When the grey monsoon clouds started their dramatic dance across Gujarat’s skies, my heart whispered one thing, it’s time for our escape to Gir. Little did we know that our romantic getaway would turn into a comedy of errors, unexpected adventures, and moments so beautiful that even Bollywood would be jealous! 

The Great Highway Comedy Show 

Our bike expedition from Ahmedabad began like a scene from a travel magazine, two lovebirds cruising toward adventure. But as we crossed a small village and headed toward Amreli, destiny had other plans. Just past a small tea stall near a random bus top, we heard that dreaded sound every biker fears – psssssss – our tire had given up on life! 

Picture this: there I was, looking like a deflated hero beside our deflated tire, when my amazing partner jumped off the bike faster than a superhero. “Come on, let’s push it together!” she said, rolling up her sleeves. And there we were, two city folks pushing a RR 350 Classic down SH 36 like it was the most normal thing in the world. Other travelers passing by probably thought we were crazy, but we couldn’t stop giggling at our situation. 

The local mechanic near Limbdi became our unexpected hero, and while he fixed our tire, we sat under a neem tree sharing our dreams and fears. Sometimes the best conversations happen in the most unexpected places! 

Dhaba Diaries and Roadside Romance 

Our journey became a treasure hunt of roadside dhabas. At one particularly colorful dhaba near Begasara, I spotted a vendor selling the most beautiful silver jhumkas. The moment I saw them, I knew they belonged on her ears. When she tried them on, her smile lit up brighter than the highway streetlights, and I swear even the dhaba owner smiled seeing us so happy. 

“Bhai, charge karva devo phone?” we’d ask every dhaba owner, and somehow they all became part of our love story. Over steaming plates of dhokla and spicy chaat, we’d sit cross-legged on plastic chairs, planning our future while our power banks came back to life. These weren’t just meal breaks; they were the building blocks of memories we’d laugh about for years. 

Monsoon Mischief and Burnt Shoe Chronicles 

Here’s where our story gets really interesting! I had given her a very specific instruction: “Don’t rest your foot on the silencer, it gets really hot.” But you know how it is when you’re comfortable, she forgot, and I only realized when I smelled something suspiciously like burning rubber mixed with our romantic highway breeze. 

“Um, Avi, is your shoe supposed to smell like a barbecue?” I asked, pulling over immediately. One look at her melted shoe sole and we burst into uncontrollable laughter. She had to ride the rest of the way with one normal shoe and one with a perfectly bike-silencer-shaped hole! 

And the rain! Oh, the beautiful, unpredictable Gujarat monsoons! We had completely forgotten to pack raincoats (amateur mistake #1), so every sudden downpour became an impromptu dance in the rain. Near a village, we got so drenched that we looked like we’d jumped into the Arabian Sea. But watching her laugh as raindrops danced on her face, that’s when I knew I was the luckiest person alive. 

Sterling Gir: Where Wilderness Meets Romance 

Finally reaching Sterling Gir felt like finding an oasis after our comedy-filled adventure. Spread across seven acres of pure magic along the Hiran River, this place looked like it was designed by cupid himself. Our Kutch-inspired cottage became our love nest, complete with the sounds of wilderness as our background score. 

The best part of our stay? Those morning moments when she’d hold my waist during our bike rides around the resort, and I’d feel like the king of the jungle (even before we saw the actual lions!). The staff probably thought we were the most romantic couple they’d ever seen, or the silliest, we couldn’t tell which! 

Spa Bliss and Pool Paradise 

After our adventurous journey, The Spa at Sterling Gir became our heaven. The massage session was pure magic, after highway dust and unexpected adventures, being pampered together felt surreal. The traditional treatments melted away every ache from pushing bikes and getting caught in rain showers. 

The swimming pool became our personal water wonderland. Floating together while spotting peacocks in the nearby mango orchard, we felt like we were living in a dream. The pool area at sunset, with the forest canopy as our backdrop, made every moment Instagram-worthy (though we were too busy living it to photograph it all). 

Culinary Adventures at Hiran Kinaro 

The food at Hiran Kinaro restaurant deserves its own love story! The authentic Kathiawadi thali reminded us why Gujarat’s cuisine makes your heart sing. Their special couples’ dining setup under the stars, with the aroma of mango blossoms and the distant sounds of the forest, created the perfect romantic atmosphere. 

The chef even customized dishes based on our road trip stories, imagine having “Highway Hero Dal” and “Monsoon Magic Kheer” created just for you! 

Jamjir Waterfall: Nature’s Grand Finale 

Our expedition to Jamjir Waterfall was the crown jewel of our trip. The monsoon had turned this natural wonder into a roaring spectacle that took our breath away. Getting there involved a trek that tested our teamwork, slippery rocks, muddy paths, and my partner’s determination to reach the top despite her barbecued shoe! 

Standing together under the mist of the waterfall, completely soaked but completely happy, we realized that this wasn’t just a vacation, it was the perfect metaphor for our relationship. Sometimes messy, always adventurous, and absolutely beautiful. 

Lions, Love, and Lasting Memories 

Of course, no Gir story is complete without the majestic Asiatic lions! Our safari became a shared adventure of whispered excitement and hand-squeezing whenever we spotted wildlife. When we finally saw the lion pride, she grabbed my hand so tight I thought she’d break it, and I loved every second of it. 

Our Sterling Gir adventure proved that the best romantic getaways aren’t always picture-perfect. Sometimes they involve flat tires, burnt shoes, unexpected rain showers, and dhaba meals. But when you’re with the right person, even pushing a bike on a highway becomes a treasured memory. 

For couples seeking monsoon romance with a dash of adventure, Sterling Gir offers the perfect blend of wilderness and comfort. Just remember to pack raincoats (and maybe spare shoes)!

Begin your love-laced journey here.

Author: Vishal Raj
Biker, Traveller & Singer