urgent help for gir and diu ., for honeymoon

Hi everyobody I am leaving after 4 days for ahmedabd from delhi. on 24th I will go to veraval by train (overnight) from ahmedabad. then I will stay in gir for 2-3 days.
and then will go to diu and stay there for 5 days.

I have a few questions.

1. Is the overnight journey from Ahmedabad to veraval(and back), in sleeper class(somnath express) in end Dec. comfortable? 2nd AC coach (the only other class) is not available. will it be cold? will it be safe? do I need additional blanket?

2. pls tell me good hotels in gir, (range 2 to 3000 Rs.)

3. Please tell me good hotels in Diu (same range).

4. do I need to book hotels in advance? or will it be jampacked?

thanks a lot in advance

Sorry I can only tell you about the train. Mostly you will feel a bit cool on the train so please be sure to bring one set of warm clothes (a jacket or sweater) and a blanket so that you can sleep comfortably. I think you won't regret it.
PS-Don't forget a pair of sox.

ok thanks, and what about the weather in diu and gir, will I need warm clothes?
and is one jacket, socks for the train enough?

and is the sleeper coach of somnath express safe enough??

what kind of people should I expect in the sleeper coach of somnath express?

one more imp question. somnath express is a small train with only 4 tickets in 2nd ac tatkal quota, if I have one comfirmed in tatkal quota and 1 waitlist at no 1 in tatkal, will the waitlist get converted??

Temps will be around 30 during the day and around 22 at night in Diu. So I will let you decide what you should take. Mainly the train feels quite cool for me so I always take a blanket whenever I ride in SL during winter. I live quite a bit south of the area you are visiting but my in-laws are always wearing sox this time of year because they feel cool. I usually am fine without and would only use them on the train.

The train should be safe. I have taken the train several times to go to both Rajkot and Gondal and never had any problems (and I am white so if anyone was going to want to steal anything....). Just take normal precautions about your luggage and money.

What kind of people...the same kind of people you would usually find in SL . Generally normal middle-class people will be there some buisnessmen and whatnot. Have you not ever travelled in SL before? Keep in mind that Gujarat is I believe the wealthiest state per capita in India. Just because it isn't the metro doesn't mean that people are going to be barbarians. Personally, I get stared at a lot more but again just because I am foreigner. If you are Indian then you will get more chances to chat and pass your time. Generally there are very talkative and friendly folks in SL class. Good to make friends with these people as they will help you keep an eye on your luggage and possessions.

I am not much knowledgable about tatkal quota. The guru on such specific questions is steven_ber. Go to the train section and you will find a thread about "WL will I get it" or something along that line. You should put the question about the tatkal/WL there. He will be able to give you a frank answer.

hi Rahul
In Sasan Gir u can stay in Sinh Sadan its Govt. Guest house their r many hotels and resorts in Gir. I had stayed at a farm house with the facility of swiming pool,Food,Tents and Rooms its in a remote area at the border of the jungle. I know a guide who can help u if u need more assistance ....... or visit www.oktatabyebye.com

thanks a lot for the info, can u tell me about the guide. How can I directly book Sinh Sadan, I searched about Sinh sadan but could not get how to book it??

HOW do I book Sinh sadan in gir. can someone also provide phone numbers of private farmhouses in gir.

Call Tamsibhai Langha on 9898650326 all your arrangement will be done

hi, we stayed in gir birding lodge in gir, its very nice right on thr park (set inmango orchard that borders the park), we stayed in the deluxe cottages and the rate was 4500 including all 3 meals.
in Diu we stayed at the apana hotel, it was ok, quiet full of drunks but i think that is diu! we had seafacing room there was plenty of action from the street below, our room was 600/night (although this was what we were quoted they tried to charge us more when we got there so be sure you have a fixed quoet). the room was ok but the bathroom a bit damp and dirty. the restaurant there is very good.
hope this helps. hope you get to see a lion, they are awsome!

Thanks a lot for replying, but I have completed my 10 day long trip of diu and gir. In gir I stayed at private farmhouse, with very good service, and food so good that I had not eaten it anywhere @ 1000 per night with 300 extra for food for 2 persons.

in diu, I stayed at kohinoor resort- the best resort there @ 2000 per night.

best trip of my life.

Can you please share the details of your stay at Gir - names, phone nos etc. also did you sight any lions?

Hi Rahul
I am also from Delhi and was planning to go to Diu in January. Can you please tell me how did you reach Diu from Delhi. Is train journey ok? Any suggestions?