Ahmedabad / Day 01 - 02
Arrive at Ahmedabad International airport. After completing arrival formalities, you are met and greeted and transferred to the hotel by Indo Asia tour representative. Ruled by Ahmed Shah, a medieval ruler of the Gujarat Sultanate, the city of Ahmedabad is known for its rich past, architecture and connections to the man of peace—Mahatma Gandhi and the man of science—Vikram Sarabhai. The old architecture of the city is a fusion of Hindu and Islamic styles that is stately and breathtaking. Popular for its textile mills, the city is often referred to as the “Manchester of the East”.
After breakfast visit Calico Museum of Textile, undoubtedly one of the foremost textile museums and a celebrated institute in Indian textiles around the world. Its remarkable collection of fabrics spanning varied and remote regions of India exemplifies handicraft textiles across five centuries. (IMP: A prior permission is required to visit the museum and to secure the same your passport details will be required. The museum remains closed on Wednesday and Public Holidays and the maximum number of visitors per tour is restricted to 20 pax) Later visit the magnificent Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), built in 1423 during the reign of Ahmedabad’s founder Ahmed Shah I. The mosque and arcades are built of beautiful yellow sandstone and carved with the intricate detail that mosques of this period are known for. Also visit Sidi Sayeed mosque. Built in 1573, it is the last of the major mosques to be built in Ahmedabad under the Mughal rule. Later visit the Sabarmati Ashram or Mahatma Gandhi's Home in Ahmedabad. Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, the ashram was set up by Gandhiji himself and was the central point of the Indian freedom movement.
Adalaj – Palanpur / Day 03
After breakfast drive to Palanpur. En-route visit Adalaj Vav Set in the quiet village of Adalaj (20 Kms from Ahmedabad). This vav (Step well) has served as a resting place for hundreds of years for many pilgrims and caravans along their trade routes. Built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, wife of the Vaghela chief, Veersinh, this five-storey stepwell was not just a cultural and utilitarian space, but also a spiritual refuge. After the visit of Adalaj, drive to Palanpur, surrounded by hills, Palanpur is located in the northern region of Gujarat. Palanpur received its name from Palansi Chauhans who were the inhabitants of the city in 14th century. This beautiful tourist place of Gujarat has several tourist attractions. On arrival, transfer to beautiful Heritage called Balaram Palace Resort. Once the hunting retreat of the Lohani Nawab of Palanpur, it is now a Heritage hotel. It was built between 1922-1936 by the 29th ruler of Palanpur, His Highness Zubd-ul-Mulk Dewan Mahakhan Nawab Sir Taley Muhammad Khan Lohani. It is a graceful manifestation of neo-classical and baroque architectural style.
Patan – Modhera – Dasada / Day 04
After breakfast proceed for Patan, home of the famous patola silk saris. The main attraction of Patan is Rani ki Vav - Rani (Queen) Udayamati commissioned this vav or stepwell, in 1063 in the memory of her husband King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty. The vav was later flooded by the nearby Saraswati river and silted over until the late 1980s, when it was excavated by the Archeological Survey of India, with the carvings found in pristine condition. Late afternoon leave for Modhera, where the Sun Temple is situated. This is one of the finest examples of Indian architecture of its period. Built in 1026 A.D. Baucharaji (Goddess Bachuccharaji) the temple is dedicated to the Sun-God, Surya and stands on a plinth overlooking a deep stone-steeped tank. After sightseeing drive to Dasada (Rann of Kutch). The Rann of Kutch is a geographically one of the most remarkable and unique landscapes of its kind in the entire world. It is separated from the sea due to geological forces, & is now a vast desiccated, unbroken bare surface of dark silt, encrusted with salts which transforms into a spectacular coastal wetland after the rains.
Dasada – Bhuj / Day 05
In the morning enjoy the safari in the little Rann of Kutch, a 4950 sq km wildlife sanctuary comprising a huge expanse of saline desert wilderness interspersed with grass-and- scrublands and marshes. The sanctuary is one of the last places on earth where the endangered wild ass can be spotted. Nilgai (blue bull), the largest antelope in India can be seen during the drives. Indian Wolf, Indian and White-footed Desert Foxes, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Desert, Jungle and Fishing Cat, and smaller mammals like hares, hedgehogs, gerbil and field mice are seen in the sanctuary. The Little Rann of Kutch is also a birding paradise and has been declared a Ramsar Site. During the safaris in the Rann expect to see large flocks of larks, and other dryland birds like sandgrouse, coursers, plovers, chats, warblers, babblers, shrikes. Among the many winter visitors are the houbara bustard and spotted sandgrouse. This is the only place in India which attracts flamingos. You can also see pelicans, storks, ibises, spoonbill, a variety of ducks and other waterfowl. Later drive to Bhuj. Local ruler Maharao Hamir founded the city of Bhuj in 1510. In 1549 Rao Khengarji I, another local ruler, made Bhuj his capital. It remained an independent princely state during the rule of the British in India and became a part of India, when it gained independence in 1947.
Bhuj / Day 06
Today after breakfast we will proceed to visit the Banni villages around Bhuj. Mud is the essence of life in the villages of India, and more particularly in the villages of Banni grassland, a large spread over in the arid deserts of Kutch. Twenty years back when Banni was lush grassland the thatched roof of the bhungas (tribals) were made from bamboos and grasses. Today there are more modern versions of bhungas in which the thatched roof is replaced by clay baked tile roof and twigs are replaced by stones. Some of the villages are famous for weaving, embroidery, block printing, tie & die printing and traditional nut crackers. This will be the highlight of the tour especially if you are interested in handicrafts, textiles and their tribal cultures.
Mandavi / Day 07
After breakfast drive to Mandvi. Mandavi virtually lies on the brink of the Arabian Sea. The city was once the summer retreat of Kutch Maharaos. It is believed that it was founded by the first Jadeja ruler of Kutch, Rao Khengarji, in the late sixteenth century. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in at The Beach at Mandavi Palace. The Beach at Mandavi Palace is a deluxe camp, comprising, 10 hand crafted tents. Each tent has its own verandah, spacious air-conditioned bedroom and state of the art attached bathrooms with running hot and cold water. After some rest, visit the Vijay Vilas Palace. It is a splendid monument set amidst sprawling gardens and dotted by a number of marble fountains. The palace was constructed by Rao Pragmalji and designed by a Jaipur architect.
Gondal / Day 08
After breakfast drive to Gondal. Once the capital of a princely state, it was run by the Jadeja Rajputs, later overtaken by the Mughals and again recovered by the original rulers. It is a fortified town located on the river Gondali after which it was named. It was known as a model state of Saurashtra in late 19th and early 20th century. Specifically designed by Sir Bhagwatsinhiji, the ruler himself planned the development of the town which is reflected in the architecture, parks and buildings.
Junagarh – Sasan Gir / Day 09
After breakfast visit to the Naulakha Palace. The most attractive tourist spot in Gondal is the 17th century, Navlakha Palace complex, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful of Gondal’s monuments. The Navlakha palace complex (17th century), is situated on a river bank, on a grand masonry base, rising to the monumental scale of at least 30 m above the river bed. Also visit the nearby Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic which has been manufacturing herbal medicines according to ancient principles since 1910. Later drive to Sasangir. On the way, visit Junagadh. Junagadh is an ancient, fortified city at the base of the holy Girnar hills. The town is famous for many exotic old buildings. The 2nd century Buddhist caves and the mausoleums of the Nawabs are worth your while. After the sightseeing, continue your drive to Sasangir. Sasangir is the only place in the world outside Africa, where the Lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The last remaining bastion of the Asiatic Lion, Gir is also home to one of the largest leopard populations in any park in India, making it an excellent place to see big cats of a different kind.
Sasan Gir / Day 10
Enjoy morning & afternoon the safari to Sasan Gir national park. This sanctuary is known all over the world for being the natural abode of Asiatic lions. A safari in the Gir National Park will be one of the most memorable and popular highlights of this trip. The forests in Sasangir consist of dry desert vegetation, with scrub and thorn bushes extending over the dry soil and the rough rocky outcrops. The vegetation thins out giving tourists a better chance to see the animals and birds in the Sasangir National Park, Gujarat. Enjoy viewing the Asiatic Lion and the flora and fauna of Sasangir National Park.
Bhavnagar / Day 11
After breakfast drive to Bhavnagar, the place of several lakes and temples. Bhavnagar has a rich history of traditions, trade and culture. It was a major port from 1743, and its commercial importance led to close interactions with countries like Africa, Mozambique, Zanzibarand Persia. Later city tour of Bhavnagar is organised. Visit the Gandhi Smriti - a tribute to Gandhiji.
Palitana / Day 12
After breakfast, enjoy the full day excursion to Palitana. The Palitana temples are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place by the Jain community, and are the world's largest temple complex. The temple hill of Palitana is located about 56 km from Bhavnagar, at the foot of the Shatrunjaya or 'place of victory' hill, with the Shatrunjaya River flowing to its south. It is an architectural and sculptural marvel with almost 900 temples all soaring into the skies. These temples were built over a span of 900 years. The 600 m climb to the peak is usually made on foot.
Lothal – Ahmedabad / Day 13 - 14
After breakfast, drive to Ahmedabad. En-route visit Lothal. Lothal is one of the most important archaeological sites in India. In the dialect of the local people language, Lothal means 'the mound of the dead'. The site was discovered in the year 1957, followed by excavations done by the Archaeological Survey of India. It was concluded from the excavations that the ruins of the settlement belonged to the Harappan Era, dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. After a brief stop, drive onwards to Ahmedabad. Onward flights.