Exploring Gir Forest: A Complete Guide to My First Lion Safari, Spotting Asiatic Lions, and Experiencing Gujarat's Wildlife

My travels have taken me to many incredible places, but visiting Gir Forest in Gujarat is something truly unique. This four-day trip has already been an unforgettable adventure, and I’m here with my friend and her family. They brought me to Gir to experience the magic of its wildlife, particularly the famous Asiatic lions. We’re staying at Gir Serai - IHCL SeleQtions, a beautiful Taj Hotels property in Sasan Gir, which has offered an incredible blend of comfort and nature. The view from my room’s balcony is a delight—you can spot colorful parrots and various birds perched on the trees around the pool, making me feel as if I’m right in the heart of the forest.

Out of the two safaris planned, I have already completed one—an early morning safari—and it was nothing short of spectacular. The hotel arranged a safari vehicle for us, and we left at around 6 AM to complete the documentation at the forest office, where we got the necessary permits. By 6:30 AM, we were on the safari track, ready for a morning filled with adventure.

As we entered Gir National Park, the forest came alive with the sounds of birds welcoming the day. The roads were wet from the previous night’s rain, adding a refreshing touch to the drive. Coming from Karnataka, where I’ve experienced safaris in places like Kabini and Nagarhole, I knew Gir would offer something different. For over 90 minutes, we explored the forest, spotting a variety of wildlife, from wild ducks perched high in the trees to the vibrant kingfishers and numerous spotted deer grazing along the way.

At one point, we stopped at the halfway meeting point inside the forest when our guide received a tip from another safari vehicle—there was a lioness nearby. The excitement was palpable as we quickly headed toward the location, with other vehicles following close behind.

It was my first encounter with a lion in the wild, and there she was—a majestic lioness, softly calling out to her cubs. It wasn’t a scary roar but more of a gentle, motherly sound, and seeing her in her natural habitat was an awe-inspiring moment. Her sheer size and strength were impressive, and the way she moved through the bushes made me realize just how special this safari was.

Just when we thought we’d seen it all, we drove a little further and saw the lioness again, this time accompanied by her two adorable cubs. They looked just like Simba from "The Lion King," making soft noises and walking proudly alongside their mother. It was a moment of pure joy to see these little ones in the wild, and I felt incredibly fortunate to witness this rare sight. The lioness led her cubs to a shaded spot, where she settled down and began nursing them. There’s something deeply moving about watching a mother care for her children, and this scene left a lasting impression on me.

After this extraordinary encounter, we continued our safari, hoping to spot more lions. Although we didn’t see any others, the experience was still rich with wildlife sightings. We spotted many birds, including pocket owls, and a majestic Sambar deer leisurely chewing on its greens. Just when we thought the safari had come to an end, those tiny pocket owls gave us one last surprise as we were driving out.

But my day didn’t end there. Later in the evening, we went on a night drive through the forest. It was pitch dark, and the experience of driving through the wilderness at night was thrilling. The sounds of the forest, combined with the darkness, made it an unforgettable adventure.

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed a delicious Gujarati breakfast of thepla and aloo bhaji. Later, we headed to a nearby dhaba for lunch, where we were served massive rotla with ghee and jaggery, along with flavorful green gram sabji, aloo sabji and traditional Gujarati bengan bharta. The day wrapped up with a hearty dinner featuring local chicken, which was incredibly flavorful and paired perfectly with rotla—it was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.

The first day of my adventure in Gir Forest was truly amazing, and with another safari still to come, I can’t wait to see what else this stunning national park has in store. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll continue sharing my journey through the wilds of Gujarat!