After climbing Mount Girnar we drove down south to Gir National Park which is located in the far south region of Gujarat, India. It is the only home to the nearly extinct Asiatic Lion. From the lions, food, lodging and african dancers it was an incredible experience that I will never forget.

Gir National Park

Safari Bus

This was our safari bus. If you will be taking photos be sure to get there early enough to grab a window seat. The driver does a great job of pointing out where the animals are and stopping the safari bus at each sighting so you can take lots of photos.

Gir National Park Leopard

Asiatic Lion

This is the famous Asiatic Lion. I have never seen a lion this close up before and it was hard to believe how large they actually are. The paws are massive and his roar is a lot more terrifying when there is only a small window between you rather than a 20 foot gap and iron fence at the zoo. I found out later that we were very lucky seeing the lions our first time around. A couple at the lodge told me they had been twice already and were going back again that evening to try and spot them.

Waterfall

This waterfall is not actually in Gir National Park, it is on the way from Girnar. It was amazing to see this large of falls in the middle of southwest India. There is also a beautiful river that flows into it. When you drive to Gir National Park there will be a series of gates where you have to give the amount of persons traveling, car number and your names (because of terrorism) be sure to ask the gate keeper where the turn off is for the waterfall or you will never find it.

Shyam Farm House

The lodge was perfect. The photo above shows one of their tent rooms but you actually stay in a real room with a toilet and shower.  The host was extremely friendly and generous and there was even an outdoor swimming pool. Breakfast, lunch and dinner was delicious and the entertainment was like nothing I had ever seen before.

Our Amazing Chef

African Dancer

This part was unexpected. Before dinner the host asked if he were interested in seeing a “Negro Dance.” We said absolutely and went on to dinner. Once we finished our dinner the host told us to follow him over to the campfire. That’s when it got crazy. I know this photo doesn’t explain exactly what happened but basically it was like nothing I had ever seen before. There were drums, chanting and lots of dancing that resembled bird movements. Check out my video post of Gir National Park so you can see what I am talking about.

India has created yet another unforgettable memory and experience to my life.

Budget Breakdown

One night of Lodging at Shyam Farm House including breakfast, lunch, dinner, swimming pool and the “negro dancing” – $15/per person (700 Rs)

Gir National Park Safari – $20/per person (900 Rs)