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
============================================
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
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