OFFBEAT

My Way On Highway: Day 13, From Somnath To Gir

Saba Shaikh

Last updated: Apr 3, 2017

[button path="my-way-on-highway-day-12/" color="theme" size="medium" padding:"14px" target="_blank"]DAY 12[/button][button path="my-way-on-highway-day-14/" color="theme" size="medium" padding:"14px" target="_blank"]DAY 14[/button]
 

The Magnificent Somnath Temple

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The picturesque Somnath Temple
 

Our morning started with a trip to the Somnath Temple. Every year thousands of pilgrims flock here as it is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. One of the most expensive aartis, costing 15 lakhs is carried out here! Psst…the coconut water cost us only 20 bucks.

What The Fish!

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Fish exporters near Somnath
 

As you enter the area, the air is laced with a peculiar smell. It’s because of Veraval, a massive fishing port, only six kilometres from Somnath. The staff at Lords Inn was kind enough to take us for a special tour at one of the fish exporters where sea food is cleaned, frozen and packaged to be shipped to China and the EU.

Drive To Gir

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Are you tempted to pluck and have one of these mangoes?
 

It was time to bid adieu to Somnath as we sped Gulabo (our car) along an unexpectedly good road to Gir, which is about 40 kilometres away. Lush green mangroves gave us company along the way and one could see the famous kesariya mango hanging from the branches. Couldn’t resist trying one straight from the tree!

Calling The Wilderness Explorers

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The inviting pool at the Gir Jungle Lodge
 

The first sighting of the Gir Jungle Lodge was grand to say the least! The largest of its kind in Gir, it offers the perfect wilderness setting with birds chirping amidst beautiful green trees. We are very comfortable in our tent and have already taken a dip in the swimming pool.

Crocodile Farms

We discovered a crocodile breeding farm just 2 kilometres away from our lodge! And not only did we spot some 25 crocs beating the heat but also witnessed their feeding session. There were a bunch of turtles too in an enclosure right next door.

Eagerly waiting for our date with the Asiatic Lion tomorrow! Will keep you posted about #MyWayOnHighway.

(Pictures courtesy Saba Khan & Tariq Khan)

[button path="my-way-on-highway-day-12/" color="theme" size="medium" padding:"14px" target="_blank"]DAY 12[/button][button path="my-way-on-highway-day-14/" color="theme" size="medium" padding:"14px" target="_blank"]DAY 14[/button]