Activities

JEEP SAFARIS

Safaris into the jungle areconducted by park guides in open 4WD. The duration of safari is approximately ofthree hours and is conducted early morning (06.00 hr., 09.00 hr.) or in the afternoon (15.00–18.00hr.). Theduration of each safari is approx. 03 hrs.Each jeepis allowed toseatonly 3persons. Besides the visitors, the jeep has an expert driver and a park guide.The children under 10 years and elderly people over 65 years are not permitted to undertake the safari.

WALKS & TREKS

The dry deciduous forests are the perfect habitat for many rare bird species. Asian Adventures‘ birding experts will be happy to start you into the world of bird watching. If you are already into birding, he would be an interesting source of information on species-specific to this region. You can also explore the beautiful forests at your own pace, maybe carry a picnic hamper for a longer trek and make the most of the natural beauty around you.

VILLAGE EXPERIENCE

The manager at the lodge can arrange a visit to the nearby village for you to have a taste of the local lifestyle. This can be fully guided if you like.

You can take a walk around the local villages, admiring the traditional old houses with wooden doors and windows. Watch how time has stood still in some places and modernity has engulfed some others.

Engage with local people and see how they conduct daily chores in their lives. Understand the traditional values that they live with.

TEMPLE VISIT

SOMNATH TEMPLE

The legend is that Somnath temple was built in gold by the moon god Soma, in silver by the sun god Ravi, in wood by Krishna and in stone by the Solanki Rajputs in the 11th century. It is one of the most powerful Shiva temples, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

This is 40 km from Gir and it takes an hour to get there. A visit to the temple can be incorporated in your itinerary.

The present temple was re-built in 1951, the seventh reconstruction. Many invaders ravaged its riches but each time the temple restored by the worshipers.

The temple has an imposing architecture with intricate carvings, silver doors, a huge Nandi idol, and the central lingam.

The top of the temple is like a conch shell and on its side, and in the tower is an arrow pointing directly to the south pole. Interestingly, if one draws a line between here and the south pole, there is no land until Antarctica.

The Kartik Purnima Fair is held here for four days according to the Hindu calendar and attracts devotees in large numbers.

Picnics