Woods at Sasan, Gir

Season: October to March Price: From ₹15,000 to ₹32,000 per night

Gir is home to the last of the Asiatic lions in the world, and if you plan to head there this year, you can choose from a luxury escorted safari in a private open gypsy, or one by rail.

“We offer an escorted forest safari in a private open Gypsy with our resident naturalists to spot Asiatic lions, leopards, among other animals,” says Maulik Bhagat, CEO, 1000 Island Hotels and Resorts, who says he has witnessed a noticeable increase in travellers “expressing a keen interest in wildlife and safari holidays, particularly centered around destinations like Gir National Park”.

This surge, he says, can be attributed to the rise of sustainable tourism and the growing emphasis on wildlifebased tourism. “Over the past five years, we have observed a notable increase in both domestic and international tourist enquiries. This is due to the establishment of an international airport in Rajkot, and the region’s reputation as the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions.”

Alongside safaris, guests are offered a range of exclusive, personalised experiences. The vintage tea tale and community lunch in a mango orchard is especially popular. “The former offers guests a bespoke vintage car ride to a secluded spot by the Hiran River, where they can savour freshly brewed tea while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the landscape. At the community lunch, guests dine in a secluded setting amidst the forest surroundings of the retreat, while their lunch is prepared over a wood fire, accompanied by live flute music,” he adds.