The Asiatic Lion's Last Refuge, & a Portuguese Island Frozen in Time
A genuinely rewarding pairing of wildlife and coastal relaxation — Gir National Park, the only place on earth where the Asiatic lion survives in the wild, and Diu, a former Portuguese colony until 1961 whose forts, churches, and easy-going beaches feel like nowhere else in Gujarat.
Two full days at Gir allow proper safari time across the dry deciduous forest that has become the last stronghold of a species found nowhere else outside this one protected reserve — alongside leopards, deer, and an exceptional variety of birdlife.
From Gir, the short drive to Diu brings a complete change of atmosphere: Diu Fort's Portuguese-era ramparts, St. Paul's Church's baroque façade, and Nagoa Beach's calm horseshoe bay, in a town where, notably, alcohol remains permitted — unlike the rest of teetotal Gujarat.
This circuit begins and ends at Rajkot, Saurashtra's largest city and the most convenient air gateway to both Gir and Diu.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Welcome to Gujarat! On arrival at Rajkot Airport, meet our representative and drive to Gir National Park (approximately 165 km, ~3.5-4 hours) via Junagadh. On arrival, check in to your wildlife lodge. In the afternoon, head out on a jeep safari into Gir's dry deciduous forest — the only place on earth where the Asiatic lion survives in the wild, alongside leopards, chital, chinkara, and over 300 recorded bird species.
An early-morning jeep safari deep into the forest in search of the Asiatic lion, alongside leopards, deer, and Gir's rich birdlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast, with the rest of the morning free to relax. In the afternoon, head out for a second jeep safari into a different zone of the reserve, maximising your chances of a genuinely memorable sighting.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Diu (approximately 95 km, ~2 hours) — a former Portuguese colony until 1961, with a character entirely distinct from mainland Gujarat. On arrival, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Diu Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1535 on a rocky promontory overlooking the Arabian Sea, and the INS Khukri War Memorial, a moving tribute to sailors lost in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, set on a dramatic sea-facing cliff — best visited around sunset.
A full day exploring Diu. St. Paul's Church, one of the finest examples of Portuguese baroque architecture in India, alongside the Diu Museum, housed in a former church. Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple, an unusual open-air shrine where five Shiva lingams sit directly among the crashing waves, accessible only at low tide. In the afternoon, relax at Nagoa Beach, Diu's calm, palm-fringed horseshoe-shaped bay, with the option of camel rides or water sports. Time permitting, visit the Naida Caves, a series of sandstone caverns with striking natural light patterns.
A relaxed final morning in Diu — perhaps a last walk along Nagoa Beach or some shopping in the old town lanes. After breakfast, check out and drive to Rajkot (approximately 225 km, ~5 hours) for your departure flight. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 4 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis (2 nights Gir wildlife lodge, 2 nights Diu hotel)
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all road transfers
- ✓ 2 jeep safaris at Gir with naturalist guide
- ✓ Gir National Park entry permits
- ✓ 1 bottle of mineral water per person per day
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International/domestic airfare or train fare to/from Rajkot
- ✗ Visa charges
- ✗ Camera fees at Gir safari gate
- ✗ Water sports / camel rides at Nagoa Beach (optional, payable locally)
- ✗ Tipping for naturalists, guides & drivers
- ✗ Laundry, drinks, and items of a personal nature
Your questions, answered
Gir National Park is open from mid-October to mid-June, and closes annually for the monsoon breeding season from mid-June to mid-October. December to March offers the most comfortable temperatures, while March-May can bring better sightings as water sources concentrate wildlife, despite the heat.
Yes — Gujarat is a dry state with prohibition on alcohol, but Diu, as a separate Union Territory with its own excise laws (a legacy of its Portuguese and later distinct administrative history), permits alcohol sale and consumption. This is one of the reasons Diu draws a steady stream of visitors from across Gujarat's border, alongside its beaches and colonial heritage.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the pace, add extra nights, or combine this with another Gujarat circuit such as Dwarka or Somnath. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
