The Land of the Lion
Gir, Gujarat
14 - 18 Mar 2012
Tucked away in a corner at the western tip of India, there is yet a jungle where the footprints on the sand lead to a plain, tawny cat who shuns the solitude of his cousins in favour of familial bliss. Here, the air resonates to the cry of a king who has long locks and a big family that is Gujarat's pride.
His court is the land of the lion.
At the Sasan Gir National Park, the only population of Asiatic Lion in the world holds firm sway over your senses. If the sight of a big male with a windswept mane evokes awe, the resounding roars of a pride asserting its real estate rights underline the importance of having a lion heart.
And the Toehold Land of the Lion Tour will take you right to the heart of the matter.
How is it?
Gir, declared protected in the 1900s by the then Nawab of the Princely State of Junagadh, hosts around 300 of these big cats. About 1412km2 in area, Gir National Park is a lavish mix of deciduous forest and semi-evergreen and evergreen flora, acacia, scrub, grasslands and rocky hills. Beautiful vintage Banyan trees, colourful Flame of the Forest and delectable Jamun and Amli trees impart a special character to the unique park.
What you will see:
In the fauna department, the Lion is merely the cherry on a very rich cake. For, apart from the 'mane menu', Gir also houses one of the largest leopard populations among Indian parks and offers a great chance to sight these masters of reclusion. Other mammalian staples include Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Langur, Jackal and Hyaena.
If that already sounds like a full house, the park also boasts of 250 species of birds, including attractive inmates like Painted Sandgrouse, Paradise Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch, Eurasian Thick-knee, Long-billed Vulture, Red-headed Vulture and several raptors including Bonelli's eagle, Steppe Eagle, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Laggar Falcon and White-eyed Buzzard. Also seen are Brown Fish Owl, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Mottled Wood Owl and Spotted Owlet, and keen eyes can spot Nightjars in the late evenings.
Not to be discounted, the reptiles are well-represented by 25 species, including Marsh crocodile and Monitor Lizard, with Python, Cobra, Keelback and Vine Snake being some of the snakes that inhabit the park.
What you will take back:
Allowing you to merrily oscillate between electrifying, knee-weakening stints in the midst of lion prides and a memorable time enjoying the plurality of its wildlife, Gir National Park will keep you very busy. Specifically, you will take back –
- Memories of an exciting adventure in the world's last home of the Asiatic Lion
- Quality images under the expert guidance of your Toehold Skipper
- Extensive photography technique and digital post-processing learning through Toehold's unique ChaayaaChitraChaayaaChitra: Photography Techniques, Tips, Tricksand ChitraTantraChitraTantra: Photo Principles, Reviews, Critiquesessions
- Beautiful landscape images of a unique Riverine ecosystem
- A treasure of Natural History knowledge and other fascinating insights through the CharchaalokaCharchaaloka: Presentations, Lectures, Discussionssession
PHOTOGRAPHY SKIPPER
Giri Cavale
'Born in Bangalore but reborn again in the wild', captures the essence of Giri's obsessive passion for nature and its pictorial documenting. His camera and his artistic eye are always on the look out for a momentous picture and, of course, the perfect shot. He has explored some of India's most enthralling ecosystems across various seasons with the simple objective of seeing and photographing nature up close in its pristine purity. He readily admits that two precious 'colleagues' - luck and patience - have always accompanied him on his expeditions into the wild, yielding some very fine photographic moments and equally wonderful memories.
People believe where there is Giri, there is a cat in the wild. Many of our clients are specific about being guided by Giri in the wild which they believe is a toehold for their wild hunt. Giri Cavale is a nature devotee whose guiding philosophy is 'too much is never enough'.
WHY GO ON A TOEHOLD PHOTO TOUR?
At Toehold, we are passionate about photography just as you are, which lets us understand your travails and needs perfectly. And we use this insight to specially design our Photography Tours so they give you a toehold to excel at the art and set you up for success.The Toehold team at your disposal will keep you tuned and geared, so you come in empty-handed but go out with bagful of images and tales of an experience that is better lived than heard. Specifically, you will get -
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WHAT PEOPLE SAID ON OUR PREVIOUS PHOTO TOUR?
Photography enthusiasts who were a part of a similar tour previously said:expand to read more »
- Day 1, March 14: Arrival and Check-in
We arrive at Ahmedabad, drive to Rajkot and reach Gir by evening. After checking in to our comfortable resort, we gather for an interactive orientation session, which will serve as an introduction to Gir and help set expectations for the Tour. We will also get to know one another better. - Day 2, March 15: Morning and Afternoon Safaris in Gir
All set to step into the Land of the Lion, we venture out early in the morning on our first safari during which our guides will help us become familiar with the resident prides and their locations in the tourism area. Although the safari will last more than 3 hours, the delightful winter light will remain pleasant for photography almost throughout the time. If fortunate, we may always chance upon a pride of lions early on the trip.
After the morning safari, we return to our resort, breakfast and rest for some time. Just before lunch we gather for a session featuring photography tips and plan our action for the rest of the safaris. Post lunch we depart for the evening safari and pursue photo opportunities. - Day 3 and 4, March 16 and 17 : Morning and Afternoon Safaris in Gir
We repeat the day 2 schedule, with a lion-hearted effort put into producing good sightings and making befitting images. Between safaris, plenty of learning will take place in the trademark Toehold interactive sessions. - Day 5, March 18: Checkout and Dispersal
After a gratifying sojourn to the Land of the Lion, we leave for our abodes with pleasant memories and fuller hard disks.
Indian Nationals: INR 28,750/- per participant
Canon Edge Members: INR 25,875/- per participant
Couple Discount: Indian couples are entitled to a discount of 5% on the entire tour.
Foreign Nationals: Please get in touch with us for the tour cost for international guests.
Canon Edge Members: INR 25,875/- per participant
Couple Discount: Indian couples are entitled to a discount of 5% on the entire tour.
Foreign Nationals: Please get in touch with us for the tour cost for international guests.
Inclusions:
- Twin-sharing accommodation in a luxury resort at Gir
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)
- All applicable taxes
- 6 Safaris in Gir
Exclusions:
- All Airfare
- Road transfers between Gir and the nearest airport or rail terminus
Please Note: Since participants will be travelling from various places, our Tour will begin at Gir, and transport to and from Gir is not included in the Tour itinerary. Gir can be reached via Diu (110km, 2hr drive), Rajkot (160km, 3hr drive) or Ahmedabad (408km, 7hr drive) and Toehold will be happy to provide any assistance if required. - Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours, extra meals and beverages ordered
- Insurance, laundry and phone calls
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- Alcoholic drinks
- Camera fees if any (participants will be advised of the estimated fees in advance)
- Anything that is not included in the Inclusions list (see above)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many participants are expected in one safari vehicle on this tour?
Most of our photography tours are designed to provide ample assistance to the participants to ensure enough space for unimpeded photography. Therefore, you can expect a maximum of 4 participants in a safari vehicle on this Tour. Groups of 4 participants form a team and the skippers divide their attention between all such vehicles while on the Tour. -
How different are your Photo Tours from ordinary tours?
Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven't even experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge sharing. Besides, most of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps in making your experience focused. -
How sure are you about photographing wildlife?
Considering the meticulous attention to timing Toehold pays while scheduling Tours, we believe that it would be extremely unfortunate if our sightings and photography are unsatisfactory. Also, the exhaustive itinerary that includes six safaris should offer ample opportunities for a productive time. However, since we will be in an uncontrolled environment, we cannot claim that sightings are guaranteed. -
What equipment do you suggest on this Tour?
A wide-angle or normal zoom is a staple for landscape and general photography. For birds and mammals, a focal length of at least 300mm is usually necessary. An additional 100mm often proves very effective especially for birds. However, if you do not have appropriate equipment, there is no need to fret. Toehold offers an exhaustive array of cameras and lenses for hire, so you can always hire what you need. -
I am a newbie in Wildlife Photography. Am I eligible?
Absolutely! This tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced wildlife photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold's eminent Skippers. If you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!. -
Refund/Cancellation Fees:
1. 15% for cancellation between 30 and 45 days from date of departure
2. 50% for cancellation between 7 and 30 days from date of departure
3. 90% for cancellation between 2 and 7 days from the date of departure
4. No refund will be made for cancellation within 48 hours from date of departure
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Terms & conditions
- 1. Participants who have a medical history of blood pressure, heart-related problems or asthma are advised to seek medical advice before enrolling for this Tour.
- 2. Fitness to complete the Tour is the only criterion for participation.
- 3. Toehold Travel & Photography Pvt Ltd shall not be responsible for injuries, damages or losses caused to any participant due to terrorist acts, social or labour unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agent's control.
- 4. All clients travelling with Toehold Travel & Photography Pvt Ltd. must complete and sign a reservation form and the "Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk & Arbitration Agreement" form.
LOCALE
QUICK INFO
- Date : Mar 14th - 18th
- Indian Nationals: INR 28,750/-
- Canon Edge Members: INR 25,875/-
- All fares excluding flights
- Skipper: Giri Cavale
