SPLENDID GUJARAT

Duration : 20 Days

Ahmedabad - Jambughoda - Bhavnagar - Sasangir - Junagadh - Gondal - Bhuj -

Hodka - Mandvi - Dasada - Poshina - Ahmedabad

Day 01 : Ahmedabad
Arrive Ahmedabad, transfer to prebooked hotel. Ahmedabad, the city was named after Sultan Ahmed Shah, who founded it in 1411 A.D. Situated on the banks of Sabarmati river, Ahmedabad is the commercial and cultural capital of Gujarat. A Quintessential mix of the Old and New, it has a lot to offer to an art lover and cultural architecture. A sojourn into the old walled city reveals an intriguing labyrinth of by-lanes and exquisitely carved wooden mansions and is full of architectural delights. Ahmedabad has many monuments constructed using a blend of Hindu and Muslim influences. Its local flavor, friendly people and sunny weather make it an interesting destination for any traveller.

Day 02 : Ahmedabad
Full day sightseeing of Ahmedabad. Visit the Jumma Masjid, built in 1423 AD by Ahmed Shah, this mosque combines the best of Hindu and Muslim Architecture. It stands tall on 260 pillars, which support 15 domes.
Shaking Minarets, the amazing features of these and the other minarets is that one minaret is shaken, the other one vibrates too.
Calico Museum, this museum which is today regarded as one of the finest textile museums in the world, started as a Calico Textile Mill.
Gandhi Ashram or Sabarmati Ashram is situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River and is a must see for anyone who wishes to understand and get to know Mahatma Gandhi better. The ashram has the cottage from where Gandhi fought for Indian Independence and a small but sensitively put together museum displaying his few possessions and many other facts about Gandhi.
Adalaj stepwell - These wells are amongst the best of ancient Indian architecture. These step wells are exquisitely carved, and run several stories deep ; Siddi Saiyed Mosque - This mosque near Lal Darwaaza has earned worldwide fame for its magnificent stone Tracey. The tracey is acclaimed for its splendid Jaali screen, framed in ten semi circular windows. This is a unique site where the lathic work & exquisite carvings in stone has been a source of inspirations to all those who love art.

Day 03 : Ahmedabad - Jambughoda (200 kms., 4 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, drive to Jambughoda, enroute visit Champaner, the site of Pavagarh archeological Park (A World Heritage Site) There is a concentration of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties cradled in an impressive landscape which includes prehistoric (chalcolithic) sites, a hill fortress of an early Hindu capital, and remains of the 16th century capital of the state of Gujarat. The site also includes, among other vestiges, fortifications, palaces, religious buildings, residential precincts,agricultural structures and water installations, from the 8th to the 14th centuries. Arrive Jambughoda and check-in at Jambughoda Palace (A Nature Lovers Retreat – rooms facing the forested hills of Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, good for bird watching)

Day 04 : Jambughoda
Full day excursion to the tribal villages. Most of the tribals living in and around Jambughoda are ‘Rathwas’ and ‘Nayaks’. They are superstitious and God-fearing. The entrance to their home is through a richly carved wooden door with figurines and tribal icons. The front is usually decorated with Pithora paintings for which the ‘Rathwas are known for. The tribals do not live in hamlets. Their dwellings are separated from each other by considerable distance. The tribal museum of Chhota Udaipur has a large collection of tribal artefacts. Many tribal artefacts are also brought for sale in the ‘hats’ (weekly markets) in the city and nearby villages.

Day 05 : Jambughoda - Bhavnagar (350 kms, 06 hrs.)
After breakfast, drive to Bhavnagar, it was founded in 1723 AD by Bhavsinhji Gohil (1703-64 AD) and was named after its founder and ruler. It was capital of Bhavnagar State which was the first princely state to merge with the democratic Indian Union in 1948. Arrive Bhavnagar and check-in at Nilambag Palace (Heritage Hotel).

Day 06 : Bhavnagar
After breakfast, day return trip to Palitana (56 kms), a major pilgrimage of the ‘Jain’ religion. There are more than 1300 temples located on the Shatrunjaya hills, exquisitely carved in marble. The main temple on top of the hill, is dedicated to 1st tirthankar lord Adinath (Rishabdeva).

Day 07 : Bhavnagar - Sasangir (287 kms, 05 hrs.)
After breakfast, leave for Sasangir - The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965, with a total area of 1412 km² (about 258 km² for the fully protected area (the National Park) and 1153 km² for the Sanctuary), the park is located 65 km to the south-east of Junagadh. It is the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica) and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. The count of 2,375 distinct fauna species of Gir includes about 38 species of mammals, around 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and more than 2,000 species of insects. The carnivores group mainly comprises Asiatic lions, Indian Leopards, Sloth bears, Jungle cats, Striped Hyenas, Golden Jackals, Indian Mongoose, Indian Palm Civets, and Ratels. Desert cats and Rusty-spotted cats exist but are rarely seen. The main herbivores of Gir are Chital, Nilgai (or Bluebull), Sambar, Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara and Wild boar. Blackbucks from the surrounding area are sometimes seen in the sanctuary Among the smaller mammals, Porcupine and Hare are common but the Pangolin is rare. The reptilians are represented by the mugger Marsh crocodile (highest population among all protected areas in India), the Indian Star Tortoise and the Monitor Lizard in the water areas of the sanctuary. Snakes are found in the bushes and forest. Pythons are sighted at times along the stream banks The plentiful avifauna population has more than 300 species of birds, most of which are resident. Arrive Sasangir and check-in at prebooked hotel.

Day 08 : Sasangir
Morning and afternoon, jungle safari inside the park in a jeep.

Day 09 : Sasangir - Junagarh - Gondal
After breakfast, drive to Gondal, enroute visit Junagadh, an ancient fortified city rich in myth and legend, Junagadh lies at the foot of Girnar Hill and takes its name from the 'Old Fort' which circles the medieval town. The Girnar Hills stands from 2500 years BC having a legend of the rimes of the emperor Ashoka (250 BC) whose fourteen Rock Edicts can be seen cut into a great rock outside the city. Junagadh breathes history. These edicts, set up by Ashoka, the Great Indian emperor, date back 2200 years. Within this ancient fort of Uparkot, the architectural marvels of Hindu Chudasma rulers and Muslim Mohmud Beghda coexist in perfect harmony. The majestic Mohabatkhan Maqbara, a memorial to Junagadh's Babi Ruler and the Veritable Darbar Hall Museum show that Junagadh continued to make history untill as recently as 100 years ago. There are also two stepwells, Jama Masjid and Buddhist caves in the fort premises. Arrive Gondal and check-in at Orchard Palace.

Day 10 : Gondal - Bhuj (275 kms, 06 hrs.)
After breakfast, drive to Bhuj, located near the Gilf of Kutch is an ancient walled city known for its unique heritage and culture with its small, meandering streets, palaces and temples. It not only has numerous places of interest within the city, but villages around it that are very famous for their traditional handicrafts and embroidery. Arrive Bhuj and check-in at prebooked hotel.

Day 11 : Bhuj
After breakfast, excursion to the tribal villages that are very famous for their traditional handicrafts and embroidery. (Special permits have to be obtained from local government offices to visit these villages)

Afternoon, sightseeing of Bhuj - known for its palaces, built in the traditional Kutchi style. Aina Mahal or the Palace of Mirrors (Old Palace), surrounded by a small, fortified courtyard built in the 18th century, is located in the old part of the city. It is an important tourist spot and houses a museum within it. The Hall of Mirrors and the Pleasure Pool within this palace are important. Near the Aina Mahal, is the Prag Mahal (New Palace), which was built in the latter half of the 19th century. The Kuchh Museum, formerly known as the Ferguson Museum (named after its founder Sir James Ferguson, Governor of Mumbai during the rule of the British), was built in 1877 and has a good collection of artifacts, depicting the history and culture of Bhuj and its surroundings. It is also the oldest Museum in the state of Gujarat.

Day 12 : Bhuj - Hodka (60 km, 01 hrs.)
After breakfast, drive to Hodka and check-in at Sham-e-Sarhad (Sunset at the border) Village Resort, owned and operated by the Village Tourism Committee of the indigenous people from Hodka village. The Endogenous Tourism Project in Hodka village seeks to promote local culture and craft based tourism for sustainable livelihoods and integrated rural development. Imagine an authentic and charming retreat... Complemented by the unique experience of being hosted by the local community... And the richness of culture that awaits you here. Designed in local style, and exquisitely decorated with mirror work, textiles and other local crafts, the Shaam-e-Sarhad Village Resort is the perfect gateway to a genuine travel experience in India.

Later, explore the Hodka Artisans Village for traditional embroideries, leather work. Visit the surrounding villages to witness the beautiful traditional mud houses with mirror work and other villages of different communities.

Day 13 : Hodka - Mandvi (125 km, 1.5 hrs.)
After breakfast, drive to Mandvi, one of the finest beaches of Gujarat. Arrive Mandvi and check-in at The Beach at Mandvi

Day 14 : Mandvi
Day free at the beach.

Day 15 : Mandvi - Dasada (325 km, 6 hrs.)
After breakfast, drive to Dasada. Arrive Dasada and check in at Rann Riders Safari Resort, situated near the village of Dasada, a few minutes drive from the entrance of the Little Rann of Kutch Wild Ass Sanctuary.

Day 16 : Dasada
Morning and afternoon, cross-desert safari in the little Rann of Kutch. The Rann of Kutch is a geographically unique landscape that was once an arm of the Arabian Sea. As the land separated from the sea by geological forces, it became a vast, featureless plain encrusted with salt that is inundated with water during the rains.
The safari across the Little Rann visits the 'bets', islands on the ancient seabed that are now higher grounds covered with grass and scrub. These 'bets' support a variety of wildlife including the 'Gudkhur' (Asiatic wild ass) that is not found elsewhere. The wild ass is a handsome chestnut brown member of the equus genus (horse family). Capable of reaching high speeds when galloping across the Rann, the wild ass is usually seen in small herds. The elegant blackbuck (Indian antelope), nilgai or blue bull (India's largest antelope) and the graceful chinkara (Indian gazelle) are other mammals seen at the ‘bets’. The main carnivores of the Little Rann of Kutch are the endangered Indian wolf, desert fox, Indian fox, jackals, desert and jungle cats, and a few hyenas.

Day 17 : Dasada - Poshina
After breakfast, drive to Poshina, enroute visit the stepwells and fort at Patan and the Sun temple at Modhera built in 1026 CE. Arrive Poshina and check-in at Darbaragarh.

Day 18 : Poshina
Excursion by jeep which offers fascinating glimpses in to rural Indian life. The most interesting being the terra cotta army of horses. Drives throughout the picturesque countryside will include visits to the remote villages of the ‘Adivasi’ and ‘Garasia’ tribals who will also give you archery demonstrations. Pastoral people like the ‘Rabaris’ who keep camels, sheep and goat. Walk through poshina village. Imagine a market bustling with activity where you can watch colourful women from the tribal hamlets and tribal men unloading there produce. You will be able to observe craftsmen at work-forging swords, daggers, bows and arrows, potters making terra cotta horses and other figurines, besides clay utensils, jewellers sell chunky ornaments to the tribals. The 1214 A.D. built Jain temples and the ancient richly carved Shiva temple is worth a visit.

Day 19 : Poshina - Ahmedabad (200 km, 4 hrs.)
Morning free for individual activities.
Afternoon, drive to Ahmedabad. Arrive Ahmedabad, check-in at prebooked hotel.

Day 20 : Depart Ahmedabad
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board onward/return flight.