Delve into the incredible wildlife diversity of Gujarat, one of India's most biologically vibrant states.
Our exciting 17-day wildlife adventure whisks you away from the arid salt flats of the Rann of Kutch to the lush forests of Gir National Park, the last refuge of the Asiatic lions. Along the way, you will encounter endangered species like the Indian wild ass, blackbuck, Indian wolf, and the elusive great Indian bustard.
With stops at renowned national parks such as Velavadar, Marine National Park, and Gir, this journey is a dream come true for wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, and eco-travel enthusiasts.
Immerse yourself in authentic village life, witness local conservation efforts, and explore stunning desert landscapes while enjoying stays in eco-lodges and heritage hotels.
Detailed Itineary
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Day 1 : Arrive in Ahmedabad
Welcome to Ahmedabad! You'll arrive here either via an international flight or a domestic connection from Mumbai.
Once you land, your private driver will be waiting to transfer you away to your hotel right in the heart of Gujarat's vibrant capital. There's no set agenda for today, but if you have some time to spare, why not take a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old City or check out the lively night markets!
Overnight stay in Ahmedabad!
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Day 2 : Ahmedabad
Get ready for a day packed with the cultural gems of Ahmedabad! Begin your journey at the Calico Museum of Textiles, acclaimed as one of the world's finest textile museums.
Next, head over to Sabarmati Ashram, the serene retreat of Mahatma Gandhi. Visit the intricately carved Hutheesing Jain Temple and the stunning Sarkhej Roza complex.
Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.
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Day 3 : Ahmedabad - Dasada
After a hearty breakfast, it's time to drive! You'll drive about 90 km to Dasada and check into the Rann Riders Eco-Resort, a charming eco-friendly lodge designed to reflect local village architecture.
In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling jeep safari into the Little Rann of Kutch Wild Ass Sanctuary, the only home of the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass. Watch out for nilgai (blue bull), desert foxes, Indian gazelles, and a variety of desert birds, including shrikes, larks, and maybe even the majestic great Indian bustard.
Overnight Stay at Rann Riders.
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Day 4 : Dasada
Today includes two safaris - starting in the morning with an excursion to the ‘bets'-the slightly elevated islands scattered across the vast salt plains of the Rann, covered in scrub and grass. Later in the evening, visit a nearby lake where you can witness large flocks of demoiselle cranes, common cranes, flamingos, and pelicans gathering. If you're a birdwatching enthusiast, this spot is a must-visit, especially during the winter months.
Overnight stay at Rann Riders in Dasada.
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Day 5 : Dasada - Bhuj
Get ready for an adventurous 270 km drive across the stunning salt flats and rugged landscapes to Bhuj. Along the way, keep an eye out for camel caravans and the semi-nomadic Rabari tribes who have called this tough terrain home for generations. Despite the devastation of the 2001 earthquake, Bhuj has rebounded with resilience, now thriving with vibrant culture and craftsmanship.
Overnight stay at Hotel Ilark in Bhuj.
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Day 6 : Bhuj - Moti Virani
Today, you'll travel just 50 km to Moti Virani, where you'll check in at CEDO (Centre for Desert and Ocean), an eco-camp focused on conservation. In the evening, visit a nearby roosting site to spot the elusive Grey Hypocolius, a rare migratory bird found in only a handful of locations across India.
You'll be staying overnight at CEDO Camp.
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Day 7 : Banni Grassland
Prepare for a full day of exploration in the Banni Grasslands, the largest and most ecologically important grassland in India. You'll have the chance to spot a variety of raptors, including Aquila eagles, and explore water bodies bustling with migratory waterfowl. It's a true paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers alike.
Overnight stay at CEDO Camp.
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Day 8 : Lala Bustard Sanctuary
Get ready for a full-day adventure to the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary near Naliya. This sanctuary is one of the last remaining homes for the critically endangered Indian bustard. You might also encounter chinkara gazelles, desert foxes, and perhaps even the elusive Indian wolf.
You'll be spending the night at CEDO Camp.
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Day 9 : Moti Varani - Mandvi
Set off on a drive to the charming coastal town of Mandvi, making a delightful stop along the way for some birdwatching in the beautiful coastal wetlands. Once you arrive, unwind on Mandvi Beach, which boasts the title of India's longest private beach. As the sun sets, enjoy a magical dinner under the stars at your luxurious tented beachfront camp.
Overnight stay in Mandvi.
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Day 10 : Mandvi - Jamnagar
Embark on a scenic 350 km drive to Jamnagar. In the late afternoon, visit Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, a crucial breeding site for grebes, storks, and terns - many of which nest nowhere else in peninsular India.
Overnight stay at Hotel President in Jamnagar.
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Day 11 : Jamnagar
Spend the day exploring the pristine coastal stretches of the Gulf of Kutch, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Watch for a variety of waders and shorebirds, including plovers, sandpipers, oystercatchers, and different species of terns, especially around the intertidal mudflats and salt pans.
Later, visit the Marine National Park, India's first marine sanctuary, where you may spot nesting sea turtles, playful Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, porpoises, and even coral reefs during low tide. This aquatic ecosystem is teeming with biodiversity, making it a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts.
Overnight stay at Hotel President, Jamnagar.
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Day 12 : Jamnagar - Gondal
Drive to Gondal (130 km) and check in at the heritage Orchard Palace, a former royal residence of the Gondal princely state. This elegant palace offers a unique blend of regal charm and traditional hospitality.
Enjoy birdwatching in the palace grounds or explore Gondal, a town renowned for its royal legacy and urban development under Maharaja BhagwatSinhji. Visit the Naulakha Palace Museum, famous for royal artifacts and vintage charm, and explore the Ayurvedic University and local temples.
In the evening, explore the nearby Gondal grasslands and lakes-an ideal haven for birdwatchers. These wetlands attract a stunning variety of birdlife, including owls, quails, shrikes, demoiselle cranes, white pelicans, and numerous migratory ducks.
Overnight at Orchard Palace hotel, Gondal.
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Day 13 : Gondal
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, set off on a 140 km drive to Gir National Park. Make sure to stop along the way to soak in the stunning Indo-Islamic architecture and the lively markets of Junagadh. Once you arrive, check into the cozy Gir Birding Lodge, quite situated right by the park's entrance.
Overnight stay at Gir Birding Lodge.
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Day 14 & 15 : Gir
Spend two thrilling days exploring Gir National Park, the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic Lion. Enjoy four jeep safaris through the park's dense forests and open grasslands, offering excellent chances to spot lions, leopards, and a rich variety of wildlife.
Gir is home to sambar and spotted deer, nilgai (blue bull), wild boars, and the rare chousingha, the world's only four-horned antelope. Birdwatchers will be delighted with Gir's incredible avian diversity, while nearby attractions include a crocodile breeding center and large fruit bat colonies roosting in banyan trees.
Stay at Gir Birding Lodge, ideally located just outside the park entrance, ensuring easy access to all safari zones.
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Day 16 : Gir - Velavader
Rise and shine for an early departure to Velavadar National Park, which boasts the largest population of blackbuck antelope in India. You might also spot jungle cats, Indian foxes, jackals, and the elusive Indian wolf. Enjoy a tranquil night at Blackbuck Lodge, nestled within this semi-arid sanctuary.
Overnight stay at Velavadar.
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Day 17 : Ahmedabad Depart
Drive back to Ahmedabad for your onward domestic or international flight from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Your memorable wildlife adventure in Gujarat concludes with cherished memories of majestic predators, vibrant birdlife, and the regal charm of the region's natural heritage.