The closest state to the heart of the Indian civilization in the Subcontinent, Gujarat has a rich history that is manifest in the very different locations included on this tour. Boasting an abundance of former kingdoms and a wealth of wildlife, it remains today relatively unexplored, and can be compared with Rajasthan twenty years ago. The diversity of Gujarat is enormous, as is revealed during the course of this in depth journey.

From tribal settlements and stampeding Wild Ass in the flat plains and salt flats of the Rann of Kutch to exquisite hilltop temples in Saurashtra; from the lions of Gir forest to the textiles of Ahmedabad; from sandy beaches to the glorious princely palaces of Jasdan, Junagadh and Wankaner. All the while Gujarat delights and surprises its visitors.

Day - 01

Mumbai to Ahmedabad

Transfer to airport to board the flight to Ahmedabad. Upon arrival you will be met by our representative transfer to the hotel.

Day - 02

Ahmedabad

Spend the day exploring Ahmedabad, founded by Ahmed Shah I on the site if the ancient city of Karavati in 1411 and today the great textile and commercial city of western India. Omnipresent is the Sabarmati River over which four bridges connect the old city with the new. On one side are the crowded streets leading to Manek Chowk, havelis (family homes) Doshiwala ni Pol. Sidi Saiyad's Mosque, Rajpur Bibi's Mosque at Gomtipur and Sidi Bashir's Mosque at Kalipur are interesting - pressure exerted on the inner walls of the minarets sets them vibrating.

The Calico Museum houses a rich collection of fabrics, Hridey Kunj, Mahatma Gandhi's austere Ashram, is set amongst mango trees where he experimented in non violent methods of political struggle.

The Vechaar Utensil Museum, a 15-minute drive out of Ahmedabad, houses a remarkable collection of metal ware. Overnight in Hotel.

Day - 03

Ahamedabad to Bhavnagar (207 Km / 5 hours)

After breakfast drive to Bhavnagar. Approx. 4-5 hours drive. On arrival at Bhavnagar check in at the hotel. Founded as a port in 1723, Bhavnagar is an important trading post for the cotton goods manufactured in Gujarat. The Takhteshwar temple sits on the highest hillock, offering panoramic views of the city and out into the Gulf of Cam bay. Overnight in hotel at Bhavnagar.

Day - 04

Excursion to Palitana (52 Km / 1½ hours)

After breakfast visit Palitana which lies at the foot of the Shatrunjaya river flowing to its south. The sacred hill rises in a crescendo of magnificent temples, 863 in all, that soar in marble splendour to its top.

They are typical of Jain temple architecture and each feature appears to assert its indispensable part in the integral structure.

The Shri Adishwara temple dedicated to Rishbhadev, stands on the apex of the northern ridge. Palitana is one of the most sacred of Jain shrines, and it is the ambition of every Jain to visit the hill at least once, and if possible to build a temple here according to his means. Return to Bhavnagar for overnight at the Hotel.

Day - 05

Bhavnagar to Diu (136 Km / 4 hours)

After breakfast drive to the Diu. Afternoon you will check in at the hotel. After lunch explore the sleepy little town of Ahmedpur Mandvi, once a walled port town famous for ship-building. Overnight at hotel.

Day - 06

Diu

After breakfast visit the old Portuguese colony of Diu. The town is a maze of narrow, winding streets, with many well ornamented and brightly painted houses. The two remaining churches are St. Paul’s and St. Francis of Assisi. At the back of the town square, there is also a tiny but interesting bazaar where most of life’s necessities can be found. Return to Ahmedpur Mandvi for overnight at hotel.

Day - 07

Diu to Gir National Park via Somnath (120 Km / 3 hours)

After breakfast depart to Gir National Park via famous temple of Somnath. Legend says that its first incarnation in Gold was due to Somraj, the Sun God.

Its second in Silver was created by Ravana, possibly a faulty rendering of Ravi, its third in wood by Sri Krishna, and its fourth in stone by Bhimdeva the strongest brother of Pandava’s the main Hero of Mahabharata.

The earliest definite record however dates the temple to the tenth century when, rich from devotees’ donations, it spilled over with precious stones and Gold and rang to the sounds of musicians and dancing girls. Unfortunately such wealth came to the attention of the brutal iconoclast Mahmud of Ghazni who captured and plundered so many of western Indias cities between 1000 and 1027 AD.

Continue drive to Gir. On arrival check in at the Gir Forest Lodge. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day - 08

Gir National Park

The only one left place for Asiatic Lion which, thanks to hunting , forest cutting and poaching, has been extinct in the rest of India since the 1880, now survives in the wild in just 1150 square kilometers of the gently undulating Gir forest.

The rare Asiatic Lion is paler and shaggier than the more common African breed, with longer tail tassels, more prominent elbow tufts and a larger belly fold.

The Gir forest is one of the few remaining places where a visitor can drive through open scrub country, dry tropical thorn forests and an evergreen corridor along the riverside. The forest harbors a variety of smaller animals and birds. There is also a newly developed crocodile farm. Other predators in the Gir are panthers and striped hyena.

Morning and evening Park visit. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day - 09

Gir National Park

Morning and evening park visit. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day - 10

Gir National Park to Gondol (110 Km / 2½ hours)

After breakfast depart on the drive to Gondol. En route visit Junagarh, which lies at the foot of the Girnar Hill, the second most sacred mount of the Jains. Junagarh evokes memories of romance, triumph and tragedy. Junagarh literally meaning 'old fort' is today a picturesque city, an extension of the walled city of Uparkot.

Among the magnificent Jain temples on Girnar hill are the 12th century Neminath Temple, the shrine of Ambaji which is auspicious for newly weds, Gorakhnath and Guru Dattaraya further up. Also of interest are a Shiva Temple and the tomb of a Muslim Saint. Nearby is the sacred pond, Damodar Kund.

An old Rajput palace, two step wells and Buddhist caves are of special interest in this historic Uparkot fort. On arrival in Gondol check in at the hotel for overnight stay.

Day - 11

Gondol to Wankaner (93 Km / 2½ hours)

After breakfast drive to Wankaner. On arrival check in at the hotel. Evening explore the Ranjit Vilas Palace and town. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day - 12

Wankaner to Bhuj (197 Km / 4 hours)

After breakfast depart for Bhuj. En route visit the 16th century Halvad Palace, renowned for its fine wood and stonework. The journey is through interesting villages, giving you a glimpse of tribal life. On arrival drive to the District Collector's office to obtain the special permit required to visit this restricted area, before checking in at Hotel for overnight stay.

Day - 13

Bhuj

Spend the day exploring this old walled town. The capital of the former Kutchh state, Bhuj is an arid land, having a predominant population of a cultured tribal community. Rao Pragmalji’s old palace, built in traditional Kutchhi style, in a small fortified courtyard in the old part of the town, is today a beautifully presented museum. The Maharao Sinh Madansinhji Museum has a varied collection of paintings, photographs and embroideries as well as a collection of old princely-state coins. The Fuvara Mahal (Fountain Palace) is a room devoted entirely to decadence and leisure. The Hira Mahal (Diamond Palace) has some superb embroidery pieces. The Kutchh Museum was founded in 1877 by Sir James Fergusson, a governor of Bombay under the British Raj. Overnight at Hotel.

Day - 14

Bhuj
Spend the day exploring the villages around Bhuj to get a glimpse of various pastoral nomads, their lifestyle, arts and crafts. The region is renowned for its silverware, tie-and-dye fabrics, weaving, block-printing and particularly its fine needlework. Return to Hotel for overnight stay.

Day - 15

Bhuj to Zainabad (260 Km / 6½ hours)

Depart early in the morning on the drive to Zainabad, situated at the edge of the Rann of Kutchh. The Little Rann of Kutch is a breeding ground for flamingoes and pelicans. The Indian wild ass lives in the Little Rann and part of the area is a sanctuary to preserve this rare animal. On arrival check in at the Zainabad Camp. There may be time to take a jeep safari into the sanctuary. Overnight at Camp.

Day - 16

Zainabad to Ahmedabad and Fly to Mumbai (110 Km / 2½ hours)

After breakfast, depart for Ahmedabad. En route visit Patan, an ancient Hindu capital before it was sacked by Muhamud of Ghazni in 1024.Also visit the Sun Temple at Modhera which is a rare edifice of the Solanki era (11th century) when the art of temple building in Gujarat had reached its height. Anahil Patan, the capital of Gujarat at that time was known for gorgeous temples, imposing palaces and fine buildings of the kind seen at Modhera. On arrival in Ahmedabad check in at the airport to board flight to Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai airport you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day - 17

Mumbai

Morning at leisure. Afternoon proceed for city tour of Mumbai. The city tour includes Gateway of India The Prince of Wales Museum, Flora Fountain, now called Hutatma Chowk (Martyr's Square, Marine, Afghan Memorial Church, Clock, Crawford Market which has bas-reliefs designed by Kipling's father; the massive Victoria Terminus and Municipal Corporation building. Also of interest are the Hanging Gardens on Malabar Hill, from where you get a magnificent panoramic view of the metropolis and the Arabian Sea.

Return back to the hotel and late evening departure transfer to International airport to board flight for homeward journey.