The lake is spectacle in itself at the sunrise as you are greeted by the sounds of cranes, flamingos doing yoga, cormorants basking in the sun’s glory and raptors hovering with empty stomachs.

The forest area around the lake will leave you mesmerized and remind you of a fairy tale. Look out for Sarus Crane (world’s tallest flying bird) on the outskirts of Thol in the nearby fields. You will also spot a lot of terrestrial birds on the opposite of walking trail in the tall trees. Most commonly seen are Brahminy starlings, green bee eater, black rumped flameback, spotted owlets, shikra, etc.

Timings: 6am to 6 pm everyday

Entry fees: Rs. 500 per car (any number of people in car allowed). It includes camera fees. You can park on the lake boundary road and then climb on the walking trail.

Best time to visit: Winter mornings. January and February are the best seasons from a personal experience for maximum bird spotting.

How to reach: It is 25km from Ahmedabad so best to drive by car or vehicle. It is a favorite route amongst cyclists, too.

Also Read: Birdwatching in Uttarakhand – Pangot, Bhimtal & Sattal

Nalsarovar Lake

The Nalsarovar Lake is one of the largest water bird sanctuary in the country with an area of over 110 sq.km and is one of the most important birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad.

The National Committee on Wetlands for intensive conservation has identified it to be one of the 15 important wetlands of India and was the only Ramsar site in Gujarat. The lake harbours one of the highest populations of waterfowl anywhere in India.

Nalsarovar is nothing short of liquid gold in the mornings and the sunsets are equally mesmerizing when the flock of birds take off together against the orange sun.

Due to the sheer size of the lake, one has to hire a boat to go in the lake. The locals are boat owners and you will probably have to haggle as they try to extort extravagant amounts especially if you are not a local.

The prices are capped by the forest department but still the boat owners will bribe you to take to an exclusive place. If you are a serious photographer then I’ll say avoid the boat but if you there just for picnic, I’ll suggest otherwise. My recommendation would be not to pay the boat owner unless you have seen the place and you are confident of having a good time.

Timings: 6 am to 5:30 pm everyday

Entry fees: Rs. 60 per person, Rs. 100 per camera, Rs. 220 per person for boat (duration: 2 hours). Car parking is extra. In case you want to spend more time on the boat, the charges are extra.

Best time to visit: Winter mornings. October to February is the ideal time.

How to reach: It is 60km from Ahmedabad and ideal to drive by personal or hired car.

Also Read: Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar

Vadla Lake

If haggling with the boat guy is not in your best interest and you want to enjoy birdwatching at your own pace, Vadla is the right place for you. It is in the close vicinity to Nalsarovar (25 km) and you can walk around the dam water to capture bird photos.

Vadla is generally ignored by tourists as their favorite attraction of boating doesn’t exist here, which works out best for serious birdwatchers. Vadla generally comes into highlight only when Nalsarovar dries out after a bad monsoon so tourists then flock there.

But for years now, Vadla has seen a steady flock of migratory birds in its waters and that is why it is an important birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad.

The favorite and most in number being – Demoiselle cranes – thousands of them. In early January 2019, when we visited we counted over 3000 of them doing their business of calling, preening, foraging and practicing display. The Demoiselle Cranes are indigenously found in central Eurasia, Mongolia and North Eastern China and spend their winters in Gujarat.

Other commonly seen water birds are also in plenty in Vadla and your camera will have a gala time clicking away.

Timings: 6 am to sunset everyday

Entry fees: None.

Best time to visit: Winter months – October to February.

How to reach: It is 90km from Ahmedabad and ideal to drive by personal or hired car.

Pariej Lake

Another wetland called Pariej is located in the Kheda district of Gujarat. Because of its location it is closer to 2 cities in Gujarat – Ahmedabad and Vadodara. If you happen to visit Pariej in February, you will be welcomed by the pink blanket of lotuses. A Pheasant tailed jacana will be going around his business and you will notice a lot of moorhens trying to catch their breakfast. Pied kingfishers may dart around and painted storks may just pose pretty for you. That’s Pariej for you.

Timings: 6am to 6pm

Entry fees: Free

Best time to visit: Winter mornings

How to reach: It is 60km from Ahmedabad and ideal to drive by personal or hired car.

Indroda Park

Indroda Nature Park, Gandhinagar is a game changer for terrestrial birds and a must visit place for birdwatching community. Yes, it has a zoo but the number of birds you see on the trees and the vicinity are phenomenal. Indroda Nature Park (INP) is spread over an area of about 400 hectare in Gandhinagar- and is divided in two parts – the western part is Indroda Nature Park and the eastern part is Wilderness Park.

Most commonly seen birds here are Indian peafowl – hundreds of them dancing, eating, singing, 3 types of kingfishers, Coppersmith barbet, spotted owlet, painted storks, rose ringed parakeet and so many more.

Timings: 8am to 6pm

Entry fees: Rs. 30/person. Parking fees extra depending on type of vehicle.

Best time to visit: All around the year in morning.

How to reach: It is 25km from Ahmedabad and ideal to drive by personal or hired car.

How to have a sustainable trip for Birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad?

• Wear camouflage colours which will easily blend with the surrounding – gree and brown shades work the best around wetlands.
• Do not make noises when you spot a bird, it may get distracted and fly.
• Do not wear perfumes or body spray in the desert.
• You may carry water and food but do not picnic in these areas as most of them are wildlife

Read more from Gujarat

• Ahmedabad
• Vadodara
• Bhuj
• Jamnagar
• Mandvi
• Vadnagar
• Polo Forest
• Statue of Unity

Enjoy Indian Wildlife? Read more wildlife posts here

• For Nilgiri tahr: Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
• For Sloth Bears: Satpuda National Park
• For tiger: Jim Corbett National Park , Tadoba National Park
• For Asiatic lion: Gir National Park

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

About Blackbuck National Park

Blackbuck National Park is spread over 34 square kilometres, and divided into two parts: the Grassland Area and the Wetland Area. A narrow road divides the park and visitors can enter both of these areas.

In yesteryear, this was the private grassland of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar for hunting blackbucks with his famous hunting cheetahs. In post-Independence India, this park was established in 1976 and doubled in size in 1980 protecting the wildlife. The cheetahs also do not exist.

Wildlife in Blackbuck National Park

The threatened species of Indian blackbuck has a population of over 5000 in the grasslands of Velavadar. They are a sight to behold, with the adult males sprinting off the ground, a behaviour designed to advertise the antelope’s fitness and ward off predators. You can tell the males by their corkscrew horns, pale black upper bodies, and white underbellies. Females and juveniles lack horns and are a sandy brown colour. The other major mammal, in the park is the nilgai or blue bull. Other easy-to-spot mammals include wild boar, the Indian grey mongoose, and the black naped hare.

Apart from Blackbuck, Velavadar is classified as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International, and is a birder’s delight, with over 200 species of birds found in the grassland. It is mainly popular as the world’s largest roosting site of Harriers (pallid, montagu’s, western marsh, and hen harriers) which migrate in winters. Other birds in grassland include larks, francolin, stonechat, etc. and in wetlands include greater flamingos, pelicans, common cranes, painted storks etc. The grasslands are also a raptors’ paradise which include short toed eagle, steppe eagle, tawny eagle, eastern imperial eagle, short eared owl, etc.

Predators such as the Indian striped hyena, the golden jackal, the Indian fox, jungle cat and Indian grey wolf have also made this area their home. Many species of reptiles also live here, such as the saw-scaled viper, Indian cobra and common krait.

Safari Cost And Timings

Unlike most national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, visitors can take their own cars into the grasslands. The track is cleared marked which needs to be followed. It is compulsory to have a guide with you in the car. Visitors can hire a private safari vehicle as it gets really difficult to get bird photos in flight from your closed hatch of the car. Here is the cost break up (as of December 2019).

Rs. 500: Entry fees per vehicle (do consider one seat of guide)

Rs. 400: Forest department guide fees

Rs. 200: Per camera

Rs. 2000: Private safari (plus guide fees and camera fee)

There are 3 safari timings:

7 am to 10am

10am to 1pm

4pm to 7pm

Accommodation at Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

There are two options for those who want to stay at Velavadar.

Forest Lodge

It is owned and managed by the forest department and has 2 categories of rooms which are basic, clean and with food options.

Guest house: Available with 4 rooms called Kaliyar Bhavan

Cost: Rs. 150 per person

Dormitory rooms: 2 dormitories which can accommodate upto 9 people each

Cost: Rs. 1350 for the whole dormitory

Both accommodations are located within the park, surrounded by grasslands with wildlife visible from the lodge itself. You can reserve the rooms by writing to bbnp.reservation@gmail.com and paying online. Meals cost Rs. 150 per person and Rs. 40 for breakfast.

Blackbuck Safari Lodge

It is a luxurious hotel with a multi cuisine restaurant and private pools.

When to visit Blackbuck National Park

Indian summers (March – June) are unbearable with temperatures hovering over 40°C. However it is a good time for sightings as animals congregate near water sources and the grass is sparse. However migratory birds are not present during this time. The park is closed from mid June to mid October. Winters (October to February) offer the best of bird watching and animal gazing with pleasant temperatures during the day.

How to reach Blackbuck National Park

By road:

Velavadar is 65 km from Bhavnagar and 150 km from Ahmedabad. Government run buses (GSRTC) have good frequency from all major Gujarat cities to Bhavnagar. If you are traveling via road from other states, you have to reach Ahmedabad first.

By train:

Bhavnagar is the closest railway station. You have to travel by road for further reaching Velavadar.

By air:

The closest airport is Ahmedabad.

Sustainable tips for visiting Blackbuck National Park

• Even if visitors are allowed to take their own car, visitors are not allowed to get down. Earlier it was allowed, but now it is not. There are camera traps and you will be fined if you get down. You are however allowed to get down near the wetland.
• Wear camouflage colours which will easily blend with the jungle – shades of green, brown and grey.
• It is totally understandable to get excited when you spot a wild animal in the grassland. But do not make noises – whisper if necessary.
• Do not wear perfumes or body spray in the jungle.
• Carry water and food but do not dispose plastic or leftover food in the grasslands. Keep it in your bag or gypsy and dispose safely once you return to the hotel.
• Do not feed food to wild animals.

Reading Inspiration from Gujarat

• Ahmedabad
• Vadodara
• Bhuj
• Jamnagar
• Mandvi
• Vadnagar
• Polo Forest
• Statue of Unity

Enjoy Indian Wildlife? Read more wildlife posts here

• For Nilgiri tahr: Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
• For Sloth Bears: Satpuda National Park
• For tiger: Jim Corbett National Park , Tadoba National Park
• For Asiatic lion: Gir National Park

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How to Reach Sattal from Nainital

By Road

The Pangot Bird sanctuary is located at a distance of 13km from Nainital city and can be reached by self-driving or by hiring a taxi cab. The Sanctuary is located at a distance of 355 km from Delhi and 365 km from Agra. Local cabs from Nainital are available for Rs 2,000-3000 per day. 

By Train

Kathgodam Railway station is the nearest railway station which is about 20 km from the Pangot and Kilbury Sanctuary. It is possible to hire a taxi leading to the sanctuary.

By Flight

Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport which is around 95 km from the Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary. It is possible to hire a taxi leading to the sanctuary which will take around 2 to 3 hours to reach.

Where to Stay in Sattal / Pangot / Kilsbury

Jungle Lore Birding Lodge is the first birding lodge in India. It has four cottages with rooms built like British bungalows and is located on a hillside overlooking the vast open forest.

Pinewood Cottage is 15km from Nainital and offers facilities like bird watching, trekking, rock climbing, rafting, and night safari 

Kilbury Forest Rest House, built by the British, is equipped with all modern amenities. The walk from Pangot to Kilbury Forest Rest House is very popular as it traverses through thick oak, pine, bamboo, cedar, and rhododendron forests

Nainital to Sattal Drive

About 13 km away from the Nainital city is the Pangot village located at a height of 6,510 ft above sea level. Pangot village is a famous tourist destination as it houses over 580 documented species of birds. While birdwatching in Pangot is a big attraction, the oak forests and the blooming rhododendron trees make the landscape even more stunning.

Sattal Birding

We were woken up by the songs of a variety of birds that we had not heard before. Excited, we mounted the lens on the camera and rushed towards the backyard of the property. What we saw and captured in our camera for the next 2 hours was a celebration of winged creatures. I hope you enjoy this photo journal of Pangot, Bhimtal and Sattal Birding.

Verditer Flycatcher

While birding in Pangot, one is bound to come across the Verditer Flycatcher that is abundantly found here. It was one of the first birds we spotted while we were on our way to Pangot from Nainital. They were omnipresent in the area.

The flycatcher felt at home with our presence and happily posed for us. 

Blue whistling thrush

A blue whistling thrush played hide and seek outside our accommodation whistling to glory while the morning sun shone bright and glistened on his blue feathers. He slowly glided into the nearby shrubs, probably because he did not like the shutter sound of my camera.

Kalij Pheasant

A discussion about our interest in birdwatching with the hotel owner leads him to inform us that he has been observing Pheasants on his property. He was quick to ask the bell boy if he spotted any previous evening. We were hoping to capture him in our cameras.

While walking towards the backyard, we saw a black silhouette crossing the parapet between 2 properties. It only took us seconds to identify it but the red-eyed bird known as Kalij Pheasant had crossed the boundary wall to another side. But we still managed to photograph him!

Blue Winged Siva

Soon enough a pair of Blue Winged Siva descended on the marble bath of the property where we were staying. Their playfulness was so oblivious to our presence and they enjoyed their romantic bath together which lasted for a short time.

Black Chinned Babbler

Two spectacled biscuit-coloured birds now touched down on the water bath. They were playful but not comfortable sharing the bath with the Indian Black lored tit. The male made sure they did not want the Black Lored Tit there and shooed him away to have a private bath with the lady.

Black Headed Jay

A small movement in nearby bushes made us strain our eyes and neck to see who was hiding behind the branches. A blue mirage is all that we saw. Noiseless we stood there for the shy blue bird to come out. At some time there were not one but three black-headed jay on the tree. There seemed to be 2 males and 1 female as the males were doing a display pattern to woo the lady.

Rufous Sibia

There was a flutter in between the bright red rhododendrons. A rust-coloured bird flew by. On landing a couple of branches away on an old oak tree, it posed for us. The slender buffy-rufous coloured bird called Rufous Sibia, grew comfortable and flew to the parapet near the road and even posed for us.

Grey-winged Blackbird

Our car crossed a black bird sitting on the road who seemed to be scavenging. We halted and walked back to the spot to find him still doing the same. On closer look, we saw that he was actually clearing the fallen leaves and making the area clean. Probably a fan of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan! We saw the female counterpart doing the same a couple of meters above the cliff. We have no idea why they were doing what they were doing.

Since we did not want to stay in Pangot, we never really researched for a day guide who could show us the birds around. We just walked through the valleys of forests and stopped if we heard a bird call or flutter of wings or just about any movement in the trees.

However, a couple of hours spent here were nothing less than a turbo charge for us which left us wanting more and planning a dedicated trip to Pangot and Sattal with a guide.

Sustainable tips for Birding in Sattal

• Wear camouflage colours that will easily blend with the surrounding – green and brown shades work best around the trees.
• Do not make noises when you spot a bird, it may get distracted and fly.
• Do not wear perfumes or body spray when you go birdwatching.
• Try to avoid bird call apps to attract birds or make them look your way for a good photo. It is just unethical.
• Do not dispose of wet waste or plastic in the jungle valleys.

Read About more Bird-watching destinations:

• Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar
• Bird-watching destinations around Ahmedabad
• Gir National Park 

Read More Uttarakhand Posts

• Things to do in Rishikesh
• Gucchu Pani
• Is Dehradun worth a stopover?
• Places to visit in Nainital
• Chopta Chandrashila trek

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

Camera

A good camera is the first item you should have on your safari packing list. There is so much to see in Gir National Park, that you will regret not to bring your camera along – it’s the most important component of your safari equipment. Yes, you can use your smartphone but a long-angle lens will be better. It is also a great alternative to binoculars so that you can see animals that are far away as if they are close up. A good camera allows you to take photos of the amazing animals and the unique wilderness. 

A regular or mirror-less DSLR, semi-DSLR, point-and-shoot camera with good optical zoom is the best to carry in here. For big mammals such as lions and leopards commonly found in Gir National park a telephoto lens of 250-300 mm is ideal. However, if you wish to photography birds, I suggest you bring at least a 500mm lens for clear and crisp shots.

Spare memory card

If you are like me, you may run out of space on your memory card as I always click wildlife pictures in RAW file format. I am sure you don’t want to spend the time in between the sightings deciding which photograph to delete from the memory card to make more space. This happened to me once and since then I always make sure to carry an extra memory card in my safari packing list. Bring a spare card if you can, so that you don’t have to sit for hours on your safari, unable to capture the special moments.

Binoculars

Gir is a heavily forested area with big trees of Sagwan. When driving through the roadways, you may not always be able to get as close to the animals as you’d like. A respectful distance is important, and vehicles can’t go off track, where they would damage important vegetation or disturb and threaten smaller creatures. Because of this, binoculars are an incredibly helpful addition to your Gir safari packing list.

While it is possible to rent binoculars in Corbett National Park, this facility is not available in Gir. if you are an avid wildlife enthusiast, it is high time to invest in a good binocular for wildlife. I own a Olympus 10×50 DPS I and it gives amazing results.

First Aid Kit

While getting hurt on a vehicle safari, is unlikely, do keep in mind that you are in an area that is full of forests and wildlife. Scrapes, cuts and bruises can take place by lighting brushing from an acacia tree thorn or the vehicle metal bar. However, carrying a basic first aid kit is a good idea in your safari packing gear.

Cap and face mask

Wondering what personal items to pack for a safari in India? This may seem like an obvious one, but you can never have too many reminders. Indian summers are harsh and with the open-top vehicle, you are directly bearing the sun. while winter sun is not harsh, the time of your safari will make all the difference. The afternoon safari will be hot whether it is winter or summer. So it only makes sense to carry a cap/hat/stole to cover your head. Use sunscreen lotion if you get easily tanned. 

A face mask is compulsory due to covid-19 precautionary measures and even otherwise it is best to hide your face in a mask to avoid inhaling the dust from the vehicle ahead of you!

You can choose on wearing sunglasses but I will discourage you to do that as you may miss out on seeing a movement in the forest in those polaroid glasses.

Neutral coloured clothes

It is wildlife etiquette to wear neutrally coloured clothes in earth shades so as to blend with safari. Ideally shades of green, brown and grey are perfect for Gir safari packing list. Avoid wearing eye-popping colours such as yellow, red and blue. 

Winter mornings in Gir are super chilly, and the wind from the open gypsy vehicles makes your bone chill. So don’t forget to carry a windcheater/jacket/pullover. Pack light, breathable long-sleeved tops, and comfortable long pants. These will also serve you well in the evenings when the weather cools down. Try to bring neutral coloured warm clothes for the safari.

Comfortable shoes

Since you’ll spend most of your time in the safari vehicle, hiking shoes are not necessary. However, you’ll want footwear that’s comfortable and can be worn for many hours at a time.

So, pack your comfiest sneakers and a few breathable pairs of socks. You will want your feet to be able to breathe, as the days get very hot, and your feet are where you keep a lot of your heat. Check sustainable footwear – Loom Footwear.

High energy snacks 

It’s always nice to have something to snack on when you’re spending a few hours on the safari. And somehow early morning safaris make you hungry on the go. Go for high energy protein snacks which fill you instantly. A pack of dried fruit or a protein bar will satisfy cravings for sweet and salty, without making you feel heavy.

Logbook / journal

My husband always makes sure to carry a logbook with him. He carefully documents the bird species with an approximate number in his logbook. It is an easy way to go back to tick out the species you have seen. If you find a logbook idea boring, you can do it digitally, by typing it in a phone notebook.

Final thoughts on Gir safari packing list

Any trip is exciting especially if it for a safari. It is important to list these things out so that you don’t miss out and enjoy the safari to the fullest! 

Best time to visit Gir National Park

The most popular time to visit Gir is in winters in the months of December to March as the temperature is bearable and there are chances of sighting migratory birds. However, summers are better for sighting the big cats as they out often to drink water at the water holes.

The best safari to go on is in the morning when the lions are most active. They tend to sleep for the rest of the day.

How to reach Gir National Park

By Air

The nearest airport is in Rajkot which is 3 hours away. One can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sasan Gir. 

By rail

The nearest railway station is at Junagadh, and from here the park is about 50 minutes drive. Trains are available from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to Junagadh. 

By road

One can drive in their own car or hire a private bus to Sasan Gir from Ahmedabad. This is the most convenient option and one can cover other nearby places such as Diu and Somnath. 

Did this fuel your wildlife wanderlust? Check the following National park articles for inspiration.

Tadoba National Park

Manas National Park

Eravikulam National Park

Jawai Leopard Safari

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Gir National Park: Weekend trip

After taking online permits weeks in advance (online permits are compulsory and can be availed 90 days in advance for safari) and costs Rs. 800 per person). We drove from Ahmedabad to Gir National Park – a comfortable 350 km ride by road. Stopping at Limdi for a quick breakfast, we continued on Rajkot highway to reach Gir also known as Sasan-Gir by 2pm just in time to have lunch and catch the 3pm safari.

Safari timings: 6am – 9am, 9am – 12 noon, 3pm – 6pm

After a super yummy lunch, we went to the vehicle desk and after showing our online permit we got our open gypsy (which can accommodate 6 people) and allotted guide. A gypsy costs Rs. 1500 for the safari and the guide cost is Rs 500 – all fixed rates. Hence including the permit charges, each safari costs approximately Rs 3500 (for 2 persons).

Day 1: Route 2 here we come:

10 minutes into the safari, we saw a family of Eurasian Thick-knee also known as Eurasian stone curlew or simply stone-curlew. Beautifully camouflaged with the leaf litter this species prefers dry open habitats to dwell. It is largely nocturnal and its food consists of insects, frogs and rodents.

The second species we spotted was Mottled Wood Owl. It was difficult to spot him in all those tree branches but owls are generally known to have their fixed tree branches where they dwell. Our guide knew it and so could show it to us. He seemed to be resting so we headed off next.

Another bird. This was our afternoon! We easily spotted this large wader – the Red wattled Lapwing or the did-he-do-it bird? Yep that’s exactly how he sounds as if he was saying it loud and clear.

Finally a mammal in sight! One of the hundreds of Spotted Deer we saw. See what i did there? So our guide said there are over 40,000 deers in the park. No wonder, the lion population is increasing. Enough food for them right?

I really love the name of this bird – Tickell’s blue flycatcher. The name commemorates the British ornithologist Samuel Tickell. Such a bright metallic sheen!

And there he was – an handsome lion of Gir National Park. He seemed to have injured himself in a territorial fight. He had an amazing aura that defied and justified that age is just a number and he’s still young at heart.

Later we came across a pride of 3 sub adult lion, 1 sub adult lioness and 2 lioness. This sub-adult lioness was just too cute and i had to photograph her. I would like to call her the Princess of Gir National Park.

We came across 2 more prides in varying numbers and genders and were all in happy, relaxing or playful mood. Some were thirsty as well.

At 6:30 pm it was time to bid adieu to Gir National Park, when a gypsy ahead of us suddenly stopped near a water stream. The guide pointed to something in left direction and it took a while to spot a leopard who had come downstream to quench his thirst. Now that was an ultimate highlight of Day 1 and sad coz my camera memory card was full and i could not click his picture!!

Day 2: Route 4

We started our day 2 of Gir National Park with an early 6am safari to get some shots of morning activity (probably a hunt) of the lions. Lions tend to hunt super early in the morning and relax/sleep for rest of the day. They tend to sleep for almost 20-21 hours a day. No wonder they are called King of Jungle.  We spotted fresh pugmarks which indicated a very recent passing by of a lioness.

We went ahead with the hope of catching something interesting when our guide spotted this Shikra. A small raptor with sharp red eyes was on his morning prowl looking down for a rodent.

I seriously do not know these jungle guides can spot the most amazingly minute things. He spotted a pair of Yellow- crowned woodpecker making holes in the tree to get their morning breakfast of termites. And then an Indian Nightjar. Mistaken as owl, our guide spotted this highly camouflaged bird on a tree branch. Such a beauty!

The highlight of Day 2! A young male walking besides a railway track. He eventually crossed the track. I did get some amazing shots.

A tree hugging monitor lizard at Gir National Park.

The Kamleshwar Dam, officially known as the Hiran-I Dam, is a reservoir on the Hiran river and is located within the Gir National Park. If you are lucky you may spot some Marsh crocodiles here (we didn’t).

In the Gir National Park you will come across people on foot with a group of cattle grazing around.These people live among the lions and milk their cattle for a living! Known as “Maldharis”, they live in scattered settlements inside the Gir National Park and have contributed for their protection and well being since many years. Ask them if they fear the predators and they simply smile and head off!

In total we saw 25 Asiatic lions and 1 leopard, a few hundred spotted deer, few sambars, 2 nilgai, 1 jackal, 1 wild boar and many birds in 2 days.

We drove back to Ahmedabad with a smile on our faces.

Also, read about Blackbuck National Park.

How to Reach Gir National Park

By Air : The nearest airports to the Gir National Park are Keshod airport and Rajkot airport.

By Train : Junagadh and Veraval railway stations are the nearest railway station from the Gir national park, located at around the same distance from the park.

By Road : The park is well-connected to some of the major cities of Gujarat by a good road. Somnath to Gir is 67 km and Dwarka to Gir is 285km. Both are must-visit destinations and can be combined along with a trip to Gir National Park.

Tips for sustainable Gir National Park trip

• Do not under any circumstances get down from your gypsy. Even if your vehicle breaks down, the guide and driver will make sure to arrange another vehicle so do not panic.
• Wear camouflage colours which will easily blend with the jungle – shades of green, brown and grey.
• It is totally understandable to get excited when you spot a wild animal in jungle. But do not make noises – whisper if necessary.
• Do not wear perfumes or body spray in the jungle.
• You will get super thirsty and hungry during a 3 hour safari. Carry water and food but do not dispose plastic or leftover food in jungle. Keep it in your bag or gypsy and dispose safely once you return to hotel.
• Do not feed anything to wild animals. Spotted deer commonly venture outside of national park boundary but you should not feed them anything.
• Try not to point out at birds. There have been instances where raptors take notice of pointing towards small, weak exotic birds and hunt them down.
• And last and not the least, respect the gypsy driver and guide. If you do not spot a wild animal do not blame them, remember you’re in a jungle and not a zoo to have surety of spotting animals.

Wildlife of Manas National Park, Assam | What is Manas National park famous for?

It is difficult to answer – Manas National Park is famous for which animal?

Manas National Park animals range from 55 species of mammals, 380 species of birds and 50 species of reptiles. It is quite easy to spot Asian elephants, Indian one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, Indian gaur or water buffalo, Assamese Macaque, Hoolock gibbons and Red panda.

If you are a bird watcher, Manas National Park is a paradise for you with more than 450 species of birds, which include the endangered Bengal Florican, Giant Hornbills, Fishing eagles, Jungle fowls, Finn’s weaver and Magpie Robins. Common species include Small Minivet, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Black rested Bulbul, Lesser Adjutant Stork, and Russet Sparrow, which are frequently seen.

Here are the Manas National Park attractions that are must add to your list:

Manas National Park Safari

It is surprising as a lot of people have not heard of Manas. Even my friends ask me where is Manas National Park. And it was a bigger surprise for them when I visited Manas twice. Yes, it is amazing that one visit cannot do justice to it.

With a dense forest cover, visitors need loads of luck to spot any animals or birds and are luckier to be able to photograph them. Like all national parks and sanctuaries, it is best to start early to get the best of wildlife and weather. Visitors may opt for an elephant safari as they can leave dedicated vehicle tracks and go in marsh areas which give a better chance to spot the elusive Indian Rhinoceros and Tiger but ethically it is best to avoid them!

Being in the Northeast of India and a different terrain altogether the wildlife of Manas National Park here is very different from Western and Central India which makes it even more exciting to click photos. During my 2 visits here, I have spotted Indian Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Red Panda, Barking deer and Golden langur. In birds, I have spotted Oriental Pied Hornbills, Serpent eagle and minivets.

Manas National Park has survived poaching but there is still a threat to the animals and birds due to habitat destruction.

Things to do in Manas other than a wildlife safari

If you are not interested in wildlife, is Manas National Park worth the visit?

Yes, a hundred times yes. The forest of Manas is lush green and taking a ride in the forest is the perfect way to unwind. Read how Vacation in Indian Jungles is therapeutic.

Other than jeep rides, Manas provides something most other parks don’t offer.

Manas River Rafting

While travel to Rishikesh is quite popular for adventure watersports like water rafting, very few people know that Manas also offer water rafting. Albeit, a slow one.

Slow water rafting, managed by the forest officials and Assam tourism is a one hour journey on the natural flow of water. There are hardly any rapids but the flow of water is good enough for an adventurous ride which gives you a chance to observe the dense forests and maybe also some wildlife. Very few tourists know about the option of rafting on the Manas river and that is why you must go before it gets too touristy and no fun. The rafting begins from Mathanguri which means you need to drive from the park gate to till here in safari jeeps. The forest officials will then take you on the 20km journey ahead.

As lazy as the slow water rafting sounds – it reminds me of lazy pool rides in a waterpark, but it is nothing like lazy. The clear Manas water will make you want to look deep down the river bed and look at some aquatic life. The crystal white river bed with dead logs floating around it will keep you stunned with its pristine beauty. You can easily spot birds overhead not giving a damn about the manmade borders and crossing from India to Bhutan and vice versa. And you can especially not feel lazy as there are chances to spot wildlife on the riverbanks. I happened to spot a bison.

Visiting Assam Tea Estates

Assam Tea is a world-famous beverage. So it is only fair to pay a visit to these tea estates, when in Manas, Assam.

While driving to the Park entrance, notice the tea estates on your right. While a quick photo-op is possible and even allowed for the tourists, it is super interesting to see the entire process. On request, the tea estate owner can allow visitors to stroll in the tea estate and also take a look at the factory. You can see the plucking of tea leaves and the entire process of making leaves into tea powder. If you are a tea lover, you will surely get transported into tea heaven. This certainly reminded me of visiting a tea estate in Munnar.

I was lucky enough to roam in these gardens and also have chai with the owner. He is a good storyteller I must tell you.

Nature Walk

Depending upon where you are staying around the park premises, most resorts arrange a nature park around their property which is also the fringe areas of the Park. If you are a birder request a birding walk and you will be surprised with the number of birds you will spot with a professional guide or in-house specialist.

Don’t be a fool like me who did not carry the telephoto lens because I did not want to lug around the heavyweight. On one such walk, I spotted the one-horned rhino that I did not spot in the actual safari.

Best Time to Visit Manas National Park

Like every other national park in India, Manas remains closed during monsoon – June to September. Hence the best time to visit is in the winter months – October to February. March to May is extremely humid and may rain in the mornings, lowering the chances of spotting wildlife in the forest. Though safe, it is always advisable to check with the forest department for any untoward incidences in the periphery of Manas as the forest entry may be closed and the safari could be cancelled. Each safari lasts for 3 hours and there are 3 options to choose from. Ideally, go for the morning safari. Manas National Park Safari Timings are:

• Morning safari – 6:30 am to 9:30 am
• Mid-morning safari – 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Evening safari – 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

You can plan a trip around spring to participate in the Manas Spring Festival.

Manas National Park Safari Cost

Like all parks, there are various zones. Manas National Park is divided into 2 zones – Bansbari and Bhuyanpura. Jeep safari in open gypsy is possible for both zones. The safari can be booked online here

Safari cost in Bansbari zone: Approx. INR 4000 (including gypsy, driver cost, permit charges, online payment gateway charges & service charges)

Safari cost for Bhuyanpura zone: Approx. INR 4500 (including gypsy, driver cost, permit charges, online payment gateway charges & service charges)

Up to 5 visitors are allowed to sit in each gypsy.

Resorts near Manas National Park | Hotels in Manas National Park

When I first visited Manas back in 2013, there were only a handful of options to stay. Most people relied on the Forest Rest House. And deservingly so.

The Mathanguri FRH at Manas National Park offers the best views of the Manas forest, Manas River and the experience is amazing. I feel this is one of the highlights of Manas.

Visitors can opt to stay here for the night with a very basic tariff. This place has 6 rooms and needs to be booked in advance. I don’t know about now but when I stayed there in 2013, there was no electricity. The experience of living right in the middle of the jungle at night was nothing less than an adventure.

Hotels and Resort near Manas National Park are:

Bansbari Lodge

Birina Eco-lodge

Musa Jungle Retreat

How to Reach Manas National Park

By Air

The nearest airport to the National Park in Assam is Gauhati, which is around 176 km from the destination. Gauhati airport is well connected to the other parts of India through New Delhi.

By Rail

Barpeta Road is the junction which is around 32 km away from the Manas National Park. However, you can travel by train to Gauhati railway station and then travel by road to Manas.

By Road

From Gauhati, take national highway number 31 to reach Barpeta road. Barpeta to Manas National Park is pretty much a straight road. From there the highway will lead you to Bansbari, which is the entry point of Manas. It will take approximately 4 hours to reach Manas National Park.

Sustainable travel tips

• Do not get down from the jeep ride in the national park as it is dangerous and against the rules.
• Strictly avoid wearing perfume or body spray with a strong scent. It distracts wild animals.
• Wear camouflage colours that will easily blend with the jungle – shades of green, brown and grey.
• It is totally understandable to get excited when you spot a wild animal in the jungle. But do not make noises – whisper if necessary.
• You may carry water and snacks in the care but do not dispose of plastic or leftover food in the jungle. Keep it in your bag or gypsy and dispose of it safely once you return to the hotel.
• Do not feed anything to wild animals.

Enjoy Indian Wildlife? Read more wildlife posts here

• For Nilgiri tahr: Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
• For Blackbucks: Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar
• For tiger: Jim Corbett National Park , Tadoba National Park
• For Asiatic lion: Gir National Park

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