A paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, Gujarat
is home to many wildlife resorts and specialty jungle lodgings. Here is a
collaborated list of the best wildlife resorts in Gujarat located in the
vicinity of the best known sanctuaries and national parks in the state.
1. Wild Ass Sanctuary, Rann of Kutch
Watch out for: Wild ass, nilgais, desert cats, desert foxes,
wolves, MacQueen's bustards, flamingoes, Demoiselle cranes, Sykes nightjars,
sand grouses, harriers and owls.
Rann Riders Safari Resort
Rann Riders is an eco resort with rustic cottages that blend
with the rural countryside of the Dasada Village in which it is located. They
offer horse, camel and jeep safaris into the Wild Ass Sanctuary. This also
makes a great base for exploring the local culture and handicrafts of the
Surendranagar District.
USP: The cottages are built like the kooba and bhunga houses
of the local tribal community, beautifully decorated with mirrors, embroideries
and mud plaster designs. The tandoori cuisine and the regional specialities are
a must try.
Desert Coursers
Desert Coursers have been organizing safaris since 1984 and
are probably your best bet if you wish to experience the real Rann of Kutch.
They provide eco-friendly cottages with all the modern amenities and local
cuisine. They also provide customized cultural and wildlife tours.
USP: The cultural tours are not to be missed. The property
lies right next to a lake, so it attracts more than 70 species of birds to the
property.
Royal Safari Camp
Another gem in Kutch, the Royal Safari Camps promises you an
experience you aren’t likely to forget. The camp is beautifully constructed by
the local artisans. Each of the 18 red stone cottages exhibit impressive
craftsmanship, and have all the modern conveniences. In addition, the grounds
have facilities for billiard, lawn tennis, swimming pool, theatre and a
multi-cuisine restaurant.
USP: They offer on-the-foot excursions, which are a delightful
way to exploring the countryside. Try fishing in the artificial lake created
within the property.
2. Gir National Park, Junagadh
Watch out for: Asiatic lions, Indian leopards, sloth bears,
golden jackals, four-horned antelope, nilgais, chitals, blackbucks, monitor
lizards, crested hawk eagles, black-headed orioles, woodpeckers, crested
treeswifts, Indian pitta.
Lion Safari Camp
One of the most reputed camps inside the Gir Wildlife
Sanctuary,this camp is the ultimate choice for accommodation in this area. Set
within acres of mango orchards, the Lion Safari Camp provides 25 AC tented
accommodations which are surprisingly luxurious. The interiors are quite lavish
and are complimented with all the necessary modern amenities. This has been
voted as one of the best wildlife resorts in Gujarat.
USP: The deck in the camp is a great spot to observe the
surrounding wildlife. The tariff, inclusive of all three meals, is pleasantly
surprising.
Gir Birding Lodge
The Gir Birding Lodge sits right at the entrance of the
national park and is also set amidst sprawling mango orchards. It offers
comfortably furnished standard rooms as well as standard and deluxe cottages.
Surrounded by thick groves of the Kesar mango trees, the property attracts a
huge number of birds during peak season.
USP: Check out their natural history library. You should
also opt for the game-watching drive within the sanctuary where you will be
accompanied by their resident naturalists.
Asiatic Lion Lodge
Nestled between the two forested hills of the Gir National
Park, the Asiatic Lion Lodge is an ideal choice for avid wildlife enthusiasts
looking for plenty of privacy. The lodge offers rustic cottage accommodations
with en-suite bathrooms, and verandas with safari chairs. It is just a 10
minute drive from Bhambha Fol Gate and 15 minute drive to the Sasan Gir. They
provide jeep safaris, tribal village visits and a daily movie on the Gir
Wildlife Sanctuary.
USP: The lovely jungle-side cafe with library. You can also
opt for cycling and guided nature walks with knowledgeable guides.
3. Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, Bhavnagar
Watch out for: Blackbucks, foxes, jungle cats, lesser
florican, larks, MacQueen’s bustards
The Blackbuck Lodge
For those who do not wish to compromise on comfort, the
Blackbuck Lodge offers unparalleled luxury right in the midst of an untamed
landscape. The cottages are big and airy with minimalistic design. Additional
facilities include a swimming pool, open air barbeque and library.
USP: The secluded setting and close proximity to the
Blackbuck National Park. Each room has a veranda out back with deck chairs,
perfect for watching blackbucks which amble into the premises. Also it is a 90
minute drive to Lothal, one of the important excavation sites pertaining to the
Indus Valley Civilization.
Kaliyar Bhavan Forest Lodge
This is one of the two accommodation options near the
Blackbuck National Park. This lodge is a great choice for those who do not wish
to spend too much on luxury. Run by the forest department, Kaliyar Bhawan
Forest Lodge offers clean standard rooms with basic amenities. All the meals
provided are vegetarian. There is just one AC room (rest are non AC) and no TV.
USP: Low tariffs. It is located right in the middle of the
park.
4. Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, Panchmahal
Watch out for: Sloth bears, jungle cats, hyenas, leopards,
wolves, four horned antelopes, herpetofauna, birds
The Caravan Serai Resort
Located at the foothills of the Jambughoda Sanctuary, the
Caravan Serai is an activity-centric resort with accommodations provided in
tents and wooden caravans. Recreational areas include swimming pool, golf
course, discotheque and spa. The resort offers a strategically positioned tree
decks for birdwatchers. The rooms do not have TVs. Activities organized here
are: rope slings, jungle safari and trekking, Tarzan swing, machaan, monkey
jumps, obstacle racing, rock climbing, rappelling and canal surfing.
USP: Barely 20 km from Champaner (UNESCO Heritage Site).
Dhanpari Eco Campsite
This is another forest eco-tourism site within the
Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary. Dhanpari Eco Campsite provides humble, no-frills
cottage accommodations surrounded by magnificent forests teeming with a variety
of flora and fauna. The campsite is located close to the Kada Dam. There are
machaans erected for viewing wildlife.
USP: The beautiful nature trail within the campsite. It also
has an orientation centre, that provides information on what to expect during
the local safari.
5. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Narmada
Watch out for: leopard, sloth bear, Rhesus macaque,
chausingha, barking deer, pangolin, herpetofauna, Alexandrine parakeet.
Presidency Forest County
Surrounded by teak and sandalwood forests, mango orchards
and the beautiful Baldeva Dam Lake, the Presidency Forest County is set in a
dreamy location. Situated very close to the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary,
the resort offers wildlife excursion tours along with numerous adventurous
activities. Guests can avail deluxe rooms or tented accommodations.
USP: The stunning location of the resort.
From deciduous forests and wetlands to grasslands and desert
plains to coastal and marine locations, Gujarat offers a myriad of natural
habitats which in turn has led to the flourishing of a spectacular variety of
wildlife species, making this one of the popular biodiversity hotspots in the
Indian subcontinent. Make sure you visit some of these best wildlife resorts in
Gujarat and experience the untamed wild side of this wonderful state.
