Wild Gujarat: Asiatic Lions, Leopards, Wild Ass, Blackbucks & Marine Wildlife

A wildlife adventure like nowhere else on earth, witnessing nature’s greatest comeback stories across stunning landscapes. Track Asiatic lions rescued from near extinction in Gir’s forests, marvel at Asiatic wild ass galloping across ethereal salt flats, and observe blackbuck thriving in restored grasslands. In addition, there’s the opportunity to encounter leopards, wolves, foxes and over 500 bird species—a rare glimpse into living conservation success where endangered wildlife flourishes once again in their ancient homelands.

Asiatic Lions at Gir National Park - last wild population outside Africa, now 674 lions
Leopards in Gir's diverse forested ecosystem spanning 1,412 square kilometers
Blackbucks (1,800) and Indian Wolves at Velavadar's 34-square-kilometer grassland reserve
Indian Wild Ass in Little Rann of Kutch's 4,953-square-kilometer salt desert sanctuary
Marine National Park - India's first marine sanctuary with 42 islands and 52 coral species
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary - Ramsar wetland site hosting 220+ bird species
Four distinct ecosystems - desert, grassland, forest and marine landscapes
Over 300 bird species including winter migrants from Siberia
Heritage hotels and specialized safari lodges in each wildlife region

Ahmedabad: The Desert Outpost, Kharaghoda (A Heritage Homestay) OR Desert Coursers, Zainabad (A Safari Lodge) OR Rann Riders, Dasada (A Safari Lodge) OR Royal Safari Camp, Bajana (A Safari Lodge) OR Ambika Nivas Palace, Surendranagar (A Heritage Hotel) OR Royal Oasis, Wankaner (A Heritage Hotel) OR Bell Guest House, Sayla (A Heritage Homestay)
Kutch to Velavadar: Blackbuck Lodge, Velavadar National Park (A Safari Lodge) OR Blackbuck Safari Lodge, Velavadar National Park (A Safari Lodge) OR Tree of Life Darbargadh Dared, Vallabhipur (A Heritage Hotel) OR Nilambag Palace, Bhavnagar (A Heritage Hotel) OR Narayani Heritage, Bhavnagar (A Heritage Hotel) OR Gopnath Bungalow, Gopnath, Bhavnagar (A Heritage Hotel) OR Vijay Vilas, Palitana (A Heritage Hotel)
Gir National Park: Aramness, Gir National Park OR Taj Gir Serai, Gir National Park OR The Woods at Sasan, Gir National Park OR The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Gir National Park OR Asiatic Lion Lodge, Gir National Park
Jamnagar: Orchard Palace, Gondal (A Heritage Hotel) OR Riverside Palace, Gondal (A Heritage Hotel) OR Heritage Khirasara Palace, Rajkot (A Heritage Hotel) OR Hotel Aram, Jamnagar (A Heritage Hotel) OR Hotel President, Jamnagar

Day 1: Ahmedabad to Little Rann of Kutch (100 km | 2 hours)

It’s hard to believe, given that it is now a salt-crusted, unique arid desertscape, that The Little Rann of Kutch, was once part of the Arabian Sea! The vast arid flats are punctuated by ‘bets,’ which were once islands on the ancient seabed that are now pockets of higher grounds covered with grass and scrub. These ‘bets’ support a variety of wildlife including the ‘Gudkhur’ (Asiatic wild ass) – a handsome member of the horse family, that is not found anywhere else globally. They are usually seen in small herds and are capable of galloping at high speeds, which is a wonderful sight to witness. The Rann also supports desert fox, jungle cat, Indian wolf, and a rich birdlife and is truly one of India’s most unique, though less explored regions.

Overnight: Surendranagar Dist, Jhalawar Region, Saurashtra.

Day 2: Little Rann of Kutch Wild Ass Sanctuary

Morning and afternoon jeep safaris provide opportunities to witness the Wild Ass in their natural habitat, alongside desert fox, Indian wolf, and numerous bird species. The sanctuary transforms during winter months when thousands of migratory birds’ flock here, including Greater Flamingos, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, and Demoiselle Crane.

Overnight: Surendranagar Dist, Jhalawar Region, Saurashtra.

Day 3: Little Rann of Kutch to Velavadar National Park (175 km | 3 hours)

Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, whilst relatively small at just 34-square-kilometres, is one of India’s few remaining grasslands and the only tropical grassland in India to be given the status of a national park. Created to protect the Blackbuck, this sanctuary stretches between two seasonal rivers and supports a rich tapestry of biodiversity—95 species of flowering plants, diverse grasses, and over 140 species of birds. The park is famous for its approximately 1,800 blackbucks—beautiful, fast antelope where mature males sport elegant spiralling horns up to 65cm long, but also look out for the growing population of Indian wolf, jungle cat and striped hyenas as they move across the golden landscape.

Overnight: Bhavnagar Dist, Gohilwar Region, Saurashtra.

Day 4: Velavadar National Park

Morning and afternoon safaris in Velavadar provide excellent opportunities to spot the blackbuck herds, blue bulls (India’s largest antelope), and with luck, the elusive Indian wolves that inhabit the sanctuary. The park hosts over 120 bird species, including winter visitors such as harriers from Siberia that number around 2,000 during peak season. Early morning drives offer the best chance to spot wolves, while blackbucks are visible throughout the day, their dark coats contrasting dramatically with the pale green and gold grasslands.

Overnight: Bhavnagar Dist, Gohilwar Region, Saurashtra.

Day 5: Velavadar to Gir National Park (200 km | 4 hours)

Gir National Park is the only place in the world to find Asiatic lion in the wild. Spread across 1,412 square kilometres of forested, hilly terrain, this sanctuary represents the last refuge of these magnificent cats, established in 1965 with a 259-square-kilometre core area declared a national park in 1975. Conservation efforts have dramatically increased lion numbers from barely 20 in 1975 to 674 in the 2020 census. The Asiatic lions are smaller and paler than their African cousins, and have become remarkably accustomed to jeeps and humans, making sightings relatively reliable. The gently rolling, densely forested landscape also harbours a high population of leopards, making Gir one of the best places in India to see these Big Cats.

Overnight: Junagadh Dist, Sorath Region, Saurashtra.

Day 6 & 7: Gir National Park

Morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Gir provide opportunities to spot not only the Asiatic lion but also 37 other mammal species that have thrived under protection. These include chital (spotted deer), sambar (large deer), nilgais (blue bull), chousinghas (four-horned antelopes), chinkaras (gazelles), and rarely seen leopards. The park’s diverse habitat supports over 300 resident bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts beyond just the famous lions.

Overnight: Junagadh Dist, Sorath Region, Saurashtra.

Day 8: Gir to Jamnagar (240 km | 4.5 hours)

Continue onto Jamnagar, gateway to Gujarat’s coastal ecosystems. As afternoon light softens, explore Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary—a 605-hectare wetland recognized as a Ramsar Site of International Importance in 2022. This sanctuary is remarkable as it features both freshwater and saltwater wetlands divided by a pre-Independence era check dam, creating diverse habitats for over 220 bird species. Flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills, ducks, egrets, and herons transform the landscape into a living avian gallery as the evening safari reveals this extraordinary habitat while the setting sun bathes the marshes in golden light.

Overnight: Jamnagar Dist, Halar Region, Saurashtra.

Day 9: Marine National Park, Jamnagar

India’s first Marine Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine National Park, established in 1980 and 1982 respectively, covers an archipelago of 42 tropical islands in the Gulf of Kutch. At low tide, it transforms into a living aquarium, revealing the country’s richest diversity of marine habitats – including colorful coral gardens, twisted mangrove roots, and revealing mudflats and rocky shores. The park features 52 coral species, seven mangrove varieties and the guided low-tide walks offer a rare chance to meet these ocean dwellers—giant sea anemones wave their tentacles, technicolor starfish cling to rocks, sea cucumbers inch across the seafloor, and curious octopuses and puffer fish navigate shallow pools. This intertidal wonderland represents India’s richest diversity of marine ecosystems, where you can experience ocean exploration on foot without getting wet.

Overnight: Jamnagar Dist, Halar Region, Saurashtra.

Day 10: Departure from Rajkot (Hirasar Airport) (120 km | 2 hours)

Transfer to Rajkot International Airport (120 km | 2 hours) concludes this extraordinary exploration of Gujarat’s thrilling wildlife.

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Wild Gujarat: Asiatic Lions, Leopards, Wild Ass, Blackbucks & Marine Wildlife

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