The Asiatic Lion and Wild Ass Tour 6 Night And 7 Days
Destination: Gir National Park, Velavadar Grasslands and The Little Rann of Kutch
Duration: 06 Nights & 07 Days
Best season: Mid-October to Mid-April
Tour Code: #224
https://linktr.ee/Girbirdinglodge
Description
This 7-day journey through the diverse wilderness of Gujarat, one of India’s richest states for wildlife and birding. Begin your adventure at Gir National Park, the only place on Earth to see the majestic Asiatic Lion in the wild. Apart from lions, Gir also shelters leopards, hyenas, jackals, and an impressive range of over 300 bird species including paradise flycatchers, painted storks, and crested serpent eagles.
Next, head to the Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, an open grassland ecosystem that offers a unique chance to see large herds of graceful blackbucks, Indian wolves, striped hyenas, and a remarkable congregation of harriers, especially during winter.
Your journey culminates in the surreal and bird-rich landscape of the Little Rann of Kutch, a vast salt desert that’s home to the endangered Indian Wild Ass, as well as flamingoes, cranes, pelicans, and several species of raptors and larks. The seasonal wetlands here are a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
Throughout the tour, enjoy guided safaris, cultural interactions, and comfortable accommodations close to nature. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, an avid birder, or someone seeking a unique adventure, this Gujarat tour promises unforgettable encounters with some of India's rarest wildlife amidst striking landscapes.
Itinerary Overview
Day 01: Fly to Diu or Rajkot and drive to Gir National Park
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge
Arrival at Diu or Rajkot, you will be met and transferred to Gir National Park. As you travel through changing landscapes, from arid plains to the lush surroundings of Gir, enjoy the picturesque views, with a stop for a quick break around noon to stretch and refresh.
Arriving at Gir, check in to your hotel and unwind after the long drive. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure—explore the hotel surroundings, enjoy its amenities or indulge yourself in organic farming or simply rest and recharge for the upcoming wildlife adventures in Gir National Park.
Overnight stay
Day 02 and 03: Gir National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge
You have two days to explore the morning and afternoon safari in Gir National Park.
Your day starts with a pickup from the lodge, as you embark on a thrilling early morning safari in Gir National Park. You will be ready to explore the deciduous forests. During this 3-4 hour safari, keep an eye out for the majestic Asiatic Lions, elusive panthers (leopards), and other wildlife, including Chital (Spotted Deer), Sambhar, Blue Bull Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, and the rare Chousingha, the world’s only four-horned antelope. You’ll also encounter a variety of bird species, from vibrant peafowls to raptors perched high in the trees. After the safari, return to the lodge for a well-deserved breakfast and some relaxation.
In the afternoon, you’ll set off for your second safari, driving back to the park for the afternoon session. The drive takes about 30 minutes, and you’ll be back in the park. The afternoon safari provides another opportunity to spot the incredible wildlife of Gir, including the unique bird species that call the sanctuary home.
Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner and unwind, reflecting on the day’s wildlife encounters before settling in for a peaceful overnight stay at your accommodation.
Day 04: Gir National Park to Velavadar
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Blackbuck Wildlife Safari Lodge
After your final morning wildlife safari in Gir, check out from the lodge with a packed lunch and start your 6-hour drive (196 km) to Velavadar National Park. The scenic drive takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Gujarat, with views of rural life unfolding along the way. You will arrive in Velavadar and check in at the Black Buck Safari Lodge, a unique wildlife hotel located in serene surroundings. The lodge offers comfort while being close to the natural beauty of Velavadar, making it an excellent base for your explorations.
Enjoy a delicious dinner and a peaceful overnight stay at the Black Buck Safari Lodge, surrounded by the tranquility of the wilderness, and prepare for your upcoming adventures in Velavadar's grasslands the next day.
Day 05: Velavadar to Little Rann of Kutch
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch in Velavadar and Dinner in LRK
Accommodation: Rann Riders
Enjoy a morning safari at Velavadar, exploring the vast grasslands known for their rich wildlife. After an early lunch, depart for the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK), a unique salt marsh ecosystem and one of India’s most important birding and wildlife destinations. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and unwind. Later in the afternoon, you may opt for a short birding walk in the surrounding areas, where the changing landscape begins to reveal its charm.
Enjoy dinner at the lodge and settle in for the night, as you prepare for the incredible wildlife and birding experiences that await you in LRK.
Overnight stay in the Little Rann of Kutch.
Day 06: 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 07: Little Rann of Kutch to Ahmedabad and fly out
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Begin your day with morning birding in the Little Rann of Kutch, exploring its unique saline desert ecosystem that supports a remarkable variety of birds and wildlife. After breakfast, check out from the lodge and begin your drive to Ahmedabad airport (approx. 4 hours).
Your journey through the vibrant landscapes and wildlife-rich habitats of Gujarat comes to a close as you board your onward flight, taking with you unforgettable memories and experiences.
Tour Ends.
Highlights
- Wildlife: Asiatic Lion, Asiatic Wild Ass, Blackbuck, Indian Wolf, Hyena, Chital or Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Blue Bull Antelope, Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Chousingha (the world's only four-horned antelope), Wild Boar, etc.
- Wide variety of birdlife, like Flamingos, Pelicans, Demoiselle and Common Cranes, Sykes' Lark, Painted Sandgrouse, massive roost of Montagu, Pallid, and Marsh harriers.
- Interesting and varied Gujarat flora and landscape,s like the bleak salt marshes, deciduous forests of Gir, etc.
- A glimpse of village life in rural India
- Visit the magnificent Jain temple complex atop Shatrunjaya Hill
- Unique exquisite handicrafts
- Experience traditional Indian hospitality, culture, and local cuisine
- Stay at quaint lodges
Services Included
- Accommodation on twin/triple share
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Jungle visits in all three wildlife reserves with park guides
- All surface transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle
Services Not Included
- Optional tours/excursions, personal & incidental expenses.
- Tips, laundry, phone calls, alcohol, camera fee, etc.
- International and domestic airfare, visa, and insurance.
