Temple & Wildlife Safari in Gujarat
AHMEDABAD - VELAVADAR(2) SASANGIR (2) GONDAL (1) NAKATRANA(2) BAJANA(2) AHMEDABAD (2)
AHMEDABAD - VELAVADAR(2) SASANGIR (2) GONDAL (1) NAKATRANA(2) BAJANA(2) AHMEDABAD (2)
Day 01 - arrive Ahmedabad,
Ahmedabad to Velavadar (180Kms/04Hrs)
Today morning, post
breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Ahmedabad.
Our driver will
drive you to Velavadar.
If you’ve always
dreamed of visiting the African savannah, but haven’t quite managed to make the
trip, a journey through Saurashtra may help quench your wanderlust. You find
lions to the southwest in the peninsula in Gir, and here, at the Velavadar
Black Buck Sanctuary and National Park, you'll find a land of
wide-spreading golden grasslands under a deep blue sky, where spiral-horned
antelope or the Black Bucks can be seen bounding up out of the grasses.
The population of
the park mainly includes Blackbucks, Wolves, Houbara bustard and Lesser Floricans,
with foxes, jackals and Jungle Cats as the main carnivore’s species. Other
species include wild pigs, hares and rodents Known for its large blackbuck
antelope population, Velavadar is also one of the few places where the wolf is
proliferating in India though they are rarely seen in the daylight.
Close to the coast
there are wetlands full of birds, and in the evenings, sea-breezes blow up into
the savannah and cools things off after a hot day in the sun. At night, wolves
and jackals roam the fields, and the flat country offers a tremendous view of a
starry sky.
Arrival
Velavadar National Park & Day at leisure. Overnight at Vilavadar
Day 02 - Velavadar
Enjoy morning game
drives at the national park.
Velavadar National
Park accommodates over 187 species of birds including residents and migratory
birds like Partridge, Duck, Harrier, Pelican, Crane, Sand Grouse, Stork, Lark,
Eagle and Lesser Floricans.
Afternoon at leisure
or optional for a game drive.
Overnight at
Vilavadar
Day 03 - Velavadar to Gir
(290Kms/06-7Hrs)
After a early
Breakfast Drive to Palitana - 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. ( PHOTOGRAPHY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED)
Later depart for Gir
national park. - Gir is the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions
(Pantheraleopersica) 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 bird population
has more than 300 species of birds, most of which are resident. The scavenger
group of birds has 6 recorded species of Vultures. Other species include the
Indian eagle owl, .crested serpent eagle, Bonellis eagle etc.
Arrive Gir
- Gir National park & Overnight at Sasangir.
Day 04 – Gir
A tapestry of dry
deciduous forests, acacia scrub and grassland, fed by rivers and reservoirs,
also keep a look out forshaheenperegrene falcon, laggar falcon, shikra, painted
sandgrouse, quails etc., and has a thriving population of panther (leopard),
sambar, chital (spotted deer), nilgai (blue bull antelope) and wild boar. Gir
is also one of the major habitats of chousingha (the world's only four-horned
antelope) and chinkara (Indian gazelle) that are hard to spot in the teak
forests along the game drive trails.
Enjoy the morning
and evening game drives in Gir National Park.
Overnight at
Sasangir.
Day 05 – Sasangir – Gondal (
130kms/4 hours)
Breakfast at the
hotel and drive to Gondal on way visit of Junagadh and visit 250
BC Ashokan Rock Edicts and the Museam at the Jnagadh
Afternoon 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
Overnight at Gondal
Day 06 - Gondal –
Nakatrana ( Greater Rann Of Kutch - Moti Virani, Kachchh)
After breakfast
drive to Nakhatrana (7 hours). En-route you may stop at some saline lagoons if
birds dictate or you fancy stretching your legs. Expect to arrive at Nakhatrana
in the early afternoon. Depending on the time, your driver may take you
straight to Fotmahadev to look for both White-naped Tit, Marshall’s Iora and Grey-necked
Bunting. There is a good chance of seeing Painted Sandgrouse locally and
perhaps even Rock Bush-Quail or Indian Bushlark.
Overnight at
Nakatrana
Day 07 – Nakhatrana –
Naliya/Lala Bustard Sanctuary – Modhva Beach (near Mandvi) – Nakhatrana
Today you will drive
(approx. 1 ½ hour) to Naliya grasslands and the Lala Bustard Sanctuary. It is
becoming increasingly difficult to see Great Indian Bustard, in Gujarat, but
you’ll be in suitable habitat which also holds Bimaculated Lark, Longlegged Buzzard,
Fan-tailed Warbler and many other birds as well as Indian Gazelle (Chinkara).
After exploring here, you could continue on to the coast near Mandvi, or return
for more birding around Nakhatrana and visit the coast on your final morning.
On the beach at Modhva, near Mandvi, it should be possible to see Crab Plover,
Greater Thick-knee, Terek and Broad-billed Sandpipers, Greater and Lesser Sand
Plovers, Slender-billed, Pallas’s, Brown-headed and Heuglin's Gulls.
Other species not previously mentioned and often seen include Lesser-crested
and Caspian Terns, Kentish Plover and Great Knot.
Overnight at
Nakatrana
Day 08 - Moti Virani to Bajana,
Little Rann of Kachchh (330kms/7 hours)
Drive down to Bajana
near the edge of the Little Rann of Kutch passing wetlands like the Viramgam
where threatened bird species like the Sociable Lapwing and Saras Crane have
been seen recently.
Some places in the
world are known for lush greenery, others for steep cliffs and snowy glaciers
and others still for refreshing water lapping against hot beaches. But of
all the landscapes in the world, harsh deserts are perhaps the one that fewest
people have experienced. Believing it to be not as pleasant as other
landscapes, many people miss out on the tremendous beauty found in deserts.
Precisely because there are very few people, visiting deserts like the Little
Rann of Kutch which gives a traveler the chance to ponder a world before there
were so many of us around & enjoy following day visit through the little
Rann to catch glimpse of the Great Indian Wild Ass.
Overnight at Bajana
– The Royal Safari Camp
Day 09 – little Rann to catch
glimpse of the Great Indian Wild Ass.
Enjoy morning and
evening 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.)
Overnight at Bajana
– The Royal Safari Camp
Day 10 - Bajana to Ahmedabad
(190 Kms / 5 hours) 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.
Evening arrival at
Ahmedabad - In the 15th century Sultan Ahmed Shah made Ahmedabad the
capital of the Gujarat Sultanate. A provincial Indo-Saracenic style of architecture
was developed, which can be seen in the minarets, domes and latticework in the
mosques in the city. In the 17th century, prosperity that followed trade with
the affluent western countries in reflected in the havelis and courtyard houses
of the merchants. Pre independence, Mahatma Gandhi made it a base of his
struggle for freedom and post independence it has grown to be a hub for the
textile industry.
Overnight at the
hotel.
Day 11 – Ahmedabad Sight Seeing
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 12 - depart Ahmedabad to Udaipur
(260kms/6 hours)
Today leave for
Ahmedabad for next 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
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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