“One way to see the lions here is to not want to see them. You see, lions are proud animals; once they realize we’re not here for them, they appear!” Mahesh, our Maldhari guide, tried to calm our feelings about not having seen the lion yet. Our jeep was moving on dirt trails through the Gir forest, which quietly wears its badge as India’s only sanctuary for the majestic lions. On a lovely October morning we spent 2 hours trying to catch a glimpse of the big cat. While we were there for the lions, the forest made us fall in love with the bounty of nature once again.

And it didn’t disappoint either. After watching 6 lions and two young cubs roaming around, unaware (or unperturbed) of the prying eyes, we returned to the comfortable confines of our jungle lodge, rest fallThis luxury jungle resort is full of architectural prowess and local culture as well as genuine Gujarati hospitality.

While the famous tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are a big attraction for travelers around the world, not many know that Asiatic lions hold a special place in the history of Indian wildlife conservation. Lions were named the national animal soon after India’s independence, but due to declining numbers the title was lost to another species of cat – the Royal Bengal tiger. However, over the past few years, Gujarat tourism’s efforts have brought Gir back into the limelight for all the right reasons. And Aramness lets you taste a slice of the diversity that makes this national park a worthy addition to your safari itineraries in the jungles of India.

Heritage of Sasan Gir

Gir forest spread over 1,412 square kilometers is no ordinary sanctuary. Home to about 674 Asiatic lions, Gir is the last refuge for a species whose hunting once brought it to the brink of extinction. Yet, unlike the bustling safari circuits of Ranthambore or Bandhavgarh, Gir remains a well-kept secret, overshadowed by India’s tiger-centric tourism narrative.

This mystery can be best explored from the range of Aramnes Gir, which is located within the reserved forests of Sasan Gir, and can be reached by a 2 km long rugged track from the main road. We arrived in the dark of night just after the post-monsoon safari season opened, grateful for the two days of safari and nutritious food ahead of us.

In the morning light, the resort is reminiscent of a time when everything around the forests was a beautiful blur. A combination of two words: aram (comfort) and nes (a Maldhari word for a small group of houses), Aramnes is a gentle, respectful ode to the woods it occupies, often coming through the cavernous corners of the property. . And its story begins with Jimmy Patel, a passionate wildlife conservationist and photographer whose childhood trip to Gir left an indelible impression. Years later, he returned to this remote corner to offer the same intense but spectacular experience as a safari in Africa.

Patel engaged Fox Brown Creative and Nicholas Plowman Architects to bring his architectural vision to life, and create a sustainable lodge that blends with its surroundings. Inside there are 18 kothis – 15 standard and three family kothis – which are spacious two-storey residences with verandas, shaded courtyards, private pools, outdoor showers and luxurious touches such as brass fixtures, vintage textiles, and intricate clay-mirror work such as lippans. Are included. – Native tradition of Kutch region. Each suite includes a lavish marble bathtub, a walk-in closet, and an upholstered hammock with antique brass chains. Additionally, the interiors are decorated in warm colors of saffron, bone and bull’s blood that evoke the earthy tones of the Gir forest.

But our visit began at its grand mansion, where a magnificent four-storey sandstone latticework – hand-carved and inspired by the dried sal leaves found in the Gir forests – dominates the space, which includes a dining area, seating There is a living room and a library. A winding marble staircase. Here, for two days, we will taste the best of Gujarati cuisine along with lots of sweets. Despite its remote location, Aramnes Falls surprises guests with its extraordinary cuisine; The seasonal menu highlights the best of Gujarati flavors alongside international dishes prepared from the lodge’s organic garden (their Gujarati Swaminarayan thali is highly recommended).

Like its wild side, stability is also a cornerstone of Aramness; Local materials such as wood and stone reclaimed from nearby villages weave local heritage into the lodge’s aesthetic. The lodge maintains a strict zero-plastic policy and minimizes food wastage through careful planning. Notably, only 40% of the 12-acre property has been developed, with the remaining 60% left under natural vegetation. Thousands of trees have been planted, and new water bodies have been created (sometimes with the presence of crocodiles), transforming a barren landscape into a lodge where morning nature walks are compared to evening surf. Priority is given.

On the periphery of urban life are the Maldharis, a local tribe who reside both inside and outside the urban areas. Gir National ParkGujarat has been instrumental in the success of lion conservation efforts. While safaris are the center of attraction in Gir, the people of Aramnes Gir are gracious in their arrangements for guests who wish to visit the local Maldhari villages. On one such walk, we went to Sangodara with Ankit, our kind naturalist. Here, we meet a Maldhari family, who offer us fresh tea and stories about their family. They raise cattle like the entire community, which makes them part of the complex ecosystem of the forest. While everyone has lost a cow or two to hungry lions, this sacrifice is part of the balance. Many members of the Maldhari community, because of their incredible tracking skills and proximity to lions, work as forest department members and safari guides.

On the way back, Ankit regales us with stories of lion trackers, the man-eating tigers of Kumaon and his enduring love for wildlife, which brought him from Ramnagar (which straddles the Jim Corbett National Park) to the western tip of Gujarat. , looking for a different cat. He readily points out vultures, sparrows and magpies, stopping the jeep for a few seconds so we can admire a herd of deer just outside the perimeter of the hotel.

Also read: We spent a monsoon weekend in the most beautiful hotel in Hampi; Here’s why you should too

Beyond the safari adventures, there are pottery sessions to keep your wandering thoughts under control and an infinity pool that reflects the colors of the Savannah sunset. You can also relax in the luxurious spa or visit the craft gallery, which displays the work of local artisans. Simply put, there is no dearth of experiences.

Once inside, we return to the kothi and sit with our books near the pond modeled on the many stepwells located in the arid regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. You can also relieve your stress with a cool bath like me, but be careful about tanning! The sun here is not as kind as Gujarati hospitality.

Also read: Wildlife lodges you need to book immediately for safari season

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