YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT YOUR DESTINATION

In India, chai is more than just a simple cup of tea – it is woven into the fabric of this nation. Chai time in every home is a time to catch a breath and escape the hustle and bustle of the day to reconnect. It is always characterised by storytelling and the sharing of news as spicy and flavourful as the tea itself - Chai Time at Aramness is no different.
 

“The best part of my job is getting to engage with guests and answering their questions so that I can help them in the best way possible,” says Aramness Gir driver, Hanif Baloch.

Hanif has been with us since the beginning of the project. Working mostly with the forest, he is a local culture enthusiast. He has great knowledge about the place’s history, people, food and loves to share with anyone interested.

“Junagadh has so many beautiful places to explore – when guests ask me about tourist attractions, I’ve lots to share with them. Several guests want to take back home bandhani from Jetpur, and it makes me happy to take them to the right spots so they can get exactly what they are looking for.”

Attentive to details of his appearance, Hanif is always neatly dressed. He speaks both English and Hindi. Extremely professional and punctual, Hanif says, “My day usually starts quite early and is filled with picking up and dropping guests on time, being aware of their schedules, keeping up with traffic and weather updates and maintaining the transfer vehicle. If there are no transfers, I assist the team with whatever help they may need from me.”

He lives in a joint family of fifteen members – with his wife, two sons and a daughter along with his parents, three brothers and their families. Having lived in Gir for over 35 years, Hanif loves local fishes. “One of my favourite things to do is feast on pomfret and akni with my kids.”

Hanif’s ride is never out of water, snacks and captivating stories of lion encounters if you lend him an ear.