EXPERIENCE ARAMNESS | May, 2025 | SOUMYADIP SANTRA

WILDLIFE WONDERS AT ARAMNESS

Calm lake reflecting trees at sunset, with the sky casting a warm glow on the water.

As a naturalist at Aramness, I'm privileged to work amidst the rich biodiversity of Gir National Park, writes Soumyadip.

Our lodge is a is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with a diverse array of species calling it home.

What strikes me most about our natural setting is how it reveals itself differently each day. I've observed over 60 bird species, countless reptiles, amphibians, and insects, each adding their own thread to this intricate tapestry of life. Every morning brings the possibility of a new sighting, a behavior I've never witnessed before, or simply a moment of quiet connection with the wild world around us.

The lodge truly is a birdwatcher's paradise. Species like the Indian Paradise flycatcher, Shikra, Grey Hornbill, Common rosefinch, Indian silverbill, Scaly-breasted munia, Tickell's blue flycatcher, White-browed fantail, White-throated kingfisher, Black drongo, Coppersmith barbet, Rose-ringed parakeet, Plum-headed parakeet, Purple sunbird and many more call this place home. Each species has taught me something different about adaptation, resilience, and the art of simply being present.

Small bird with forked tail perched on a thin branch, looking outward.

  

Small bird perched on a bare branch, facing sideways and appearing alert.

  

Solitary bird resting on a curved branch against a clear sky, wings tucked in.

  

A bird gripping a tree trunk vertically, scanning its surroundings.

  

Perching bird partially hidden among dense forest branches, resting quietly.

  

A small bird standing on a raised perch surrounded by dense greenery, preparing to take flight.

  

Songbird hidden within leafy branches, partially visible as it surveys its surroundings.

  

A parrot sitting alertly on a clean, leafless branch under an open sky.

  

A fully bloomed flower nestled between large leaves in a natural setting.

  

A small bird comfortably nestled among dense tree branches.

  

A bulbul sitting steadily on a high branch, scanning the surroundings.

  

A pigeon strolling beside a building wall, casting a soft shadow on the ground.

  

A bird blending into the leaves of a fruit-bearing tree, partially hidden from view.

  

Monkey with infant clinging to its belly, sitting among thick tree foliage.

  

A finch nestled within thin bamboo branches in a sun-dappled grove.

  

Bird of prey gazing attentively from behind tree cover, with feathers detailed and layered.

  

A bird calmly perched on a thin twig amidst a quiet forest setting.

  

A bird resting on a thick fig tree branch, partially hidden by large leaves.

  

A kingfisher unusually perched on a security camera pole against a backdrop of trees.

  

Keep an eye out for reptiles like monitor lizards, skinks, geckos and snakes, including Indian Rat snake, Common wolf snake and even Rock python, which often bask in the sun or disappear into the underbrush with surprising grace. We've even spotted a chameleon once - a reminder that nature always has surprises waiting for those who pay attention.

A tiny, curled baby snake with shiny, dark brown scales resting on a metallic surface under bright indoor light.

  

A close-up of a slender, brown lizard with orange markings on its side, perched alertly on a cement block.

  

A reddish-brown garden lizard captured mid-motion on a red-and-white painted surface near a blurred fence backdrop.

  

Two lizards basking in the sun, casting sharp silhouettes on a wooden plank surface.

  

A thick-bodied, dark brown snake with distinct black markings camouflaged against a stone wall on forest ground.

  

A forest floor scene with a brown scorpion partially hidden under dry leaves and surrounded by rocks and a green slug.

  

The frogs and toads are common across campus, their evening calls creating a soundtrack that connects you to something ancient and enduring. There's something deeply grounding about falling asleep to their chorus.

The odonates, including dragonflies and damselflies are pure poetry in motion, while butterflies like Tawny Coster, Blue Pansy, Grass Yellow, Emigrants, Lime Blue, and Grass Blues transform ordinary moments into something magical. Our lodge hosts different nectaring plants and host plants, and discovering caterpillars and pupae on their respective homes feels like uncovering nature's most intimate secrets.

A vibrant, metallic blue and black dragonfly sitting delicately on a yellow-green leaf in a natural setting.

  

Butterfly resting on a cluster of wildflowers, wings partially open while feeding on nectar.

  

Butterfly settled on a leaf, wings raised upright while absorbing sunlight.

  

Cluster of small insect eggs neatly laid along the midrib of a large leaf.

  

Furry caterpillar crawling up a thin plant stalk, displaying its bristles and segmented body.

  

A glistening brown slug slowly moving across a rough, grey concrete surface.

  

Dragonfly perched at the tip of a dry branch, poised against a clear sky.

  

Working as a naturalist at Aramness has given me a deep appreciation for the natural world and the profound importance of conservation. Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or simply looking for an authentic experience that reconnects you with the wild, I can't recommend visiting our lodge enough. Here, you don't just observe wildlife, you become part of the ecosystem, if only for a while. 

Indian palm squirrel vertically to a stone wall, its head tilted downward in a hunting stance.
Wild monkey seated against a tree trunk, looking off into the distance with a relaxed posture.
Indian palm squirrel peeking curiously out of a small gap in an old stone wall.

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