Vibrant Gujarat

Day 1 ARRIVAL IN AHEMDABAD AND SITESEEING

1. 1

   2 hours

   Arrive in Ahemdabad and after the custom formalities meet with our representative standing outside the airport with the placard of your name and proceed towards the hotel for checkin

2. 2

   Manek Chowk

   2 hours

   Start your city tour with the visit to the Swaminarayan Temple, this was the first temple of the Swaminarayan Sampraday constructed as per scriptural norms with intricate carving in pure Burma-teak and constructed with sculptural art by depicting deities' episodes, auspicious symbols and religious icons representing axiomatic religion and Indian culture. The temple is believed to be a valuable cultural heritage in the socio-religious history of Gujarat and India. 

3. 3

   Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

   3 hours

   Continue your way to the Jama Masjid,one of India’s most marvellous pieces of architecture, was built during the rule of Ahmed Shah I, a ruler of Muzaffarid dynasty, in 1423, just west of the famous Manek Chowk. Away from the chaos of the city, through four gates in four directions, one can enter the mosque made of yellow sandstone with a blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture, with intricate carvings all along the walls and pillars. The main prayer hall has 260 columns supported by 15 domes. Also visit the The famous SIDI SAIYYED MOSQUE in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which is a sublime ode in stone to the extraordinary architectural legacy of the African diaspora in India. Although their forefathers were originally brought to India as slaves and maritime laborers, the descendants of these Africans rose to positions of power as military commanders in the armies of the sultans and became great patrons of art and architecture.

4. 4

   Ahmedabad

   8 hours

   Return to the hotel and overnight

Day 2 Ahmedabad - Patan - Modhera - Dasada (208 Km,5 Hours)

1. 1

   Gandhi Ashram

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   Breakfast in Hotel start the day with the visit of Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi, located in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, adjoining the Ashram Road, on the banks of the River Sabarmati, 4.0 miles from the town hall. This was one of the many residences of Mahatma Gandhi who lived at Sabarmati (Gujarat) and Sevagram (Wardha, Maharashtra) when he was not travelling across India or in prison.[1] He lived in Sabarmati or Wardha for a total of twelve years with his wife Kasturba Gandhi and followers, including Vinoba Bhave. The Bhagavad Gita was recited here daily as part of the Ashram schedule.

2. 2

   Patan

   2 hours

   Patan was a capital of Gujarat in medieval times. It is the administrative seat of Patan District in the Indian state of Gujarat and administered by municipality. The city contains many Hindu and Jain temples as well as few mosques, dargahs and rojas.Visit the magnificent step well

3. 3

   Sun Temple

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   A soothing drive amidst green farmlands just 35 km away from Mehsana on the way to the temples of goddess Bahucharaji reposes the village of Modhera. Set along the backdrop of River Pushpavati, surrounded by a terra-formed garden of flowering trees and songs of birds, rests the famed Sun temple of Modhera.
   As you relax and soothe your nerves, become one with nature and open your mind to the poetry in stone, dedicated to the sun god, living glimpses of the era far elapsed emerge out of the intricacies of narrative sculptures . The remains of the Sun Temples at Modhera are relics of times gone by when reverence of the natural elements fire, air, earth, water and sky were at their peak sharing space with myriad manifestations of Vedic gods.

4. 4

   Dasada

   7 hours

   On arrival in Dasada, a small district in gujarat transfer to an ethnically designed eco-resort, set among wetlands and agricultural fields. The resort has imaginatively designed cottages that blend with the rural countryside in which it is situated. Located near Dasada village, it makes the ideal base to explore the culture, weaves and handicrafts of the Surendranagar district Overnight

Day 3 Dasada - Bhuj (280 Km,7 Hours)

1. 1

   Bhuj

   7 hours

   After Breakfast in the morning drive to Bhuj,city in the state of Gujarat in western India that was founded in 1510. It is known for its centuries-old buildings, many of which were damaged in an earthquake in 2001. Visit some of these historic buildings and travel to the nearby villages around Bhuj and discover the colourful lifestyle of their inhabitants.

2. 2

   Prag Mahal Palace

   1 hour Admission ticket included

   In the afternoon visit the Italian-Gothic style Prag Mahal Palace that was built in 1838. It took 10 years to get built. Several Italian artisans were involved in its construction. Much of the palace was destroyed by an earthquake but what remains is still quite fascinating. There is a bell tower that overlooks the city, and a courtyard containing a Hindu temple.

3. 3

   Kutch Museum

   1 hour Admission ticket included

   Next visit the Kutch Museum, the oldest museum in Gujarat that dates back to 1877. This museum is built in the Italian style and is located in the picturesque surroundings of Lake Hamirsar. The museum has a large collection of ancient inscriptions, various archaeological objects, arms and specimens of various crafts of the Kutch region. The museum remains closed on Wednesdays and 2nd and 4th Saturdays.

4. 4

   Bhuj

   8 hours

   After the full day city tour of Bhuj proceed to the hotel for checkin. Overnight

Day 4 Bhuj

1. 1

   1 hour Admission ticket included

   Start your day with the visit to the Aaina Mahal Palace that was built in 1750. It is a two story building with a Darbar Hall, Hall of Mirrors, and suites for the royal family. The palace was designed by a craftsman who trained for 17 years in Europe. The palace is designed on an Indo-European fusion style of architecture. All the construction materials were sourced locally. The fountains, mirrors and glass-work are still spectacular. A pendulum clock that is in sync with the Hindu calendar and doors inlaid with gold and ivory are some other attractions of the palace. The palace remains closed on Thursdays.

2. 2

   Dhordo

   2 hours

   Next proceed to explore The village of Dhordo provides an opportunity to see Bandhani tie and dye printing, block-printing and the intricate embroidery and embellished bead and mirror-work that encapsulates the folk culture of Gujarat

3. 3

   Bhuj

   3 hours

   Next visit, Ludia which is one of the most beautiful villages in India. The colorfully decorated houses with equally attractive embroidery work on display provide a glimpse into the vibrant culture of this community. The walls of the houses are painted with simple yet attractive motifs. The attire of the village folk is equally colorful. Return back to Bhuj by evening.

Day 5 Bhuj - Rajkot (160 Km, 4 Hours)

1. 1

   Naulakha Palace

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   After breakfast,drive to Rajkot, en route visit to the famous Naulakha Palace. The Naulakha Palace, the oldest extant palace in Gondal, India, dating back to the 18th century, with a "sculpted facade" is a part of the Darbargardh fort complex. It is named "Navalakaha" meaning rupees "nine lakhs" which was the cost of building it at that time

2. 2

   Watson Museum

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   On arrival in Rajkot, visit the Watson Museum, Established in the year 1888 and situated in Jubilee Garden. The same is dedicated to British Colonel James Watson who as a Political Agent of Saurashtra and is regarded as one of the finest museums of the region. It has a remarkable collection of ancient and traditional artifacts and cultural heritage of Saurashtra. The exhibits displayed are objects of Colonial period including huge marble Statue of Queen Victoria. It also exhibits Tribal Costumes, Silverwares, Old Coins, Temple Statues and 13th century Carvings.

3. 3

   Rajkot

   8 hours

   After the site seeing proceed to the hotel. Check in and Overnight

Day 6 Rajkot - Junagadh – Sasangir (160 km, 4 Hours)

1. 1

   Junagarh Fort

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   In the morning after breakfast drive to Sasangir, en route visit to the magnificent Junagarh Fort. Junagarh Fort is a fort in the city of Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. The fort was originally called Chintamani and was renamed Junagarh or "Old Fort" in the early 20th century when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh Palace outside the fort limits. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan which is not built on a hilltop. The modern city of Bikaner has developed around the fort.

2. 2

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   Next visit the oldest Buddhist caves known in Junagadh -Khapra Kodiya ,Buddhist Caves of Khapra Kodiya are part of the Junagadh Buddhist Cave Group. They are the oldest of the caves in the group. The caves, on the basis of scribbles and short cursive letters on the wall, are dated to 3rd-4th century BCE during the Emperor Ashoka’s rule and are the plainest of all the caves in the groups

3. 3

   Sasan Gir

   8 hours

   Arrive at Sasangir,Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in the world where you can spot lions roaming free in the wild. The real discovery channel of India is situated approximately 65 Kms South East of Junagarh District. The Government notified the large geographical extent of Sasan Gir as wildlife sanctuary on 18th September, 1965 in order to conserve the Asiatic Lion.Proceed to the hotel . Checkin and Overnight

Day 7 Sasangir - Somnath - Diu (150 Km,3 Hours)

1. 1

   Gir National Park

   4 hours

   Start your day with a safari on shared basis in the Gir National Park,Explore the forest in the jeep, the entire forest area of the Gir National Park is dry and deciduous which provides best habitat for Asiatic Lions and Lepords. The national park is also home to The Jackal, striped Hyena and India Fox .

2. 2

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   Next proceed for journey to Diu, En route visit to the Somnath Temple, The Somnath temple is located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, India is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.

3. 3

   Diu

   8 hours

   Arrive at Diu, visit the former Portuguese colony. Enjoy a visit of its colourful Markets, San Paolo church, and old Portuguese fort. Check in and overnight.

Day 8 Diu - Bhavnagar (200 Km,5 Hours)

1. 1

   1 hour

   Start your day with a visit to the fish Market in the village of Vanakabra. An experience for life.

2. 2

   Bhavnagar

   8 hours

   On arrival in Bhavnagar, Located at the southern tip of Gujarat peninsula, Bhavnagar is known as the cultural centre of the state of Gujarat.Proceed to the hotel, Checkin and Overnight

Day 9 Bhavnagar- Palitana - Bhavnagar

1. 1

   Palitana

   2 hours

   Full day excursion to Palitana, An important Jain pilgrimage centre with 800 temples. These temples are located on the sacred Satrunjaya hill at the height of 2000 metres.

2. 2

   Bhavnagar

   8 hours

   Return to Bhavnagar, evening free for relaxation. Overnight

Day 10 Bhavnagar - Lothal - Ahmedabad

1. 1

   Lothal

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   Departure for Bhavnagar, along the way stop to visit Lothal, An important archaeological site of Harappa and Mohen Jo Daro civilization which used to serve as a port.

2. 2

   3 hours

   Proceed to Ahmedabad, Afternoon free for shopping. Later transfer to airport for international departures.