It was first in 1992 that we went to Gir Forest in Gujarat. Those days I was working in Kandla, about 300 odd kms from Gir. A totally unplanned trip, purely impulsive we just drove down one fine day.
After an overnight stay in Sasan Gir, we went into the forest in a jeep provided by the Gir
Authorities. Remember having seen some deer and a few foot prints of a Lioness that passed by some time ago. But saw no Lions. Nothing much to hold on to as a memory....but there was a nudge deep inside, a connection with the place, something indescribable ! I knew then that I would come back here again !
It happened in 2011 ! By then we were blessed with a daughter who was now 12 years old and a wild life enthusiast of sorts. It was the last week of December and we decided to spend the new year's eve in Gir. Did some quick research, could manage the logistics and off we went there.
And this time, with the help and guidance of the resort owner (a private farm called Pride Farms )
and a passionate guide went into the forest in the afternoon session. Inspired by my daughter's and wife's enthusiasm and knowledge of the big cats, and their prodding, he quickly made some calls to the Trackers and they guided us to ' the spot ' ! And for the first time in our lives, saw a Pride in their natural habitat. So carried away we were, organised for ourselves another trip the next day early morning at 6 am. And now with the help of the guide and Trackers, saw a whole pride walking ahead of our jeep.
Believe it or not, a total of 14 sightings of the Asiatic Lion ! As they walked along side our jeep, we slowly drove along. None of us was speaking, as if all of us went dumb at one shot.
Add to this the first taste of sensitivity towards these cats and their habitat. At a point the driver just stopped the jeep, bent down and picked up a small plastic pouch carelessly dropped by some tourists. We asked why he did that, and he replied ' Sir lions will choke when they eat this pouch. We cant afford them falling ill ' ! Dumbfounded, yet again, but touched at his sensitivity and the need he felt to protect the big cats.
Again in May 2013 we went there, for a third time. The 'calling' was something divine that we as a family have simply succumbed to. Contacted the old Trackers, who remembered us and again guided us. We made 3 trips, 2 in the early morning and 1 in the afternoon. As many sightings this time too, but with a difference.
We almost saw an attack which the lioness gave up at the last minute. My daughter explained it as an ambush that was called off at the last moment as a 'strategy'. She went on to explain that the lioness which was so focused on the prey, gave up as she found the jeeps blocking the path of her Pride which was to support her in the attack ! The guide couldn't agree more.
Thoroughly satisfied but unsatiated, we returned with fond memories. We will go back there again for sure ! The Government of Gujarat is doing a great service both to the Nature and to us. Everything is superbly laid out and procedural. However one needs to make bookings in advance. I can guide a potential visitor if requested and support. Doing our own bit... for Mother Nature !
Gir, it is said is the Last Home for the Asiatic Lion. Blessed are we, that this abode is in our neighborhood. Nature conferred on us this responsibility in the hope that we act responsibly and take care of these marvelous creations. Visit these beauties once, and your life would have developed a different paradigm. Try !!!!
Given below are a few snaps.
After an overnight stay in Sasan Gir, we went into the forest in a jeep provided by the Gir
Authorities. Remember having seen some deer and a few foot prints of a Lioness that passed by some time ago. But saw no Lions. Nothing much to hold on to as a memory....but there was a nudge deep inside, a connection with the place, something indescribable ! I knew then that I would come back here again !
It happened in 2011 ! By then we were blessed with a daughter who was now 12 years old and a wild life enthusiast of sorts. It was the last week of December and we decided to spend the new year's eve in Gir. Did some quick research, could manage the logistics and off we went there.
And this time, with the help and guidance of the resort owner (a private farm called Pride Farms )
and a passionate guide went into the forest in the afternoon session. Inspired by my daughter's and wife's enthusiasm and knowledge of the big cats, and their prodding, he quickly made some calls to the Trackers and they guided us to ' the spot ' ! And for the first time in our lives, saw a Pride in their natural habitat. So carried away we were, organised for ourselves another trip the next day early morning at 6 am. And now with the help of the guide and Trackers, saw a whole pride walking ahead of our jeep.
Believe it or not, a total of 14 sightings of the Asiatic Lion ! As they walked along side our jeep, we slowly drove along. None of us was speaking, as if all of us went dumb at one shot.
Add to this the first taste of sensitivity towards these cats and their habitat. At a point the driver just stopped the jeep, bent down and picked up a small plastic pouch carelessly dropped by some tourists. We asked why he did that, and he replied ' Sir lions will choke when they eat this pouch. We cant afford them falling ill ' ! Dumbfounded, yet again, but touched at his sensitivity and the need he felt to protect the big cats.
Again in May 2013 we went there, for a third time. The 'calling' was something divine that we as a family have simply succumbed to. Contacted the old Trackers, who remembered us and again guided us. We made 3 trips, 2 in the early morning and 1 in the afternoon. As many sightings this time too, but with a difference.
We almost saw an attack which the lioness gave up at the last minute. My daughter explained it as an ambush that was called off at the last moment as a 'strategy'. She went on to explain that the lioness which was so focused on the prey, gave up as she found the jeeps blocking the path of her Pride which was to support her in the attack ! The guide couldn't agree more.
Thoroughly satisfied but unsatiated, we returned with fond memories. We will go back there again for sure ! The Government of Gujarat is doing a great service both to the Nature and to us. Everything is superbly laid out and procedural. However one needs to make bookings in advance. I can guide a potential visitor if requested and support. Doing our own bit... for Mother Nature !
Gir, it is said is the Last Home for the Asiatic Lion. Blessed are we, that this abode is in our neighborhood. Nature conferred on us this responsibility in the hope that we act responsibly and take care of these marvelous creations. Visit these beauties once, and your life would have developed a different paradigm. Try !!!!
Given below are a few snaps.
 |
| My Family |
 |
| Alert ! |
 |
| First Sight of the Prey |
 |
| Focusing on the Prey |
 |
| Preparing for the Attack |
 |
| Strategic Retreat - Ambush given up ! |
