PALACES & VILLAGES OF GUJARAT
Overview
Palaces & Villages of Gujarat Tour Package Itinerary : – Ahmedabad – Patan – Modhera – Dasada – Little Rann of Kutch – Bhuj – Hodka Village – Anjar Village – Gondal – Junagarh – Somnath Temple – Sasangir – Gir National Park – Diu – Palitana – Bhavnagar – Lothal – Ahmedabad – Delhi / Bombay
This tour is perfect for those travelers wishing to discover the best of Gujarat with some highlights from The Indus Civilization – Mohenjodaro to UNESCO World Heritage Site-Hodka a village (Mutwa community) generally built of traditional mud houses (Bhungas), in which mirrors are embedded. We discover the golden villages of Kutch, while staying in some of old palaces and castles. Surely the climax of this tour must be visiting Panikota Fort: A 16th-century ruin from the Portuguese era,it was initially a Diu Jail with magnificent view of the Arabian sea.. . Same coast line will take us towards Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, it is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus, to a Buddhist Caves, or visiting Calico Museum and its extraordinary collection of ancient textiles, from numerous archaeological sites ranging from Egypt to India.
ARRIVAL AHMEDABAD
Arrival Ahmedabad in the morning, on arrival transfer to hotel. Post lunch visit capital of the state of Gujarat, visit the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, built by the Swami Narayan sect and by more than 1000 artisans. It consists of a vast complex covered with admirable gardens and fountains. Overnight Stay at hotel.
AHMEDABAD - PATAN- MODHERA- DASADA (LITTLE RANN OF
Today after breakfast we drive to Patan visit PATOLA WEAVING: Patola is a double ikat woven from silk, made in Patan, There are hardly families in Patan now that weave these highly prized double ikat sarees.RANI KI VAV (Step Well ): on the banks of the Saraswati River, was initially built as a memorial to a king in the 11th century AD.It was built at the height of craftsmen’s’ ability in step well construction and the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, reflecting mastery of this complex technique and great beauty of detail and proportions. Later we drive towards Modhera: visit MODHERA SUN TEMPLE: The Modhera Sun Temple was made by King Bhima I of the Chalukya dynasty in the early 11th century. It is a temple made to honour the Sun God in Modhera village of Mehsana district on the bank of River Pushpavati. After the visit we will drive to Dasada. On arrival check in to the hotel. Post lunch, visit local villages to interact with villagers. In the evening, we visit Bajana Lake for visualizing the mesmerizing views of the sunset. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
DASADA: RANN OF KUTCH
Dasada, a village that falls within Gujarat's Little Rann of Kutch. Dasada has a famed desert wildlife sanctuary where you can spot the very rare and almost extinct Asiatic wild asses. Today early morning we will visit Jeep safari wildlife across the desert sanctuary. The panoramic view makes your wildlife experiences all the more impactful. Return to the hotel and have your breakfast. Post lunch after Jeep Safari Tour. Evening dinner at Camp.
DASADA – BHUJ (300 km)
Morning after breakfast, drive to Bhuj, The region is renowned for its vast plains, nomadic pastoral communities, arts such as embroidery and pottery. Bhuj is also called the Jaisalmer of Gujarat. The city is surrounded by a powerful wall whose doors were still closed at night. On arrival check in to the hotel. Late After visiting the local Bazaar. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
BHUJ - HODKA Village
This morning after breakfast, we will depart for the village of Hodka. We visit typical villages, meet families of craftsmen and take the opportunity to admire their finely executed embroidery work (Pakko, Neran, Kambhiro, Applique styles, etc., as well as their leather work Lunch at Shamm e Mahfil site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Hodka. It is a village (Mutwa community) generally built of traditional mud houses (Bhungas), in which mirrors are embedded. Sunset from the village of Dhordo. Later we will visit the Dattatray Temple located at the top of Karodungar, to admire the most beautiful views of the great Rann of Kutch. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
BHUJ - ANJAR Village
Early drive to the village of Anjar, known for its metalwork and tie-dyeing. We visit the workshops of Ajrakh (woodblock printing), the Bhujodi master weavers, as well as the village of Ahir, where the Dhaneti are the specialists in mirror work. Lunch at a restaurant in Anjar before returning to Bhuj to visit the local bazaar. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
BHUJ – GONDAL (260 KM/ 6 hrs )
Today morning after early breakfast we will drive at 8am to Gondal. En route at Rajkot we stop for lunch and to visit the Sana Caves. According to historians, the construction of caves had started by the 2nd century BC. It is a group of 62 Buddhist rock shelters carved out of soft rock and scattered at different levels. The most interesting group has ornate carvings and stupas, rock cut pillows, benches and chaityas. If time allows, we will also visit the Khambhalida caves from the 4th and 5th century AD (Buddhist period), to admire the sculptures of the Bodhisattvas, the most beautiful of which is Padmapani at the entrance. Then we continue our journey towards Gondal. Around 4 p.m. we arrive at our accommodation, decorated in particular with the private collection of textiles and objects that belonged to the maharani (the Maharajah's wife). At the end of the day, visit the palace of Naulaka, part of the fortified complex of Gondal, or the lake of Gondal to observe migratory birds. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
GONDAL-JUNAGARH (65 KM/ 1.5 hr)
Morning walk after a short transfer to Junagarh. The site is full of wonders such as its historic fort, its Buddhist caves, the Edicts of Ashoka engraved on granite, its royal mausoleum and a Jain temple built on top of Mount Girnar. To reach this site with its breathtaking panorama, you have to climb a stone staircase with many steps. On the surrounding hills are also Hindu temples and sixteen other Jain temples. Till late afternoon of discovery and wonder, in an incredible mix of pilgrims and religious devotion. Evening visit Damodhar Kund. Overnight at a simple hotel in Junagarh.
JUNAGARH - SOMNATH TEMPLE (95 km / 45 M) - SASANGIR (GIR NATIONAL PARK) (50 KM / 1.30 hr)
Morning after breakfast we drive to SOMNATH JYOTIRLINGA TEMPLE It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is believed to be first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. After visiting and spending some time,we will drive another 1.5 hrs to SASANGIR.
GIR NATIONAL PARK: Gir National Park and Sanctuary is the only place in Asia to find the last Asiatic lions in the wild. There are also many species of birds, mammals and reptiles. On arrival at Entrance gate of Gir National Park, first we have lunch & later we start our Game Safari to discover the local fauna and flora. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
SASANGIR - DIU (95 KM / 2 hrs)
Early morning we start our Game safari tour to Gir national park. After the safari we will go back to the hotel and have breakfast. Then we will visit the village of Sasangir with different communities Sorathi, Rabari and Maldhariqui who live nearby. Noon Drive to Diu. Diu is an island that gently rocked the waves from the Arabian Sea. It has a very great heritage and a rich culture, formed by the fusion of local Gujarati culture and the foreign Portuguese culture. On arrival check in to the hotel. Evening free at leisure or visit the beach. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
DIU
After breakfast this morning we will start with Fudam Village GANGESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE: Situated amidst serenity and scenic beauty, the Gangeshwar Temple is dedicated to the transformer of Hindu trinity, Lord Shiva. This temple is famous for its five Shiva Lingas, rocks in the shape of Lord Shiva which are present in the middle of the sea. After lunch visit DIU TOWN: a maze of narrow, meandering streets and many of the houses are well festooned and brightly painted. At the back of the Town Square there’s a small but interesting BAZAAR. Shopping in Diu is a real pleasure. Later we will visit DIU FORT: The Fort of Diu is a colossal structure that occupies a prominent place on the tourist’s list. The enchanting fort commands a magnificent view of the sea, we visit PANIKOTA FORT: A 16th-century ruin from the Portuguese era, the Panikota Fort was initially a Diu Jail. Formerly known as Fortim-do-Mar, this fort is a historic structure right in the middle of the seas. Hence, reaching this attraction would need a motorboat or a canoe. From the lighthouse we can enjoy a very beautiful view of the coast. Later we will return to the hotel. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
DIU- PALITANA ( 170 KM / 3.5 Hrs.)
After breakfast, we will leave for Palitana. On arrival check in to the hotel and lunch. In the afternoon, Jain Art Museum and its superb ancient collections. Evening visit Vijay Vilas Palace and its surroundings. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
PALITANA
Palitana is one of the most famous Jain pilgrimage sites and the gateway to Shatunjaya Hill, a place of silence, prayers and contemplation. Early in the morning, we leave for an ascent of nearly two hours and nearly 3,500 steps! We take our time, in the company of pilgrims who have come with their families from all over India, to reach a veritable city of temples. There will be 863, built between the 16th to 19th Century reflecting a variety of architecture. The temples are decorated with gold, silver and precious stones donated by wealthy merchants. Some are grand like the temple of Shri Adishwar, others much more modest. On a clear day, the view of the Gulf of Cambay is fascinating. After a late lunch, visit a local handicraft center where we can admire the fabric embroidery work of the Koli communities. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
PALITANA – BHAVNAGAR 60 km / 1.5 HRS
After breakfast drive to Bhavnagar. Capital of a princely state until independence, on arrival check in to the hotel. Later visit the Temple of Takteshwar, this hilltop temple is one of the oldest recorded holy sites in all of Gujarat. Established in 1893, the temple is named after its founder, Maharaja TakhatSinghji, the king of the time. The pathway to the temple is more a trek laid along a marble staircase that overlooks a breathtaking view of the lush green site. visit the museums of Barton and Gandhi, with their collections of carved wood, crafts, weapons, but especially old photos and documents recalling that Mahatma Gandhi was a student at the University of Bhavnagar. Evening at the magnificent Nilambagh Palace. This former Maharajah's palace is famous for its reception hall and its splendid mosaic floor, with a very special atmosphere. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
BHAVNAGAR- -LOTHAL - AHMEDABAD 190 KM / 4 hrs
Early breakfast, After drive for 2 hrs to LOTHAL the oldest sites of The Indus Civilization - Mohenjodaro. Dating from the 2nd millennium BC, the most spectacular part of the complex consists of brick masonry docks. After, we will visit UNESCO SITE, drive to reach Ahmedabad. If possible visit Calico Museum and its extraordinary collection of ancient textiles, from numerous archaeological sites ranging from Egypt to India. Ahmedabad was and still is a major textile center of the country. The collection of 12th century Kalamkaris, made to order for the Dutch and the English, is remarkable.. Then visit the Sabarmati Ashram, founded in 1917 by Gandhi, on his return from South Africa. It was the starting point of the salt march of 1930, the first act of peaceful resistance to the English and the movement for Indian independence.
AHMEDABAD- DELHI / BOMBAY
After breakfast transfer to the Airport to board your onward journey flight to home.