Good place to stay at Gir

[V S Sankar]

Dear friends,

We are planning a trip to Gir NP during first week of Nov 2017.I have planned one day stay and 2 safaris;one in the afternoon and one in the morning.

Is this ok?Any suggestions on any other aspect of the trip?

Thanks in advance.

Regards

V S Sankar

[V S Sankar]

There was no reply from anyone!...But thats ok!

Here is my experience..........I booked safari and Resort online using www.girlion.in

I booked two safaris, one on the first day 3pm to 6pm and another next day morning 6 to 9.On both occations did not see lions.But saw Leopard,Indian Jackal,many Nigais,deers and a few birds.The jeep safari is bit of dusty and one needs to take care of the camera carefully.

I thought Devalia is like a zoo and did not visit!..But now I feel that I must have made a visit as it seems its considered a wildlfie sancturay only.I thought it was like Bannerghatta NP.Recenly another Interpretation zone was started at Ambardi about 40 kms from Gir NP similar to Devalia.If you really want to see Lions you must visit either Devalia or Ambardi.

The guides were friendly and knowledgeable.The Resort was good as well.

As a consolation got a framed photograph of a Lion from the resort!

Regards

V S Sankar

[Saktipada Panigrahi]

Sankar Bhai,

I visited Gir long back in March 1975 (4d/3n),stayed at State Govt. rest house near Sasan Gir railway station. The sole minibus in those days used to start at 3 p.m and return at 6.30 p.m. In the morning I used to walk in the forest accompanied by a guide.
On the first day I saw a lioness and three cubs. On second, a pride of two lions, and on third the lion show of a mating pair of a lion and lioness. A number of other species of mammals (except leopard) too were seen. In those days GIR had about 180 lions and almost equal number of leopards.
Two years back my relations went to GIR and did not see any lion. Nice, you are lucky to see leopard. Why not lion, I think the conducted tours are too commercialised now.

Kind regards, SaktiWild

[Sabyasachi Patra]

It is good that you went for the main jungle and not the enclosed area. What is the fun in shooting an animal in enclosed area?

It is great that you got to see a leopard. Did you click or was it a fleeting glimpse? Looks like your love affair with Gir is starting.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[V S Sankar]

Thanks for the comments Saktiji and Sabyaji!.....Its nice to know Saktiji's encounter with Lions at Gir in `975!Since now I have seen Gir I can imagine how it would have looked in 1975!.....I guess just like today more or less!

Sabyaji I fell in love with GIr no doubt.My desire to go again and meet the Lions have increased manifold now

Here is the pic of the Leopard which we saw only for just a few seconds.Since the pic is not of good quality not posting it on the main thread.

Regards

V S Sankar

[Saktipada Panigrahi]

Sighting a Leopard, the phantom in the Indian Jungles is great. Its coat is richly patterned with close-set jet black spots and very prominent rosettes.......A very beautiful specimen. Thanks for sharing. SaktiWild