The Kaleidoscope Of Gujarat

Duration: 14 days

Highlights: Ahmedabad, Lothal, Bhavnagar, Diu, Sasangir, Gondal, Bhuj, Dasada

Explore novel facets of India’s rich history and culture in Gujarat.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Ahmedabad

Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel by private vehicle, where you will be assisted with check-in.

Dotted with splendid monuments that are known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, Ahmedabad is associated with Mahatma Gandhi, the proponent of peace and non-violence, whose simple ashram on the banks of the river Sabarmati is now a site of national pilgrimage. Famed for its superior textile and as a commercial centre, the ‘Manchester of India’ is today the second largest prosperous and thriving city in Western India.

In the afternoon, proceed for city tour; visiting Jumma Masjid, Sabarmati ashram, and the Adalaj Vav.

Meals: D

Overnight: Ahmedabad

Day 2 - Ahmedabad – Lothal – Bhavnagar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel; then, visit world famous Calico Textile Museum

The museum’s fabulous collection of Indian fabrics epitomises handicraft textiles spanning five centuries and attracts large numbers of visitors as well as many Indian and international research scholars.

Later enjoy a 5-hours’ drive to Palitana with a brief stop at Lothal.

Lothal, a significant city of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, was a hub of trading dating to as far as 3700 BC. Explore this site of Harappan Civilisation and unlock archaeological remains, like a citadel, mud-brick walls and houses, well, a dockyard, and even graves.

On arrival at Bhavnagar, check-in at your hotel

Meals: B

Overnight: Bhavnagar

Day 3 - Bhavnagar - Palitana – Diu

After an early morning breakfast, drive to Palitana. Here, climb 3500 steps to visit the architectural wonder of the Jain Temple of Palitana.

The Palitana temples, considered the most sacred by the Jains, is the world's largest Temple Complex and are exquisitely carved in marble. They are built over a period of 900 years, having started from 11^th century.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon and after lunch, enjoy a drive to Diu.

On arrival check-in at your hotel

Meals: B

Overnight: Diu

Day 4 - Diu

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your full day tour of Diu.

Visit Fort Diu, Fortress of Panikotha, St. Paul’s Church, INS Khukri Memorial and explore its rich history. Also beautiful beaches like Nagoa beach, Jallandhar beach, Ghoghla beach are all worth visiting.

Rest of the Day is at leisure or for independent activities.

Meals: B

Overnight: Diu

Day 5 - Diu – Somnath – Sasan Gir

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 3 hours’ drive to Sasan Gir stopping en route to visit the famous Somnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

On arrival, check-in at your hotel

Home to the rare species-Asiatic lions, Gir Forest has varied flora and fauna. You will also find varieties of birds, leopards, bears, panthers, hyenas, foxes, deers, monkeys and antelopes. Later, visit a crocodile breeding farm at Sasan.

Meals: B, L

Overnight: Sasan Gir

Day 6 – Sasan Gir – Junagarh – Gondal

Enjoy an early morning game drive in Gir National Park by jeep.

After breakfast, drive to Gondal. 3 hours stopping en route at Junagadh.

Tucked at the foot of the Girnar hills, Junagadh literally means "Old Fort". Enjoy a brief tour of the historic city and then, proceed to Girnar.

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

Gondal is a beautiful city with awe-inspiring architecture. Here, visit Naulakha Palace and Swaninarayan Temple.

Meals: B

Overnight: Gondal

Day 7 – Gondal

After breakfast, proceed to Naulakha Palace, see Vintage Car collection, Swami Narayan Temple & Ayurveda Factory.

Naulakha palace is an architectural marvel with exquisite stone carvings and eclectic yet traditional designs and decorations. Here, also view the impressive collection of silver caskets displayed in the palace museum. Later, visit the royal garages to see the royal family’s Vintage & Classic Car Collection, including the pre-1910 New Engine, Delage D8, Daimler, 1935 Packard two-door convertible coupe, a 1930s Buick convertible, a 1935 Ford convertible, a 1941 Cadillac saloon, a 1947 Cadillac convertible and a 1947 Buick convertible among many others. In the evening, 

The Shri Bhuvaneshwari Aushadhashram, an Ayurvedic pharmacy, which still makes traditional herbal medicines.

Meals: B

Overnight: Gondal

Day 8 – Gondal – Bhuj

After breakfast, enjoy a 6-hours’ drive to Bhuj.

On arrival, check-in at your hotel

Rest of the Day is at your leisure.

Meals: B

Overnight: Bhuj

Day 9 – Bhuj

After breakfast, begin your excursion to Banni and Khavda villages.

Known for their handicrafts, woodcrafts, and nomads, Banni and Khavda villages lie to the north of Bhuj. Here, observe village life and the unique Rogan Art, and shop for exquisite embroidered clothes.   

Another stupendous experience to be had in this region is the Flamingo colony that can be reached and seen after a drive, followed by a camel-ride.

Meals: B

Overnight: Bhuj

Day 10 – Bhuj

After breakfast, visit various palaces and museums in Bhuj.

Post-lunch, in the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the port city of Mandvi, around 56Km South of Bhuj. See Vijay Vilas Palace, situated by the sea, visit the historic Ship Building Yard, and spend some time in windmill laden Mandvi Beach.

Meals: B

Overnight: Bhuj

Day 11 – Bhuj – Dasada

After, breakfast, enjoy a 6 hours’ drive to Dasada.

On arrival, check-in at your hotel.

Rest of the Day is at your leisure.

Meals: B, D

Overnight: Dasada

Day 12 – Dasada

After breakfast, enjoy morning jeep safari and see varied species of birds and later visit salt making units.

After lunch, indulge in a jeep safari to tribal villages.

Meals: B, D

Overnight: Dasada

Day 13 – Dasada – Modhera – Patan – Ahmedabad

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 4 hours’ drive to Ahmedabad. En route visit the cultural centres of Modhera and Patan. Visit the architectural marvel, Sun Temple in Modhera, constructed in the 11^th century and dedicated to the Hindu Sun-God. In Patan, visit the underground structure, Rani ki Vav (Queen’s step well). It was also constructed in the 11^th century and named after Udayamati, wife of Maharaja Bhimdev I. Magnificent paintings and sculptures of gods and goddesses adorn its walls.

Patola weaving: Patan has always been well known for its ikkat technique of silk weaving. Ikkat weaving involves tie-dyeing the warp threads before weaving to create designs on the finished fabrics.

On arrival in Ahmedabad, check-in at your hotel.

Meals: B

Overnight: Ahmedabad

Day 14 – Ahmedabad

After breakfast in your hotel, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B