DAILY
FROM USD 1320 PP
12 Days / 11 Nights
TREASURES OF GUJARAT
Here in Gujarat you will discover centuries of history as spanning the geological core of the earth onto a fascinatingly vibrant future. Gujarat is unique in its geological and topographical landscape. From volcanic outpourings through bedrock to fossil fields of indigenous dinosaurs; from the art of the Neolithic cave painter to the stone masterpieces of a series of civilized architecture. Gujarat has it all…”
(In Time, ETA to be advised) Upon Arrival in Ahmedabad you will be met and transferred to your Hotel for Check in.
8:30am we visit the Sabarmati Ashram as part of our city tour to discover the often hidden charms within this metropolis. View the startling streetscapes from the Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaja, visit and learn about the Jain religion, which is particularly strong in Gujarat at the Hathi Singh Temple. The graceful Rani Sipri Mosque showcases some lovely minarets and the Jama Masjid, the biggest in the city, ranks as one of India's most stunning.
Afternoon free to relax or do your own activities.
Overnight: Hotel in Ahmedabad8am Head out of Ahmedabad to ‘Bhavnagar’ and enroute stop at the Lothal archaeological site only discovered in 1954, the site is the remains of a city that was once one of the most important in the Indus Valley and while no whole structures remain, excavations have revealed many treasures of a long gone civilisation, as well as stop at few tribal villages of Bharwad, Kathi and Wadhwan. Later continue drive to Bhavnagar & check-in at your hotel around 1500 hrs.
Early Evening wander the old city to experience local street life or settle in for a huge all you can eat Dinner (Gujarati Thali meal on direct payment basis).
Overnight: Hotel in Bhavnagar8am today travel from Bhavnagar to ‘Diu’ enroute visit Palitana
Today early morning you will be taken on a traditional boat-ride for a majestic experience of Kerala wildlife on the banks of the Periyar Lake. Later you will be taken on an unforgettable journey of the aromatic spice plantation. Rest of the day you are free to relax. Overnight: Hotel/Resort in Periyar.
(Optional Visit) At time to join the pilgrims and climb Palitana which is situated 50kms from Bhavnagar. The hills of Palitana are known as the ‘Abode of the Gods’ and are covered with 863 Jain temples spanning a period of over 900 years. Their finely carved spires and towers glisten in the sunlight as pilgrims make the uphill journey on foot. The climb will take about two hours each way)
Later continue drive to Diu & Checkin at your Hotel for Relax.
Overnight: Hotel in Diu11am today travel from Diu to ‘Sasangir’ enroute visit the majestic Temple of Somnath. Later continue drive to Sasangir & Checkin at your Hotel.
Free time on arrival to relax in your wildlife lodge
Enjoy Dinner at Wildlife Lodge
Overnight: Hotel in SasangirToday morning and afternoon Open Jeep safari in Gir National Park (on exclusive basis)
Enjoy Lunch & Dinner at Wildlife Lodge
Overnight: Hotel in Sasangir8am today travel from Sasangir to ‘Porbandar’ enroute visit Uparkot Fort in Junagadh The fort offers great views over the surrounding city and the distant Girnar Hill and contains a mosque and some excellent example of step wells. Later we visit Girnar Hill & continue drive to Porbandar & Checkin at your Hotel.
2:30pm visit Mahatma Gandhi's ancestral home, a 220 year old mansion, and pay homage to the great man at the nearby memorial - Kirti Mandir. Later in the day you’ll visit the fascinating Bharat Mandir
Overnight: Hotel in Porbandar7:30am today travel from Porbandar to ‘Jamnagar’ enroute visit the coastal town of Dwarka. (This town is seldom visited by foreign travellers and is home to the towering Dwarkadhish Temple, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sights in the country). Later we enter a working lighthouse - an important landmark of the town and meet the lighthouse keeper. Moving on we reach the city of Jamnagar & Check in at your Hotel.
3:30pm your guide will show you around the old city discovering the Jain temples, colonial and traditional buildings, shops and markets.
Overnight: Hotel in Jamnagar8:30am today travel from Jamnagar to ‘Bhuj’ & Checkin at your Hotel.
2:30pm explore Darbargadh - the old walled citadel, which is still being restored after the earthquake of 2001. Peek into stunning buildings like the former royal residences from the 17th and 19th centuries and the highlight of them all, the gorgeous Aina Mahal (Old Palace).
Overnight: Hotel in Bhujx8:30am get to know some of the local communities on ethnic Gujarat village day tour out of Bhuj to the Banni grasslands. Depending on the season, we may have the chance to visit Jat, Ahir, Harijan or Rabari villages which each have strong artisan and handicraft traditions. Witness pit loom weavers in action, admire distinctive delicate embroidery, patchwork, tie dying, block printing, wood carving and many other crafts at cooperatives and grass-roots organisations working to preserve the region's artistic heritage. It goes without saying that you will want to stock up on souvenirs today!
After village visit tour we return to Hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Bhuj8am today travel from Bhuj to ‘Bajana’ & Checkin at your Hotel.
2:30pm Travel on an Open jeep (on exclusive basis) into the Wild Ass Sanctuary to witness some of these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat. You will also have an opportunity to interact with some of the most remote and colourful tribes of India.
Enjoy Lunch & Dinner at your wildlife lodge.
Overnight: Hotel in Bajana8am After breakfast proceed to ‘Ahmedabad’ enroute visit Patan ‘Home of the famous Patola silk saris, Patan is a beautiful old town with Jain temples and carved wooden houses’ and the astonishing and beautifully built Rani-Ki-Vav Stepwell with its multiple levels of parading sculptures. Later we visit Sun Temple at Modhera (one of the finest examples of Indian architecture of its period. Built in 1026 A.D. the temple is dedicated to the Sun-God).
Continue drive to Ahmedabad Airport to Connect your onward flight.