JEEP SAFARIS
Safaris into the jungle are conducted by park guides in open 4WD. The duration of safari is approximately three hours and is conducted early morning (06.00 hr., 09.00 hr.) or in the afternoon (15.00–18.00hr.). The duration of each safari is approx. 03 hrs. Each jeep allowed eating only 3persons. Besides the visitors, the jeep has an expert driver and a park guide. 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
Nothing like picnic lunch under the tree by the rivulet. From having grown up in the area, our staff knows the undiscovered spots with the best rocks. Make paper boats or simply watch the small fish swim around. For the more adventurous, wash your feet in the cool water.
OR
Early morning drive up to the beautiful Lake for some birding and picnic. The entire excursion will take about 3-4 hours.
REPTILES OF GIR FOREST
Gir has a large population of reptiles. It is one of the best places for herpetofauna.
Should you wish we could organize a tour focusing on the ‘Reptiles of Gir’ for you
Here is the list:
- Marsh Mugger Crocodile
- Indian Star Tortoise
- Indian Flap shell Turtle
- Brook House Gecko
- Yellow-green House Gecko
- Termite Hill Gecko
- Spotted Ground Gecko
- Indian Garden Lizard
- Fan Throated Lizard
- Indian Chameleon
- Spotted Supple skink
- Keeled Grass Skink
- Bronz Back Grass Skink
- Bengal Monitor
- Brahminy Worm Snake
- Common Sand Boa
- Red Sand Boa
- Indian Rock Python
- Common Vine Snake
- Brown Vine Snake
- Buff Striped Keelback
- Common Cat Snake
- Common Bronze Back Tree Snake
- Indian Trinket Snake
- Common Wolf Snake
- Banded Kukri Snake
- Streaked Kukri Snake
- Rat Snake
- Banded Racer
- Dumeril’s Black-headed Snake
- Chequered Keelback Water Snake
- Common Indian Krait
- Slender Coral Snake
- Spectacled Cobra
- Russell’s Viper
- Indian Saw-scaled Viper