Lions of Gir Tour
Delhi - Ahmedabad - Bhavnagar - Gir National Park - Zainabad - Ahmedabad - Delhi or Mumbai
The lions that figure in the stories off the Bible and ranged through Persia to North of India are now confined to a tiny pocket in the Saurashtrian Peninsula in Western India.
Called the Asiatic Lion, little more than two hundred of these magnificent animals survive in the 300 sq. km. Of Gir National Park. Their numbers have recouped from about 20 in 1913 to present level after the Nawabs of Junagarh initiated conservation measures.
Gir also has a large population of Leopards that are more easily seen here than elsewhere. Also to be seen are Samber, Chital, Chinkara, Chousingha, Nilgai and wild boar.
North of Gir is the little Rann of Kutch where the last stand of wild asses survive numbering over 1000. They are found in herds of 30 or so and are capable of with standing great dehydration. This is also a guest place for Cranes, flamingoes and lots of other birds found in large numbers.
DAY 01: Delhi / Ahmedabad / Bhavnagar (203 km)
Transfer to the airport to board the flight for Ahmedabad. On arrival at Ahmedabad airport you will be meet by our representative and transfer to Bhavanagar. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02: Bhavnagar / Sasan Gir ( 240 km) 4 ½ hrs
Morning after breakfast drive to Gir National Park. On arrival check in at the wildlife resort/camp. In the afternoon lion safari to the national park. Overnight at resort / camp.
DAY 03: Gir National Park:
Morning and afternoon safari to the national aprk for wildlife viewing. Overnight at resort / camp.
Gir National Park: Established on 18th September, 1965, as a Forest Reserve, primarily to conserve the Asiatic lion-classified as one of the World's most threatened species. Now Gir National Park is the only remaining place in the world, where one is likely to see the Asiatic Lion. The sanctuary covers a total area of 1,412 sq. km of which 258 sq.km at the core forms the National park. Permits are required to enter this part of the sanctuary.
The Asiatic lion once had a wide range in natural territory running from NW India through Persia to Arabia. But unfortunately hunted as a coveted trophy item during the British Raj era, it is now only found in the Gir forest of Gujarat. The famine of 1899 so decimated the Asiatic lion population that Lord Curzon cancelled his shoot at Gir, where he was staying as the guest of Nawab Junagadh. Curzon persuaded the Nawab to protect the remaining lions. In 1965, the India Government declared this place as a National park. The lion population which had sunk to an alarming two dozen in the early 20th century has slowly climbed over the years since, and now numbers about 300.
DAY 04: Gir National Park:
Morning and afternoon Jungle excursion in the Park. Overnight at resort / camp.
DAY 05: Gir / Zainabad (225 km) 5 hrs
Early morning birding around fringes of Sasan Gir. After breakfast, drive to Zainabad. En route visit the fringe of the Little Rann of Kutch, we will stop at some water holes to check birds. On arrival check in at the camp/resort. Overnight at Camp Zainabad
DAY 06: Zainabad
Morning jeep safari to the Rann of kutch for wild life and birding watching. Birds on the ground, aquatic species ,Wild Ass, other mammals and reptiles will be observed. Overnight at Camp Zainabad.
DAY 07: Zainabad / Ahmedabad (110 km) 2 ½ hrs. / Delhi
Morning after breakfast drive to Ahmedabad, on arrival transfer to the airport to board the flight for Delhi.
Tour and Services Ends.
Animal Spotting Tips
If you're serious about observing wildlife there are a few things you can do to enhance your experience and bring you even closer to nature.
1) Once you've planned your trip, visit your local bookshop, library or go on the internet to find a wildlife guide for the area you intend visiting. This will give you the best idea of the kinds of plants and animals you can expect to see.
2) Always take services of a local and experienced naturalist/guide who knows the area better. There is nothing better than local knowledge when it comes to spotting wildlife.
3) Wild animals have their distinct daily and seasonal patterns of activities. a baisc knowledge of these patterns increases one's chances of seeing them. The frequency of wildlife sightings in national parks and reserves varies, depending on the time of year.In India the best times are from February to May,during these months the trees are often bare, so visibility is considerably improved. Since there is also a general scarcity of water, the animals concentrate near sources of water.
4) Many animals have an amazingly alert sense of sight which helps them survive in the wild. To get close takes a great degree of patience and time but you can increase your chances by wearing natural or neutral colours that blend into your surroundings. Keep your movements to a minimum and when you do move, do it slowly and quietly.
5) Animals are very wary of the human voice. So, in order to get close to them, absolute silence is essential. Walk softly and watch where you're placing your feet so as not to snap branches or twigs or create other noise as you make your approach. Even if you have to take a less direct route, avoid walking through dense undergrowth as the animal is more likely to hear you and run away. Avoid carrying any metal objects in your pockets which will make noise. This includes things like car keys and loose change.
6 ) A highly attuned sense of smell is one of the key aspects for many species of wildlife to detect where food is or, indeed, even prey. It is, for many, the most important of their senses in their battle for survival. Don't wear any aftershave or perfume and avoid scented soaps and deodorants. There are plenty of environmentally friendly non-scented soaps and toiletries on the market from specialist camping stores. Although you may baulk at this suggestion, wear your clothes for several days if you're really serious about wildlife spotting. The more you wear your clothes outdoors, the more the fabrics will absorb natural outdoors scents and smells. Always be aware of the wind direction and make sure that the direction in which you approach an animal is where the wind is blowing towards you. If it's blowing away from you, animals can detect your scent from many hundreds of yards away.
7) It shouldn't be important to get too close up to an animal to enjoy the experience and, in some instances, if you do get too near, it can even be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. Binoculars can keep you at a safe distance from your quarry and means they are less likely to run away. Also, binoculars are the only way to view nesting birds or other forms of young wildlife. You should never get too close to a burrow, a nest or animals out and about with their young.
A magnifying glass will also come in handy if you're interested in examining insects and smaller wildlife alongside plants, flowers etc.
Following these tips and advice will ensure that your experience will be heightened as you marvel at all the wildlife and nature you've witnessed.
Lions of Gir Tour(Tour Highlight)
| City | Tour Highlight |
| Delhi | Safari in the National Park. |
| Zainabad | Jeep Safari in the Rann of Kutch. |
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