Through the Lens: Finding the Best Gir Forest Hotels
                     Through the Lens: Finding 
the Best Gir Forest Hotels
    As an internationally reputed wildlife photographer, I have had the privilege of 
visiting some of the most inaccessible and awe-inspiring destinations in the world, 
but my recent trip to Gir Forest in Gujarat, India, was different. First time in the 
land of the Asiatic lion, and I knew the right place to stay meant capturing the 
essence of this uniquely different destination. My search for the 
best hotels in Gir Forest fetched The Postcard Gir — a haven amidst the 
wilderness that offered me the perfect blend of luxury and raw nature.
   Arrival: Stepping Into the Wild
    Coming to The Postcard Gir was like entering a different world. The sixteen acres 
of mango orchards surrounding the hotel provided that lush green against the 
ruggedness of the terrain of Gir Forest. Winding one’s way up the path increased 
the sense of anticipation — this was not only one of the best hotels in Gir Forest, 
but it promised an adventure and a retreat.
• It was a silence that hit me the moment I stepped inside — only the cacophony of 
migration birds and the roaring of lions somewhere in the distance were alive. Of 
course, nature had the last word, but all luxuries were so thoughtfully provided. 
The Postcard Gir is for those who want to sleep with the wild yet won’t let go 
of being addicted to modern life’s creature comforts.
Inn Rooms: Modernist Refuge
The fifteen rooms at Postcard Gir are all about being at the nerve center of the wild. Each room is a 
modernist refuge positioned squarely in the midst of Gir’s ancient landscape. Raw yet truly 
luxurious, the design lends itself to generous interior spaces with plenty of sunlight pouring in 
teeming patterns along its walls.
What sets The Postcard Gir apart from the cream of the best hotels in Gir Forest is the keen 
attention to detail. From the fragrant mango orchards wafting in through the windows to the far 
view of the forest around, everything about the room is styled to make a guest feel at one with 
nature. Not a finer setting could there be for a photographer like myself, who draws inspiration from 
subtlety in shades and light.
Experiences: A Photographer’s Dream
Gir Forest is synonymous with the Asiatic lion, and The Postcard Gir leads the 
way in promising the most spectacular sights of this incredible biodiversity. The 
lodge arranges safaris three times daily, giving guests sufficient opportunities to 
see the lions, named Simba, Bhuro, or Allauddin, in their natural surroundings. 
Such a safari is the ultimate opportunity any wildlife photographer would want 
to snap the lions in all their moods and settings.
After this, the experiences only get more intense. The Postcard Gir also organizes leisure 
nature trails: you can take photographs of the diverse flora and fauna of the area and 
even spend a private beach day at Diu — just right for snapping the unspoiled beauty of 
the coast. Among the best hotels in Gir Forest, The Postcard Gir takes once-in-a-
lifetime experiences one notch higher.
  Dining: A Food Safari
    A day well spent in the jungles, and coming back to The Postcard Gir is a reward in 
itself when it comes to meals. The food on the hotel’s menu represents the rich 
gastronomic tradition of the region, where surprises lurk at every corner. From the 
Mughal-favored Khichdi originating from Persia to the classic Gujarati Thali, dive into an 
experience as diverse as the forest.
The Postcard Gir just might be one of the best hotels in Gir Forest when it comes to its 
commitment to sourcing local — from fresh pomfret from Veraval to Parsi-influenced 
dishes such as Salli Boti. Each meal is being celebrated with the flavors of the region, 
whether under the canopied ceiling at the cozy dining room or a private spot under the 
stars that lets the guests savor their food deep in nature.
   Departure: A Farewell to Remember
   The time had come for me to leave The Postcard Gir, and almost, I did not want 
to. In my mind, it had ceased being only a place to lay my head; it had become an 
intrinsic part of the tour around Gir Forest. The most striking images that I 
captured were during this stay, partly due to the hotel’s unique setting and 
experiences.
A stay at The Postcard Gir is bound to be memorable for every wildlife lover or 
traveler connected with nature. There are very few best hotels in Gir Forest, 
and this property has combined luxury with a treat for the senses, where one 
might experience the wild beauty of Gir while indulging in every comfort of a 
great hotel. As I packed my bags and prepared to leave, I knew this would not be 
my last visit to Gir — or to The Postcard Gir, one of the best hotels in Gir 
Forest.