Experience the time travel of the classic civilization in the old city of Rajkot, east of the newer centre, still has plenty of character, with narrow streets, markets, and farmers still selling ghee on street corners. Rajkot was founded in 1612 by Jadeja Rajputs, and in colonial times it became the headquarters of the Western India States Agency, Britain’s administrative centre for some 400 princely states in Saurashtra, Kachchh and northern Gujarat. After Independence Rajkot was capital of the short-lived state of Saurashtra.
Sasan Gir. As the woods of the Gir will disguise you, eventually the subtle faces of this deep will be unveiled. African features and rhythms amidst the low phony forest, will add to its majesty in the presence of the king of the beast. Things are established in the most natural way, where you will be. However, everything here is not exactly what you will see. Along with various other species, peacocks are some that are not found in Africa, and this; is not the familiar story of lions of savanna. You are not looking at the much hyped lions of Maasai Mara. This is an absorbing experience; for you to meet the leo persica, the Asiatic Lions in the Gir Forest of Gujrat, India. Explore the sanctuary spread across the forests and hills, over 1412 sq km about halfway between Veraval and Junagadh. Live the experience of lifetime, as you beguilingly drive through the thick and undisturbed forests of Gir, even if you do not have the royal company of the jungle.
Spend some majestic time with the majesty in Gir, whose history has a strong and long connection to the antiquity. Be in the dwelling of the Gir lions, once which stretched west, across Asia, as far as Greece. These were the lions that Anthropolis and Deniel faced, the lions of ancient Greece and Bible. These were the same lions that the Romans set up on the Christians in the coliseum. Grab your chance to visit the very last of this ancient race, still living in Gir.
Baffle your senses to discover the mystic connection between the local people and the beast around. Although, the lions are here since time immemorial, and so did the African populace, the Siddis – possibly arrived in the 18th century with an East African princes, who married the Nawab of Junagarh, the local Indian rulers. Perhaps Gir is the last place left in Asia, where the semi-nomadic community of distinctively dressed Maldhari, has been here, amidst the ancient beasts, living on easy harmony with the large predators, as all their ancestors once did. Know how these people are living here for centuries, grazing their herds beneath the nose of the large feline neighbours.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival at Rajkot and travel to Gir (160 kms - 03 hours).
Arrival at Rajkot and proceed to Sasan Gir (160 kms - 3 hours), abode of Asiatic Lions and considered excellent for bird watching. The park checklist has 250 birds and about 50 other species (including the endangered lesser florican and the saras crane) are recorded in the grasslands along the perifery of the sanctuary. Evening Safari in Gir. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2 : Morning and Evening Safari at Sasan Gir
Sasan Gir has number of areas / wetlands that offer excellent Bird watching opportuniteis. Undertake safaris (morning and evening) for exploring different areas of the park. Kamleshwar Dams are home to Crocodiles. Lion sighting is generally good all through the year. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3 : Departure
After Breakfast travel to Rajkot (160 kms) and depart for onward journey.
Inclusions
Exclusions
HOTEL DETAILS |
|||
CATEGORY |
STANDARD |
DELUXE |
LUXURY |
Sasan Gir |
Hotel Aditya or similar |
Asiatic Lion Lodge or similar |
The Fern Gir Forest Resort or similar |
COST DETAILS FOR PACKAGE (Rates Valid from 1st July to 30th Sep, 2015)
Per Person Price
CATEGORY |
STANDARD |
DELUXE |
LUXURY |
Min. 2 Pax |
9400 |
11500 |
13800 |
COST DETAILS FOR PACKAGE (Rates Valid from 1st Oct to 31th Mar, 2015)
Per Person Price
CATEGORY |
STANDARD |
DELUXE |
LUXURY |
Min. 2 Pax |
10200 |
13800 |
16800 |
Terms & Conditions:
Note:
In Case of exceptional circumstances where we are not in position to provide Hotels mentioned, shall offer similar Hotels
All tourists are advised to take comprehensive Insurance of their own
The timings given in itinerary and program may change without notice, keeping in mind local development
Visit to all Museums in program are subject to their remaining open on day of visit as per rules of competent authority
All Cost quoted are in Indian National Rupee
All expenses which are not included in the cost of package shall be paid directly by tourist at the time of checkout
The festival dates in India are based on Hindu system of astrology which is subject to the movement of moon in relation to earth. Therefore, there may be change in dates of festival by one day. We may alter the program by one or another to visit the festivals
All wildlife national parks remain closed from July till September due to monsoon
Supplements will be charged extra during festivals or fairs
Standard check-in time is 1400 hrs & check-out time is 1200 noon
Any hike in Govt. Taxes, Fuel etc., will attract a surcharge, to be paid prior to the departure date