When the Agarwal family from Jaipur decided to combine their annual Somnath pilgrimage with a wildlife adventure, they had no idea their spiritual journey would become the most thrilling family vacation ever! 6 family members, ranging from 9-year-old Priya to 68-year-old Dada ji, embarking on an epic adventure from the Pink City to the land of lions. 

Their journey began at Jaipur Railway Station with the train to Ahmedabad, loaded with enough homemade dal baati and ghewar to feed half the train compartment. “Beta, jungle mein pure veg milega na?” Dada ji kept asking, while Mama ji assured him that Sterling Gir was already researched for their Jain dietary requirements. The train journey became a mini-celebration as fellow Rajasthani passengers joined their impromptu antakshari session, with little Priya stealing the show with her Bollywood songs. 

From Ahmedabad, their hired taxi driver became part of the family adventure, sharing stories about Gujarat’s culture during the 7-hour drive to Somnath. The excitement built up as they crossed village after village, with everyone taking turns spotting the most colorful trucks on the highway. 

The Somnath Temple experience was absolutely divine! Standing before the sacred Jyotirlinga, aarti echoed across the temple complex, sent chills down everyone’s spine. Dada ji, with trembling hands and tears flowing, performed the abhishek with such devotion that even other devotees stopped to watch. When the Pandit Ji blessed little Priya and she innocently asked, “Pandit Ji, does Bhagwan know we’re going to see lions next?” the entire family burst into laughter. 

The evening aarti was even more spectacular! Hundreds of devotees joined their voices in prayer as the temple bells created a symphony that seemed to touch the heavens. Ma ji, usually the practical one, found herself completely overwhelmed by the spiritual energy. The moment when the temple lights reflected in the crashing waves of the Arabian Sea was so magical that Papa ji forgot he was supposed to be taking videos for relatives back home. 

Then came the real adventure at Sterling Gir! The 7-acre property along the Hiran River felt like entering a royal wilderness retreat. “Yahan toh AC bhi hai aur sher bhi dikhenge!” declared Mama ji, already planning the safari strategy. 

What blew them away was how perfectly Sterling Gir catered to their Marwari family traditions. The pure vegetarian kitchen didn’t just serve food – it served love! When the chef brought out authentic Gujarati thali, Dadi ji actually got surprised. “Ghar jaisa khana jungle mein? Ye toh chamatkar hai!” The Jain dietary requirements were handled so seamlessly that the family felt completely pampered. 

The Devaliya Park safari was where the real magic happened! Unlike other parks with uncertain sightings, Devaliya guaranteed Asiatic lion encounters, perfect for their multi-generational group. When three magnificent lions appeared just 15 feet from their safari vehicle, the silence was deafening. Then Priya whispered loudly, “Dada ji, lions don’t eat baati, right?” Everyone including the forest guide couldn’t control their laughter! 

The lions seemed to perform just for them, majestic males lounging regally while lionesses played with adorable cubs. Dada ji, folding his hands, whispered “Narayan Narayan” as they watched nature’s incredible show. The wildlife safari became even more exciting when they spotted peacocks dancing, nilgai grazing, and colorful birds that Priya kept trying to count. 

Meanwhile, Bhaiya ji had his laptop set up in the resort lobby, taking advantage of Sterling Gir’s excellent WiFi to work from resort. His Jaipur colleagues were stunned by his video call background, imagine discussing business deals with peacocks casually walking past! “Best office in India,” he proudly posted, making everyone back home incredibly jealous. 

After temple visits and safari thrills, The Spa became their evening rescue. The family, initially hesitant about spa treatments, became complete converts after experiencing traditional therapies. Mama ji emerged from his massage session declaring it more effective than his regular physiotherapy in Jaipur, while Ma ji’s herbal steam treatment worked wonders for her travel fatigue. 

The swimming pool became their evening family gathering spot, where three generations bonded over authentic conversations, shared travel stories, and watched spectacular sunsets paint the Gir sky. The poolside barbecue setup (completely vegetarian) became the setting for their impromptu family photoshoot session. The housekeeping staff ensured their rooms faced east for morning prayers. 

Their Sterling Gir experience proved that families can beautifully blend spiritual journeys with wildlife adventures. The combination of Somnath darshan and Gir National Park safari created memories spanning three generations, from Dada ji’s spiritual fulfillment to Priya’s wildlife encyclopedia knowledge. 

For families planning their next pilgrimage tour, Sterling Gir offers the perfect finale to sacred journeys. With authentic Gujarati cuisine, family-friendly accommodations, modern amenities, it’s where tradition meets wild adventure in Gujarat’s heart. As Dada ji perfectly concluded: “Bhagwan ke darshan aur sher ki mulakat – perfect combination for our family!”
Where laughter echoes louder than the jungle calls — make memories that last a lifetime at Sterling Gir.
Start your family adventure here. 

Author: Manish Agarwal
Freelancer & Poet