When to Go
Duration
Theme
Nov to March
12 Nights
Wildlife
Wild Gujarat
AHMEDABAD — LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH — VELAVADAR — GIR
ABOUT
Travel through Gujarat’s extraordinary wild landscapes, from the salt flats and wetlands of the Little Rann to Velavadar’s golden grasslands and Gir’s teak forests.
Along the way, encounter wild ass, blackbuck and Asiatic lions, while discovering Ahmedabad’s architecture, regional crafts and deeply rooted rural communities.
Why we love this trip
This is not a conventional Indian safari. Gujarat’s wildlife inhabits vast salt plains, wetlands, open grasslands and dry forest, giving every stage of the journey a completely different character.
The wildlife is equally varied: Asiatic wild ass crossing the Rann, blackbuck at Velavadar, winter flamingos, wolves, hyenas and finally, the Asiatic lions of Gir. Just as importantly, the route brings together specialist naturalists, locally rooted lodges and some exceptional places to stay.
Gujarat is one of India’s most rewarding wildlife destinations, yet it remains far less familiar than the tiger reserves of Central India. This journey brings together three contrasting wilderness areas, beginning with two nights in Ahmedabad before travelling deep into the state’s varied landscapes.
This is a wildlife journey with real range: specialist safaris balanced by architecture, crafts, food and human stories. It works particularly well for travellers who have already experienced India’s tiger reserves, or those who simply want to see a wilder and less familiar side of the country.
DAYS 1–2 — AHMEDABAD
ACTIVITY
Begin among Ahmedabad’s layered neighbourhoods, where intricately carved façades, colourful markets and ambitious modernist buildings sit side by side. Explore the old city with a private guide, discover Gujarat’s celebrated textile traditions and visit one of the region’s remarkable stepwells. Food is an important part of the experience too, from fragrant street snacks to a carefully prepared Gujarati thali.
Highlight: Seeing the city through both its centuries-old trading quarters and its bold modern architecture.
WHERE TO STAY
Fouzdar House is our starting idea. This intimate six-bedroom home was built in the 1970s and carefully restored by the original family, giving it warmth, character and a genuine connection to Ahmedabad’s modernist heritage.
DAYS 3–5 — LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH
ACTIVITY
Travel west to the Little Rann, a vast and otherworldly landscape of salt flats, seasonal wetlands and raised islands. Head out with specialist guides in search of Asiatic wild ass, desert foxes, hyenas and migratory birds. There is also time to visit nearby villages, meet craftspeople and learn how communities have adapted to this demanding but surprisingly life-filled environment.
Highlight: Watching a herd of wild ass gallop across the apparently endless salt plain.
WHERE TO STAY
Rann Riders is deeply connected to the landscape around it. Its cottages are rustic in spirit but comfortable, with pools and generous outdoor space. The real strength lies in its guides and the breadth of experiences: jeep, walking, cycling and village safaris, alongside birding and evenings beneath the stars.
DAYS 6–8 — VELAVADAR
ACTIVITY
Continue south to Velavadar, where the scenery opens into sweeping golden grasslands. Private drives reveal great herds of blackbuck, their movements unfolding clearly across the plains. Look too for nilgai, jackals, Indian wolves, striped hyenas and birds of prey. With three nights here, there is time to return at different hours and appreciate how dramatically the landscape changes with the light.
Highlight: Blackbuck racing across the grasslands as the evening sun drops towards the horizon.
WHERE TO STAY
The Blackbuck Lodge sits close to the national park, with spacious villas positioned to look out across the surrounding landscape. The style is polished but relaxed, while trained naturalists lead private drives in open vehicles equipped with binoculars and field guides. A bush dinner can provide a memorable final evening.
DAYS 9–12 — GIR
ACTIVITY
The final journey takes you into the dry teak forests of Gir, the only place in the world where Asiatic lions still live in the wild. Set out with expert guides in search of lions, leopards, deer, crocodiles and colourful birdlife. Four nights allow the experience to unfold slowly, balancing safaris with forest walks, birding, time beside the pool and quiet afternoons at the lodge.
Highlight: Encountering an Asiatic lion moving silently through Gir’s forest and scrub.
WHERE TO STAY
Aramness provides a remarkable finale. Its private kothis take inspiration from Gujarati village architecture, with courtyards and generous living spaces. The lodge sits beside the teak forest and combines thoughtful naturalist-led safaris with walking, birding, spa treatments and unhurried time immersed in the landscape.
Experiences
Ready to Start Planning
Your journey starts with a conversation.
Tell us what draws you to India, how you like to travel and what would make the experience feel truly special. We’ll listen, share our ideas and create a journey shaped around you.
There is no planning fee and no pressure — just thoughtful, honest advice from a small team who genuinely care about getting it right.
Send us an email and we’ll arrange a time to chat.
