Homestay in Gir at Gir Vanraj Farm – A sustainable home away from home

Gir is popular for its Asiatic lion population, variety of birds and Kesar mangoes. But beyond the thrill of safari in Gir national park and biting into the juicy, sweet mangoes, there is another side to the “Land of Lions”. Life in the nearby villages is something a typical tourist does not experience. And so I chose not to select the luxurious resorts or Government forest rest house, in search of quiet village life through a homestay in Gir.

I could feel the chill of crisp air on my face as I got down at Veraval station. A driver arranged by my kind host patiently waited for me in the car. I was on my way to Bhojade village about 40 km from Veraval.

An hour into the journey, I reach Bhojade village and my host – Bhimsibhai, picks me up from the main village square to welcome me into his home also known as Gir Vanraj Farm. The car takes a sharp right turn and I enter a gate which seems like an unending mango orchard. Coconut trees peek through the mangoes and make their presence felt. The car stops and I am directed towards my room which is housed in a small one-floor complex. Hosting 10 rooms in total, I am pleasantly surprised by the basic yet required amenities in the room.

I am immediately given hot water for bathing and given options for breakfast by the staff. I choose the humble thepla, my favorite gujarati breakfast which i can make do in basically all meals and unapologetically carry on my domestic and international travels.

As I settle into the surroundings of chirping birds and mooing of the cows, I can feel myself detaching from the city life. Me and Bhimsibhai interact and he proudly tells me that he is a farmer but started the homestay business in 2015 to make ends meet. Tourism fetches him an extra income and he loves to host guests from all over the world. He kindly takes me around his humble property which has a vegetable farm, mango orchard and recreational activities like outdoor games and swimming pool. A stay here is really an opportunity to relax, unwind, and connect with rural life in a Gujarati village.

Homestay in Gir @ Gir Vanraj Farm

There are many homestays to choose from if you decide to chuck the hotels in Gir. All the homestays have a valid license from the Gujarat Tourism department and are owned by the local families. Homestays in Gir have a combination of beautiful orchards and comfortable rooms give it the feeling of staying in a home away from home. It combines the best bits of comfort (good beds, hot water and swimming pool with the charm of being in a quiet, traditional village setting.

Food at Gir Vanraj Farm

Most meals are cooked by the family members of homestay in Gir. Meals are traditional and vegetarian Gujarati or Kathiyawadi dishes. The meals are prepared with fresh produce mostly plucked from their own farm. Even milk and milk products including ghee are made from desi Gir cows which is organic and homebred. Hence the taste of the food is extremely delicious. Honestly, I could go back to Gir just for this yummy food!

Wildlife in and around Homestay in Gir

Since the homestays are very near to the Gir National park there are ample opportunities to spot wildlife in and around the location. I saw a couple of spotted deer and Indian Bluebull very near to the homestay. I had the opportunity to discuss wildlife encounters with Bhimsibhai, his family as well as his friends around the village who told me umpteen stories of spotting lion, leopard and other carnivores in and around the homestay. Their stories can keep you awake and wanting for more.

Sustainability at Gir Vanraj Farm

Being a small set up, most homestays have small sustainability initiatives. The Gir Vanraj farm reuses the water from the swimming pool for farming thus reducing the use of freshwater for agriculture. They have also set up a good solid waste management system wherein all the leftover waste is given to needy from the nearby village, roti/bhakri are fed to the cows, the raw waste from cutting of veggies and fruits is composted in the farm and they do not sell packaged food or PET bottle. The drinking water served is from a RO which is safe for consumption. Any plastic waste generated by tourists is stored and given for disposal once a week to Gram Panchayat worker.

Community Based Tourism

Homestays in Gir have managed to implement tourism in a way that allows visitors to see a different part of rural India and directly support those involved and living in the surrounding areas. Visitors choosing to stay in Gir homestay will help the local communities in earning and developing the area in coordination with the Forest department for the welfare of wild animals.

Offbeat places in Gir, Junagadh other than the wildlife safari

Jamjir waterfall

Jamjir waterfall is situated about 32 km from Bhojade village and is a stunning segmented waterfall which falls into an emerald pool. The falling noise of the waterfall can be heard from the car parking area. Walk for about 250meters from the parking to the waterfall and get lost in its beauty. I was the only person visiting when I went. Will highly recommend to switch off the phones and enjoy reading a book in solitude.

Raabdo (jaggery making unit)

Just behind Gir Vanraj Farm is a makeshift jaggery making unit locally known as Raabdo. Bhimsibhai kindly took me there and introduced me to the entire process of harvesting sugarcane and making it into organic jaggery. I even tasted fresh sugarcane juice! Having a taste of freshly made, hot jaggery was super tempting and I tasted it on a sugarcane stick. What a surreal experience. I ended up buying 2 big boxes and adding to extra weight on my backpack.

Crocodile breeding centre

A road adjacent to the main Gir National Park leeds one to the crocodile breeding centre. As the name suggests, crocodiles are bred here. Injured or the ones rescued from homes are also rehabilitated here.

Overall, I enjoyed being in Gir exploring different things. If you liked the article and want to stay with Gir Vanraj Farm, contact Bhimsibhai at +91 8530909909

Sustainable tips for Homestay in Gir

• Bhojade is a small village and negligible solid waste management system. Avoid disposing of any plastic waste. Keep a small bag to collect all plastic waste and take it back to the city.
• Encourage eating local food served at a homestay which is healthy yet delicious.
• If you visit the jaggery making unit, buy a box. You are helping in generating livelihoods for the local community without the wholesaler making a dent in their and your pocket.
• Be respectful. Thank the host after every meal or after a good night’s sleep. After all you are living in their house.

Disclosure – I was a guest at Gir Vanraj Farm. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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