Wildlife of Gujarat

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Ahmedabad – transfer to hotel and relax

  On your arrival in Ahmedabad, you will be met and introduced to your driver. Transfer into the city of Ahmedabad and check into your hotel.

  Overnight in Ahmedabad

  Note: Generally the check in time at the hotels is 2 pm.

• Day 2 : Ahmedabad – sightseeing

  A full day sightseeing tour of the city including the famous Akshardham temple, Mahatma Gandhi’s home and ashram, intricately carved Hutheesing Jain Temple and the royal complex outside the city at Sarkhej. Return to Ahmedabad for overnight stay.

  Optional Visit: If you prefer to visit the Calico Museum instead of the other suggested places, you may do so. However, entry to the Calico Museum is by prior appointment only, and visitors need to book their visit well in advance. The Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad is one of India’s foremost textile museums, renowned for its extensive collection of textiles and its role in preserving and showcasing India's rich weaving heritage.

  Overnight in Ahmedabad.

• Day 3 : Ahmedabad-drive to Dasada

  After breakfast drive to Dasada and check in at your hotel. After lunch and time to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of your hotel, take an afternoon safari in the Little Rann of Kutch, a sanctuary for the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass. Other mammals which you may be lucky enough to see include nilgai (blue bull), gazelle, desert fox and wolf. There is also a huge variety of birdlife in this area including many species of larks, shrikes, warblers, robins and thrushes. There are also impressive birds of prey and occasional sightings of the great Indian bustard are possible.

  Overnight stay in Dasada.

• Day 4 : Dasada

  Two more safaris today- in the morning to the ‘bets’- those few elevated patches in vast salt plains of the Rann which are covered with scrub and grass. In winter, this is a good place to spot bustards, buzzards and eagles. In the evening visit a lake where demoiselle and common cranes gather in large flocks during the winter months. Also seen in this area are large flocks of flamingos, along with pelicans, storks, ibises, geese and a plethora of wading birds. 

  Overnight stay in Dasada.

• Day 5 : Dasada - drive to Bhuj

  Drive from Dasada to Bhuj through this most remarkable landscape- shimmering salt flats and a seemingly inhospitable landscape incapable of supporting any life but dotted with villages and camel-trains of the semi-nomadic Rabari people who have lived in this part of India for centuries. The old town of Bhuj was tragically destroyed in the massive earthquake of 2001 leaving few parts of this historic trading post untouched but the resilience of people who live in such a forbidding part of the world is remarkable and the city as a whole has bounced back remarkably well. 

  Overnight stay at Bhuj.

• Day 6 : Bhuj- drive to Moti Virani

  Drive from Bhuj to Moti Virani and stay at a Camp. In the evening visit the nearby roost of the Grey Hypocolius, one of the few sites where this passerine bird is seen in India. Return to the Camp for overnight stay.

  Overnight stay at Moti Virani.

  Note: Accommodations at Moti Virani are very limited. If the suggested camp is not available, you may stay in Bhuj and take a ‘day excursion’ to Moti Virani with a Guide.

• Day 7 : Moti Virani – day tour to Banni Grassland/ Banni Villages

  Day tour to the Banni region, India’s largest grassland area and home to a great concentration of Aquila and other eagles- the water bodies here are known for their large flocks of waterfowl or you can explore the Banni villages to experience their cultural aspects. Return to the Camp for overnight stay.

  Overnight stay at Moti Virani.

  Note: Accommodations at Moti Virani are very limited. If the suggested camp is not available, you may stay in Bhuj and take a ‘day excursion’ to Banni region with a Guide.

• Day 8 : Moti Virani- drive to - Mandvi

  Drive back to Bhuj and on to Mandvi, visiting coastal areas en route- more excellent birding opportunities await here. On arrival in Mandi, check in at your hotel and relax.

  Overnight stay in Mandvi.

• Day 9 : Mandvi - drive to Jamnagar

  Enjoy a full-day drive to Jamnagar, followed by a visit to Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary in the late afternoon. Please note that bird sightings are subject to availability during your visit.

  This sanctuary is a breeding area for many species of birds that do not nest elsewhere in peninsular India including grebes, storks and terns.

  Overnight at Jamnagar.

• Day 10 : Jamnagar

  Visit coastal areas along the Gulf of Kutch, one of the finest birding stretches along the Indian coastline. Among the birds frequently sighted here are several species of plovers, oystercatchers, sandpipers and a multitude of terns. Also nearby is Marine National Park- a habitat for nesting turtles in season, as well as porpoises and dolphins.

  Overnight stay at Jamnagar

• Day 11 : Jamnagar- drive to Gondal

  Morning drive to Gondal and check-in at your hotel. From here you have the option of enjoying the tranquillity of surroundings and spotting some of the variety of species of birds which come to the grounds to forage, or venture into Gondal itself. This is a fascinating town which owes much of its modern success to the all-round philanthropy of Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji who pioneered electricity, rail and road networks and education in his preserve in the early 20th century. His legacy is celebrated at the wonderful museum in the Naulakha Palace and also the town has some delightful temples. In the evening, drive to nearby grasslands where yet more birds can be sighted including owls, quails and shrikes, among others. The lakes around Gondal attract large flocks of demoiselle cranes, white pelicans, ducks, and other birds.
  Overnight stay at Gondal.

• Day 12 : Gondal – drive to Junagadh - drive to Gir

  After breakfast, drive to Gir stopping en route to tour the historic town of Junagadh, home to some truly spectacular Indo-Islamic architecture, a fascinating ‘old town’ market area and an imposing hill top fort. On arrival at Gir, check in to your accommodation and relax.

  Overnight stay in Gir.

• Day 13 : Gir - morning and afternoon safaris

  Gir is the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic Lion and during your two days here, with a total of 4 jeep safaris (today & tomorrow), you will have a very high probability of spotting several of these majestic animals, and possibly some of the many leopards which inhabit the Park as well. Gir Birding Lodge is directly outside one of the Park’s entrance gates, meaning all your time ‘on safari’ is spent exploring the forests and grasslands of Gir. Prey species in Gir include sambar and spotted deer, nilgai (blue bull) and wild boar. Gir is also one of the major habitats of Chousingha- the world’s only four-horned antelope. The variety of bird species is staggering. There is also a crocodile breeding centre nearby, and fruit bats roost in huge numbers in banyan trees around the fringes of the Park, so there are many opportunities to expand your wildlife experience.

  Overnight stay in Gir.

• Day 14 : Gir - morning and afternoon safaris

  This morning and afternoon, enjoy Jeep safaris at Gir National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot the majestic Asiatic lions, along with a diverse array of wildlife and various bird species.

  Overnight stay in Gir.

• Day 15 : Gir- drive to Velavadar

  Early morning depart for Velavadar National Park. Known for its large blackbuck antelope population, Velavadar is also one of the few places where the wolf is proliferating in India, although rather difficult to spot. Other more easily spotted animals in this semi-arid environment include jackals, jungle cats and Indian foxes. 

  Overnight at Velavadar.

• Day 17 : Velavadar – drive to Ahmedabad

  This morning, take another safari at Velavadar national park. Later drive to Ahmedabad, check in at your hotel and relax.

  Overnight stay in Ahmedabad

• Day 17 : Ahmedabad – day excursion to Nalsarovar Bird sanctuary – back to Ahmedabad

  Start your day early with a day trip to Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary from Ahmedabad, a delightful escape into nature, ideal for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located about 60 km southwest of Ahmedabad, Nalsarovar is renowned for its extensive wetlands and diverse avian population, making it a premier bird-watching destination in Gujarat.

  After your excursion, return to your hotel to relax. The rest of the day is free for your own activities, allowing you time to explore and collect any last-minute souvenirs before your departure or you can walk around the market area.

  Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.

• Day 18 : Ahmedabad – Departure

  Today you will be transferred to Ahmedabad airport to catch your domestic/international flight according to your flight schedule.

  Tour Ends

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