Gujarat
The Natural Heritage of Gujarat
Gujarat houses in it a rice natural heritage with diverse ecological habitats. From the coastline to lakes to salt lands, from deciduous jungles to grasslands, Gujarat is a rather unique, little state with tremendous diversity. It is home to many endangered species of animals, big and small.
Taking the Rann
Exploring the Rann is all about knowing where to go in this road less, limitless landscape. For a person who is unaccustomed to this area exploring the vast salt flats can seem like an impossible task. But that is where the local guides and drivers come in. Having grown up here they know the Rann like the back of their hand. The safaris may seem like one is going in circles but make no mistake, the drivers know exactly where they are taking you and what targets one is seeking.
“The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”
― Christopher McCandless
The Rann Ecosystem
This Rann ecosystem was protected in the eighties to create a safe haven for the last population of Asiatic Wild Ass or Khur. These fawn colour wild equids roam these flatlands, hopping from ‘’island’’ to ‘’island’’ in search of food and precious moisture. When we say islands in the Rann context, we are talking about elevated patches of land with some dry land bushes but avoids the annual submergence. This is where desert adapted thorny shrubs grow, grasses dot the floor of these islands and sometimes, even rocks and stones. Occasionally one may find tall granite conglomerates rising like hillocks from the flatland. These are known as Dungars and they dot the run in some areas, rising like pillars visible from miles away.
Safaris in Sasan Gir National Park
The wildlife experience in Gir starts as soon as one wakes up in their accommodation at the edge of the park. The loud roars of the lions echoes across the landscape in the mornings and evenings. Listening to them as one sips their morning beverage is a welcome reminder that one is in the kingdom of the Asiatic Lion.
Safaris in Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar
As a visitor, it may not take one much time to explore the area that is Velavadar. In fact it is a small park that could take just a drive or two to cover from one end to the other. It definitely takes a lot less time than the other parks in India or the world. But within this small park and the small network of roads there is so much to see. This is a park where in every corner, one has the chance of getting intimate with a wild species, great photo opportunities are many and there is more than enough to keep a birder engaged for days together.
Coexisting of Maldharis and the Lions
Crossing hamlets of Maldharis on the drives and taking directions from the herdsmen themselves to find the lions is commonplace and can be quite amusing for the first timer. One may even see a forest guard or a Maldhari standing casually just a few metres away from the lions. The daily meetings have over the years (generations of cats) created an environment of mutual respect and understanding between the guards and the big cats.
RECOMMENDED
Journeys
JUNE 6/2021 | WILDLIFE
Venture into the heart of Western India, an area steeped in culture and history. Owing to the arid nature of the landscape here, life is not easy and the wildlife and communities have adapted their ways to survive the harsh conditions.
JUNE 6/2019 | CULTURE
A journey that takes us deep inside Western India, an area known for its spectacular landscapes. The two states Gujarat and Rajasthan are dominated by the Thar Desert along with enchanting dry
deciduous forests, shrubland, vast savanna grasslands and endless saltpans.
RECOMMENDED
Stays
Sentinels of frontier lands, accommodation partners of WATCH are beyond being just hotels, lodges and retreats. They are showcases of the authentic and invaluable, ensuring their propagation and celebration. World class hospitality is a natural derivative of this pride in their heritage and legacy.
CONSCIOUS LUXURY
Aramness, Gir National Park
Situated on the fringe of the Sasan Gir National Park on former farmlands, Aramness Gir is the only luxury boutique hospitality offering in the state. Its name is derived from the union of two words: aram, meaning rest or peace in Gujarati and ness, which is the word used to describe the local Maldhari villages here.
WILDERNESS
Blackbuck Lodge, Velavadar National Park
The Blackbuck Lodge is one of the first luxury wildlife lodge set up in Western India. Sitting comfortably amid the Velavadar National Park, the superbly appointed cottages offer an opportunity to soak in the wilderness.
UNDERSTATED LUXURY
House of MG, Ahmadabad
The House of MG was built by one of the city Fathers and it wonderfully represents the colonial heritage architecture of the early 20th century, replete with courtyards and verandahs, overflowing with greenery.
WILDERNESS
Rann Riders, Little Rann of Kutch
Rann Riders is an enchanting destination hotel, set among wetlands and agricultural fields. It has quaintly designed cottages that blend with the surrounding countryside. Located near Dasada village, it serves as an ideal base to explore the wildlife, famed culture and handicrafts of the Little Rann of Kutch.
TESTIMONIALS
Words from our Guests
Here are few inspiring words that drive us to veer off the beaten track to look for the beyond. Exploring and sharing the hidden wonders of this awe-inspiring land for that acknowledging nod, a simple smile, a few kind words is in a nutshell our raison d’être.
FROM OUR
Memoir
From pensive sojourns to penning ideas whose time has come, our WATCH experts and partners are as passionate about sharing their ideas, observations and life experiences as they are travelling to the hidden destinations. Read their recent writings.
Pench National Park
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Panna National Park
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Kanha National Park
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