Very soon after we arrived in India, talk began about a safari. We decided on Gir because of its proximity to Ahemedabad.  The preserve is about the size of Houston, Texas.  In its past, it was a royal  hunting reserve, but now is a National Park where only hunting with a camera is allowed.  Another unique aspect is that this lion subspecies, also called Indian Lions,  is the single isolated population of Asian Lions living together on the earth. Right in our neighborhood!

The group was small and we only needed a car instead of the bus.  The cost for transportation, lodging, dinner  and breakfast, as well as entry in a jeep to the park was $100!  Unfortunately at the last minute, I couldn’t go because of the dreaded “Delhi Belly.”  I was disappointed but didn’t want to risk being in the car for several hours going and coming!

A few years ago, there were only 180 of these beauties and they were on the endangered  species list. The project has been quite successful with a total now of 441 lions, including  97 males, 160 females with the rest being cubs or adolescents. Lions live in groups called “prides.”  There are usually 3 males, one dozen females plus their young.  The females are all related as they stay with their pride when they mature.  The young males leave “home” when they mature to establish a new pride or join another.  

The Asian male is recognizable from the African Lion in that his mane, or hair around his neck, is smaller than the African Lion.  They mark the territory of the pride and roar menacingly at danger or chase off the offenders.  The females are the hunters and they work  together to attack their prey of large mammals.  After the kill, though, the group effort degenerates into squabbling over and sharing the kill.  The cubs are at the bottom of the “eating order!”

India is quite mindful that many of her guests love animals and experiences new to them. There are camel rides in the desert of Rajasthan , elephant rides, bird safaris and probably many more adventures available.  So keep that in mind and check it out if you are going to incredible India!

* * * *  (4 stars out of 5) was the vote of the group of the weekend in Gir!

Namaste. . . . .This Is Incredible India