ROUTE
= Ahmedabad(2)Bajana(1)Bhuj(2)Gondal(1)Sasangir(1)
Bhavnagar(2)Champaner(1)Ahmedbad (1)
Detailed
Itinerary
Day
01: Arrrival Ahmedabad
Welcome
to Ahmedabad one of the largest city in the state of Gujarat and one of the
largest urban agglomerations in India with a population of approximately 52
lakhs (5.3 million). Located on the banks of the River Sabarmati the city is
the administrative centre of Ahmedabad district.
Meeting
assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel, Check In Hotel.
Overnight
at Ahmedabad
Day
02: Arrivée AHMEDABAD (02h15)
After
breakfast proceed to Local Sightseeing in Ahmedabad as under
The
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque,
built in 1573, is one of the most famous mosques of Ahmedabad. The mosque was
built by Sidi Saiyyed, who was a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah. The mosque was
built in the last year of the Sultanate of Gujarat.
Gandhi
Ashram : Also known
as Sabarmati Ashram, Harijan Ashram, or Satyagraha Ashram, is located in the
Ahmedabad suburb of Sabarmati adjoining to famous Ashram Road, at the bank of
River Sabarmati. The ashram was originally established at the Kocharab Bungalow
of Jivanlal Desai on 25 May 1915. The Ashram was then shifted on 17 June 1917
to a piece of open land on the banks of the river Sabarmati.
Hutheesing
Jain Temple : Constructed
in the year 1850 AD is a very famous Jain temple. It has been named after its
founder Seth Hathee Singh, a prosperous Jain merchant. Hathee Singh Jain temple
of Ahmedabad was built in the dedication of the 15th Jain Trithanakara named
Dharmnath. The temple is known for its fabulous architectural styling and
designing that consists of intricate carvings.
Then
Afternoon visit
After
noon visit Shreyas Folk Museum (Closed on Monday & Bank Holidays)
- one of the informative and educational museums located close to the
suburbs of Ambavadi near Sabarmati. This museum displays the colorful and
traditional folk arts of Gujarat. From textile and clothing to the decorative
collectibles, the Shreyas Folk Museum brings out the traditional rustic flavor
and cultural heritage of Gujarat.
Adalaj
Step Well : The
Adalaj step-well is a popular tourist attraction of the city and is situated 18
km. north of Ahmedabad. The well was 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. The designs on its walls and pillars include, leaves,
flowers, birds, fish and other breathtaking ornamental designs. In the past,
these step wells were frequented by travellers and caravans as stopovers along
trade routes.
Overnight
at Hotel.
Day
03: AHMEDABAD / MODHERA / PATAN /
BAJANA (240 Kms / 06 Hours)
After
breakfast proceed to Bajana on way visit,
Modhera
Sun Temple : The
sun Temple of Modera is one of the finest example of Indian temple architecture
of its period. Built in 1026 A.D. the temple is dedicated to the Sun Goa,
Surya and stands high on a plinth overlooking a deep stone- steeped tank. Every
inch of the edifice, both inside and outside is magnificently carved with Gods
and Goddesses, birds, beasts and flower, the sun temple at Modhera is
magnificent. The first view of the sun temple is breathtaking, with the
pillared portico of the sabhamandap reflected in the massive tank. The
weathered golden brown stone of the edifice has an overpowering grandeur. There
is no worship offered here now. There is no shikhara either. The temple has a
sanctum, a pradakshina patha and a sabha mandap in front. The exterior of the
sanctum has many carved images of the Sun God, portrayed as wearing a belt and
long shoes. The mandapa in front of the sanctum has beautifully carved pillars
with exquisite toranas adorning the entrance.
Patan
Rani Ki Vav : Patan
has over 100 beautifully carved Jain temples & many attractive traditional
carved wooden houses. Rani Ki Vav is the oldest and the grandest stepwell in
the state of Gujarat. It is situated at Patan and is believed to have been
built during 1022 to 1063 AD. The construction was completed by the widowed
queen Udayamati. It is the centre for fine textiles particularly silk patola
sarees produced by the characteristic 'ikat' technique.
Evening
arrival at Bajana, Little Rann of Kutch.
Check in at hotel and day at leisure.
Overnight
Stay at Hotel.
Day
04: BAJANA / BHUJ (280 Kms / 06 Hours)
Enjoy
morning Safaris in the Little Rann of Kutch.:: The Wild Ass Sanctuary of the
Little Rann of Kutch, spreading across nearly 5000 square kilometers of the
Little Rann, is the only place on earth where the endangered Indian Wild Ass
(Equushemionuskhur), known locally as the ghudkhar, still lives. The only
other two subspecies of wild asses live in the high arid plateaus of Tibet,
making this the most accessible place to visit wild asses in their natural
environs. Standing more than a meter tall at the shoulder and two meters in
length, wild asses are very agile and can run long distances at a speed of 50
km/h, making them more like wild horses, and far more captivating than their
domesticated cousins.
Then
proceed to Bhuj upon arrival check in hotel,
Afternoon
local sight seeing of Bhuj City (if time permit) : Aina Mahal (Closed
on Thursday & Bank Holidays) - The Aina Mahal, currently a museum,
was built under Rao Lakhpatji. It now stands as a storehouse of the culture and
history of Kachchh. The building bears the mark of its architect, Ramsang
Malam, who was influenced by European style during his long stay in
Holland.
Pragmal
Palace (Closed on Thursday & Bank Holidays) - The palace, on the other side of
Aina Mahal, was built in 1797. the building displays a strong British influence
through the floral patterns on its tower and Corinthian pillars.
Kachchh
Museum (Closed on Wednesday & Bank Holidays) - Established in 1877, the Kachchh
Museeum is the oldest in Gujrat. It has the largest collection of Kshatrapa
inscriptions, and diplays textiles, armoury, gold and silver ornaments and
other exhibits belonging to the region.
Overnight
stay at Hotel.
Day
05: BHUJ – Banny villages – GREATER RANN
OF KUTCH
After Breakfast
full day visiting Banny villages
Hodka
– a cultural
village is located in the Banni Grassland, right on the edge of the great Salt
Desert – the Rann. The name Hodka is derived from the Gujarati word “Hodi”
meaning Boat, as the shape of the Jheel is believed to be in the shape of a
Boat. It is believed to have been set up by the Halepotra clan. ‘Halepotra’
literally means the ‘Son or the descendant of Halaji’, who is believed to have
immigrated from Sindh. The village is now a part of National project. The
village is famous for its craft like Decorative Mirrors, Lamps, Hand Fans,
Letter Boxes, Wall Hanging, Lather, Clay, Wood, Metal and Mud Work especially
the exquisite Silver Jewellery. The artisans sell their goods directly from
their artistic Huts.
Bhirandiyara
– is a favourite
Tea stop for locals and visitors alike on the road to Khavda. The village
boasts a delicious sweet – fresh Maavo. This milk-based sweet is best when eaten
hot. Most of the roadside stalls sell Maavo. The local Meghwal Community has
exquisite embroideries and skillfully decorated, colorful Mud Bhungas. Artisan
Mr. Arjan Vela (subject to permission / confirmation) has lovely pieces of
Leatherwork.
Visiting
Nirona – Nirona is home to about six different Crafts. Meet Mr. Abdul
Gafur Khatri, (subject to permission / confirmation) who, together with his
five brothers, belongs to the last family of Rogan Painters. Rogan Art involves
using a Metal Stick and Castor-Oil based colors to create a work of genius.
Viewing a demonstration of the craft is sure to leave you in awe.
Overnight
stay at Hotel.
Day
06: BHUJ / RAJKOT
/ GONDAL (295 Kms / 07 Hours)
After
Breakfast drive to Rajkot the fourth largest city of Gujarat. It is located on
the banks of the Aji and the Niari rivers. It is situated in the Saurashtra
region of Gujarat. This city is a major industrial town, which has the rich
heritage of ancient civilization and freedom struggle.
Later Visit
Waston Museum (Closed on Wednesday & bank holiday) (Timing 10.00
to 05.00pm) opened to the public in the year 1888 and commemorates Colonel
James Watson, who was Saurashtra’s political agent from year1886-89. The
entrance of the Watson Museum and Library in Rajkot is well decorated and
attractive. The two majestic lion’s statues stand on both the sides of the
entrance of the museum.
Kaba
Ghandhi No Delo the
place where the Great Indian Leader, Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his stay in
Rajkot in the early years of his life. Mahatma Gandhi's father, in the name of
Karamchand Gandhi was also known as Kaba Gandhi. The name of the house has been
derived form Gandhiji's father's name.
Continue
proceed to Gondal upon arrival check in Hotel.
Overnight
stay at hotel.
Day
07: GONDAL / JUNAGARH / SASANGIR (120
Kms / 03 Hours)
After
Breakfast driver Junagadh on arrival to see Jama Masjid is built
inside the Upperkot Fort in Junagadh. This mosque was built from a demolished
Hindu temple and has an interior filled with columns. Then visit Durbar Hall
Museum houses a large collection of silver chains, chandeliers, thrones,
palanquins, weapons and armour from the days of the Nawabs. There is also a
portrait gallery of the Nawabs. This museum was once the hall where the Nawabs
held their Darbars (assemblies).
Later
proceed to Mahabat Maqbara,
Mahabat
Maqbara is a stunning mausoleum of one of the Nawabs of Junagadh. This
mausoleum is one of the Gujarat's most glorious examples of Indo-Islamic
architecture. This mausoleum was built in 1892 and topped with silver doors and
intricate architecture, including minarets encircled by spiraling stairways.
Narsinh
Mehta's Choro,
Narsinh
Mehta's Choro is a great revered place where the great poet and saint Narsinh
Mehta used to hold his assemblies, religious discourses and Bhajans in the 15th
century. There is a small temple of Gopinath later visit Mahabat Maqbara,
Junagadh and the idol of Shri Damodar Raiji and Narsinh Mehta. Narsinh Mehta
was one of the great poets of India. He was a great devotee of Lord Krishna and
a scholar, philosopher and a social reformer.
Later
proceed to Sasangir on arrival check in & overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 08:
SASANGIR / BHAVNAGAR (245 Kms / 06 Hours)
Morning
(Optional) excursion by Jeep safari into the Gir Forest National Park . Discover the lair of the
extremely endangered Asiatic lion in Gir, the small forest reserve that remains
his last sanctuary. The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also
known as Sasan-Gir) is the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions. The Hindi name
Gir stands for forest. . The forest also harbours a variety of smaller animals
and birds. Other predators are the Panther and the Hyena. The Indian Deer,
Sambar, Chital (spotted deer), Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara and the Chowsingha
(four horned antelope) are found here, alongwith the bear and the long tailed
langur.
Later
drive to Bhavnagar, Check in Hotel.
Evening Takhtehwar
Temple Erected over a petite mound looking out on the city, this
Takheteshwar Temple has been dedicated to Lord Shiva.
And the Barton
Museum (Closed on 2nd & 04th Saturday & Sunday & Timing
09am to 01pm & 02pm to 06pm) one of the most ancient libraries in
Gujarat. Among the oldest monuments in Bhavnagar, this library is a popular
among men of all age group.
Overnight
stay at Hotel.
Day
09: BHAVNAGAR / PALITANA / BHAVNAGAR
( 55 kms 1.5 hrs )
After
Breakfast Begin climb to the Palitana temples located atop Shatrunjaya Hills
and crowned with 863 temples, each rivaling the other for its beauty and
magnificence. This is one of the most awe inspiring sights to devotees and
visitors alike. The peak is a 3 km climb of over 3500 steps from the town,
while on each temple one can see detailed carvings, beautiful idols and images,
jeweled statues and intricate torans. The climb takes approximately 2-2.5
hours. Later Proceed for lunch(Own/Extra – Please make a advance booking) at
the Vijay Vilas Palace for a sumptuous home cooked meal hosted by the present
owners Nitya and Yashpal Singh. The Vijay Vilas palace was build in 1906 AD by
Yashpal’s ancestor, Yuvraj Vijay Sinhji of Palitana, a member of the same Gohil
Rajput clan as the Maharajahs of Bhavnagar. The palace was used as a country
retreat, being splendidly located in the hills with great views of the
Shetrunjaya hill and historic Palitana temples. (( NOTE IT’S A JAIN TEMPLE –
PHOTOGRAPHY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.))
Return
back to Bhavnagar.
Overnight
stay at Hotel.
Day
10: BHAVNAGAR / LOTHAL / CHAMPANER
(265 Kms / 06 ½ Hours)
After
breakfast drive to Lothal (Closed on Friday & bank holiday)
: 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. Though, it was
discovered in the year 1954, but its excavation work began on the February 13,
1955, which continued till May 19, 1960. It was done by the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI). Read on to know more about Lothal in India.
Then
proceed to Champaner, Champaner was founded in the 8th century by King
Vanraj Chavda of the Chavda Kingdom. Some attribute the name “Champaner” to his
desire to name the city after his friend and minister Champa, or “flame of the forest”
flower. The city and surrounding state of Pavagadh became an important buffer
area between Mandu and Gujarat, as well as a key station on trade routes
leading from Gujarat to both North and South India. Pavagadh and the city of
Champaner were captured by the Chauhan Rajputs around 1300 AD, and they ruled
the area for almost the next two hundred years.
Upon
arrival check in Hotel, Overnight stay at hotel.
Day
11: CHAMPANER / PAVAGADH / AHMEDABAD
(160 Kms / 03 Hours)
After
breakfast visit Pavagadh Kalika Mata Temple : At the summit of Pavagadh
hill, 762 m above sea level, is the temple to Mother Kali, which is the oldest
in the area, dating from the 10th-11th centuries. Hindu pilgrims were coming to
visit this temple from long before the development of Champaner as a major
city, and they continued for hundreds of years after its decline, right up to
the present day. To reach the temple at the summit is about a 5 km walk along a
jungle footpath to the top of the hill; otherwise, there is a cable car which
will haul you to the summit from about the midway point, which is the last
place accessible by road. The temple has large fortifications and an open chowk
in front, with two altars for sacrifices, and an array of lights for special
occasions. The idol of Kalika Mata in the inner sanctum is only the head, the
mukhwato, painted in red. Also present are full idols of Mahakali and the
yantras of Bahuchara. The temple is open from very early to quite late, to
accomodate pilgrims arriving at all hours. The Machi Haveli is a rest house
available for pilgrims.
Later
drive to Ahmedabad upon arrival check in Hotel, Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day
12: AHMEDABAD / Departure
Early
morning drive to Ahmedabad airport to board a flight to your home town from
where you board a flight to your onward destination.
END OF
TOUR
With Best Regards
LIJU MATHEW
============================================
JEL Tours Private Ltd
203, Crystal Arcade, C.G Road
Nr. Navrangpura Tel. Exchange
Navrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009 , Gujarat (INDIA)
Tel : 0091 79 26405607 / 40075607 / 40025607
Fax : 0091 79 26405608
Fax : 0091 79 26405608
Mobile : 0091 9712970354 / 9426070354
Email : tours@jelgroup.in or jel.tours@gmail.com
Website : https://jel-tours-pvt-ltd.business.site/
Email : tours@jelgroup.in or jel.tours@gmail.com
Website : https://jel-tours-pvt-ltd.business.site/
CIN.N0- U63040GJ2009PTC056540
