Day 01: Arrive Mumbai. Fly to Ahmedabad
Meet and assist on arrival at Mumbai. You will be assisted to board your onward flight for Ahmedabad. On arrival you are checked into your pre-booked hotel for 3 nights stay. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight in Ahmedabad.
Day 02: Ahmedabad.
Morning at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing of Ahmedabad, including the Sabarmati Ashram, now a museum. It was from here, that the Mahatma began his famous ‘Dandi March’ in 1930 to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. One can see the three wise monkeys and many more of Gandhiji’s teachings at the Ashram premises. The Ashram today continues the work started by Mahatma and houses a handicrafts centre, a handmade paper factory and a spinning wheel factory. Besides, there are several other attractions for the tourist.
Day 03: Ahmedabad. Excursion to Patan and Modhera
Full day sightseeing to visit the incredible stepwell at Patan and the Sun Temple at Modhera.
The quaint town of present-day Patan, which is known for its patola saris and mashru weavers is about 3 hrs drive north of Ahmedabad. The city was the capital of Gujarat for 650 years, from 746-1411. 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. Rani Ki Vav is amongst the finest stepwells in India, and one of the most famous legacies of the ancient capital city.
A soothing drive amidst green farmlands just 35 km away 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, 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 natural elements fire, air, earth, water and sky were at their peak sharing space with myriad manifestations of Vedic gods. A walk around the serene temple campus makes you aware of the positively strong aura of energy which the place radiates and through it brings one closer to the environs.
Day 04: Ahmedabad to Bhavnagar.
Travel to Bhavnagar. Arrive in Bhavnagar where you will be checked into your hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight in Bhavnagar.
Day 05: Bhavnagar to Palitana.
Continue by road to Palitana. On arrival check into your hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight in Palitana.
Day 06: Palitana to Sasan Gir.
At Palitana, some 860 Jain temples grace the top of a lonely, rocky hill in the middle of nowhere; mostly small but beautifully carved, some date back almost a thousand years. To see them, you must climb over 3,000 steps from the base to the top of the mountain (there’s this idea in India that temples have greater powers if you have to expend a great deal of effort to reach them). Built as an abode for the Gods these superb structures afford a vision of almost fairytale magnificence and it is believed that every Jain should visit the site at least once in order to attain ‘Bhavya’. Those with the energy to climb the 3500 steps to the temples are sure to feel well rewarded.
This afternoon continue to Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary for a two night stay. On arrival you are checked into your Safari Camp. Overnight in Sasan Gir.
Day 07: Sasan Gir.
Morning and afternoon game drives. The only home of the Asiatic lion, Gir National Park and Sanctuary is also home to leopard, jungle cat, rusty spotted cat, hyena, sambar, cheetal, antelope and wild boar. Gir is also home to more than 200 species of birds.
Day 08: Sasan Gir – Junagadh – Gondal.
Morning game drive through Gir National Park. Later, drive to the historic city of Junagadh.
Junagadh is an interesting town to explore. Places to visit include the Uperkot Fort, the intricately styled mosque, ‘Bahauddin Maqbara’ (usually only possible to view from the outside), and the 3rd century rock edicts. Continue to the former principality of Gondal for overnight stay.
Day 09: Gondal to Bhuj.
Morning visit to Naulakha Palace, part of the medieval Darbargadh or fortified palace complex of Gondal. Continue to Bhuj. On arrival visit the District Collectors Office who will issue your permit for the surrounding villages (closed on weekends and public holidays). Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight in Bhuj.
Day 10: Bhuj to Mandvi.
The arid Kutch region of Gujarat is known as the ‘abode of tribal India’. In this area alone there are some 18 different tribal groups, all with their own distinct languages and cultures. Perfectly suited to the harsh desert environments, the ‘Banni’ inject a spectacular infusion of colour into their lives with remarkable embroidery, jewellery and distinctive decorations to the walls of their circular mud and thatch houses.
Full day visit to the traditional tribal villages known for their traditional handicrafts. Continue to Mandvi on the beautiful west coast for your 2-night stay at a Beach Resort. Overnight in Mandvi.
Day 11: Mandvi.
Day at leisure on the beach. Overnight at Mandvi Beach Resort.
Day 12: Mandvi to Mumbai via Bhuj. Depart Mumbai.
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival you will be transferred to a prominent hotel where a day room is reserved until your return transfer to the international airport for your flight to onward destination.
Date and price to suit individual arrangements based on 2 people sharing. Breakfast included. Private air-conditioned car and driver with English speaking guides for sightseeing.
