Wildlife Tours Gujarat for 14 Nights and 15 Days (AHMEDABAD 2 / VELAVADAR 2/ SASANGIR 2 / GONDAL 1 / BHUJ 1 / NAKATRANA 2 / MANDVI 1 / BAJAN 2/ AHMEDABAD 1 )
Details itinerary
DAY 01 : Arrival at Ahmedabad
Arrival at 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 at leisure.
Overnight stay at Ahmedabad.
DAY 02 : Ahmedabad Local Sightseeing.
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 Velavadar (180Kms/04Hrs)
Morning after breakfast drives
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 04 – Velavadar Buck Sanctuary and National Park
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.
Overnight at Vilavadar
Day 05 - Velavadar to Gir (258Kms/06Hrs)
Post Breakfast 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 & Day at Leisure
Overnight at Sasangir.
Day 06 – 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 07 - Gir - Gondal ( 130 kms/ 4 hours)
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 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 hotel.
Day 08 - Gondal - Bhuj (280Kms/06Hrs)
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 Bhuj via
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 09 - Bhuj – Nakatrana
( Straight drive is 60 kms – but with visit takes 200/6hours)
After breakfast drive to
Nakhatrana 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 /
Rann Of Kutch
Day 10 - Nakatrana / Rann Of Kutch - Moti Virani
Today will be a full day with
packed breakfast and packed lunch. Depart early for Fulay (a 30 minute drive)
to see some rare bird species, including Grey Hypocolius at their only regular
wintering site in India. Other species may include Yellow-eyed Babbler, Sirkeer
Malkoha, Sykes’s Nightjar, Steppe Grey Shrike and Indian Eagle Owl. Breakfast
at Bird Rock is likely to attract a very obliging Red-tailed Wheatear. You
should see at least six species of raptor today in the Banni grasslands and
many wetland birds around Chhari Dhandh.
Evening return & Overnight
at Rann Of Kutch
Day 11 - Nakhatrana – Mandvi
{{via – Naliya/Lala Bustard Sanctuary – Modhva Beach (near Mandvi) }}
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.
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 12 – Mandvi to Bajana, Little Rann of Kachchh
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 evening drive through the
little Rann to catch glimpse of the Great Indian Wild Ass.
Overnight at Bajana – The Royal
Safari Camp
Day 13 – Bajana, Little Rann of Kachchh
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 14 - Dasada to Ahmedabad (190 Kms / 5 hours)
After breakfast drive to
Ahmedabad 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.
Later drive to 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 15 - depart Ahmedabad
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
