains reach Ahmedabad by morning. This picturesque, princely town offers accommodations in two historic homes that once lodged the guests of the Maharaja of Gondal. These heritage palace hotels are still owned and managed by the royal family of Gondal, who ruled this princely state for over 300 years, from the mid-17th century to the merger of states into the Indian union in 1947. The architecture, our stay in the palatial rooms, with antique European and Indian furniture, as well as the royal collections of vintage cars, carriages, and rail saloons, will all be like a time machine, giving us an insight into the lives of the erstwhile Maharajas. These heritage hotels are also good for birding, with many species coming into the orchards and on the river shores.
Overnight in Riverside or Orchard Palace in Gondal.
Day 02: Gondal to Gir
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge
After our full day and night in Gondal, we travel to Gir National Park. Gir is the last abode of the Asiatic Lion and has a thriving population of leopard, sambar, chital (spotted deer), nilgai (blue bull antelope), and wild boar. Gir is also one of the major habitats of chousingha (the world's only four-horned antelope) and chinkara (Indian gazelle) that are hard to spot in the teak forests along the game drive trails. Among the many birds of Gir, we can see Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Shikra, Black-hooded and Indian Golden Orioles, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, Indian Pitta, and many more.
After a sumptuous lunch, we will continue for an afternoon safari in the park. This safari will help you explore the forest and meet its denizens.
Overnight stay.
Day 03: Gir National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge
We have two safaris in Gir today. The safaris are a great way to get to know the forest better. Apart from lions, Gir is home to a variety of other wildlife, much of it living in harmony with people. You will also have the chance to visit the surrounding villages, giving you a chance to learn about their culture and traditions, and how they live with the wildlife here. If possible, during our evening safari, we can visit the Kamleshwar Dam, a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. One can see many Marsh Crocodiles (Mugger) here, as well as some water birds like Oriental Darter, cormorants, waders, and Western Osprey.
Overnight stay.
Day 04: Gir National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge
We have two safaris today in the Gir National Park. Multiple safaris will not only get you more chances of better sightings of lions, but will also help you explore the forest more. You can have a chat with the guides whenever time permits. They are a treasure trove of knowledge, and one can gain a lot by learning from them.
Overnight stay.
Day 05: Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
After our hopefully fruitful days in Gir, we travel back to Ahmedabad, where you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Highlights
- Stay in a heritage hotel
- Eat traditional Gujarati meals
- Explore the traditions of the Maharajas
- Enjoy antique collections of furniture, cars, carriages, rail saloons, and more.
- Jeep safaris for wildlife viewing
- Birdwatching
- Photography
Services Included
- Accommodation on a double / twin sharing basis
- Meals as per itinerary
- 05 4WD safaris in Gir National Park
- All transfers and sightseeing in a dedicated air-conditioned vehicle
- Assistance on arrival and departure
- All applicable taxes
Services Not Included
- Optional tours/excursions; personal & incidental expenses; tips, laundry, telephone bills, alcohol, phone calls, bottled water, Entrance Fees, alcohol, camera fee
- Airfare, Visa, Insuarance etc.
