Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge (please only name one species)?
The Mottled Wood Owl is one of the many star attractions at the Gir Birding Lodge. A common boundary with the Gir National Park gives visitors ample opportunities to encounter the highlights of the region
What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?
The name of the lodge is Gir Birding Lodge, which is situated near Gir National Park in Sasan Gir. For years now, the lodge has established itself as a preferred destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers to discover Gir beyond the world-famous Asiatic Lions.
How best to travel to your lodge?
The lodge is well-connected to all major destinations by rail, road and air. The nearest airports are those of Rajkot (approx. 160 kms) and Diu (approx. 110 kms), and both are well connected to the city of Ahmedabad.
What activities are provided by the lodge, except for food and accommodation?
The lodge offers exciting experiences for every traveller, including wildlife safaris in Gir National Park and the Devaliya Interpretation Zone, birdwatching, nature walks, photography, village walks, temple visits, seasonal Gir picnics, and local cooking experiences. Whether you are a leisure or solo traveller, a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, family, couple, or honeymooner, there’s something for everyone.
What makes your lodge special?
The 22-acre mango orchard that surrounds the lodge brings the forests of Gir right at your doorstep. The common shared boundary with the National Park gives you safari glimpses before you even begin one. The in-depth knowledge of our in-house naturalists enhances your experience of the nature walks.
What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?
Mottled Wood Owl, White-bellied Minivet, Common Iora, Coppersmith Barbet, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Pitta, Small Minivet, Ashy Drongo, Black-rumped Flameback, Indian Peafowl, Crested Serpent Eagle, Shikra, Grey Francolin, Jungle Bush Quail, Rufous Treepie, and Green Bee-eater; forest owlet is one of the species
Which is the best season to visit the lodge and why?
The lodge offers memorable experiences throughout the year. The following are the seasonal divisions as to what one can expect in the following timeline
- October – March: This season is ideal for wildlife safaris. Moreover, the pleasant weather opens the door to ample birding opportunities.
- April – June: Activities around the water sources increase, hence increasing the chances of wildlife and birdlife sightings.
- July – September: The monsoon season changes the landscape of Gir into a lush-green extravaganza, making it ideal for herping tours, tracing butterflies, and photography.
Has the lodge made any conservation efforts? If yes, please state them
Through nature walks and initiatives like Earth Walks, the knowledge about the biodiversity of Gir is spread amongst the visitors. The lodge remains committed to encouraging the involvement of locals in its operation and making them believe in the importance of ecotourism.
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?
Visitors are suggested to carry their own binoculars, spare memory cards, lens, and walking shoes. We suggest that they plan a trip of 3-5 days to experience the best of the landscape of Gir.
Do you have activities for non-birders? If so, please describe.
Non-birders can enjoy activities such as nature walks, picnics, and excursions to places such as the Somnath Temple, Junagadh, Diu, etc. Within the lodge, the mango orchard and swimming pool serve as perfect spots to escape the summer heat. The village walks and safari rides in Gir National Park and Devaliya Zone make them more aware of the landscape.
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?
- Gir Birding Lodge, Beside Sukh Sagar Resort, Bhalchhel, Mendarada, Junagadh, Gujarat 362135, India
- Website: https://www.girbirdinglodge.com/
- Email: info@asianadventures.in
- Phone: +91 80104 50000 | +91 97241 96606
- Book Online: https://www.asiatech.in/booking_engine/index3.php?token=MTc3OA%3D%3D
Gir National Park (and its main jungle trail safaris) is closed every year from June 16 to October 15. Monsoon rains make the dirt tracks inside the forest unsafe and muddy. Also, this period lines up with the reproduction of the park’s Asiatic lions, giving the animals peace and quiet without tourist 4x4s.
Oh my gosh! One of my favorite places to stay and bird — no, I said that wrong — my absolute favorite place ever. I was there in February 2020 so I missed the monsoon rains that Dragan writes about. However, there was plenty of talk about monsoon season. When I was there, it was as dry as a bone. We did see the Asiatic lions and birds were very numerous. The rooms very charming and comfortable; the dining room, including patio dining for breakfast or dinner was so nice. From the last photo, I see that they have updated their safari vehicles. This is a four seater and you can see how the seats rise from where the driver sits. No blocked viewing. (Naturally, everyone scrambles for the rear seat.) Gir park also had one of my favorite guides (I wish I could remember his name); sadly, for us, the park makes sure their guides are rotated. Following our great guide, the next guide was a lazy let down. Really good place to visit and bird. One final comment that might be important to birders who enjoy a cold beer or two after a day of birding. Unless they have changed their laws in the past six years. Gujurat is a dry state. At Gir, if you are not a citizen of Gujarat, you can still purchase beer, wine and spirits (in a limited quantity) from a store on the property, but you need to hand over your passport, as proof of this.