A Memorable Journey of Gujarat

Day 01- Arrive Ahmedabad

Arrive Ahmedabad, meet & greet at Airport and transfer to hotel.

Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat. It is located in western India on the banks of the River Sabarmati. The city served as political as well as economical capital of the region since its establishment. After independence, the city was a part of Bombay state. When Gujarat was carved out in 1960, it again became the capital of the state until establishment of Gandhinagar in 1965. Ahmedabad is also the cultural and economical centre of Gujarat and the seventh largest city of India. City will quickly win your heart with incredible architecture, ranging from centuries old mosques and mausoleums to contemporary design.

Afternoon half day city tour visiting the beautiful Jama Masjid – one of the most beautiful mosques in the country. Pass by the Shaking Minarets and Hathi Singh temple and Sidi Sayid’s mosques. Later visit Sabarmati Ashram founded by Mahatma Gandhi, where began in 1930, the legendary salt marsh, which ushered in the Indian freedom struggle

Rest of the day will be at leisure

Overnight at hotel

Day 02- Ahmedabad – Mount Abu (approx. 235 Kms/ 06 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast proceed for Mount Abu en-route visiting the five-storey stepwell of Adalaj ,an architectural masterpiece in the Indo – Islamic style.

Later continue drive to Mount Abu.

Mount Abu town, the only hill station in Rajasthan, is located at an elevation of 1,220 m (4,003 ft). It has been a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and neighbouring Gujarat for centuries.

On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight at hotel

Day 03- Mount Abu – Palanpur (approx. 100 Kms/03 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Later proceed to visit the Dilwara Temples.

It is also a pilgrimage centre for the Jains. Visit Dilwara temples consisting of five Jain temples, built during the early 11th century. The intricate & elaborate ornamental carvings represent the climax in decorative art in stone.

Continue drive to Palanpur.

Palanpur was the seat of a princely state ruled by the Lohani (Jhalore) Dynasty. It was a Salute state with the Nawab of Palanpur having a hereditary salutes of 13-guns While the early history of the family is ‘who established themselves in Bihar during the twelfth century and ruled there as Sultans. It was known as “flower city” because of perfumes (Itar) available here. It is also known for its textile retail market.

Upon arrival Check In at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight at hotel

Day 04- Palanpur – Dasada (approx. 150 Kms/ 03 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Later proceed for Dasada. En-route visiting Patan and Modhera.

Patan – Visit the amazing Rani ka Vav (The Queen’s Step well). This magnificent east facing step well measures approximately 64m long, 20m wide & 27m deep built in 1063 by Rani Udaymati to Commemorate her husband Bhimdev1. Befitting its name, the Rani-Ka-Vav is now considered to be the queen among the step wells of India. They are also part of the structures, under consideration to be put on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Steps leads down with multiple levels with carved pillars and more than 800 sculptures.

Modhera – Visit the Sun Temple. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Sun-God, Surya. It was built in 1026 AD by King Bhimdev Solanki. The Solankis considered themselves descendents of the Sun God. The temple is of a unique architectural style, the temple was designed such, that the first rays of the sun fell on the image of the Sun God, at the time of the equinox. The temple has been partially in ruins after it was destroyed by the Allauddin Khilji. However, enough has remained of the temple to convey its grandeur.

Later continue drive to Dasada and on arrival check-in at hotel

Dasada, a small village occupied mainly by farmers, nomadic cattle herders and artisans. It is situated on the outskirts of the Rann of Kutch, a vast salt marsh that spans 30,000 square kilometres.  It is the perfect base from which to explore the Rann of Kutch, the last refuge in India of the Asiatic Wild Ass, an elegant member of the horse family. In winter it is also home to migratory birds such as flamingos, Macqueen’s Bustard, pelicans cranes etc.

Overnight at hotel

Day 05- Dasada – Bhuj (approx. 290 Kms/ 07 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Later proceed for visit the little Rann sanctuary to see the Wild Ass and other migratory birds like flamingos, cranes and various wild duck species in their natural habitats and wolves, jackals and foxes are at home here.

Later depart Dasada for Bhuj, visiting the villages Dhamdka to see Ajrak printing and, Dhaneti for its Ahir embroidery.  Later visit Bhujodi- Vanka Kana Rabari– collector of Rabari and other embroideries- there is an excellent collection for sale.

Later continue drive to Bhuj and on arrival check-in at hotel

Bhuj was established by Rao Hamirji in 1510 and was made the state capital by Rao Khengarji I in 1549. The city of Bhuj was founded in 1510 by the local ruler Maharao Hamir. From the mid-sixteenth century with the coming up of the Jadeja Rajput rulers, Bhuj stood more important as a city than it was. Bhuj was made the capital during the reign of Rao Khengarji I in the year 1549.

Overnight in a simple but expressive Lodge

Day 06- Bhuj: in the tribal areas

Breakfast at hotel

Later proceed to visit Banni Village.

Banni Village (NORTH BHUJ). The last village on the border is a Desert land of infinite dimensions, and in its midst, quaint little villages suspended in Time. Here you will come across master craft people’ expositioning their traditional art, turning our master pieces every day. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they use – will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum leaving you spellbound. Evening back to the Hotel for overnight at Bhuj

Overnight at hotel

Day 07- Bhuj: in the tribal areas

Breakfast at hotel

Later proceed to visit the tribal areas of Southern Banni villages Enjoy the encounter with the original India and its people.

Overnight at hotel

Day 08- Bhuj – Wankaner – Rajkot (approx. 265 Kms/ 06 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Later proceed for Rajkot. En-route visiting Wankaner.

Visiting Ranjit Vilas Palace in Wankaner – a unique mix of various architectural styles from Victorian, Gothic, Mughal, Dutch and even French influences. It has a memorable collection of swords, shields and daggers as well as an amazing collection of vintage cars.

Later continue drive to Rajkot and on arrival check-in at hotel

Rajkot has been under different rulers since it was founded. Rajkot has a long history and had a significant part in the Indian independence movement. Rajkot was home for many personalities like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Rajkot was the capital of the then Saurashtra state from 15 April 1948 to 31 October 1956 before merging in bilingual Bombay State on 1 November 1956. Rajkot was merged into Gujarat State from bilingual Bombay state on 1 May 1960. Thakur Saheb Pradyumansinhji died in 1973. His son, Manoharsinhji Pradyumansinhji, who has carved out a political career at the provincial level, succeeded him.

Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight at hotel

Day 09- Rajkot – Gondal (approx. 50 Kms/ 02 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning depart Rajkot for Gondal and on arrival check-in at hotel.

Gondal The Gondal state in Kathiawar Agency was founded in 1634 by Thakore Shri Kumbhoji I Meramanji from Jadeja dynasty, who received Ardoi and other villages from his father Meramanji.With his fourth descendant Kumbhoji IV, the State raised itself, by acquiring parganas of Doraji, Upleta, Sarai.

Later Sir Bhagwant Singhji who reigned from 1888 until his death in 1944, was its most noted ruler, known for his various tax reforms, compulsory education for women and also removing the purdah tradition for women at a time when the royal households of India were known for this tradition Moreover, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, ancestors belong to Paneli village in Gondal state.

Later visit the Naulakha Palace The Naulakha Palace was built in 1748AD in the Darbargarh or old fort of the Jadeja Rajputs who ruled Gondal from the mid-1600s. A festival of stone carvings, the building now houses a selection from the family’s collection of antiques and princely relics.  Also visit the largest vintage car collection of the Maharaja

Overnight at hotel

Day 10- Gondal – Sasangir (approx. 125 Kms/ 04 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning depart Gondal for Sasangir en-route visiting Junagarh.

In Junagarh visit the Uparkot Fort an ancient citadel located on the higher level of the town, was a stronghold of Mauryans and Gupta Empire and is said to have survived 16 sieges in the last 1000 years due to its strategic location and difficult access. The entrance of Uparkot has a fine specimen of Hindu Toran, leading of flat land dotted with archeological sites. The major sites are Buddhist caves, Baba Pyara Caves (2nd century), Adi-Kadi Vav, Navghan Kuvo and Jami Masjid.

Later continue drive to Sasangir and on arrival check in at hotel. The only place outside Africa , where lions can be observed in the wild. In addition to around 300 lions, the park is home to the largest population of leopards in whole India.

On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight in a tented accommodation close to nature

Day 11- Sasangir – Diu (approx. 140 Kms/04 hours)

Early morning visit to Gir national park by open jeeps to see the wild life – Gir National Park is the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion, which has been confined to this forest, since 1884 (about 239 lions were reported in 1985).  The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African cousin, nevertheless, a large male lion of the Gir is quite a sight to behold. The best way to observe the big cats is, of course, in their natural surroundings, at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl.  The chinkara, wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, common langur, porcupine, hare, black buck, are the other animals, that can be found in this sanctuary. There are over 200 bird species including the peafowl, grey partridge, Bonelli’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and several species of doves. The Gir is also home to the marsh crocodile, which can be sighted in its rivers, particularly in the lake of the Kamaleshwar dam.

After National Park visit return back to hotel for Breakfast.

Later depart Sasangir for Diu en-route visiting Somnath Temple another example of Indian temple architecture.

After visiting Somnath Temple, continue drive to Diu, Upon arrival Check In at hotel.

Diu due to its strategic importance, there was a Battle of Diu in 1509 between Portugal and a combined force of Turkey, Egypt, Venice, the Republic of Ragusa (now known as Dubrovnik) and the Sultan of Gujarat,Mahmud Begada. In 1513, the Portuguese tried to establish an outpost there, but negotiations were unsuccessful. In 1535 Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, concluded a defensive alliance with the Portuguese against the Mughalemperor Humayun, and allowed the Portuguese to construct the Diu Fort and maintain a garrison on the island.  Diu remained in the possession of the Portuguese from 1535 until 1961, when it fell in the possession of the troops of the Indian Union, which invaded all of former Portuguese India under Operation Vijay. The island was occupied by the Indian military on 19 December 1961. The Battle of Diu involved overwhelming land, sea and air strikes on the enclave for 48 hours until the Portuguese garrison there surrendered. It was declared union territory of India, Goa, Daman, and Diu. Goa separated as a state in 1987 thus it became union territory of Daman and Diu.

Overnight at hotel

Day 12- Diu

Breakfast at hotel

Morning half day sightseeing of Diu visiting Fort of Diu, which occupies a prominent position. It is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. The fort commands a magnificent view of sea. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD after a defence alliance, concluded by the Bahadurshah, Sultan of Gujarat, and the Portuguese when the former was attacked by Humayun, the Mughal Emperor.

Also visit St. Paul’s Church dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The construction of the church was started in 1601 and was completed in the year 1610. The main facade of the church, perhaps the most elaborates of all Portuguese churches in India, is adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell-like motifs, and immediately attracts visitors. The facade has been illuminated by flood lights adding to the evening city glow.  Also visit old St. Thomas Church has been converted into a museum which houses the antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers, wooden carvings, idols, shadow-clocks and other important artifacts have been collected from various sites and displayed.

Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight at hotel

Day 13- Diu – Bhavnagar (approx. 220 Kms/05 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Later proceed for Bhavnagar and on arrival check-in at hotel.

Bhavnagar pronunciation was founded in 1724 by Bhavsinhji Gohil (1703–1764). It was the capital of Bhavnagar State, which was a princely state before it was merged into the Indian Union in 1948. It is now the administrative headquarter of the Bhavnagar district.

Rest of the day at leisure

Enjoy the magical ambiance of Neelam Bagh Palace hotel, which was designed by a German architect. Here you will spend the night

Overnight at hotel

Day 14- Bhavnagar –Ahmedabad (approx. 290 Kms/ 07 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Early morning excursion to Palitana Jain temples – The Shatrunjaya Hill in Palitana, a small town in the Indian state of Gujarat, is adorned with the highest concentration of beautifully carved Jain temples with its 836 temples and almost 10,000 characters to be found anywhere in the world. Palitana is an important pilgrimage for the followers of Jainism but equally important are the architecture of the temples and the elaborate carvings on them.  One has to climb approx 4000 steps to reach the temples

Later depart for Ahmedabad en-route visiting Lothal – now is in the middle of quiet agricultural field, where you can see no inhabitants around the site. But in the ancient time (2000 BCE), it is thought to have been a bustling commercial center with bead factories and dockyard for exporting the products. Four millennia have passed and we can only imagine the full scale of the city and people who lived there, but some artifacts, such as toys and perforated pots, can be viewed in the nearby museum.

Evening arrive Ahmedabad and check-in at hotel

Overnight at hotel

Day 15- Depart Ahmedabad

Breakfast at hotel

Hotel check-out by noon 1200 hrs

In time transfer to airport to connect onward international flight

All hotels check-in 1400 hrs and check-out time 12 Noon.

Note: Distance / approximate drive time based on Indian Road conditions.  Drive time may reduce / exceeds depends on the traffic conditions city to city on that particular day