Gujarat Historical, Cultural, Religious & Wildlife Discovery Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Ahmedabad

Stop At: Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat
On arrival at Ahmedabad airport assistance and transfer to hotel check in. Rest time free and easy to relax.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Ahmedabad

Stop At: Hutheesing Jain Temple, Shahibaug Rd, Bardolpura, Delhi Darwaza, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380004, India
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Ahmedabad. Visit Hatheesing Jain Temple established in 1850 by Seth Hatheesing, who was a rich Jain merchant. This temple is dedicated to the 15th 'Jain Tirthankar', known as Dharamnath.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bhadra Fort, Ahmedabad Village, Ahmedabad 380001 India
Bhadra fort a beautiful monument that is famous for its intricate carvings, pattern works and beautiful frescos suits. Arches at the entry gate, has some inscriptions that represents the history of the fort. Jama Mosque there are different entrances to the mosque. Near the eastern entrance, stands the tomb of the Sultan Ahmed Shah, which houses the graveyard of three great rulers, namely Ahmed Shah, his son, Mohammed Shah and his grandson, Qutub-Ud-Din Ahmed Shah.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kite Museum, Sanskar Kendra Opposite Tagor Hall, Paldi, Ahmedabad 380007 India
Kite Museum the city of Ahmedabad is popular for the Kite Festival so it doesn’t come as a surprise if you find an entire museum dedicated to kites. The popular Kite Museum that houses some of the rarest kites in the world is a first of its kind in India and second in the world. Sabarmati Ashram on his return from South Africa, Gandhi’s first Ashram in India was established in the Kochrab area of Ahmedabad on 25 May 1915. The Ashram was then shifted on 17 June 1917 to a piece of open land on the banks of the river Sabarmati. Reasons for this shift included: he wanted to do some experiments in living eg farming, animal husbandry, cow breeding, Khadi and related constructive activities. Shaking Minarets one of the most unique monuments in Ahmedabad, located in Siddi Bashir's Mosque near the Sarangpur gate.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Ahmedabad - Archaeological Site Lothal - Bhavnagar (175kms/ 4hrs approx)

Stop At: Archaeological remains of a Harappa Port-Town, Lothal, Saragwala, Gujarat 382230, India
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Ahmedabad via visiting archaeological remains of a Harappa Port-Town at Lothal. Lothal literally “Mound of the Dead”, is the most extensively excavated site of Harappan culture in India, and therefore allows the most insight into the story of the Indus Valley Civilization, its exuberant flight, and its tragic decay. Unlike many other doorways into Harappan culture, Lothal passed through all the phases of the society, from earliest development to most mature. In the height of its prosperity, it not only survived but was strengthened by three floods, using the disaster as an opportunity to improve on the infrastructure. The fourth flood finally brought the settlement to the desperate and impoverished conditions that indicated the end of a powerful civilization.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Nilambag Palace Hotel, Rajkot Road, Nilambaug Circle, Nilambaug, Bhavnagar, Gujarat 364002, India
Continue drive to Bhavnagar and check in at hotel.

Visit the Nilambag Palace an ancient mansion construction in 1879. This palace that carries out an elitist Anglo-Indian architecture is now a heritage hotel. It is a part of the local heritage of the land as it has colonial historical significance.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gandhi Smriti Memorial, Crescent Circle, Bhavnagar India
Gandhi Smriti & Barton library which commemorates the life and service of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Constructed in 1955 and attached to a tower clock, Gandhi Smriti is one of the most frequented tourist spots in the city. Barton museum is found on the ground floor of Gandhi Smriti, where you can find a broad range of archaeological remains of the surrounding areas. On the first floor, there rare photographs of Gandhi which take you back during the freedom movement of India, where Gandhi stood invincible. The library here holds a vast collection of books and memorabilia that Gandhi used.

Rest time free and easy to relax.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Bhavnagar - Palitana - Diu (225kms/ 5hrs approx)

Stop At: Palitana, Palitana, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat
Breakfast at hotel drive to Diu via visiting Palitana. Palitana Temples Known for being the largest cluster of Jain temples. There are in total 863 temples from base to the peak of the Shatrunjaya hill on the banks of the Shetrunji River, where the Palitana temples are located. These hills have similarities to other hills where Jain temples have been built in Bihar, Gwalior, Mount Abu and Girnar. The Jain's sacred hill of Shatrunjaya have 865 temples atop itself. The hills were sanctified when Rishabha, the first tirthankara of Jainism, gave his first sermon on the top of this hill. The ancient history of the hills is also traced to Pundarika Swami, a chief Ganadhara and grandson of Rishabha, who attained Nirvana/ Moksha here. His shrine located opposite to the main Adinath temple, built by Son of Rishabha, Bharata. The path is climbed through 3950 steps spanning 3.5 km up the Shatrunjaya Hills.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Diu, Diu, Diu Island, Diu District, Daman and Diu
Continue drive to Diu check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Diu - Sasan Gir National Park (100kms/ 2hrs approx)

Stop At: Diu Fort, Diu Coast, Diu, Diu Island India
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Diu. Visit Diu Fort a very large and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. This fort was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD after the treaty signed between the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese. The fort is surrounded by the sea on the three sides and a canal on the fourth side. The fort offers a magnificent view of sea. On the fort stands a giant structure which now houses a Light House and the Diu jail. The beam from the lighthouse reaches to about 32 kms. Several canons are still located on the top of the fort and peep out of the holes on the walls of this gigantic structure.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Panikota Fort, near The Diu Fort, Diu, Diu Island India
Fortress of Panikota is a magnificent stone structure in the sea, built right at the mouth of the creek. This fortress can be reached only by a canoe or a motor launch. This fortress has a light house and small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. The fortress offers a very beautiful view whether seen from the jetty, from the Fort, from the village of Ghoghla or from Diu proper. Old Town has a few old mansions belonging to rich Portuguese and Indian merchants. The colorful three-story Nagar Sheth Haveli has porticoes, carved balconies, stone-made lions and intricate arches in European and Indian styles.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sasan Gir National Park, Sinh Sadan Gir Somnath District Sasan Road, Sasan Gir, Gir National Park 362135 India
Later drive to Sasan Gir National Park and check in at resort. Dinner
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: : Sasan Gir National Park (45kms/ 1hrs approx)

Stop At: Gir National Park, Gujarat, India
Breakfast at hotel. Jeep Safari in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. Sprawling in an area of 1424 sq. kms, Gir with its dry deciduous forest is a luxuriantly rich ecosystem endowed with floral and faunal plentitude. Thirty species of mammals, twenty species of reptiles, several species of insects and birds are found here. The forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The forest also harbors a number of smaller birds and animals. Other predators are the panther and the hyena. The largest Indian deer, Sambhar, Chital (spotted deer), Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara and the unique Chowsingha (four horned antelope) are found here along with the bear and the long tailed langur.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at resort.

Day 7: Sasan Gir National Park - Junagarh - Gondal - Rajkot (160kms/ 3hrs approx)

Stop At: Junagarh Fort Road, Bikaner 334001 India
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Rajkot. Enroute visit Junagarh an ancient fortified city rich in myth and legend. Junagadh lies at the foot of the temple-studded Girnar Hill. It derives its name from the 'old fort', which circles the medieval town. The Girnar Hills that landscape Junagadh are a holy sanctuary to the Jains. The history of Mount Girnar dates back to the awesome empire of Ashoka, one of India's greatest emperors. Ashoka inscribed 14 edicts on a huge boulder en-route to Mt. Girnar peak. Junagadh's main feature is the Uperkot fort (upper fort), a somber and inaccessible fortress.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Gondal, Gondal, Rajkot District, Gujarat
Further drive and visit Gondal the former princely state ruled by the Jadeja Rajput clan till the independence of India. Visit Navlakha Palace one of the oldest and most beautiful palaces situated on a riverbank, on a grand masonry base, rising to the monumental scale of at least 30 meters, above the riverbed.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Rajkot, Rajkot, Rajkot District, Gujarat
Continue drive to Rajkot and check in at hotel.

Later visit Jubilee Garden a large and open park area in Rajkot. It features many monuments of colonial time. The centre of the city garden is the Connaught Hall and other notable places of interest near the Garden include the historic Mohandas Gandhi High School, Kaba Gandhi No Delo, Rashtriya Shala, Watson Museum, Lang Library, and Rotary Midtown Library. Watson Museum has a great collection of precious objects of colonial period and is considered to be one the finest in Gujarat. It was made to commemorate the works of the then administrator Colonel James Watson in 1888. The museum also houses a varied collection of old artefacts from the ancient city of Mohenjodaro.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Rajkot - Dholavira (260kms/ 5hrs approx)

Stop At: Dholavira, Dholavira, Kutch District, Gujarat
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Dholavira check in at village resort. Dholavira is a real treat for historians, and one of Gujarat’s best-kept archaeological and historical sites dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. It is full of historic treasures, including seals with animal figures, funerary structures, letters of the Indus script, stone sculptures, pottery with painted motifs, terracotta ornaments, sign boards, and several other structures and objects. The ancient water reservoirs are certainly a highlight and excite visitors with their well-preserved state. Dinner
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Dholavira - Bhuj (220kms/ 5hrs approx)

Stop At: Aaina Mahal Palace, Maharav Of Kutch, Darbargadh Chowk, Old Dhatia Falia, Bhuj, Gujarat 370001, India
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Bhuj check in at hotel.

Later city tour visit The Aaina Mahal Palace built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century. However, what once stood proudly with glittering glasses, antique clocks and exotic tile works was shaken and dishevelled in the 2001 earthquake that hit Bhuj. The loss was tragic, but it has now been recovered and renovated for people to visit safely again. Be sure to explore the rest of the compound outside the palace, with its beautiful carved doorways, elaborate window boxes and balconies.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Prag Mahal Palace, Next to the Aina Mahal, Bhuj India
Prag Mahal one of the architectural wonders in India, built-in the 19th century next to the popular Aina Mahal. The grand palace boasts of Gothic-style windows and Corinthian pillars around it. The opulent Mahal has the second tallest clock tower in the country which offers an amazing view from the top. A part of the palace has been converted into a museum with archives and personal items of the royal family on display. Imposing and beautiful in itself, the resplendent palace is made mostly out of red sandstone. There are intricate carvings done on the walls with beautiful art, and the most amazing thing is the jaali work on the jharokhas, those are exquisite in appearance.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Aksharwadi Temple), Waghawadi Road Aksharwadi, Bhavnagar 364002 India
Shri Swaminarayan Temple initially built in the year 1822, it was the first of many Sampraday Swaminarayan temples. Located near the Hamirsar Lake completely white structure is an architectural masterpiece built of marble and is a stunning place to visit. Ramkund is a square stepwell, about 56 ft on one side, whose walls have carved miniature idols depicting the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu and sculptures of Lord Rama, Devi Sita, Lord Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman. The architecture of the stepwell is geometrical and leaves one in awe of the skill of that time. As you descend down the steps to reach the water, you are engulfed by a sudden coolness that is not to be found above the stepwell. While going deeper into the well, one can almost be transported to the ancient times when it was a place of water storage. Ramkund is located across the Kutch Museum and behind the Ram Dhun Temple.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Bhuj - Hodka (65kms/ 1.3hrs approx)

Stop At: Bhuj, Bhuj, Kutch District, Gujarat
Breakfast at hotel drive to Banni Region of Kutch visiting Nirona Village for Rogan arts on a piece of cloth. The word Rogan comes from Persian and means oil-based. The process of making the natural colors used in art gives it such a name. Castor oil is heated on a fire for about 12 hours and then cast into cold water to give a thick residue called the Rogan. This is then mixed with stone pigments to lend it different hues. Next, the artisan uses a six-inch metal stick to paint with a fine thread of Rogan on cloth. Seeing it live made us realize how delicately the Rogan thread has to be led with precision to give shape to one’s imagination. The Luhars in Nirona have been preserving the Copper Crafts making over seven generations. As a result you can see some heart-shaped wind chimes, a xylophone made of bells and even a few fauna inspired bell pieces. And Lacquer Works on wooden utensils.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Hodka Village, Hodka Village, Kutch District, Gujarat
Continue to Hodka check in at resort and lunch. Evening drive short distance to enjoy the breathtaking views of the White Rann. Dinner
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: overnight at Hotel

Day 11: Hodka - White Rann of Kutch

Stop At: White Dessert Road, White Dessert Rd, Gorewali, Gujarat 370510, India
Today very early in the morning drive to White Rann of Kutch to see the sunrise. The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert. It is about 7500 km2 (2900 sq miles) in the area and is reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world. Later you will be visiting Dhordo village this area which has White Rann. You can see Mutwa Muslim Community here in Dhordo. Return Hodka for breakfast and later visit a small Pathan community hamlet engaged in Embroidery. Continue to Khavda to see Potters and Samma tribe. Later leave for Kala Dungar to view the beautiful sunset. Dinner and overnight at Hodka.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Hotel

Day 12: Hodka - Mandvi (135kms/ 3hrs approx)

Stop At: Sumarasar, Gujarat 370001, India
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mandvi en-route visit Sumarasar Village for Weaving of Shawl and Stole Weaving in Kutch a traditional profession and skills are passed on from father to son. After having an experience of Weaving drive to Bhuj to meet Abu Baker Wazirs, Museum of Quality Textiles for over 50 years. Being collectors of antique Indian textiles and embroideries for over 45 years. Continue to Mandvi check in at resort.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Vijay Vilas Palace, Kachchh District, Mandvi India
Later visit Vijay Vilas Palace built in 1929 by Rao Vijayrajji, this palace is very well-maintained, and often the scene of filming for Bollywood productions. It was built of red sandstone in the Rajput style, with a main central dome, Bengal domes at the sides, bastions at the corner, and colored glass windows. The balcony at the top affords a superb view of the surrounding area, and the king's tomb can also be seen.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Mandvi, Mandvi, Kutch District, Gujarat
Mandvi Town known for its shipbuilding centre. The local carpenters still make ocean-going Dhows in much the same way that ancestors had done a century ago. One can go and visit the men at work, shaping the great vessels with hand tools and coaxing the seasoned timber into shape. The carrying capacity of these boats can vary from 250 tons to 1000 tons. The predecessors of these very same ships had roamed the Indian Ocean and made Kutch a maritime power. Handmade models of these Dhows can also be procured from local artisans. Rest time free and easy to relax on the beach. Dinner
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Beach Resort.

Day 13: Mandvi - Mundra - Bhadreshwar - Little Rann Of Kutch (275kms/ 5hrs approx)

Stop At: Mundra, Mundra, Kutch District, Gujarat
Breakfast at hotel drive to Little Rann Of Kutch via visiting Mundra & Bhadreshwar.
In Mundra see some of the finest Batik workshops. The process starts with the removal of starch from the plain white fabric. The fabric is soaked in soda and with thorough rinsing; the starch from the fabric is removed. A work table is prepared by spreading river-bed sand on a long rectangular surface. The printer begins block-printing with wax once the plain fabric is laid out on the table.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Shri Bhadreshwar Jain Tirth Derasar, Bhadreshwar, Gujarat 370410, India
Next drive to visit Bhadreshwar Jain Temple perhaps one of the most under-appreciated sites of great significance in religious history. It is claim the city was founded in 516 BC, and first temple was built “2500 years ago, about 45 years after the death of Lord Mahavir,”. The main temple is strikingly beautiful in all white marble with majestic pillars. Around the central one are 52 smaller shrines, one of which reputedly holds the original Parshavanath idol from 500 BC.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Little Rann of Kutch, Thar Desert, Kutch India
Continue drive to Little Rann Of Kutch and check in at resort/ camp for dinner
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at resort/ camp

Day 14: Little Rann Of Kutch - Patan - Modhera - Ahmedabad (160kms/ 3hrs approx)

Stop At: Little Rann of Kutch, Thar Desert, Kutch India
Early morning Jeep Safari in Little Rann of Kutch to spot the Asiatic Wild Ass and other mammals, this area is also good for spotting migratory Birds. You can also do a village safari to see communities like Mir, Bharwad, Rabari, and Bajanias.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Rani Ki vav, Near the Patan Highway, 384265 India
Return to camp for breakfast and drive to Ahmedabad with stop to visit Rani ki Vav & Panchasara Jain Temple at Patan & Modhera Sun Temple.

Rani ki Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) - Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the banks of the Saraswati River. The world famous 11th century Solanki era step well was built by the Queen in memory of her husband. Designed as an inverted temple, it is highlighting the sanctity of water and is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels; more than 500 principle sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, mythological and secular imagery, often referencing literary works. Panchasara Jain Temple - The king Vanraj Chavada built this jain temple around VS 802. There are 51 mini temples around the temple. It was said that main idol of lord parshwanath much older than Vikram Samvat 802- hindu calendar(around 8th century).
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sun Temple, On Becharaji Highway, Modhera 384212 India
Modhera Sun Temple - a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya located at Modhera village of Mehsana district. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. No worship is offered now and is protected monument maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and Kunda, the reservoir. The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. The reservoir has steps to reach the bottom and numerous small shrines.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat
Continue drive to Ahmedabad check in at hotel.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Ahmedabad - Departure (flight)

Stop At: Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.