Sasan Gir National Park | Gir lion | Gir Safari | The Western Routes | The High Roads

Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in India which is a home to 670+ Asiatic lions. We joined a group with the Western Routes founded by Jayesh Paranjape.

We took an early morning flight from Pune to Ahmedabad and after some delicious Gujarati breakfast at the Iscon Ghatiya, we began our drive down to Gir. Sasan Gir National Park is an 8 hours drive from Ahmedabad. If you can manage, stay overnight in Ahmedabad and start driving early after a good rest.

We spotted lions in 4 out of 5 safaris. With summer being a good time to spot them near the water holes. We saw a leopard once while one of the jeeps carrying other members of our group spotted two.

Summers can be pretty harsh in this part of the country. There are fewer trees and hence very little shade. Temperatures can go up to 46 degrees Celsius. So, its advisable to go well prepared – a hat / cap, mask, hand coverings, light summer clothing (dark colored), good sun block and most importantly plenty of drinking water. One time use plastic is not allowed inside the jungle during safaris. So, it’s best to carry your own reusable water bottles, preferably a thermos as the water in the bottles can get quite warm in the heat. You can also rent water bottles with cold water from where the safaris start at a nominal price of Rs. 20/-.

Shri. Somnath Temple, one of the Jyotirlings is located only about 45 min drive away. One should definitely plan a visit to this temple over looking the Arabian sea.

On our way back to Ahmedabad, we stopped by to see Mahabat Singh ka makbara.

We stayed at Gir Lion Safar Camp is situated right across the hiran river. It is about 4 km from the safari gate. We stayed in an AC cottage which are basic, but decent and clean. The food is good and service is delightful. The buffet spread is limited but mostly tasty. Non-vegetarian food is not usually part of the buffet spread, but is served on the table upon request. We had a wonderful stay.

If you are visiting Gir during summer, do not forget to try the “Gir Kesar” mangoes. Like Maharashtra is famous of Ratnagiri and Devgad alphanso mangoes, Gujarat is famous for Gir kesar mangoes.

Pictures and videos shot using –
Google Pixel 7a, iPhone 11, Nikon Coolpix P950 (bridge camera with 83x optical zoom)

Cost of the trip:
Round trip flights between Pune & Ahmedabad
Package with The Western Routes – for one person: Rs. 29,000/-
Inclusions: 5 safaris, accommodation in AC cottages on twin sharing, all transfers between Ahmedabad airport and Gir, between hotel and safari gates, Somnath temple visit and all meals.
Cost of camera: Rs. 200/- per day for all cameras. If you are doing two safaris in a day, same ticket and trip voucher should be preserved and entered at the start of the safari.

Things we carried:
Reusable water bottles
Comfortable footwear suitable for jungle
Weather appropriate wear
Sun hats / caps
Sun glasses
Hand sleeves
Sunblock lotion
Binoculars
Camera
Tripod / monopod
Snacks to share

Always, LEAVE THE PLACE CLEANER THAN YOU FOUND IT.

Google Locations:
Sasan Gir National Park - https://goo.gl/maps/3C8HH68DYiib35by5
Gir Lion Safari Camp - https://goo.gl/maps/hjaEksJ72Ak7znwa7
Shree Somnath Jotirling temple - https://goo.gl/maps/uh2SrSJFjKYDXk6E6

Useful Links:
The Western Routes -   / western_routes  
https://linktr.ee/thewesternroutes
The High Roads –    / @thehighroads  
  / the_highroads_vlog  


Music credits: (Epidemic Sounds)
Domentum - Of Water
Perfect Morning - Gold In June
Dance of the Peacock - Palace on Wheels
No Good Byes - Amaranth Cove
King of Lions - Sight of Wonders
The Village Welcoming - Adriel Fair
Adventure Awaits - Dream Cave
Jungle Rumble - Andreas Dahlback
Presence of a King – Ballpoint
Unbroken Spirit - Sunfish Grove