20 DAYS TOUR OF GUJARAT
DAY 01 : ARRIVAL AT AHMEDABAD TRANSFER
TO HOTEL.
Arrival
at Ahmedabad and transfer to hotel. Ahmedabad, the city of Ahmed Shah (Medieval
ruler of Gujarat), is known for its rich past and its association with the
Mahatma (Great Soul), also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The city offers
the traveler a unique style of architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and
Islamic styles (Indo-Saracenic style of architecture). The monuments of
Ahmedabad mainly date back to the 15th century. Ahmedabad has been known for
its industry since medieval times. Presently it is famous for its textile mills
and is often referred to as the 'Manchester of the East'. Rest of day leisue.
Ovenight
stay at Ahmedabad.
DAY 02 : AHMEDABAD LOCAL SIGHT SEEING.
Early
morning: After breakfast, the Heritage Walk through the Old City starts at
7.30am
The
Heritage Walk is a great way to understand the breadth of Ahmedabad’s
architecture and its local charms, from the walled city’s fine Indo-Islamic
architecture and its tranquil Jain Temples to its colorful bird feeders and
fascinating ‘pols’. The tour starts at Swaminarayan Temple and ends at Jama
Masjid at 10.30am, and visits the Hateesing Jain temple, Juma Masjid, Rani
Rupmati Masjid and Sidi Saiyed Masjid, with its lovely, free-form ‘Tree of
Life’ motif.
Calico
Museum amongst the most celebrated institutions in the country, the Calico
Textile museum is renowned for its comprehensive collection of textiles and
artifacts. The museum offers visitors an insight into the Bronzes, Pichhwais,
and Jain art objects. Over 50 years old the Calico Textile Museum houses an
exemplar collection of fabrics that bring to light the handicraft textile and
splendor of over 5 centuries.
Calico
Museum Open time of day: - 10:30 am to 12:30 am Morning (Wednesday, 2nd &
4th Friday /Bank Holiday closed)
Afternoon
visit Sabarmati Ashram also known as Gandhi 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. then visit Hathee Singh temple 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.
Evening
visit Adlaj step well :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.
Overnight
stay at Ahmedabad.
DAY 03 : AHMEDABAD TO VADODARA
(125KMS/03HRS)
After
breakfast drive to Vadodara upon arrival check in hotel.
Afternoon
local sightseeing including visit Laxmi Villas Palace - The Royal
Family's residence is an extravagant building in Indo- Saracenic style. Pratap
Vilas Palace - Built as the residence of the royal family, this is a
magnificent building in the Indo - Sarcenic style, housing a collection of old
armory and sculptures in bronze, marble and terra cotta. The Baroda museum and
art gallery and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum boast of an excellent art
collection of works by Indian artists and European Masters, of Mughal
miniatures and valuable palm leaf manuscripts of Buddhist and Jain origin.
Overnight
stay at Hotel.
DAY 04 : VADODARA- JAMBHHUGODHA/CHOTTA
UDEPUR VIA CHAMPANER (160Kms+60Kms)
After
breakfast drive to chotta udepur via champanaer
After
Breakfast drive to chotta udaipur enroute visiting Champaner is an ancient
fortified city, The town has a rich historical culture and was a
major trade center dealing in fine silk, woven and dyed textile, and sword
manufacturing. But its decline started after attacks by the Mughal Emperor
Humayun in 1535 AD. The entire landscape of Champaner has many ruins of fort
walls, tombs, gardens, arches, pillars and wells. It has been named the
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pavagarh Fort - 4 kms south east of Champaner, another well known and ancient
fort of Gujarat dominates the skyline and can be seen from miles away. Spread
over a large area, the fort rises in three stages: first, the rained part,
second, the palace and middle fort and, finally, the upper fort with Jain and
Hindu temples (important places of pilgrimage). The temple at the summit had
its spire replaced by a shrine to the Muslim saint, Sadan Shah. Jami Masjid -
This large, ornate mosque built in 1523 is a typical example of Gujarati
architecture.
Upon
arrival check in & Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 05 : EXCURSION TO JAMBHUGODHA
(65Kms/01Hrs-one way)
After
breakfast drive to jambugodha most of the tribals living in and around
Jambughoda are ‘Rathwas’ & ‘Nayaks’. They are superstitious and God-fearing
people. The entrance to their home is through a richly carved wooden door with
figurines and tribal icons. The front is usually decorated with Pithora
paintings for which the ‘Rathwas are known for. The tribals do not live in
hamlets. Their dwellings are separated from each other by considerable
distance. The tribal museum of Chhota Udaipur has a large collection of tribal
artifacts.
Overnight
stay at hotel.
DAY 06 :CHOTTA UDEPUR - BALARAM
(300Kms/07Hrs)
After
Breakfast Proceed to Balaram , 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 Balaram River. Balaram Ambaji wildlife Sanctuary
also visit 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)
If,time
permit visit the Villages around Balaram on the Aravali Hills. Overnight at
Balaram Palace.
DAY 07 :EXCURSION TO POSHINA
(120kms/03Hrs)
After
Breakfast today explore some tribes around poshina like Visit the Bhill, Gowala
& Garacia Tribal Villages. Tribes that are second cousins to each other,
they differ only in the manner of living; the Gowala are more settled, the
Garacia are stillprone to roaming, and their women dress is a manner
slightly less ostentatious than the Gowala females. The villages people
are artisans the tribal arrow crafters, silver, Potters, blacksmiths a nd
the bazaar is famous for silver tribal jewelry, ORNATE sheathed daggers and
terra cotta horses. Around poshina are hamlets Of the bhil and garasia tribal
communities, known for their colorful Attires and artistic ornaments.
Overnight
stay at hotel.
DAY 08 : BALARAM - BAJANA VIA PATAN
& MODHERA (255Kms/06Hrs)
After
breakfast drive to Bajana enroute visit patan & modhera
Patan
: 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
entrance.
Overnight
at Bajana.
DAY 09 : BAJANA
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. Around 3000 of them live in
the sanctuary, and are usually seen in herds, especially around breeding season
(foals can be seen with the herds around October and November.)
Enjoy
evening Safaris at near bajana villages
Bharvad
embroidery is similar to that of the Rabaris of the region. The main,
exclusive Bharvad piece is a densely embroidered galmendi (veil). Worked
on a rough woollen bandhani veil, the embroidery covered the ends with bold
floral and sometimes bird motifs. Some use elaborately wrapped tassel
finishing. Since the late 1990s Bharvad women have stopped embroidering,
preferring to purchase machine worked textiles.
Visit
the settlement of the Mir community. Beadwork is the Mirs’ forte.
Employing opaque beads, out of circulation coins, bells, buttons and mirrors,
they create braids, tassels, and necklaces for women and girls. During
weddings, the groom also wears an elaborate beaded and tasselled turban
ornament. In the last few years, Mir women have begun to make beaded
bangles commercially. This has provided a welcome income to supplement
family earnings.
Overnight
stay at hotel.
DAY 10 : BAJANA - BHUJ (280Kms/06Hrs)
Arrival
at Bhuj via dhamadka village
Dhamadka
villages to see the textile village , The intricate art of printing fabrics
using wooden blocks thrives in the riverside town of Dhamadka and earns
valuable foreign exchange along side the more modern screen-printing workshops.
Kutch also specializes in block printing, and vegetable dyes, paraffin wax
resist, patricate-printing material. Bright ajrakh prints are still used though
now synthetic dyes and modern techniques have been adopted. Dhamadka are block
prints that derive their name from the village of origin, well known for its
river water that brightens the colours.
Afternoon
local sight seeing of Bhuj City (if time permit) : Aina Mahal - 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 - 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 - 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 11 : BHUJ
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
stayat Hotel.
DAY 12: BHUJ TO MANDVI (55 KMS/2 HRS)
After
breakfast, Proceed to Mandvi is one of the several ancient cities of Gujarat,
India. A tour to Mandvi reveals that it was once a fortified town. One of the
best tourist attractions in Mandvi is the fort, most parts of which can be seen
in ruins now. The beautiful town of Mandvi sits on the banks of Rukmavati
river. The town once served as a summer retreat for the Kutch
Maharaos.Vijay Vilas Palace, Vijay Vilas Palace is one of the main attractions
of Mandvi. It is a splendid monument set amidst sprawling gardens and dotted by
a number of marble fountains. The palace was constructed by Rao Pragmalji and
designed by a Jaipur architect. Vijay Vilas Palace was built in the year 1920
AD. It contains all the elements of Rajput style of architecture and is a must
visit destination.
Overnight
stay at Hotel.(Mandvi)
DAY 13 : BHUJ - GONDAL VIA RAJKOT
(258Kms/06Hrs)
After
Breakfast drive to Rajkot Later proceed for local sight seeing including The
Watson Museum & Library in the Jubilee Gardens commemorates Colonel John
Watson, Political Agent from 1886-89. The entrance is flanked by two imperial
lions and among the exhibits are copies of artefacts from Mohenjodaro, 13th
century carvings, silverware, natural history exhibits and textiles as well as
dioramas of local Tribal costumes and housing styles. Perhaps the most
startling piece is a huge marble statue of Queen Victoria seated on a throne,
decidedly not amused. The museum is open daily except Wednesday from 9 am to
12.30 pm and 1.30 to 5.30 pm; there's a small entry fee. Later visit to Kaba
Gandhi no Delo - the house where Gandhiji grew up.
Later
proceed to Gondal upon arrival check in & overnight at hotel.
DAY 14 : GONDAL – SASANGIR VIA JUNAGADH
(130KMS/04HRS)
After
Breakfast proceed to Junagadh on arrival to see Uperkot Fort, Ashok Rock Edict,
Mahabat Makabara and Junagadh Museum. Later proceed to Somnath In the evening
attend Aarti and later watch light and Sound show.
Later
proceed to Rajkot on arrival to see Kaba Gandhi No Delo Gandhiji's ancestral
home which now houses the Gandhi Smriti, later Visit Watson Museum its
collections precious objects of colonial period of India and History of Rajkot.
Continue proceed to Rajkot check in hotel.
Later
proceed to Sasangir upon arrival check in & overnight stay at Hotel.
DAY 15 : SASANGIR
Morning/Afetrnoon
(Optional) excursion by Jeep safari into the Gir Forest National Park(closed
from 15th june to 15th oct) . 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.
Overnight
stay at Hotel.
Day 16 : SASANGIR – DIU VIA SOMNATH
After
Breakfast proceed to Somnath temple The legendary shore temple of Somnath is
located near Veraval. The Somnath temple is one of the twelve most sacred
shrines dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The temple contains the jyotirlinga of
Lord Shiva.
Continue
drive to Diu upon arrival check in & overnight stay at Hotel.
DAY 17 : DIU
After
Breakfast local sightseeing including St. Paul’s Church considered to be the
only church in operation in Diu till date. This 400 year old church shares
close similarity with the Bom Jesus Church at Goa. Boasting a Gothic
architectural style, this church is the biggest Portuguese Catholic church on
the island.
Diu
Museum states that this was an old St. Thomas Church which was transformed
later into a museum to house several artifacts and antique pieces. This former
St. Thomas Church, now transformed into a museum, houses a lot of important
antique statues, inscriptions on the stone by the ancient rulers, magnificent
wooden carvings, idols, shadow-clocks and various other vital artifacts.
Rest
of day enjoy the beach area. Overnight stay at Hotel.
DAY 18 : DIU - BHAVNAGAR
After
breakfast proceed 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 Library 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
at Bhavnagar.
Day 19 FULL DAY EXCURSION PALITANA
(65KMS/01HRS)
After
Breakfast Begin climb to the Palitana temples (Photography is strictly
prohibited) 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.
Return
back to Bhavnagar.
DAY 20 : BHAVNAGAR TO AHMEDABAD VIA
LOTHAL (200KMS/05HRS)
After
breakfast drive to Lothal (Friday is closed : 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.
Evening
arrival at the Ahmedabad hotel. Rest of the day is free for
shopping and lastminute activity.
Overnight
Ahmedabad
DAY 21 : AHMEDABAD – Departure
Intime
proceed to Ahmedabad Airport for onward destination with sweet memory.
END OF THE 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
CIN.N0- U63040GJ2009PTC056540
