Gujarat

Pick-up at Ahmedabad airport and transfer to your hotel.

Ahmedabad is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River and was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in India and an immense repository of tradition, history, and culture. Its famous walled area is one of the finest examples of community living, and the city thrived as the textile capital, nicknamed the “Manchester of the East” in 1888. This multicultural city is home to some of the finest Indo-Saracenic mosques and Jain temples. The old city of Ahmedabad is dotted with labyrinthine lanes called polls. The exquisitely carved wooden mansions and havelis are in no way inferior to their stone counterparts in Rajasthan.

The city also boasts a rich architectural legacy blending Hindu and Muslim styles, with stone and brick featuring arches, domes, vaults, carved pillars, and trefoil designs. In addition, Ahmedabad is home to modern buildings designed by the famous French architect Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn.

Later, proceed for a city tour of Ahmedabad.

Gandhi Ashram: On a peaceful stretch of the Sabarmati River, Mahatma Gandhi established a simple retreat in 1915. This was his Satyagrah Ashram, and for many years it was the nerve centre of India’s freedom movement. It was from here, in 1930, that Gandhi began his famous Dandi March to the sea to protest the salt tax imposed by the British. Hridaya Kunj, the simple cottage where he lived, is now a national monument preserved exactly as it was during his lifetime.

Sidi Sayed Mosque: Located within the old citadel walls, this mosque was built by Ahmed Shah’s slave, Sidi Sayed. It is celebrated worldwide for its exquisite stone lattice windows — superb and peerless examples of delicate carving that transform stone into filigree.

Hutheesingh Jain Temple: Built in 1850 just outside the Delhi Gate by a wealthy Jain merchant, this is the best known of Ahmedabad’s many ornate Jain temples.

Adalaj Stepwell: About 17 km north of Ahmedabad lies Adalaj, home to one of India’s finest stepwells. Queen Rudabai built this stepwell in 1499 to offer travelers a cool, pleasant refuge from the summer heat. A long flight of steps leads down to the water, with three entrances converging on a massive platform supported by 16 pillars, and corners marked with shrines. The ornately carved pillars and crossbeams create striking open spaces across four storeys. The octagonal well itself is five floors deep, adorned with exquisite stone carvings depicting subjects from erotic imagery to women engaged in daily activities.

Akshardham: Lord Swaminarayan, born in Chapaya, Uttar Pradesh, undertook a seven-year pilgrimage through Gujarat to spread his faith. He built six temples, the first of which was at Kalupur in Ahmedabad. The modern Akshardham complex in Gandhinagar was built in a traditional Indian architectural style, using 6,000 metric tonnes of pink sandstone from Rajasthan, carved by expert artisans from Bansipahadpur. The temple is set within a vast garden named Sahajanand Van, featuring intricate sculptures of Hindu gods. A gold-leaf copper statue of Lord Swaminarayan faces similar statues of Gunatinand Swami. Inside, the beautiful rosewood columns rise to a grand dome.

In the evening, explore the Law Garden market, famous for its beautiful Gujarati textile handicrafts.

Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, proceed for the day excursion to Modhera: The Sun temple of Modhera is one of the finest examples of Indian architecture of its period. Built in 1026 A.D. the temple is dedicated to the Sun-God, 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 flowers. The Sun Temple of Modhera was built by King Bhimdev I (1026-27) and bears some resemblance to the later and far better known Sun Temple of Konark in the state of Orissa; alike that temple, it was designed in such a way that the dawning of the sun shone on the image of Surya, the sun God, at the time of the equinoxes. The main hall and shrine are reached through a pillared porch, and the temple exterior is intricately and delicately carved. As with the temple of Somnath, this fine temple was ruined by Mohamed of Ghazni. Later we will drive to Patan, which is famous for its Patola weaving. Patola Weaving – India has a rich and ancient heritage in fine textiles. (Double Ikkat) Patola from the area of Patan in the North Gujarat region of western India glorifies this heritage. It has unique gem-like qualities – gorgeous colours, designs, and durability. Its appearance lures the connoisseur of fine textiles. It has no reverse side. Both sides have equal intensity of colour and design. Historically, the art of Double Ikkat Patola weaving dates back centuries. Paintings in Ajanta caves resemble the tie-dye technique of Patola. Legend indicates that sometimes in the 12th century AC, King Kumarpal of the Solanki dynasty invited 700 families of Patola weavers from Jalna (South Maharashtra) to settle down in Patan in North Gujarat. The Salvi family is one of them who continues this traditional art and has preserved it even today. This is our heritage art from four generations. Also visit Rani ki Vav – stepwell in Patan – The Rani ki Vav, a stepwell in Patan, is an excellent example of subterranean architecture in Gujarat and has steps that lead down to the water level. The Rani ki Vav was built by Rani Udayamti of the Solanki dynasty. This Vav represents the finest of the Indian sculptures and architecture and forms the link between a kunda and the classical stepwell. In addition to the straight staircase, it also has lateral staircases, along with very broad, stepped corridors. Later, we will drive to Bajana – Little Rann of Kutch, arrive, and transfer to your hotel. Bajana is located on the edge of the little Rann of Kutch, which is an extension of the Rann of Kutch onto Saurashtra. Bajana is a major bird-watching destination; it is known for bird watching and the only place in India where wild ass can be found. There are several birds watching sites around the area. Lesser Flamingos are found here in winter in large numbers. Besides bird-watching tribal heritage of the area, craft villages and rural character is an attraction for guests looking for an authentic rural India experience. Overnight at your hotel.

Early morning proceed for Safari of Wild Ass Sanctuary. The Little Rann of Kutch: The highlight of this sanctuary is the Asiatic Wild Ass or ‘Gudkhur’ that is endemic to the region and is one of the most endangered species in the world. Other mammals that could be seen are Nilgai, black buck antelope, Chinkara gazelle, Indian wolf, Indian desert foxes, jackals, and lesser cats. Also, is a paradise for bird watchers. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, leave for Bhuj and transfer to your hotel. The historic city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar, a hill overlooking the present-day Bhuj town. Bhuj is a typical example of a desert town located between two geographical features – Bhujiyo Dungar on the east and Hamirsar Lake on the west. Bhuj, the major town of Kutch, is an old city established in 1510. With its surrounding wall, the atmospheric bazaar area, crenellated gateways, old palaces, and striking temples, the town still retains a medieval character. Every Feb/Mar it hosts the annual Rann Utsav festival. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, visit the villages of Bhuj. Amidst the desert land of infinite dimensions are suspended, quaint little villages. These are the last villages on the India-Pakistan border. Here you will come across master craftspeople exposing their traditional art. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they use – will make you feel as if you have stepped into a lifestyle museum, leaving you spellbound. Visit the villages of Bhirandiyara: Bhirandiyara is a favourite tea stop for locals and visitors alike on the road to Khavda. The village boasts of 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 embroidery and skilfully decorated, colourful Mud Bhungas. Mud-Mirror work – Lippan kam is a decorative art done by common people mainly women. Lippan kam is done inside Bhungas/mud huts in villages of Kutch; sometimes you can find it on outer walls too. Generally, women make birds, trees, animals, and peacocks, human figures, etc, in Lippan kam. It is done with a mixture of clay and camel dung. Then gum is used to stick mirrors. The originality of lippan kam lies in adding no colour or only whites. Small round, diamond-shaped, or triangle mirror pieces are essential to lippan kam. Nirona: The village of Nirona is the only place in the world where the tradition of Rogan art is still practiced (a method of producing dyes from natural resources and castor oil and creating intricate and long-lasting designs on silk and cotton). Rogan art is a rare craft that is not well known even in India. Because of its rare qualities, it is practiced by only one family in India, and they reside in Nirona village in Gujarat. Nirona also offers the chance to see artisans making copper bells. The Luhars in Nirona have been preserving the craft of making copper bells for seven generations. The art form originally comes from Sindh, and some sister villages in Pakistan too make similar bells but with carvings on the surface. Another family in Nirona is practicing wood lacquering. Raw lacquer in various colours that is passed with great skill on the wooden object of focus in beautiful waves. The work they do is mainly focused on household items like jewellery boxes and kitchen utensils and has known to last more than 30-35 years. Later visit Kalo Dungar – Black Hill – 25 km north of Khavda; the top of the Black Hills is the highest point in Kutch, at 462 m. From here, the entire northern horizon vanishes into the Great Rann with the desert, and the sky often becoming indistinguishable. It is one of the few non-coastal locations where you feel like you are at the edge of the earth, on the brink of incomprehensible vastness that fades off towards infinity. Looking out from the Black Hills, one can understand the tremendous effort that those who undertake the crossing of the Greater Rann. Since this is one of the places where a civilian can get closest to the Pakistan border, there is an Army post at the top; beyond here, only military personnel are allowed. The hill is also the site of a 400-year-old temple to Dattatreya, the three-headed incarnation of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva in the same body. Khavda (90 km. approx.) is a town in the Pachcham region. One can find a tiny market and a few stalls serving up Kutchi snacks and tea. One can visit Khatrivas to see artisans printing and selling Ajrakh. The town also has skilled leather craftsmen, and there are some shops retailing local crafts, including leather slippers. Off the main road is a clinic run by Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan (KMVS), a Federation of Kutchi Women’s groups. KMVS has trained local midwives in modern and locally suitable healthcare practices. The KMVS Office in Khavda is run almost entirely by local women and has a small retail outlet selling wonderfully intricate embroidery under the producer group’s brand name “QASAB” which means “Craft Skill.” Ludiya: Ludiya village is comprised of several hamlets belonging to the Meghwal and Samma communities. The latter community, primarily herdsmen, is more conservative when it comes to tourists. Gandhi nu Gam, populated by the Meghwal community, features beautifully painted Bhungas. The Kanjari (blouses) of the women and the Bhunga decoration of this village are especially colourful. To curb exploitation & experiment with community marketing, the hamlet has set up an “Otlo” or a roofed platform next to the temple, where each household brings out their embroidered goods for selling. In the evening, witness the sunset from the Greater Rann of Kutch in the Village of Dhordo. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Rajkot, arrive at Rajkot, and transfer to your hotel. Rajkot is a very pleasant provincial town. Mahatma Gandhi spent a few years of his life in this town. His father was the Dewan (Chief minister) of Rajkot, once a small princely state. Later, we will visit the Karba Gandhi No Delo, which is the Mahatma Gandhi’s house; he lived in this house from the age of six. The house possesses a good collection of things related to Mahatma Gandhi’s life. The Mahatma’s passion for the handloom is preserved in the form of a small weaving school present in the house. Watson Museum – The Watson Museum and Library commemorates the work of Colonel John Watson, a political agent from 1886 to 1889. It is a jumbled attic of the collection with the 3rd century inscriptions and a delicate ivory work overseen by a marble statue of Queen Victoria. The Watson Museum has a collection of precious objects of colonial period, human history and culture, and the history of Rajkot. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, we will drive to Dwarka and check into your hotel. The small coastal town of Dwarka is one of the four most holy Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It is here that Krishna founded his capital after leaving Mathura. Excavations have revealed 5 earlier cities at the site, all submerged. The present town dates largely to the 19th century and attracts thousands of pilgrims to celebrate the Holi, Diwali, and Janmashthami festivals. The multi-pillared Sabha Mandapa leads to a 60-pillared sanctum sanctorum that dates back 2500 years as per the scriptures. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit Gomti Ghat – A significant tributary of the Ganges, the Gomti river is the most revered waterbody in the Hindu faith. The serene ghat location is great for some photo sessions. Besides, it also gives the opportunity to go for a pilgrimage too, as many devotees take a sacred dip in the salty waters of the Gomti river. Later visit the Dwarkadhish Temple – The main draw for tourists coming to Dwarka, the Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir), is believed to have been established more than 2500 years ago by Lord Krishna’s great grandson, Vajranabh. The ancient temple has been renovated several times, especially leaving imprints of the 16th and 19th centuries. The temple stands on a small hill accessed by at least over 50 steps, with heavily sculptured walls that cocoon the sanctum with the main Krishna idol. Around the complex lie other smaller shrines. The walls have intricately carved mythical characters and legends. The impressive 43-m-high spire is topped with a flag made from 52 yards of cloth that flutters in the soft breeze from the Arabian Sea behind the temple. There are two doors (swarg and moksha) for the entry and exit of the temple. A bridge called Sudama Setu at the base of the temple takes one across the Gomti creek towards the beach. Later, we will visit the Rukmini temple, dating from the 12th to 13th century. It was built in honour of Rani Rukmani, princess of Vidharba, who was to be married to Sishupala but fled with Lord Krishna. This small temple, 1.5 km north of the city, is an architectural masterpiece. The temple walls are decorated with beautiful paintings and sculptures. Later, we will visit Bet Dwarka: a small island off the coast of Dwarka and accessed via Okha is home to the namesake temple and supposedly the residence of Lord Krishna when he arrived here. The establishment of the temple is credited to Guru Vallabh Acharya. Apart from the main temple, others in the complex commemorate Hanuman, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi Narayan, Jambavati, Devi, and others. Bet Dwarka, also known as Shankhoddhar, is said to have been the residence of Lord Krishna during his ruling years at Dwarka. It derived its name from the word ‘bet’ which translates to ‘gift’ and is believed that Lord Krishna received it from his friend Sudama. In the ancient epic, the Mahabharata, Bet Dwarka is known by the name of ‘Antardvipa’ to which people of the Yadava clan needed to travel by boat. Nageshwar Temple, or Nagnath Temple, is located on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. The Jyotirlinga enshrined in the Temple of Nagnath is known as Nageshwar Mahadev and attracts thousands of pilgrims all-round the year. This powerful Jyotirlinga symbolises protection from all poisons. It is said that those who pray to the Nageshwar Lingaa become free of poison. The Rudra Samhita shloka refers to Nageshwar with the phrase ‘Daarukaavane Naagesham’. Gopi Talav: This is the place where Lord Krishna used to play with his gopikas. There is a small pond where it is said that Lord Krishna used to play with the Gopika Strees (gopika women). Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an ancient temple, some 5000 years old, that was built around a self-manifested Shivaling found in the Arabian Sea. The temple gets submerged in the sea every year during monsoons, which devotees believe to be nature’s way of performing the religious process of Abhishekam. For the rest of the year, the temple is visited often for its divine vibe and the scenic beauty of the attraction. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, we will drive to Somnath via Porbandar. Porbandar, the coastal heritage town of Gujarat, is located on the Saurashtra peninsula, on the Arabian Sea. This city is described in Skanda Purana as Sudamapuri and Ashmavati and had a flourishing trade with Africa and Arabia. As per the legends, this city was the main link of the great friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama. Porbandar was established as a capital by Rana Sartanji in 1785 AD; it was the former capital of the Jethwa Rajput petty princely state. The most impressive feature of Porbandar is the city planning and its stone buildings with ashlar masonry and rich carving, the facades of the houses on either side of the streets, with windows and carved gateways. Porbandar is also associated with Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation as he was born here. Today, fine quality silk and cotton are manufactured here. Later, we will visit Kirti Mandir – Kirti Mandir was the house of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba, his wife. This place is situated near the place where Mahatma Gandhi was born. This place is now a small museum and has a Gandhian library and a prayer hall. Also, we will visit Sudama Dwarka Temple; this temple is dedicated to Sudama, who was the childhood friend of Lord Krishna. Located at the centre of Porbandar, it is one exceptional temple in India that is dedicated to this great devotee of Lord Krishna. Built with white marble, this temple has a number of carved pillars which decorate the temple. Open from all sides this temple has a shikhara, which is decorated with splendid architecture and carvings. These carvings are also visible above the pillars and the arches that adjoin the pillars. With such architecture, this temple is dedicated to the shrine of Sudama, which is built in a simple structure. Move on to Somnath and transfer to your hotel. Somnath consists of a few streets leading away from its phoenix-like temple. Somnath is mainly known for its legendary shore temple, which is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be the place where the first of the twelve holy jyotirlingas emerged in India – a spot where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. The temple lies at the meeting of the Kapila, Hiran and Sarasvati rivers, and the waves of the Arabian Sea ebb and flow touching the shore on which it is constructed. The ancient temple’s timeline can be traced to 649 BC but is believed to be older than that. The present form was reconstructed in 1951. Colourful dioramas of the Shiva story line up the north side of the temple garden, though it’s hard to see them through the hazy glass. The large, black Shiva lingam at its heart is one of the 12 most sacred Shiva shrines, known as jyotirlinga. Ahilyabai Temple is a Hindu temple located opposite to the famous Somnath Temple. It is one of the old and beautiful temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Ahilyabai Temple was built by the queen Maratha Ahilyabai Holkar in 17th century. The history of Ahilyabai Temple and Somnath Temple is closely interlinked. It is said that this temple was constructed as a substitute for the main Somnath Temple when it was raided and ravaged by the Muslim rulers. Many Hindus believe that Ahilyabai Temple contains the original Jyotirlinga, which was being hidden here, assuming that the original Somnath Temple is going to be raided. Laxminarayan Temple – Located on the Somnath shore, the presiding deity, Lord Laxminarayan, is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple is famous for the carvings on its 18 pillars that have the sacred message of Krishna in the form of Bhagwadgita. Triveni Sangam Temple – The confluence of the three rivers Hiran, Kapila,and Saraswati; this is the point where the rivers meet the mighty Arabian Sea. Triveni Sangam is believed to be a very sacred Moksha Tirtha for Hindus. Bhalka Tirth is a renowned Hindu pilgrim centre that is believed to be the location where Lord Krishna was shot by a hunter’s arrow. According to the sacred scripts, Lord Krishna’s death marks the end of the Dvapara Yug and the beginning of the Kali Yug. The centre has a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and is called Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak. Dehotsarg Teerth is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus as this is where Lord Krishna breathed his last after he was shot by Jara’s arrow. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, we will drive to Sasan Gir and transfer to your hotel. Sasan Gir, popularly known as Gir is the most famous lion sanctuary in India. And the one place in the subcontinent where Asian lions can be found in the wild. This forested, hilly, 1412-sq-km sanctuary about halfway between Veraval and Junagadh is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leopersica). Taking a safari through the thick, undisturbed forests is a joy, even without the added excitement of spotting lions, other wildlife, and myriad bird species. Access to the sanctuary is by safari permit only. If you miss out on a permit, your other option for lion encounters is at the Devalia Safari Park, a fenced-off part of the sanctuary where sightings are guaranteed but more stage-managed. The sanctuary’s 37 other mammal species, most of which have also increased in numbers, include dainty chital (spotted deer), sambar (large deer), nilgais (blue bull/large antelopes), Chowsingha (four-horned antelopes), chinkaras (gazelles), crocodiles, and rarely seen leopards. The park is a great destination for birders too, with more than 300 bird species, most of them are residents. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, we will drive to Diu and transfer to your hotel. Diu is a tiny island in the Arabian Sea which is situated near the port of Veraval in Gujarat and is separated from the southern extremity of the Saurashtra peninsula by a narrow channel running through the swamp. Diu is a sensuous blend of sun, sand, and deep blue sea. Later we will visit St.Paul’s Church: The church adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell-like motifs, and the magnificent wood carving is considered to be the most elaborate of all the Portuguese churches in India. St.Thomas Church Museum: A huge edifice in Gothic architecture was built in 1598 A.D. A part of it has been converted into a museum, an archaeological treasure house. Diu Fort: This majestic structure stands on the coast of Diu sentinel. Nagoa Beach: The Nagoa Beach is exceptionally beautiful and secluded. The horseshoe (semicircular)-shaped, palm-fringed beach is twenty minutes invigorating drive from Diu. INS Khukri Memorial is the memorial site of an Indian Naval Ship that sank during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. The ship was destroyed on 9th December 1971 when torpedo shots were fired on it, sinking the ship 40 nautical miles off the coast of Diu. At the time of the sinking, there were 18 officers and 176 sailors on board. The memorial includes a scaled model of the INS Khukri enclosing it in a glass case. Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple was built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata times. The main attraction of this temple is its Five Shivalingas located amid the rocks on the seashore, which are often washed by the tidal waves of the sea. These Shivalinga’s are believed to have been placed here by the Pandava brothers during their period of exile when they were doing penance for Lord Shiva. The evening is at your leisure to enjoy at Nagoa Beach. The beach is exceptionally beautiful & quiet and is in the shape of a horsehoe (semi-circular). Overnight at hotel your hotel.

After breakfast, we will go to Bhavnagar via Nishkalank Mahadev Temple in Koliyak near Bhavnagar. This actual temple is in the middle of the sea, about 1.5 km from the shore, and can only be visited when the water recedes for a few hours. The temple has 5 distinct swayambhu Shiva lingams on a square platform, and each has a Nandi statue facing it. This platform is submerged during high tides in the sea and emerges during low tides, promising its devotees to wash away all sins according to the legend attached to it. Upon arrival at Bhavnagar, we will transfer you to your hotel. Bhavnagar was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil in 1723 AD near the Gulf of Khambhat, on a carefully chosen strategic location having the potential of maritime trade. Till independence, Bhavnagar State was ruled by the Gohil Rajput clan. Later, we will visit Gaurishanker Lake: a beautiful picnic spot near the lake. There is also a well laid out park in the area. You could also go and see Takhteshwar Temple, which is based on a hill; the site provides a good panoramic view. Overnight say at your hotel.

After breakfast, we will drive you to Ahmedabad airport.