You know that feeling when something you’ve only seen in documentaries suddenly becomes your reality? That’s exactly what happened when my parents surprised me with a trip to Gir from Delhi. As a total animal nerd (guilty as charged!), the chance to see Asiatic lions in their natural home had me counting down days like it was my birthday. 

The Morning That Changed Everything 

Our day started with a jeep safari ride at 6 AM, and honestly, I wasn’t thrilled about waking up that early. But the moment our jeep entered the forest, and I felt the cool morning breeze on my face, all my sleepiness vanished. Our guide from Sterling Gir, Rohan uncle, told us to stay quiet and keep our eyes peeled. And then it happened, just twenty minutes in, we spotted a magnificent lioness resting under a tree with her two cubs! My hands were literally shaking as I tried to capture them through my camera. She looked at us with those amber eyes, completely unbothered, while her cubs playfully tumbled around. That moment? Pure magic. 

Throughout the week, we spotted leopards (super elusive!), herds of spotted deer gracefully leaping across clearings, and even a lazy sloth bear. Each trip felt like opening a surprise gift as you never know what you’d encounter next. 

Beyond the Big Cats 

What surprised me most was how much there is to do here besides safaris. The Devalia Interpretation Zone was perfect for someone like me who wants a closer look at wildlife. It’s like a nature classroom where you can observe animals in a protected area. I spent hours at Kamleshwar Dam, watching crocodiles sunbathe and identifying different bird species – I counted at least 37 types! My Wildlife Explorer Diary (yes, I made one!) is now bursting with sketches and notes. 

The nature walks around the resort area were unexpected highlights. One evening, I met some members of the Maldhari tribe who’ve been living in harmony with these forests for generations. They explained how they coexist with lions, sharing the same space without conflict. Listening to their stories felt humbling, here were people who understood something most of us only read about in books. Their respect for nature and understanding of animal behaviour taught me more than any textbook ever could. 

Memories Beyond the Forest 

Between safaris, I discovered my new hobby – wildlife photography! Although half my photos are blurry (that peacock would NOT stay still), I’ve got some shots I’m genuinely proud of. I also spent time sketching by the resort pool, trying to capture the peacocks that casually strut around like they own the place. 

What made this trip seamless was staying at Sterling Gir, which honestly felt like a home away from home – except with way more peacocks in the backyard! The Discoveries and Experiences team there was incredible ,especially our guide from the D&E team who coordinated all our safaris and even gave us insider tips on the best spots for wildlife sightings. The morning, they packed breakfast boxes for our early safari was genius! Hot parathas and chai while watching the sunrise in Gir forest? Unbeatable! 

The resort itself became part of the adventure. After long, exciting days in the forest, diving into the pool was the perfect way to cool down and swap stories with other wildlife enthusiasts. The staff organized fun evening activities, I even won a dino-mite certificate for a wildlife quiz one night (all those animal facts finally paid off!). My room had this cozy vibe with big windows overlooking greenery, making it easy to wake up early for safaris. Plus, the food was amazing and I’m definitely going to miss their breakfast spread! What I loved most was how Sterling Gir balanced comfort with that adventurous spirit. It wasn’t just a place to sleep; it was where our adventure truly came together. 

If you’re a student like me who thinks animals are the coolest creatures on Earth, Gir needs to be on your bucket list. It was not just a mere vacation, I feel that I have been in an episode of National Geographic, but they have placed me in the spotlight. My Wildlife Explorer Diary is my most valued possession and it is filled with paw prints, feathers and memorable times. I am sitting here reading the pages of my diary and I realize that there is something different in me this week. It could be the fact that the lioness looked at me with complete trust or the wisdom that I received about the nature of real conservation, given by the Maldhari people. I have thought of the possibility that someday I would have a career in wildlife conservation or do something to protect these magnificent creatures. 

For now, though, I’m just a student with a camera, a diary full of sketches, and a heart absolutely bursting with stories to tell. 

Until my next adventure!