Gujarat Lions & Wild Ass Trail

Twelve nights across Gujarat’s salt deserts, dry forests and grasslands, in search of the world’s last wild Asiatic lions and the last population of Indian wild ass on Earth

Three species that exist nowhere else in the world in these numbers, across three landscapes that look nothing like the rest of India.

Private

Tailor-Made Journey

Nights in India

Daily

Breakfast Included

Private

Chauffeur Throughout

Expert

Local Guides

ATOL

Protected Holidays

Salt Flat, Dry Forest, Grassland

India's Most Underappreciated Wildlife State

This specialist wildlife journey explores the remarkable diversity of Gujarat, one of India’s most rewarding yet underappreciated wildlife destinations.

Beginning in the historic city of Ahmedabad, the journey ventures into the salt deserts and seasonal wetlands of the Little Rann of Kutch, home to the world’s last population of the Indian Wild Ass. Continue to Gir National Park, the only place on Earth where the Asiatic Lion survives in the wild, before exploring Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar, renowned for its herds of Blackbuck and its Indian Wolves.

Journey Highlights

Experiences You Will Never Forget

Six full days of wildlife across three habitats, each holding something you cannot see anywhere else.

The Last Asiatic Lions

Gir National Park is globally renowned as the only place on Earth where Asiatic Lions survive in the wild.

The Last Wild Ass

The Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary is the last remaining stronghold of the Indian Wild Ass, found nowhere else.

Wolves on the Grassland

Blackbuck National Park is one of the finest places in India to observe the elusive Indian Wolf, a specialist of open country.

Harriers by the Thousand

Velavadar hosts one of the world’s largest communal roosts of migratory Harriers, gathering each winter evening.

Two Big Cats in One Forest

Gir also holds a healthy population of Leopard, making it one of India’s best places to see both large cats in one ecosystem.

Ahmedabad's Old City

The Heritage Walk of Ahmedabad through the pols and havelis, plus Sabarmati Ashram and the Adalaj Stepwell.

Flamingos on the Salt Flats

Winter brings Greater Flamingos, Demoiselle Cranes, pelicans and storks to the seasonal wetlands of the Rann.

The Maldhari of Gir

The Maldhari pastoral communities have lived within the Gir landscape alongside its lions for generations.

Your Journey

Ahmedabad, Kutch, Gir and Velavadar

A loop through the Kathiawar peninsula, from salt desert to dry deciduous forest to open savannah grassland.
.

Ahmedabad

Stop 1

Little Rann of Kutch

Stop 2

Gir

Stop 3

Velavadar

Stop 4

Sample Itinerary

Your Gujarat Lions & Wild Ass Trail Journey

The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.

Days 01 - 02 : Arrive Ahmedabad

Days 01-02

India's First UNESCO Heritage City

A warm reception at Ahmedabad Airport. A full day beginning with the Heritage Walk of Ahmedabad through the pols and havelis of the old city, then Sabarmati Ashram, established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917, with the preserved residence of Hriday Kunj, the Hutheesing Jain Temple, the Adalaj Stepwell, Akshardham Temple and the Law Garden Market.

Days 03 - 05 : Ahmedabad - Little Rann of Kutch

Days 03-05

Salt Flats and Wild Ass

Drive to the Little Rann of Kutch, a landscape of shimmering salt flats, seasonal wetlands and elevated islands. Two full days of private wildlife drives for the Indian Wild Ass in small herds, plus **Indian Wolf, Desert Fox, Golden Jacka, Nilgai and, in winter, Greater Flamingos and Demoiselle Cranes.

Days 06 - 08 : Little Rann - Gir National Park

Days 06-08

The Last Wild Lions

Drive to Gir National Park. Two full days of private jeep safaris searching for Asiatic Lions, often resting beneath acacia or gathering near water, plus Leopards, Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Rusty-spotted Cat, Chinkara, Four-horned Antelope and Mugger Crocodiles.

Days 09 - 11 : Gir - Velavadar National Park

Days 09-11

Grassland, Blackbuck and Wolves

Drive to Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar on the Gulf of Khambhat. Two full days of private wildlife drives across open plains for large herds of Blackbuck, the elusive Indian Wolf, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Indian Fox and thousands of roosting Harriers in winter.

Days 12 - 13 : Velavadar - Ahmedabad

Days 12-13

Bazaars and Departure

Drive back to Ahmedabad and explore the local bazaars, known for textiles, silver jewellery, leatherwork and handcrafted souvenirs. The following morning, a departure transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Your Holiday

Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End

Your Journey Includes

12 nights accommodation, including six at wildlife lodges across three reserves
**All meals** served at the lodges during the reserve stays
Morning and afternoon private wildlife drives with experienced naturalists
Introductory naturalist sessions on arrival at each reserve
The guided Heritage Walk of Ahmedabad and a full day of city sightseeing
Naturalist-led discussions on lion, wolf and grassland conservation
Complete transport in AC vehicle with driver throughout

Tailor Your Holiday

Add extra wildlife drives at any of the three reserves
Travel November to March for the harrier roosts and migratory birds
Add nights at Velavadar, where wolves reward patience
Add a dedicated bird guide for the grassland and wetland specialists
Extend into Kutch proper for the craft villages and the Great Rann
Arrange a photography programme around sunrise and sunset light
Adjust the balance between wildlife and Ahmedabad's heritage

Choose Your Rajasthan Experience

Travel Rajasthan Your Way

Choose the style of holiday that suits you. Every journey is privately arranged and can be personalised around your travel dates, preferred hotels, pace and experiences.

5★ Deluxe Journey

Delightful Rajasthan

From £2,500 per person

Based on two adults sharing

Luxury Rajasthan

From £3,500 per person

Based on two adults sharing

Palace Collection

Rajasthan Exceptional

Tailor-Made

For an extraordinary private journey

Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and vary according to travel dates, availability and final hotel selection. International flights are not included in the guide prices above but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.

Looking for something even more exceptional?
We can create a fully bespoke Rajasthan journey featuring palace suites, private villas and luxury hotels including Oberoi, Taj, RAAS, Raffles, Aman and Six Senses.

Make It Your Own

Add Extraordinary Private Experiences

Gujarat rewards more time than most itineraries allow. These are the additions guests ask for most.

Extra Drives at Velavadar

The Indian wolf is among India's hardest predators to see. More drives is the only real answer.

Extend into Kutch

The craft villages of the Great Rann, with their embroidery, bandhani and mirror work..

A Dedicated Bird Guide

Three habitats, three completely different bird communities, and a specialist to read them.

A Photography Programme

Salt flats and open grassland give light you will not find in India's forest reserves.

Travel With Confidence

Why Book With India Vacations?

Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.

India Specialists

Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.

ATOL Protection

Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.

Tailor-Made Travel

Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.

Personal Assistance

Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.

Your Gujarat Story Starts Here

Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India

Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.

All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.

Gujarat Lions & Wild Ass Trail Experiences