FABULOUS GUJARAT (14 NIGHTS / 15 DAYS) - Ahmedabad-Jambudi(poshina)-Bajana-Bhuj-Gondal-Junagadh-Gir-Somnath-Diu-Bhavnagar-Palitana-Lothal-Ahmedabad

FABULOUS  GUJARAT (14 NIGHTS / 15 DAYS)  - Ahmedabad-Jambudi(poshina)-Bajana-Bhuj-Gondal-Junagadh-Gir-Somnath-Diu-Bhavnagar-Palitana-Lothal-Ahmedabad

Day 01 = Arrival trfr Ahmedabad

Arrival at Ahmedabad, In time met and transfer to hotel .

Ahmedabad, is the state capital of Gujarat and a repository of architectural styles, from the Indo-Saracenic forms commissioned by 15th century Muslim sultans to the stark concrete slabs of Le Corbusier and the American Louis Kahn. There is also work by the contemporary Indian architect Charles Correa. The city is congested and hectic but it has excellent museums, including the well-regarded Calico Museum, as well as performing-arts centres and galleries, and some of the country’s best universities are also based here. It is famous for its association with Mahatma Gandhi and its distinctive, bustling neighborhoods, known as pols.

Overnight at Ahmedabad.

Day 02 – Ahmedabad

Sightseeing of Ahmedabad is one of India’s fastest growing cities and the landscape is changing continuously with modern glass and chrome building replacing traditional ones. To experience the rich cultural heritage of the city, it is necessary to 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 of 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.

Returned to hotel for overnight

Day 03 -  Ahmedabad – Jambudi ( 200 Kms / 5 Hrs)

After early breakfast, drive to Mt.Abu  , enroute visiting Patan & Modhera

Sidhpur : Situated on the banks of river Saraswati, is famous for two things - havelis of the Vohra community of Muslims and as a Hindu pilgrim center. A guided walk to see the havelis along the narrow streets is rather interesting; wherein marvelous carvings and glass paintings could be seen. Some friendly families might take you inside a Haveli.

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.

Modhera :   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 entra

Later Arrival at your hotel at Jambudi , An weekend retreat and hunting resort of the Lohani who rules from Jalore in Southwestern Rajasthan. A number of temples of religion importance are located along  Ambaji wildlife Sanctuary also visit (following day) the tribal villages around Balaram explore some of the most picturesque tribal areas in all of India. (It is an centre to see Garasia tribal’s and also Rajasthani rabaris can be seen near Ambaji)

Day  04 – Jambhudi

After breakfast, Proceed and visit to witness the wonders of tribal lifestyles of the Aravalli hills. Home of some colourful aboriginal tribal communities. Who still live in traditional hamlets and the mudhuts decorated with fantastic tribal drawings and protected by terra cotta horses. Which are said to ward off evil spirits. 

Overnight at Jambudi

Day 05 – Jambudi - Little Rann of Kutch ( Bajana ) 190 Kms / 5-6 hours

Post Breakfast Visit drive to Bajana, on arrival check in at Royal Safari Camp , Home of the Indian Wild Ass, Bajana is also a birders paradise.

Later visit at Little Rann of Kutch Exploring Wild life and Brid Watching at Wet Land Visit to Salt Farm to see how the salt is processed Staying in the desert and watching the sunset.

Dinner and overnight at Camp.

Day 06 – Bajana  (Little Rann of Kutch)

Full day Enjoy a ride into the park to see the Wild Ass in its natural habitat. This is rough country and your naturalist will tell you about this harsh yet amazing place which is still home to a large variety of life. Rugged dry areas are interspersed with watery oasis where you can see many birds including the beautiful Pink Flamingoes. Post Lunch: Visit to the local village where one can get to buy and look the local handicrafts and return to The Royal Safari Camp (Bajana ) for overnight

Day 07 – Bajana to Bhuj ( 255 kms / 6-7 hrs)

After breakfast departure for Bhuj, the region of Kutch with its vast expanse of the mesmerizing Greater Rann of Kutch.  Legendary heroism and romance lend enchantment to Kutch, the land of great antiquity forming the north western part of Gujarat. The most important place in the area is the walled town of Bhuj, picturesquely placed between two flowing streams.  Kachchh is famous the world over for its sturdy horses and cows as well as for a wide variety of its handicrafts.  Bandhini (tie-and-dyes) and hand-printed saris, embroidery and needle work, exquisite gold and silver ornaments known as Kachchhi work, gilding and enameling are some of its traditional crafts.

Check in to your hotel on arrival

Afternoon City tour of Bhuj including DSP/Collect Office visit of Bhuj **. Later visiting Prag Mahal, Sharad Bag Palace. Evening: Visit the Swami Narayan temple to witness the Aarti.

** NOTE: Permit is must for the interior villages with personal presence, Will assist for the procedure.  DSP/ Collector Office :-  Monday to Saturday - 10.30 to 1700 hrs except second Saturday/Sunday & Public Holidays.

Overnight in Bhuj.

Day 08 – Bhuj – Full day visit to the villages ( Banny villages)

Full day excursion to Tribal villages (Banny Villages) with Pack-Lunch famed for embroidery Explore the tribal villages, specializing in different forms of handicraft including ahir embroidery, block printing and tie and dye. Color and eye for design is the keynote of Gujarat handicrafts, and is an expression of their rich traditional heritage and personal artistic talent. Visits continue today to villages to see firsthand the production of these treasures. Tie and dye using wool and silk is especially popular.

Evening Return to Bhuj for overnight. Overnight in Bhuj.

Note= We recommended to carry pack lunch from Bhuj Hotel as there are no mid-way / Local restaurants available at these area.

Day 09 – Bhuj to Gondal ( 280 Kms / 6-7 Hours)

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Gondal  a journey of about 07 hour’s on way visit of Dhamadka villages to see the textile villages.

Evening arrival at Gondal, Which was the fortified capital of one of the most progressive and affluent princely states during the British Raj and was ruled by the Jadeja Rajputs. It is also set by a river, the Gondali, on the banks of which lies the beautiful 17th-Century Navlakha palace complex. Two other royal residences, the 19th-Century Riverside Palace and Orchard Palace, have now become heritage hotels. The rulers of Gondal were tremendous car lovers, so the royal garage houses some rare vintage vehicles (the first of which has the registration plate ‘Gondal 1’). The Sangramsinhji High School, modelled on England’s Eton, is also worth a visit.

Overnight at the Orchard palace. This was originally a state guesthouse, built in colonial style with an arcade of Romanesque arches in striking terracotta and cream, and star of several Bollywood movies. It is more a mansion than a palace, with simple, spacious rooms, helpful staff and good food. Do look for the Maharaja’s private train carriage in the garden – and another vintage car collection

Day 10 – Gondal – Sasangir onway visit of Junagadh ( 65 Kms + 65 Kms / 4-5 hours)

After breakfast, visit the royal car collection and Navlakha Palace, an ornate, Italianate confection which towers 30 metres above the river and has a magnificent Durbar Hall and a gateway with a clock tower.

Later Proceed to Junagadh  and visit 250 BC  Ashokan Rock Edicts and the Museam at the Jnagadh

Later arrive at Sasangir, Gir Forest is today the only place in the world outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in his natural habitat. 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.  Overnight at Sasangir

Day 11 – Sasangir – Somnath – Diu ( 120 Kms / 4 Hours)

Morning Game view at the Gir ( 06.00 to 8.00 am – optional)

After Breakfast proceed to Diu onway Visit of Somnath temples.

Somnath - It is the seat of one of the twelve most sacred “Jyotirlingas” of Lord Shiv. Its origin which can be dated back to the vedic times, the temple was the object of attack by several Muslim invaders. The old temple has been rebuilt after a lapse of about 1000 years. Maintaining the same Chalukyan architectural grandeur that commands excellent  view adjoining the sea.

Late drive to  DIU –A beautiful blend of Sun, sand and sea, is a Gods gift to those in quest of a blessed turf where the wary weight of the unintelligible world can, for a while, be lightened and the waking soul can hear the music of the spheres. It is an island retreat gently rocked by the wind and the wave from the Arabian Sea. It offers you undisturbed peace and an unusual holiday. Diu a former Portuguese enclave, and now a Union Territory, is steeped in history. It was a seaport and naval base of considerable strategic importance from the 14th to 16th Centuries.

Overnight at Diu Hotel

Day 12 – Diu

Breakfast at the hotel.  Half day sightseeing tour of Diu visiting following places.

Nagoa Beach A perfect semi circle beach where the gentle lapping waves beckon you to wade into them for a fun filled time of swimming, gamboling or just lolling around the soft sand shores or to find you napping under the palm trees filled with the soothing breeze

Panikotha-Fortim Do Mar Legend has it that this ship shape structure was one connected with land by an under sea tunnel. You can see this monument in famous bollywood movie

Gangeshwar The gentle sea waves offering their obeisance to the "Shiva Lingas" in stone have a mystic aura around  them in the cave temple of Gangeshwar where the Lord makes his presence felt.

Afternoon free for independent activities.  ( or Enjoy the beach activity)

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 – Diu – Bhavnagar ( 225 Kms / 5-6 Hours)

This morning, after an early breakfast you are driven to Bhavanagar

On Arrival check in at the Nilambagh palace (Bhavnagar)Built as the private residence to Takhat Singh in 1859 by a German architect, this palace is centered on a pleasant courtyard, with a pillared front portico and stepped arches. There is a dining hall furnished with European chandeliers, Belgian mirrors and carved Burmese teak, and there is a historic library. Converted into a hotel in 1984 by Maharaja Dr. Virbhadra Singh, its rooms are split between the main building and a series of cottages in the grounds. There is a distinctive circular swimming pool, surrounded by a Roman-style colonnade.

If time permit Evening sightseeing tour of Bhavnagar. First and foremost, you will visit Gandhi Smriti, an institution built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. It contains a library, a museum & galleries of photograph depicting Gandhiji's life. This will be followed by a visit to Takhteshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the evening. The temple is located on a hill and made of marble.

Overnight at the Nilambagh palace

Day 14 – Bhanvagar – Lothal – Ahmedabad ( 225 Kms / 5-6 Hours)

Post breakfast Drive to Ahmedabad with a stopover at the historic city of Lothal.

Lothal an Indus Valley Civilization site and you can see some of the best examples of the Harrappan town planning here, with the unique lock gated dockyard - perhaps the greatest of maritime architecture from the ancient world. The museum here is stocked with archaeological findings that offer an insight into the Indus Valley period. The museum also houses some beautiful pieces of carnelian bead work

Evening arrival at Ahmedabad and day free for shopping or leisure

Overnight at Ahmedabad

Day 15 – Depart  Ahmedabad (Fly to Mumbai/Delhi or onwards)

In time departure transfer to Airport

END OF THE TOUR

More Details contact

With Best Regards

LIJU MATHEW

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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

Mobile : 0091 9712970354 / 9426070354
Email : tours@jelgroup.in or jel.tours@gmail.com
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CIN.N0- U63040GJ2009PTC056540