Gir Serai - Ihcl SeleQtions

The property features enjoyable amenities like a pool, spa, and games. Guests appreciate the helpful staff and excellent breakfast. The prime location near Gir Safari is ideal for nature lovers. Spacious rooms offer great views.

Nature and wildlife lovers rejoice. For there is a place in the Gir forests of Gujarat, India where you could not only stay in luxury but also have the benefit of observing lions, deer, antelopes, owls and other animals in action from the nearby Gir National Park. That place is called Gir Serai by IHCL SeleQtions or in other words a Taj hotel I would like to refer as Gir Serai Taj and it is located right behind the offices of Sinh (Lion) Sadan i.e. Forest Department's sprawling office which also has a well stocked souvenir shop containing everything lion related ever! My solo stay in Gir Serai Taj was during the last week of June 2024 and coming from Diu Airport via a connecting flight through Ahmedabad from Delhi; I had a journey of over 7 hours to reach Diu Airport and then 2 hours further to reach the hotel. But all my tiredness went away, when I saw the smiling faces of Gir Serai Taj's staff to welcome me and the GM Mr. Rajiv Chandran himself was there to share some Chai and give an overview of the property and the Gir forest/safari. I was told that the hotel is a preferred destination for discerning travelers who prefer to stay in Taj's comfort while going for Gir Forest Safari (which ends in mid-June, though a smaller one operates round the year) and also for those who come there to do Darshan of Shree Somnath Temple which is around 50 minutes away by road. From the moment one enters the property through the narrow road, the trees serve as a reminder that you are now in the lap of nature and the nature/wildlife as such must be respected first since we in their home in the jungle, not vice versa. Bearing that in mind, I was amazed at how the entire team of Taj Gir Serai relentlessly worked to provide the signature Taj experience with their limited resources in addition to operating in a remote location! Few honorable mentions (in no particular order): 1. Mr. Asim Maity, Front Office Supervisor helped me with the overall hotel details before I made my booking and was instrumental in a smooth checkout while answering my queries regarding the invoice. He also got my boarding pass printed for me. 2. Mr. Milan Patal, Guest Service Assistant sent the cab rates and also coordinated the cab driver's contact details for my Diu Airport pickup to hotel. 3. Mr. Irfan, Housekeeping Supervisor alongwith Mr. Maibul and Mr. Kaushik did a great job in making my room good as new with a hint of a ginger-based room freshener when I requested for the same. Mr. Irfan even accompanied me to Sinh Sadan on my last day of stay to help me getting some souvenirs from the Gift Shop. 4. Chef Rakesh Kumar from the Gumtree Restaurant took my special order for Mushroom Soup, even though the same is not on the menu and served it with some sides of cheesy garlic bread. A Chef who truly is asking for feedback on his preparations and never says no to any custom dish, I was impressed! 5. Mr. Zaheed from the Gumtree Restaurant knowing fully well my penchant for Chai,

We stayed for four days in Git-Sarai and it was an absolutely spectacular experience. The overall cleanliness, hygiene and ambience were superb but the aspect that stood out above all, were the involvement of the staff members and their complete home-like hospitality In particular, at the dining hall Mr. Apu, Adlad and Zahid were exceptional in their hospitality. Mr. Apu took charge of our individual needs and even planned a musical evening for the guests. The way Adlad and Zagid shared our excitement of seeing lions in the safari, felt like they were friends we knew for a long time, A special mention goes to Chef. Roy who was visiting from Taj-Skyline Ahmedabad. He made a special reginal meal for our family which is undoubtedly one of the best we ever had. Chef. Roy. came out to discuss the food when asked, and made us feel totally at home. He is not only an extremely talented chef but his hospitality and friendliness is certainly something unique we have experienced till now. The house staff, led by Kaushik have taken care of every need. The campus of the resort is self sustained in terms of games, books and even a pottery station, with a local potter who helps the tourists to make the artifacts. Overall Gir-Sarai has been a very unique and special experience, where we got to taste the brilliance and perfection of Taj (Chef Roy) and at the same time, experience the informal homeliness and care of people like Mr. Apu and other staff members. It is by far the best experience we had over the last 15 years, travelling to many such forest resorts in the country. We strongly feel the secret of their magical environment lies in such a bunch of happy staff members at Gir-Sarai --- many thanks to all of them for everything.