Gir Birding Lodge
Gir Lion Sanctuary & National Park
Sasan, District Junagadh
Gujarat. India
www.girbirdinglodge.com
https://linktr.ee/girbirdinglodge
A wildlife lodge with natural history at its heart
Gir Birding Lodge redefines the idea of wildlife-based tourism in Gujarat
The first bird watching lodge in Gujarat
We also used it as a spiritual retreat for meditation & yoga practitioners
Gir is the only place in India that hosts the only surviving population of wild Asiatic Lions.
Gir National Park
Gir National Park is a national park in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965 to protect the majestic Asiatic Lion in its natural habitat. The total area of the reserve is 1,412 sq km. The forest is mainly of dry deciduous and scrub types, with many perennial rivers and streams crisscrossing the area.
There are over 400 Lions and 300 Leopards in the park, making it one of the largest big cat concentrations in the country.
Apart from being home to the Asiatic Lion, Gir National Park is also a delight for birdwatchers. The area has forests, grasslands, cliffs, and ponds that are home to many bird species. Around 350 bird species have been recorded in this landscape. See the checklist here.
Gir Birding Lodge
Gir Birding Lodge is the first birding lodge in Gujarat. It is spread over 22 acres of orchards and generously canopied trees. It is a perfect base to explore the magnificent forest and its wildlife, the Maldhari areas and the surrounding villages. While nature walks, and safaris fill your senses, our yoga, wellness programs & spa will nourish your mind, body and soul. With the density of Lions & Leopards in the wild, Gir is the only reserve to view these magnificent cats. It is an oasis of serenity amidst beautiful orchards, forests and its glorious wild beings. A perfect base to explore the lion, leopard and bird haven of India. |
FACTS
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ACCOMMODATION
There are 6 cottages and 14 rooms. The rooms are on the ground floor and the first floor. You can enjoy all the advantages and excitement of staying in the forest, along with all the modern amenities & comforts. Every room is air-conditioned and has generous living space inside, with large windows and a modern en suite bathroom. The wide and airy verandas are an oasis where you can unwind and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest. The verandah offers panoramic views of the orchard. It is ideal for birdwatching and meditation. Please see the photos of the lodge. | |
How to Reach?
To get to Sasan Gir, one can take any of the following options:
Google Maps 21.17980268978324, 70.5845690306844
By Road
- Rajkot to Gir National Park: A 4-hour drive
- Bhavnagar to Gir National Park: A 5-hour drive
- Diu to Gir National Park: A 3-hour drive
- Ahmedabad to Gir National Park: A 7-hour drive
By Train
- Train Connectivity (Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Junagadh are well connected by Delhi & Mumbai bound trains).
- Travel time from Junagadh - Gir National Park: 1½ hour drive Transport can be arranged at an additional cost
- You can check the fare on www.irctc.co.in. If you would like us to book your tickets, we would do it for you for a nominal service charge in addition to the cost of the ticket.
By Air
- The nearest airport to reach Sasan Gir is Hirasar Airport near Rajkot (a bit over 4-hour drive).
- Flights are available to Hirasar (Rajkot), Bhavnagar & Diu. Ahmedabad is a major hub connected to important cities in India. It is also an international airport.
Note
- Road transportation, train and air tickets can be arranged at an extra cost. Ask us for quotes.
Tariff in Indian ₹ (accommodation with breakfast)
Buffet
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Note: You may book accommodation online on our website where you may get special deals. OR write to us in case we’ve got some deals for you.
Check deals on the website or online booking engine
*Cancellation rules for the above tariff
- Less than 10 days before the arrival date - No refund.
- Within 21 to 11 days of arrival date - 75% refund.
- Over 21 days before the arrival date - 97% refund.
- No refund in case of roadblocks, accidents, last-minute changes, no shows, etc.
- 50% of the total refundable amount (as per the above policy) will be released within 30 days of cancellation and the balance of 50% will be adjusted into future bookings.
- These rules do not apply to group bookings. Please discuss with us by email.
Payments
- An advance of 100% is required. Please check with us before making the payment. You can pay through PayTm as well.
JEEP SAFARIS
Park guides in open 4WD conduct safaris in the jungle. The duration of the safari is approximately three hours and is conducted early morning (06.00 hr.- 09.00 hr.), 2nd slot (08.30 hr - 11.30 hr) and in the afternoon (15.00 – 18.00 hr.). (winters' timing is different)
Each Jeep is allowed to seat a maximum of 6 persons. Besides the visitors, the Jeep has an expert driver and a park guide.
Cost per jeep per safari in INR
Safari Cost for Indian nationals: 01 to 06 persons
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Note: Video Camera / Still Camera (Indian Nationals): Rs. 200+ per camera per visit (Above 7.1 megapixels) to be paid directly in cash. Government taxes will be extra.
These may change. Please check when you make a booking.
Safari Cost for foreign nationals / NRI: 01 to 06 persons
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Note: Video Camera / Still Camera (Foreign Nationals): Rs.1400+ per camera per visit (Above 7.1 megapixels) to be paid directly in cash. Government taxes will be extra.
These may change. Please check when you make a booking.
Notes
- Since the safari permits are issued by the forest & tourism department, these are subject to availability.
- We book safaris only for our in-house guests. In case you cancel the hotel booking, we cannot refund your safari fee.
- Please send scanned copies of your passports (cover page with the photograph and the visa page) by email to us to pre-book your jungle safari.
- You may book a safari permit online of your choice. If you purchase the entry permit, we shall provide you with a Jeep and guide at an extra cost.
- Important: The Indian Government may revise park entrance fees | fares | taxes and on such occasions, the prices quoted may change. We do not absorb these cost differences.
THE KOTHI The Kothi is an informal reception and sitting area. The views provide an intimate introduction to the forests of Gir. It is a great place to interact with our resident expert naturalists and fellow wildlife enthusiasts over a freshly brewed cup of tea or homemade dinner. It also houses the library and other collectibles. We have film shows in the evening related to conservation and wildlife on request. |
KITCHEN & DINING Surrounded by mango trees, this setting is a unique dining experience. We serve Indian meals which are largely buffet style, but we also cater for a la carte orders if told in advance. Catering to most palates, we try to offer a variety of homemade vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in our buffets. Nutritionally balanced wholesome meals, fresh fruit juices and smoothies will help our guests detox their mind, body and soul. Guests may choose to have a packed safari picnic. We can also serve meals in the orchard. A favorite dinner spot is our orchard - a special place for a tranquil dinner and stargazing. Ask us for a cooking lesson or exchange recipes with our cooks. |
EXCURSIONS Jeep Safaris: Drives to explore parts of the reserve that are often remote and tucked away in magic corners of the park, our experienced naturalist will introduce you to the rich biodiversity of the park. From the majestic Lion to the shy funnel web spiders, you will be rewarded with an insight into the fine details of the natural world. We plan our Safaris keeping in mind the interests of the guests and balance that with an opportunity to visit different zones of the reserve. Designed for uninterrupted viewing, the 4x4 jeeps effortlessly maneuver through the grasslands, dirt tracks and hilly terrain as our expert naturalist points out the various species of birds and animals. Through their local network and experience, our trained local guides are usually very well informed, thereby increasing the chances of sightings of rare species. | |||
Village Visit Experience life in a village. Get an insight into the problems they face with regards to the man-animal conflict. Meet the Maldharis and Siddhi tribals. Dine at a local village home. Experiencing a day in the life of a village woman doing their everyday chores or attending a reforestation project. |
Birding & Picnics Gir forest and its surrounding areas are well represented in terms of rich avifauna. It has a variety of habitats-woodlands, grasslands, high hills, cliffs and ponds, catering to the needs of different bird species, both resident and migratory. Here we find 350 avifaunal species. This includes birds of prey, vultures, grebes, cormorants, ducks, kingfishers, herons, egrets, storks, hornbills, barbets, woodpeckers, flycatchers and many others. Sarus cranes visit the reserve for breeding during the monsoon and may be seen up to November. We can organize a special birding picnic with our birding guides. Watch for bird species as you enjoy a lovely picnic hamper arranged by us. |
Dinner Experience After the village visit, return to the lodge for refreshments. For your evening dinner, you can choose a private dinner in the resort's orchard or eat with everyone in the dining hall. |
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND FILM CREWS
(Dedicated Naturalist | Exclusive Jeep | Watchtowers and hides)
Our naturalists and managers specialize in assisting professional wildlife photographers and filmmakers. We facilitate permits, permissions to photograph / film within the reserve. We are happy to assist single traveling photographers or teams / groups and will tailor design their trip according to their interest and time frame.
PICTURES OF THE LODGE
Kindly see the pictures.
You can also check pictures on the official website: www.girbirdinglodge.com
WEATHER Gujarat has extreme climate fluctuations. In the winter months of December, January and February, morning game drives and late evenings are slightly cold. The sun is warm; the days are crisp and sunny. As we move into April, summer is setting in and the shade is welcome. As water holes dry up by April, wildlife is concentrated in smaller areas of the park and the Lion sighting gets better but with that the heat is extreme, afternoon temperatures can touch 46°C. The jungle looks beautiful after the monsoons. Green flushes of new leaves on the bamboo and thick undercover, misty mornings and crisp sunlight make the forest breathtakingly beautiful. |
CLOTHING There is no official dress code. However, when out on a safari, we suggest muted clothing and colors that would blend with nature. October to mid-November: Light fleece and a sweater or shawl November to end February: Warm fleece, a warm sweater, and a light jacket, are a must. Gloves and a warm cap are always welcome comforters. March to May: Shorts or light trousers and ideal cotton clothing. |
Other Notes
- Please read this section on the website: Know Where You Are Headed
- For India there are three associated plug types, types C, D and M. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type M is the plug which also has three round pins. India operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
- The cottages are suitable for disabled guests with help. We have a wheelchair if needed.
- We would urge our guests not to smoke in and around the lodge, inside the cottages and in the dining areas.
- The smaller mammals, wild animals & birds occasionally enter and pass through the lodge. We request guests not to walk alone at night. Members of our staff will be happy to accompany guests back to their cottages. Please do not walk barefoot anywhere, not even inside your cottage. If there are unwanted guests in your cottage (spiders, insects, geckos, etc.) please alert our staff who will remove them.
- We do not have in-house laundry.
- We advise you to be careful with your valuables. If there is anything you would like to keep safe, our managers will be happy to assist you.
- If you’d like to leave a tip for our staff at the end of your stay, please do not tip any of our staff individually. There are many unseen hands who work hard to make your stay comfortable, and we strive to divide tips between the entire staff. Please leave tips in the tip box.
- Check-out time is 11 am.
- We do not have the facility to charge credit cards at the lodge, but you may pay through an online wallet such as PayTm. We recommend you carry enough spare cash to pay for hotel taxes and any extra expenses that you may incur. You can make the room payment through the payment gateway.
RESERVATION
Please make reservations via our Noida office, either by telephone or e-mail. Prepayment is required to secure a confirmed reservation.
A-32, Sector-04 Noida - 201301 T: +91 8010450000, +91 9811124222 |
Gir Birding Lodge Sasan Gir, District Junagadh Gujarat 362135. India. T: +91 9723971842 |
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Booking Office: Asian Adventures
A-32, Sector-4, Noida-201301 (UP) India.
Mobile: +91 8010450000. WhatsApp: +91 9899063315
E-mail: info@asianadventures.in
Web: www.girbirdinglodge.com & https://linktr.ee/girbirdinglodge