A Roaring Holiday

Nothing is as joyful for an urban toddler than being let loose in the wilderness; nothing can be a greater lesson

- Ashishwang Godha

Like every three year old, my daughter displays a keen curiosity about all things that move, run, creep and crawl. What better holiday than to let loose an urban toddler in the wilderness? What more kid-friendly forest than the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary? A smallish, well-maintained park that offers an almost 100 per cent chance of spotting wildlife. Of course, it’s also the only sanctuary where you can view the Asiatic lion in its natural habitat.

BEFORE YOU GO

Do your research. While spontaneity is great, smooth travel with a toddler requires an airtight itinerary. It especially helps to take into consideration their meals and sleep schedules.

Gir allows you ample opportunity to pre—plan. You need to book your safaris online at the wildlife department’s website before you travel. You have the choice of a 9 am safari — very helpful when 6 am seems difficult with babies.

Pre—planning also helps raise toddler excitement, as well as learning. “Are we going to see the lions now?” I’m asked after every nap. “Why should you be quiet in the forest?” “Can you feed the animals?”

THE JOURNEY IS HALF THE FUN

We, as a family, love long drives. So, grandparents at the wheel, we decided to drive from Mumbai to Gir, in Junagadh district, Gujarat. Around December, the weather is pleasant, the roads are great, and stopping at highway nukkads is fun. Make sure you carry kiddie snacks for long stretches when there isn’t a stopover in sight. From Bharuchi peanuts and Surati biscuits to serene prayers at Udwada, we did it all en route. Apart from highly entertaining stops for flocks of sheep, hot chai on charpoys and watching the seagulls.