Birding and Wildlife Trails of Gujarat

Kick off your Ahmedabad adventure with a warm welcome at the airport or railway station, followed by a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Later, enjoy a captivating city tour starting with Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park in Gandhinagar, India's only dinosaur museum—home to life-sized fossils, a lush botanical garden, and diverse wildlife including nilgais and peafowls. Continue to Kankaria Lake, a historic man-made lake steeped in legends and surrounded by scenic beauty, ideal for leisure and cultural storytelling. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Ahmedabad.

Embark on an early morning excursion from Ahmedabad to Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, located about 65 km away. This serene wetland paradise comes alive between October and March, drawing over 250 species of native and migratory birds. Glide across the lake by boat to spot flocks of ducks, geese, pelicans, and flamingos, along with rare sightings like the Saras Crane, Indian Skimmer, and Pallas’s Fish Eagle. Explore the islands that serve as natural roosting grounds, and witness raptors soaring over the grasslands. After a fulfilling day of birdwatching and nature immersion, return to Ahmedabad by evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Ahmedabad.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a journey to Dasada, located on the edge of the Little Rann of Kutch. En route, explore Rani ki Vav (Queen's Stepwell) in Patan—an 11th-century architectural marvel renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptural artistry. Next, visit the Sun Temple at Modhera, a magnificent example of ancient Indian architecture dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and spiritual ambiance.

Continue your drive to Dasada and check in at your hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon, set out on an exciting jeep safari in the Wild Ass Sanctuary, situated within the Little Rann of Kutch. This unique protected reserve is home to the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass (Khur) and hosts an array of desert wildlife and migratory birds amidst striking salt flats and arid landscapes. The safari offers a rare opportunity to experience the region’s distinctive ecosystem and wildlife up close. Return to your hotel in the evening for a restful overnight stay.

Experience a full day of wilderness and cultural immersion in the Little Rann of Kutch, beginning with a morning jeep safari in the Wild Ass Sanctuary, home to the rare Asiatic Wild Ass found nowhere else in the Indian lowlands. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for blackbucks, nilgai, chinkara, and elusive predators like the Indian wolf and desert fox. After a mid-day break, dive into the cultural fabric of the region with a village safari through pastoral settlements near Dasada and Bajana—meeting the Vadiara Rabaris, silk weavers, and shepherd communities, known for their vibrant crafts and traditions. Wrap up the day with an evening safari, offering a second chance to witness migratory birds like flamingos, pelicans, and storks against the backdrop of desert sunset hues. Conclude with dinner and an overnight stay at your resort in Dasada. 

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your drive to Bhuj. En route, stop at the Collector’s Office to complete the necessary permit formalities required for visiting restricted areas—essential for birdwatching and remote exploration in the coming days. Upon arrival in Bhuj, start your sightseeing with a visit to the Aina Mahal, an 18th-century palace renowned for its ornate mirror work and Indo-European fusion architecture, offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Jadeja rulers.

Next, explore Prag Mahal, a grand 19th-century palace known for its Italian-Gothic architecture and regal interiors, providing insights into the region’s royal legacy. Continue to the Kutch Museum, Gujarat’s oldest museum, which showcases a fascinating collection of tribal artifacts, ancient manuscripts, musical instruments, and exhibits that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Kutch. After a rewarding day of exploration, check in at your hotel in Bhuj for a comfortable overnight stay.

Set out from Bhuj for a rewarding excursion to the Naliya Grasslands, one of Kutch’s most vital wilderness pockets, located approximately 90 km away. This protected scrubland in Abdasa Taluka is known as a stronghold for the endangered Great Indian Bustard, and also supports seasonal sightings of the Lesser Florican and Stoliczka’s Bushchat. As you traverse drivable tracks through this unique terrain, keep watch for Indian Gazelles, Indian Foxes, Black and Grey Francolins, and an exceptional variety of larks, sandgrouse, shrikes, and coursers. Raptors—including harriers, Aquila eagles, and falcons—are often seen patrolling the skies in search of prey like spiny-tailed lizards.

Also visit the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary near Naliya. Spend the morning exploring this vital grassland habitat, home to the endangered Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, and a variety of raptors and desert wildlife. Afterward, continue 1 hour (40 km) southwest to visit Jakhau Fort and Port, where the coastal breeze and mudflats attract migratory shorebirds and offer a glimpse into the region’s maritime heritage. In the afternoon, begin your return journey with a stop at the Chiyarsar Thorn Scrubland, about 1 hour (35 km) en route, known for its dry scrub ecosystem and sightings of Indian Fox, Black Francolin, and desert-specialist birds. Conclude the day with a 2-hour (90 km) drive back to Bhuj for a relaxing overnight stay.

After breakfast at your hotel, set out on a day trip to Chari Dhand and Banni Village—renowned havens for bird enthusiasts and photographers. Chari Dhand, named from 'Chari' (salt-affected) and 'Dhand' (shallow wetland), has emerged as a premier birding destination, particularly after recent favorable rainfall. This unique ecosystem supports over 50 species of water birds, including rare sightings such as the Indian Skimmer and Dalmatian Pelican. Its diverse mosaic of grasslands, scrub, and wetlands offers an ideal habitat for a wide range of avian life, making it a hotspot for birdwatching and nature photography.

Surrounding Banni Village is equally captivating—celebrated for its vibrant local culture and traditional crafts. It also serves as an excellent location for spotting additional bird species while experiencing the synergy between wildlife and rural life. After a fulfilling day immersed in nature and culture, return to your resort in Bhuj for a relaxing overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Jamnagar. Upon arrival, visit the renowned Bala Hanuman Temple, famous for its non-stop chanting of “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” since 1964—a spiritual tradition recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Early evening is an ideal time to experience the temple’s vibrant energy and devotional atmosphere. Later, unwind at the picturesque Lakhota Lake, surrounded by public parks, local food stalls, and gentle breezes. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride or simply relax along the lake’s edge as the area comes alive with locals and migrating birds like flamingos, pelicans, and spoonbills. Return to your hotel in Jamnagar for an overnight stay.

Kick off the day with a visit to Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, just 12 km from Jamnagar, a haven for over 250 species of resident and migratory birds amid freshwater lakes and coastal creeks. Explore the sanctuary’s watchtowers and trails while spotting pelicans, eagles, herons, and perhaps even jungle cats or jackals. Later, proceed to Narara Island within the Marine National Park, where you can walk along intertidal zones to witness vibrant coral reefs, mangroves, and fascinating marine life like sea slugs, starfish, and crabs—no swimming needed. Later, continue by boat to Pirotan Island, a rare coastal wilderness where dolphins, turtles, and exotic marine species may appear alongside a peaceful shrine. Return to Jamnagar by evening after a rich day of birdwatching and marine exploration. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Jamnagar.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a journey to Sasan Gir, home to the majestic Asiatic lions. Upon arrival, check in to your resort and relax amidst the natural beauty. Overnight stay at the resort in Gir National Park.

Experience the thrill of both morning and evening game drives at Gir National Park, the only natural habitat of the majestic Asiatic lions. This celebrated sanctuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity, where dry deciduous forests shelter over 500 lions and 300 elusive Indian leopards, making it a true haven for the big cat family.

Beyond the big cats, Gir teems with wildlife—jackals, hyenas, Indian foxes, sambar deer, and the rare Chowsingha (four-horned antelope), found nowhere else in the world. Frequent sightings also include chinkara, nilgai, wild boar, chital, mongoose, honey badger, desert cats, rusty-spotted cats, porcupines, and hares.

The park supports a thriving population of marsh crocodiles, along with more than 40 species of reptiles and amphibians. For bird enthusiasts, Gir offers a visual feast, with over 250 avian species gracing its skies and woodlands. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

After breakfast, drive from Sasan Gir to Bhavnagar via Velavadar. En route, stop for an unforgettable wildlife experience at Velavadar National Park, also known as Blackbuck National Park. This compact yet thriving grassland sanctuary hosts India’s highest concentration of blackbucks, easily recognized by the striking spiraling horns of mature males. As you explore the park—either by your own vehicle or guided drive—look out for nilgai, Indian fox, jungle cats, and possibly even the elusive Indian wolf, which is thriving here. For bird lovers, the park is a treasure trove, home to Stoliczka’s Bushchat, various raptors, and wintering harrier flocks. After a rich safari experience, continue your journey to Bhavnagar for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Takhteshwar Temple in Bhavnagar. Perched on a hillock, this temple is a fine example of Gujarat’s architectural heritage and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Its intricate design and tranquil setting make it a notable landmark. After the temple visit, embark on your journey to Ahmedabad. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. Later in the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic quarters of the city, founded by the erstwhile Sultan of Gujarat. Remnants of the original fortifications can still be seen, along with striking examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

In the morning, our driver will transfer you to Ahmedabad Airport for your journey home or onward journey.