GUJARAT ROUTES = Ahmedabad(2)Bajana(1)Bhuj(2)Gondal(1)Sasangir(1) Bhavnagar(2)Champaner(1)Ahmedbad (1)

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

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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
Website : https://jel-tours-pvt-ltd.business.site/

CIN.N0- U63040GJ2009PTC056540