Colorful Gujrat

Day 01: ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive Delhi by International flight.
Meeting upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International airport by our representative & transfer to hotel. Delhi – the capital of India, is a fascinating city with complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Delhi is not only the present metropolis of India but also a necropolis. Because of its location on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi has witnessed the rise and fall of many cities over the last five millennium.
Overnight in Delhi

Day 02:  DELHI / AHMEDABAD

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to airport in time to board flight for Ahmedabad.
Arrive Ahmedabad at 0840 hrs & transfer to hotel. Nestled in the heart of Gujarat, this zesty city of Ahmedabad provides one with a generous buffet of stimulation that swears to enliven all the five senses. A day here is like living through an enigmatic and passionate dance between the old and the contemporary, the virtuous and the ruthless, the peaceful and the chaotic, the artistic and the crude, the spiritual and the material.

Afternoon: Visit the old quarter where the local government has set up a delightful heritage walk. An early start from the hotel brings you to the starting point for this two hour walk that is guided by volunteers. Prior to the walk, there is a half hour slide show of the city’s history, unfolding back its birth from a 10th century AD ancient site known as Ashaval to the present walled city re-founded during the period of Ahmedshah and onwards. The walk begins from the picturesque Swaminarayan Mandir in Kalupur and ends in the most glorious architectural legacies of the Jumma Masjid, covering in between the numerous pols (Lanes), havelis (villas), ornamental facades, workplaces of artisans and number of magnificent Hindu and Jain temples.

Later visit, Sabarmati Ashram that played home to Mahatma Gandhi from 1915 to 1933. Though disbanded many years back, this Ashram has been brought back to life as a tribute to the great man and his teachings. The Museum houses a large number of photos, letters and documents of Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

Later evening visit the Adalaj step-well situated 11 miles north of Ahmedabad. Built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai, the step well or Vav, as it is called in Gujarati, is intricately carved and is several stories in depth. It was made for the travelers and caravans that frequented this trade route and acted not only as a well, but also as a stopover. The bas relief on its walls and pillars include leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other breathtaking ornamental designs.
Overnight in Ahmedabad

Day 03: AHMEDABAD / LOHTAL / BHAVNAGAR

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Bhavnagar by car (180 Kms / 6-7 hrs drive including en-route visiting Lothal). Lothal city is one of the well-known cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization. The origin and history of Lothal can be dated back to 2400 BC. Lothal in Gujarat is one of the primary sites of archaeology. The oldest dock in the world, Lothal, is one of the ancient sites of Harappa culture.
Upon arrival in Bhavnagar, check-in at the hotel. Bhavnagar was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil at 1723. The Gohils had actually moved from Marwar and established their center at a village called Vadva which is the present Bhavnagar city. The city of Bhavnagar was protected by a fort, and it functioned as a major port for almost two centuries connecting places like Africa, Mozambique, Zanzibar, Singapore and the Persian Gulf with India.

Afternoon: City tour of Bhavnagar visiting Khodiyar temple, Takhteshwar Temple, Gandhi Smriti & Barton museum.
Overnight in Bhavnagar

Day 04: BHAVNAGAR / PALITANA / GONDAL

After an early breakfast at the hotel, proceed for an excursion of Palitana (56 kms/ 1 hr) and visit the Jain temples – in the Peninsular Saurashtra region of the Gujarat State, there exists a colossus of 863 Jain shrines atop 1,977 ft. Shentrunjaya hills. A Jain aspires to visit these hills at least once in his life-time. Shentrunjaya is said to be a veritable city of temples of exquisite beauty of architectural wonder of the world near to the Taj Mahal in grandeur. Glistening in the sun-light, these temples look like a carefully arranged group of ivory miniatures.

Spanning 900 years, some of these marble and stone shrines belong to the 11th century. The river Shetrunji flowing to the south of the hill, adds to the scenic charm of the place. The river looks like a silver ribbon when seen from the top of hill. The approach to these temples is by means of a flight of steps which takes about an hour and a half to climb and about an hour to descend.
Later drive on to Gondal (145 kms/3 hrs). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon: Visit city tour of Gondal visiting Navlakha palace, river side palace & orchard palace.
Overnight in Gondal

Day 05: GONDAL / SASANGIR

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Sasan Gir by car (130 kms / 3 hrs drive). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Sasan Gir 1412 sq km of deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen flora, acacia, scrub jungle, grasslands and rocky hills. Fed by perennial and seasonal rivers and streams, the sanctuary has large water bodies like the Kamleshwar Dam that are good for crocodiles and birds.
Afternoon: Visit Sasan Gir National park by open jeep safari on sharing basis along with an English speaking naturalist.
Overnight in Sasan Gir

Day 06: SASAN GIR / SOMNATH

Early morning: Visit Sasan Gir National park by open jeep safari on sharing basis along with an English speaking naturalist.

After breakfast, transfer to Somnath by car (60 kms / 1 ½ hrs drive). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. The holy town of Somnath lies in the Junagadh district of the colourful state of Gujarat. It is renowned worldwide for the famous Somnath Temple which houses one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The meaning of the word ‘Somnath’ is the “Lord of the Moon God”, refers to Lord Shiva as He is known to house the Moon on his head.

Return to hotel for breakfast
Afternoon: Visit Shree Somnath temple
Overnight in Somnath

Day 07: SOMNATH / DWARKA

After leisure breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Dwarka by car (230 kms / 5-6 hrs drive). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Dwarka is the spirit of devout enlightenment. This beautiful city is situated in Jamnagar district of Gujarat state, India. To the devotees, Dwarka is identical with Lord Krishna and this city has gained high honor as the access point to the much esteemed salvation. As per the Holy Scriptures, the city is one of the holiest places that bestow liberation. Dwarka is the city where lord Krishna had set up his earthly empire. The tourist spots in Dwarka include a throng of striking shrines that showcases colorful structural designs and impressive architecture. These attractive temples demonstrate the city’s association with lord Krishna and indeed a visit to these sacred spots would be a stimulating experience to all. As per legends, as soon as Krishna died, the complete city got submerged in water destroying the full Yadav elite.
Rest of the day free at leisure
Overnight in Dwarka

Day 08: IN DWARKA

After leisure breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the city tour of Dwarka visiting Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar Shiva Temple &
Overnight in Dwarka

Day 09: DWARKA / JAMNAGAR

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Jamnagar by car (130 kms / 3 hrs drive). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Jamnagar, Known as the ‘Jewel of Kathiawar’ Jamnagar is a town in the state of Gujarat, India. It is a coastal town located on the Gulf of Kutch, and was founded by Jam Raval in the year 1540. It served as the capital of Nawanagar, a princely state during that time. The city is known for the beautiful beaches and wild life sanctuaries.
Afternoon: City tour of Jamnagar visiting Lakhota Palace, Ranmal Lake, Kotha Bastion & Jain Temples
Overnight in Jamnagar

Day 10: JAMNAGAR / BHUJ

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Bhuj by car (260 kms / 6-7 hrs drive). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Bhuj is the beautiful city which is situated in the Kachchh district of Gujarat. It is the home of the first Swaminarayan Sampraday temples. This temple was built in the year of 1822. This city was built in the year of 1510 by Rao Hamirji. In 1549, it was made the state capital by Rao Khengarji. In earlier times this city was ruled by the British and was an independent part of the Princely States. After independence Bhuj has become a part of India. Batik textiles and intricate silk embroidery are seen in the markets of the city. The City name was derived from the name of the Bhujia Fortress.
Rest of the day free at leisure
Overnight in Bhuj

Day 11: IN BHUJ

Breakfast at the hotel
Morning : Visit the Bhuj town.
Afternoon: Excursion to Bani Village
Overnight in Bhuj

Day 12: BHUJ / KUTCH

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Kutch by car (102 kms / 2 ½ hrs drive). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Kutch, India’s Wild West, is a geographic phenomenon, full of rustic beauty. What appears an endless desert plain running dead straight for the horizon, is in fact virtually `a seasonal island` resembling a “Katchua or Kachbo” meaning tortoise, surrounded by seawater. It is a land of colour, culture and chronicle is one of districts of Gujarat where all the country`s smiles and metaphor appear to have come in concert.

Afternoon: City tour of Kutch visiting Gandhidham, Vijay Vilas Palace & Aina Mahal
Overnight in Kutch

Day 13: IN KUCTH

Early morning: Jeep safari through the Rann of Kutch
Return to hotel for breakfast
Morning: Free at leisure
Afternoon: Jeep safari through the Rann of Kutch
Overnight in Kutch

Day 14: KUTCH / DASADA

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Dasada by car (350 kms / 8-9 hrs drive). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Dasada is located on the edge of little Rann of Kutch, which is an extension of the Rann of Kutch onto Saurashtra.
Overnight in Dasada

Day 15: DASADA / PATAN / AHMEDABAD – AHMEDABAD / DELHI

Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Enjoy a 4-wheel drive jeep safari through the Little Rann of Kutch and experience the natural history and geography of this unique landform, which was an ancient seabed before turning into a saline desert flat land. Among the animals, we are likely to see is the endangered Asiatic wild Ass, not seen anywhere else in the Indian peninsula.
Later transfer to Ahmedabad by car (90 Kms / 3 hrs drive) in time to board flight for Delhi

Day 16: DEPART DELHI

Leave Delhi for onward destination by international flight.