Gujarat holidays, Asiatic Lions, Blackbuck & Wild Asses
Description of Gujarat holidays, Asiatic Lions, Blackbuck & Wild Asses
This tailor made trip has been crafted by a local company that specialises in Gujarat wildlife, such as the much sought after Asiatic lions, blackbuck and wild asses. The nine day itinerary has been carefully crafted to allow plenty of time in each of the Gujarat national parks. With one full day in Velavadar National Park, famous for its beautiful blackbuck and two days in Gir National Park where the Asiatic lions take centre stage. Gir was given protected status as far back as 1900 when, after being used as a trophy hunting ground for years, the lion population was reduced to almost zero. Since then, hunting lion has been illegal and the legacy of committed conservation still stands here. A night time safari at Gir is a highlight for many of our guests.
At Velavadar NP, game drives will not only bring you in contact with over 1500 blackbuck but also wolves and jackals, although a night time safari is the time to spot the latter. There is rich birdlife, such as the lesser florican, a large bird in the bustard family that thrives in these grassland habitats.
In addition to the national parks, we also include the unique habitats of the Little Rann of Kutch in our itinerary, a saline desert that is famous for being one of the last places on earth where you can see the beautiful Indian wild ass. Other stunning wild mammals to catch sight of include the chinkara, desert fox, jackals, caracals, nilgais and striped hyenas. It is also home to over three hundred bird species, with flamingos and pelicans creating a fine sight as well as many migratory birds arriving in over the Gulf of Kutch. Our visit to the Rann region also allows us to spend time with the tribal groups still living very traditional lifestyles here.
As this is a tailor made trip, we are happy to accommodate your interests and needs, starting the holiday in Delhi or Mumbai, for example, or adding additional days to take in other experiences such as a night time leopard safari.
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Reviews
2 Reviews of Gujarat holidays, Asiatic Lions, Blackbuck & Wild Asses
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2018 by Bonnie Shirley
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All the wildlife and the wonderful lodges I stayed at: 13 Asiatic lions, 7 leopards, a striped hyena, 2 jungle cats, blackbuck, wild asses, and many species of birds. The Blackbuck Lodge and Bera Safari Lodge were amazing places to stay. The Gir Birding Lodge was incredibly accommodating and hospitable.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take good binoculars and a good camera (if you want decent pictures). If doing early morning safaris, especially in Bera and Little Rann of Kutch, take a warm hat and mittens and a warm coat. I froze some mornings.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe that most of the places I stayed hired locals, and the National Parks definitely had local guides and drivers.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a very good time and everything went smoothly. My driver was excellent and the car in great condition. However, the trip was much too expensive. I met people staying at the same or more expensive places and doing exactly the same thing as I was who were paying much less than I, so that did not make me happy. We compared itineraries and they were even staying longer in India and visiting more places and parks, and still paying less, so I feel that I was taken advantage of even though I did have a great time.
Reviewed on 01 May 2017 by Clive Freemantle
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It would be impossible to identify a single highlight- there were so many! Seeing so many leopards, the Asiatic lions, the nesting hornbills, saving a Blackbuck fawn from a pariah dog, the simply superb staff, some truly amazing dishes we tried and people we encountered- simply too much and many to mention.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a travel plug, try to get lots of small denomination rupee notes, plenty of insect repellent, budget for high camera fees especially in Velavadar (where it is USD20 per camera per visit, NOT per day!). Incognito incense sticks were very reassuring and watch out for IndiGo air crew for overcharging inflight purchases!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
SUPERB! One of our best ever! The structure of our holiday could not have been more diverse and better constructed.
Responsible Travel
Planet and people
This particular trip is a unique in its own way as the destinations being covered in this tour are all in remote areas where the real source of income is from tourism industry. We are using only heritage, palaces & the jungle lodges owned by the local community. These old heritage buildings have now converted into hotels, so tourism helps conserve the architecture helps the locals in getting good jobs. All the accommodation which we are using have local staff.All our accommodations are eco friendly and have used the local material & handicrafts. Our accommodations are equipped with energy saving lights, solar hot water systems & ground water recharge system. We will be using through out local guides who are now trained in their field and will certainly make a difference in this trip. We use only local transport throughout in this trip. The drivers and guides are very well paid and helps a lot in the upliftment of the local economy.
When we are on safari guests are advised to bring back waste to their accommodation. We stick to the trails and advise not to harm the local flora & fauna. All the guests are briefed before entering the park not to get down from their respective vehicles. Smoking is strictly banned while on safari. We are supporting an NGO called Jagriti who supports and helps the poor orphan children in giving them shelter and education. An amount of £5 per person will go this institution.
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