Arrive in Rajkot and proceed on a drive to Gir National Park, 160 km approximately. On the way, stop at Gondal to visit the Naulakha Palace, an architectural marvel with a museum exhibiting textiles, brassware, royal wardrobes and more. Lunch will be at Orchard Palace, the heritage family residence built to host the personal guests of the royal family. Continue your drive to Gir.
Captivating Gujarat
Wildlife, Wetlands & Weaves
Gujarat
Your Journey
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. This journey showcases the sheer diversity found in India, we see multiple habitat types and communities with vastly different cultures within a single state – Gujarat. We start at Gir National Park, to encounter the last remaining populations of the Asiatic Lions. Carrying on further to the scenic grasslands of Blackbuck Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best regions in the country to see the Indian wolf.
Hereafter we visit the largest city in Gujarat – Ahmedabad – known for its bustling markets, and incredible heritage and architecture. Moving further west we enter the Little Rann of Kutch, geologically very intriguing, these areas were once a part of the Arabian Sea. Now they are vast and endless salt pans with small patches of scrub that sustain a huge amount of life. Drive through the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary named after this endemic equine unique to the habitat. This area is also a very important destination on the Central Asian flyway, thousands of migratory birds congregate in the waterbodies in winter making it an absolute goldmine for birders. The arid saltpans are dotted with lakes that are breeding grounds for flamingos and pelicans. A large number of raptors are found here including harriers, vultures and a number of falcons and eagles.
Kutch is very different from the rest of Gujarat partly due to its habitat and also its proximity to Pakistan. There are several tribes and communities here, many are nomadic pastoralists constantly on the move. We base ourselves in the historic town of Bhuj. From here we venture deep into the Greater Rann of Kutch and visit a number of artisan villages where we learn about the textiles and handicrafts that define these communities.
wildlife
Jeep safaris, Walking safaris, Birding walks
adventure
Drives through the vast saltpans, sundowners watching hundreds of flamingos, safari’s in search of endangered Asiatic lions and the Indian wolves.
habitat
Explore the dry deciduous forests of Gir- the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic lions, drive through the endless salt pans of Kutch with it’s mind-boggling mirages and incredible sunsets. Explore beautiful lakes dotted with thousands of migratory waterbirds.
tribes
A special relationship is shared by the lions of Gir and the Maldhari’s, a pastoral community who live around the national park. Along with the Siddhi’s, a tribe having origins in Central Africa, brought to India by the Portuguese in the 17th century. The tribal communities of Kutch are famous for their exquisite artwork and textiles. Their way of life in these brutal desert landscapes are an experience to witness.
conservation
Major conservation efforts were taken up to revive the dwindling population of Asiatic lions, starting with the setting up of Gir National Park. The tolerance and the cooperation of the local communities is one of the major factors that helped the lions make a comeback. The lion numbers are presently climbing fast. Visit LLDC, a space dedicated to the craftspeople of Kutch. The focus here is on crafts education, training and supporting artisans in traditional crafts so that they are capable of earning a dignified livelihood.
Unique Experiences
←
Visit Gir National Park, home to the only Asiatic lions in the world. As few as 600 of these endangered big cats survive today. Witness how closely the cats share space with the communities around. The deciduous forests of Gir also support a good population of leopards, hyenas and even small cats like the Rusty-spotted cat.
Drive through one of the last remaining and protected grasslands of the country – Velavadar. A truly special habitat that supports many endangered species like Indian wolves and striped hyenas. The park is known for its large herds of blackbuck, a sight to behold especially if there is a hunt!
The waterbodies in the Little Rann of Kutch receive thousands of migratory birds every year. Spend a morning watching hundreds of demoiselle cranes and flamingos feeding at the lakes. A chance to see the most majestic Peregrine falcon in action along with other rarities such as the Mcqueens bustard.
Spend time in one of the country’s most historic cities – Bhuj. A melange of local markets, fascinating forts with incredible stories and a harmonious mix of different communities residing together.
Kutch has an incredibly rich abundance of traditional craftwork, in particular its textiles. But it's not just the sight and feel of the textiles that makes Kutch such a special destination; it is the experience of observing these artisans (including national award winners) at work in their homes as they have done for generations and even trying out the skill for yourself.
→
Itinerary Snapshot
Subscribe to exclusive itineraries by WATCH.
RECOMMENDED
Stays
←
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.
CONSCIOUS LUXURY
Bhuj House, Bhuj
Located in the historic Parsi area of Bhuj, the Bhuj House is an ancestral courtyard house. It was built in the late 1800s and has lasted through seven generations of the Bhujwala family and the tragic earthquake that struck Bhuj in 2001. The family has meticulously restored the four-room heritage guesthouse opening it to discerning guests.
→
