Gir Nationnal Park

Formerly the hunting reserve of the Nawabs of Junagadh, Gir Forest is the largest compact tract of dry deciduous forest in Gujarat and the only abode of the Asiatic Lion in the world. Protection was first given in 1900, when lion numbers were down to a mere 12 individuals! By 1936, the number had increased to 250 animals and today there are a little over 300 individuals. Gir was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965 and given National Park status ten years later.

Besides the Asiatic Lion, Gir supports a large population of Leopard, and other carnivores include Jungle Cat, Jackal, Striped Hyena, Common and Ruddy mongoose. The herbivores include Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara and Wild Boar.

Over 300 bird species have been recorded here. These include the Shaheen Falcon, Bonelli's Eagle, Great Horned Owl, Tawny eagle and Blackwinged Kite. Grey and Jungle Bush Quail, Grey Partridge, Nightjar, Black-headed Cuckoo Shrike, Gray Drongo, Pied Woodpecker, Black Ibis, and White-necked Stork are also found at Gir.

The Sanctuary is open from November through to May.

Velavdar

Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar is situated in the Bhavnagar District ofGujarat state, India.

Established in 1976 in the Bal region of Saurashtra, the park is located around 72 km from the district headquarter city of Bhavnagar. Hugging the coasts of theGulf of Khambhat on the south, it is spread over an area of 34.08 km², which was primarily a "vidi" (grassland) of the Maharaja of the princely state of Bhavnagar. On the northern side, it is surrounded by wastelands and agriculture fields. The National park has been classified as 4B Gujarat-Rajwada biotic province of semi-arid bio-geographical zone.

Flat land, dry grasses and herds of antelope are the major attractions of this park. It has a unique grassland ecosystem and has been running a number of successful conservation programmes for species such as the blackbuck, wolf and lesser florican. The largest population of lesser floricans has been sustained here.

The park is open throughout the year. However, the period between monsoon and winter (mid-June to March) is the ideal time to visit the place. Birdwatching enthusiasts should visit the park between December and March, when many species of migratory birds arrive to spend the winter. These include three species of harriers, lesser floricans, eagles, waders and other water birds.

Birding around JAMNAGAR :

Khijadia Bird Sanctuary

Its a unique wet land area with sea water on one side and fresh water on one side.

This area was declared as a Khijadia Bird Sanctury on 6th November 1982.

Before independence, a check dam had been built for storing the waters of the Ruparen River just near the sea, so gradually over the years with fresh water of the rain and river on one side and salt water of the sea on the other side, a unique area came up where both varieties of vegetation came up, gradualy, birds and animals also started flocking and roosting here. this is also one of the few sanctuaries in peninsularIndia where the Crested Grebe breeds.

Narara Island

This island is accessible by road. One just has to drive down to it to Narara Edge.
Here one should reach just before the tide starts, when the tide comes in, it brings the birds closer to land, making it easier for the bird watchers to watch from quite close.

The star here is the crab plover apart from all types of waders.

Nature Unlimited takes you on a 5 DAYS/4 nights journey to the the forest of lions and birding paradise near Jamnagar / Velavdar National Park.

ITINERARY

Gir Itinerary

Jamnagar Itineray

VELAVDAR ITINERARY

NOTE :

- Tour to GIR National Park ends on Day 3 morning safari. You proceed to Rajkot or nearest railway station/Airport after breakfast for your return Journey.

- Proceed to Jamnagar or Velavdar, to continue the journey and the tour will end on day 5 as mentioned in the above itinerary.

- For only Velavdar National Park the tour starts from Day 3. Therefore, after your arrival you will be taken to Velavdar National Park directly.

Costing and other details

Tour cost :

For GIR Only : Rs. 18,300/- per person + Rail or Airfare. (Minimum for 6 people on twin sharing basis)

For GIR + Jamnagar : Rs. 28,200/- per person + Rail or Airfare. (Minimum for 6 people on twin sharing basis)

For Gir + Velavdar : Rs. 39,000/- per person + Rail or Airfare. (Minimum for 6 people on twin sharing basis)

For Velavdar (with Thol bird sancturary as option) : Rs. 22,200/- Rail or Airfare. (Minimum for 6 people on twin sharing basis)

Note: In case of a group size less or more than 6 people or not in multiple of 6 people the new cost will be applicable.

Railfare : Generally booked 60 days in advance. If not available at the time of booking then tatkal tickets needs to be booked which will incur additional cost. The exact fare will be known at the time of booking.

Tour Cost Includes :

- 4 nights 5 days stay in Air conditioned room.

- All meals, 4 safaris in open Gypsy in Gir. Max 6 people in one gypsy.

- Pick and Drop from Rajkot or JamnagarRailway station in AC car.

Tour Cost Does not Include :

- Rail or Airfare

- Any personal expense such as Laundry, any extra meals not mentioned above, liquor, etc.

Please Note :

- Keep the forest & surrounding area clean.

- Leaving your garbage anywhere in the forest is not allowed.

- Smoking and Alcohol in the forest is not allowed.

- Your seat will be confirmed only after full payment for the tour.

- Gypsy Safari Bookings and Train Bookings run 90 days in advance.

Things to carry :

* Woollen clothing(for winter season), Summer clothing (for summer season)

* Comfortable sports shoes with a decent grip

* Personal clothing, Sunscreen lotion, Cap, Scarf, Torch (Mandatory)

* A camera.. or else you will miss the show

* Plastic bags (for wet things) and a water bottle

* Personal Medical kit, Do not carry any valuables or jewellery.

* Personal Identification.(Compulsory).