Velavadar National Park
Rann of Kutch
Gir Lion Safari


Velavadar National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries of Saurashtra. This package takes in the Velavadar National Park and Gir Lion Safari & National Park, the 2 most important national parks in Gujarat. With accommodations in The Palace Utelia, the riverside Palace of Gondal and the Mneland jungle lodge at Gir.Added attractions will be the spectaular Flocks of flamingoes,pelicans,cranes and other magnificently coloured birds at Nalsarovar bird sanctuary and veri lake, the grandoise Palaces of Gondal, the archaelogical ruins of Lothal and the historic fort, palaces and mausoleom at Junagadh.
Approx. Cost:  5 days/4 nights Rs.8450/- person.

Rann of Kutchh
The entire Little Rann of Kutch known as the "Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary" is a featureless expanse of flat land - the sea bed - dotted with  islands known as "Baits" which form the core for the flora and fauna.This is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India.The wildlife consists of the rare and endangered Ghudkhur (Equs hemionus khur) not found anywhere else in the world. Others such as the Blue-Bull,Chinkara,Hedgehog and carnivores such as the Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Jungle and   Desert Cats.A large number and variety of birds - almost three hundred species,can be see in and around the Rann during winter. Cranes and Flamingoes can be seen by the thousands. Rare birds such as the Houbara Bustard,Falcons,a large number and species of larks and other arid region birds can be seen.Reptiles such as snakes, tortoises, lizards, are found.

The Safari
Travelling on the vast Rann in an open jeep is a refreshing and exciting experience.The sunrise and sunset are breathtaking,displaying exotic hues. Viewing wildlife is an exciting and thrilling adventure.It is more satisfying to observe animal behaviour than mere sighting. A minimum of three/four days stay is recommended. There are morning and evening excursions in Jeeps/Mini coaches that seat a comfortable number of persons and are conducted at a leisurely pace.
The safaris, besides wildlife also  include visits to ancient monuments and inland salt works and other places of interest.These are conducted by english speaking experts who know individual animals and the Rann, like the back of their hand. Explanations and anecdotes which will keep one enthralled.

Excursions and other activities

• For "Deluxe Safari" groups of four or more people a Village Reception and an evening of local Folk Dancing and Martial Arts of the Rabari Tribe is included.
  
• Day excursions can be arranged to: (a) Bechar Mata Temple of eunuchs. (b) Sun Temple early eleventh century, Solanki period - at Modhera. (c) Jain Temples at Sankheshwar. (d) Royal Black-Buck Range - about 1200 wild Black-Buck protected by the people of three villages - at Visadpura. (e) Nal Sarovar National Park for waterfowl.
  
• Excursions for viewing a typical Saurashtra village,handloom weaving dyeing units and the village potter are available.
  
• For people interested in birds and photography; special hides and camouflaged boats can be provided.
  
• Trekking and living with seasonaly migrating Rabari and Bharwad tribes. Camps on the edge of the Rann are operated betwen July and September each year.
  
• Camel and Jeep safaris in and across the Rann with tented camps on the Baits,lasting three to seven days can be arranged.
  
• Extanded group tours of not less than ten people can be arranged to : (a) Velavadar National Park - an excellent place for viewing the Indian Wolf besides Black-Buck. (b) Palitana exquisite hilltop Jain Temples. (c) Ahmedpur Mandvi and Diu on the serene Saurashtra costal beaches. (d) Somnath Temple - the shrine eternal.(e) Gir National Park - the only abode of the Asiatic Lion. (f) Porbandar Birthpalace of Mahatma Gandhi.(g) Bhuj,Banni and other areas in Kuch culture extravaganza.

Distance from:

Guests can be taken care of from the time they alight at Ahmedabad Airport/Railway Station or Viramgam Railway Station.Transfers from any major city of Gujarat for groups of over fifteen people can be arranged.

Accomodation and Catering
The "Kooba" Camp is secluded simple,well organised and staffed.These are comfortably furnished with beds and linen,attached bath with running water,electricity and all essential amenities.Conditions are clean and safe. Hot tasty meals are served buffet style; with barbecues and open camp fires.Boiled,filtered and refrigerated drinking water.Bottled mineral water soft drinks and beverages are provided. Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Gujarat State; however special permits may be obtained. It is recommended to bring hats/caps, binoculars, flashlight, thorn proof shoes. Noise pollutants are not allowed.

To reach Camp Zainabad
There are direct Gujarat State Road Transport buses from :

Ahmedabad, Viramgam, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Bhuj to Dasada and Malvan,  Radhanpur, Mehshana.
By train to Viramgam is five hours from Rajkot and overnight from Bombay.


Gir Lion Safari  (Sasangir)
Excursions
Tulsishyam  In the heart of the forest and 96 km. from Sasan where the hot       springs are a special attraction.
Satadhar  26 Km. from Sasan is Satadhar a temple dedicated to saint named Appa Gega.
Kankeshwari Mata Very close by the temple at Satadhar is kankai. A temple of Kankeshwari Mataji.
Banej 40 km. from Sasan where there is a Shiva Temple.
Somnath The famous Somnath Temple,one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is 45 km. away via Veraval.
Kamleshwar dam  In scenic surroundings, is  just 10 km from Sasangir.
Sirvan 12 km. from Sasan is unique village where people of African origin live retaining their own distinct culture.

A Date with the King of Jungle
Gir forest is the only place in the world,outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. From Biblical times till a hundred years ago,the Asiatic lion roamed the forests and open grasslands over a vast area ranging from Greece in the west through West Asia to Bengal and Bihar in the east.But now the King of the jungle has taken his last refuge in Gir; one of the largest and most important wild life sanctuaries in India.

The Gir lion is majestic animal,averaging a full 2.75 meters in length, and with a biggere tail tassel, bushier, elbow tufts and  more prominent belly folds than  his African cousin which has a larger mane.He is more shaggy and a lighter brown than the African lion, but the two have similar habit - resting in the shade by day and hunting for food after dusk.The African lion feeds also an carrion which the Gir lion never does. The number of lions in Gir had dwindled to a mere 239 at the turn of the century when protection came the most unexpcted way.In 1900, the Nawab of Junagadh in whose territory most of Gir forest lay, had invited Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy, for a lion shikar, the invitation provoked - an anonymous letter - writer in a newspaper to question the propriety of the VIP doing further damage to an endagered species. Responding positively,Lord Curzon not only cancelled the shikar engagement but also advised the Nawab to protect the remaining lions.The Nawab dutifully declared the lion a protected animal.Concerted conservation efforts,however,bagan much later.

The forest,which has shrunk to 1,412 sq. km. from its original spread of about 5,000 sq. km; was notified a wild life sanctuarty in 1969; six vears later. its core area of 140.4 sq. km was constitued into a national park which has since been expanded to cover 258.71 sq. km. with continuing efforts ot save the species. The lion population has gone up to 312 (1985) in Gir forest.

Though known the world over mainly for its lions, Gir one of the few remaining forests comprising different habitats open scrub country, dry deciduous and tropical thorn forest and an evergreen corridor along the river sides.Among the common trees here are the stately teak,laburnum,acacia tendu,ber,jamun,amlosa,bael and the twin-leaved vikalo.

The beautiful Peacock,India's national bird with its resplendent plumage,is amond the common birds in Gir.Another attraction is a crocodile farm developed in the forest.

The sanctuary is open to visitiors from mid October to mid June.
During the monsoon months the sanctuary remains closed.

How to get there
Air  Nearest Airport is Keshod 90 km. via Veraval.Daily flight from Bombay to Keshod.
Rail  395 km. from Ahmedabad,meter gauge line
Road  400 km. from Ahmedabad via Rajkot,Junagagh and Mendarda,43 km. formveraval and 65 km from Junagadh Via. Mendarda.
Bus  State Tranport buses available from Junagadh and Veraval (from November to June.)

Where to stay
Forest Bunglow : Sinhsadan.
For reservation,contact : The sanctuary Manager,Sasangir,Dist. Junagadh Gujarat.
phone : Visavadar (Talala) Area code: (91) 0287753 - 60 / 40
Lion Safari Lodge :
Gujarat Tourism,Sasangir,Dist. Junagadh.Gujarat. phone: (91) 0287753 - 21 / 28 (Res)

Entrance Fees to Park  (in Rupees - Approx. )
       

Amateurs are allowed to use 8mm or 16 mm cine camaras without any fee.

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