ALL TIME FAVORITE - 10 NIGHTS/ 11 DAYS - AMD(2N) BHAVNAGAR(2) DIU(2) GIR(1) RAJKOT(1) BHUJ(2)KUTCH

ALL TIME FAVORITE - 10 NIGHTS/ 11 DAYS - AMD(2N) BHAVNAGAR(2) DIU(2) GIR(1) RAJKOT(1)  BHUJ(2)KUTCH

Day 01 Arrive 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. ( Only Transfer )

Overnight at Ahmedabad.

Day 02 In Ahmedabad

After breakfast proceed to Local Sightseeing in Ahmedabad as under

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.

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.

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.

Then Afternoon visit

Shreyas Folk Museum (Monday and bank holidays are closed)  - 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.

Day 03 Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar via Lothal (220 kms/5 hours)

After Breakfast proceed to Bhavnagar via After breakfast drive to Lothal ( Friday and bank holidays are 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.

Then proceed to Bhavnagar check in Hotel.

Evening is time permits visit Takteshwar Temple : Erected over a petite mound looking out on the city, this Takheteshwar Temple has been dedicated to Lord Shiva. One can have a splendid view of the adjoining Gulf of Cambay; it is an important pilgrim spot.

Overnight Stay at Bhavnagar.

Day 04 In Bhavnagar (Excursion Palitana – 55 kms/1.5 hrs oneway )

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.

Overnight stay at Bhavnagar.

Day 05 Bhavnagar- Diu (220 kms/6 hours)

After Breakfast proceed to Diu, A tranquil island filled with immense beauty, was a Portuguese colony like Goa. An offshore island situated on the west coast off Saurashtra in Gujarat. Rocky bays, sun-kissed sandy beaches and limestone cliffs are found in Diu. Take a tour to Diu with TSI India and  experience the splendid charm of the island. Diu is a breathtaking land with golden beaches, swaying palm orchards and historical monuments.

Check in Hotel. Then Evening Leisure at the Beach.

Nagoa Beach is a tiny seaside village and this area is a well-liked beach area for those on beach holidays and beach tours to West India. Nagoa Beach, Diu boasts of a pastoral charm of an old fishing village. Amidst the swaying palm trees and the cool breeze you shall enjoy lazing around the deserted environs of Diu Nagoa Beach. A palm-fringed, largely deserted and secluded beach, Nagoa Beach, Diu is one of the most beautiful beaches in India. Just twenty minutes invigorating drive from Diu will ferry you to Nagoa Beach which with a stretch of about 2 kms from one end to another is extraordinarily beautiful .The unique shoe-shape of the beach makes it more beautiful.

Overnight at Diu.

Day 06 In Diu

After Breakfast Local Sighseeing at Diu.

Portuguese Fort : It was constructed on the ruins of another fortress, built by the Arab Governor Malekhyaaz ¬around 1400 AD, which in turn was built over a still earlier fort dating back to 700 AD. At the end of the Fort Road is the Portuguese Fort PraSa-de-Diu (29 m) built in 1535-41, standing like a guard on the east.

Naida caves : Naida caves, Diu are located outside the city wall of the Diu Fort, which was constructed by the Portuguese. The caves feature a big network of tunnels with square hewn steps, which is yet to be fully explored. It is believed that the Portuguese during their reign hacked building materials from these caves.

Diu Museum : The history of Diu Museum in Diu 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. A majority of these have been collected from the excavations from different sites and exhibited for the general public. These artifacts and the antique items reveal the past scenario of Diu when it was under the rule of the Portuguese.

Church of St Francis of Assisi, Diu Diu Church of St Francis of Assisi is counted among the highly venerated churches in the region. Its foundation was kept in 1593 AD. It boasts of an impressive structure overlooking the very gorgeous Arabian Sea. Today this famous church has been turned into a hospital. Church of St Francis of Assisi, Diu The very exquisite and most venerated Church of St Francis of Assisi in Diu was constructed around AD 1593.

St. Paul’s Church is 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. Its intriguing volutes and shell like motifs are the sight to behold. This apart, you will also be mesmerized by seeing the lavish wood carving. In fact glancing through this exquisite work you will realize why this is touted to be the most elaborate of all the Portuguese churches in India. St Paul’s Church in Diu is around 400 year  old church. It was constructed in the year 1691. It is dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception.

Then Overnight at Diu.

Day 07 Diu – Sasangir ( 120 kms/4 hrs) + pm Game drive (1500-1800 hrs) optional . Stay at Sasangir

After breakfast driver to Sasangir upon arrival check in hotel.

Enjoy the Afternoon Safari that is 03pm to 06pm [ OPTIONAL ]. It is the sole home of the Asiatic Lions and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. The ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and fauna, is protected as a result of the efforts of the government forest department, wildlife activists and NGOs. The forest area of Gir and its lions were declared as "protected" in the early 1900s by the Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh. You may also find Indian Leopards, Sloth bears, Indian Cobras, Jungle cats, Striped Hyenas, Golden Jackals, Indian Mongoose, Indian Palm Civets, Ratels, Chital, Nilgai (or Bluebull), Sambar, Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara and Wild boar. It Also has around 300 Species of Birds.

Note = National park – Sasangir is closed for Monsoon from 15th June to 15th October – Every year.

Overnight Stay at Hotel.

Day 08 Sasangir – Junagadh – Rajkot (170 kms/5-6 hours)

After breakfast proceed to Rajkot on way visit 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 theNawabs. 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.

Then proceed to Rajkot upon arrival check in hotel, Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 09 Rajkot-Bhuj (250 kms/6 hours)

After breakfast drive to Bhuj upon arrival check in hotel

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 10 In 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 stay at Hotel.

Day 11 Departure transfer to airport to board flight to Bom.

Early morning drive to Bhuj 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

Mobile : 0091 9712970354 / 9426070354
Email : tours@jelgroup.in or jel.tours@gmail.com
Website : https://jel-tours-pvt-ltd.business.site/

CIN.N0- U63040GJ2009PTC056540