Best of Gujarat
Unfairly overlooked by many travellers scurrying between Mumbai and Rajasthan, Gujarat is an easy, and highly rewarding, sidestep off the tourist trail.
While its major city Ahmedabad can draw you in with its deep sense of culture and remarkable architecture, the countryside holds most of the state’s many treasures. Artisans in tribal villages weave, embroider, dye and print some of India’s finest textiles, and excellent parks harbour unique wildlife, including migratory birds, wild asses and growling prides of Asiatic lions. Sacred Jain and Hindu pilgrimage sites sit atop mountains that rise dramatically from vast flatlands.
For lovers of sand and sea, the chilled-out, former Portuguese island enclave of Diu lies just off the state's southeastern coast.
Gujarat also claims a special relationship to Mahatma Gandhi – he was born here, he ignited the satyagraha movement from here, he made his Salt March here – and his legacy remains visible in many places.
Photos
Itinerary
- Day 1
ARRIVAL AHMEDABAD
Upon arrival at Ahmedabad, A warm welcome to Vibrant Gujarat by our representative, Transfer to Hotel for check in
Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat. It is the Seventh largest city in India with population of approximately 7 million. It is the fastest growing city of India, and ranked third as the fastest growing cities worldwide
Later proceed for Local Sightseeing tour covering Gandhi Ashram, Step-wells of Adalaj & Akshardham Temple Complex [closed on Monday]
Gandhi Ashram
True, indeed, that wherever Gandhiji stopped has become a place of pilgrimage and wherever he roamed has become a sanctified place. The Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, so named after the holy river Sabarmati, situated on the river’s banks is such an example. This site no longer functions as a working ashram but as a museum and an institution whose aim is to preserve and propagate the legacy of the Mahatma.
Adalaj Stepwells
The Adalaj Wav Step Well is located 12 kilometers north of Ahmedabad in the Gandhinagar district. It was built during the reign of Queen Rudabai, a muslim ruler. Though now dry, the well once provided water to weary travellers and pilgrims along the roads outside of Ahmedabad. The four-level well is dug directly into the water table, exposing fresh water that rose and fell according the seasons and the amount of rainfall. Its deep interior provided cool relief from the harsh Indian sun.
Continue sightseeing with visit to Akshardham Temple
Once back to Ahmedabad, visit Night market at law Garden
Most popular picnic spot in the city, the LawGarden in Ahmedabad would be a fantastic experience to all. Located at the heart of the city, the lovely ambiance of the garden provides the visitor with enormous and splendid pastime hobbies. Along with lots of recreational activities, one can make the evenings more colourful by tasting the mouth-watering delicacies of Gujarat. Law Garden is a hub of local vendors who sells excellent clothing items and handicraft materials. These shopping centers are more popular with the locals since it sells fine verities of Navratri outfits.
Dinner at Swati Resraurant [optional]
Overnight at Ahmedabad - Day 2
AHMEDABAD TO KUTCH
After breakfast, depart for the Rann of Kutch [desert region] [400 kms - 7 to 8 hours]
It is India's wild west, a geographic phenomenon. The flat, tortoise-shaped land (kachbo means tortoise in Gujarati), edged by the Gulf of Kachchh and Great and Little Ranns, is a seasonal island. During the dry season, the Ranns are vast expanses of hard, dried mud. Come the monsoon, they're flooded first by seawater, then by fresh river water. The salt in the soil makes the low-lying marsh area almost completely barren
Check in at hotel / Camp
Later visit White Rann at Dhordo
The White Rann is a unique entity and gives experience of a salt desert - The land appears covered with frost. The layer of salt that forms due to the receding waters from the Arabian Sea, covers the entire landscape and seems to stretches towards the horizon.
Overnight at Kutch - Day 3
KUTCH SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, day at leisure for Kutch sightseeing covering Jura for Copper Works, Nirona for Rogan Arts, Banni Villages, India Bridge for last civilian point from India to Pakistan, Kala Dungar, etc.
Nirona & Zura Villages
Visit the India Bridge, the last point for civilians before the India-Pakistan border. Spend the rest of the day exploring the fascinating arts and crafts of the region. Visit Nirona and find your way to Abdulgafoor Khatri's home for a demonstration of the ancient art of Rogan.
Originally from Persia, it involves mixing castor oil in different colours and painting on fabric using a thin metal spike. Other families in the village are proficient in leather-work and bell-making, an art also practiced by the 25 blacksmith (lohar) families of the village of Zura.
Kutch is famous for its superior silver work, both of the design and engraving of jewellery.
Banni Villages
Banni Grasslands Reserve is a part of the belt of arid grassland ecosystem situated on the outer southern edge of the Rann of Kutch. This reserve, spread over an area of 3847 sq km is known for its rich wildlife and biodiversity. It is legally protected under the status of a Protected Forest Department of India.
Hodka Village & around
The name Hodka is derived from the Gujarati word 'hodi' which means boat. The colourful attrire of the people, rich art and craft and strong cultural background of the village is what enchants the tourists most. The village is slowly becoming hot as the rural tourism destination. Hodka is first believed to have inhabited around 300 years ago by the Halepotra clan. Hodka village is quite famous for its art and craft work. Every hamlet in the village have their own distinguish designs and patterns. The area is famous for its leather craft. As part of the tradition every girl in the village is taught to embroider at an age when the other children usually prefer going to the school.
Kala Dungar Hill – Black Hill [Can be covered as part of Rann Utsav sightseeing schedule]
That’s the highest point in Kutch - 462 m, It is located at 97 km from district Headquarter of Bhuj. It is also famous for its 400 years old Temple named as "Dattatreya". Its is located very close to Indo Pak Border there is an Army Post at the top.
Overnight at Kutch - Day 4
KUTCH TO MANDVI
After breakfast, proceed to Mandvi [130 kms - 2 to 3 hours]
Mandvi is a picturesque town with many old buildings. It was an important port of the Jadeja Rajputs, who claim descent from Lord Krishna. They are said to moved to Sindh when Krishna's capital, Dwarka, was submerged by the sea
On arrival, enjoy the day at Beach Camp
Later Go for local sightseeing - Vijay Vilas Palace and Mandvi Town
Mandvi is known for its 400 year old ship building centre. The local carpenters still make ocean going Dhows in much the same way that their ancestors had done a century ago. One can go and visit the men at work, shaping the great vessels with hand tools and coaxing the seasoned timber into shape. The carrying capacity of these boats can vary from 250 tons to 1000 tons. The predecessors of these very same ships had roamed the Indian Ocean and made Kutch a maritime power. Hand made models of these Dhows can also be procured from local artisans
Overnight at Mandvi - Day 5
MANDVI TO JAMNAGAR
After breakfast, depart for Jamnagar [310 kms - 5 to 6 hours]
It is another little-touristed but interesting city, brimming with ornate, decaying buildings and colourful bazaars displaying the town's famous, brilliant-coloured bandhani (tie-dye) produced through a laborious 500-year-old process involving thousands of tiny knots in a piece of folded fabric
Check in at hotel on arrival
Later visit the Bala Hanuman Temple known for its non-stop Ram dhun since 1956 and is mentioned in the Guiness Book of World Records for this event.
Also visit Lakhota Museum, Lakhota Lake and other famous temples of Jamnagar.
Dont forget to visit the local markets in Jamnagar known for its bandhni work
The Bandhani `tie-and-dye' of Jamnagar is well known the world over. Apart from these, artifacts like Bangles with inlay of brass, Beetle nut crackers, agate paperweights; Kumkum, Kajal, Surma, ; brass covered wooden chests etc, are available at the Khadhi Bhandars around Hotel President.
Overnight at Jamnagar - Day 6
JAMNAGAR TO DWARKA
After breakfast, proceed for remaining sightseeing of Jamnagar mentioned above
Later depart for Dwarka [130 kms - 2 to 3 hours]
Dwarka literally feels like the end of the earth. This remote pilgrimage town at the extreme western tip of the Kathiawar peninsula in Gujarat, is one of the four most holy Hindu sites in India. Lord Krishna is said to have set up his capital here after fleeing from Mathura
Check in at hotel on arrival
Visit Gomti Ghat and Bhadeshwar Mahadev Temple
Gomti Ghat is situated at the mouth of the river. A bath in these waters is believed to purge the soul. The solemnity of this belief contrasts with the lively atmosphere of boys jumping into the waves and turning somersaults as people photograph them. Decorated camels, tea stands,and bearded men selling seashell jwellery by the water add to the ambience. The banks are dotted with innummerable shrines dedicated to Saraswati, Lakshmi and Samudra (God of the Sea).
Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple - The temple is on the hillock in the sea. The revered temple is behind the Geeta Mandir, in the west of Dwarka. During the high tide the temple gets surrounded by water, but at the time of ebb when the water level come backs to normal one can reach there very easily. There are steps to get into the temple.
In the evening attend the Aarti at Dwarkadish Temple
Dwarkadish is one of the most holy pilgrimage sites called the Chardham of Hindu faith and is dedicated to Lord Krishna's life. It is located on the western most tip of Saurastra region of Gujarat.
The Dwarkadish Temple looks like the giant ornate which is one of the most imposing five-storied structures of Hindu architecture in Gujarat on the confluence of river Gomti and Arabian Sea. As per the epic Mahabharata, the city in those days in the due course was submerged by the sea. The submergence of Dwarka was the cause of submergence are of historical and oceanographic interest because historic Dwarka was likely to throw light on the Dark Age of Indian history. The temple is held at a high esteem place of Hindu pilgrimage which is considered to be one of the four principal holy places or chardham also called as Mokshapuri.
Overnight at Dwarka - Day 7
DWARKA TO SOMNATH Via PORBANDAR
After breakfast, visit the Nageshwar Jyotirling, Gopi, Bet Dwarka and Rukmani Temple in Dwarka
Later in afternoon depart for Somnath - Enroute visit Porbandar
The port town of Porbandar, located between Veraval and Dwarka, is famed as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi - The Father of the Nation. Kirti Mandir is the major attraction for tourist where Putlibai gave birth to Gandhiji
Later continue drive to Somnath [230 kms - 4 to 5 hours]
Somnath's famous, phoenix-like temple stands in neat gardens above the beach, 6 kms southeast of Veraval. The sea below gives it a wistful charm
Check in at hotel on arrival
Later visit the Somnath Temple, Evening Aarti & Sound and Light Show
The shore temple of Somnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The present incarnation of the temple was commissioned by Sardar Patel in the 1950s. The temple has imposing architecture and a beautiful sight facing the blue expanse of the Arabian Sea.
One of the most revered and important centers of culture & nationalism, where this legendary temple containsthe Jyotirlinga. Looted & destroyed, built & rebuilt several times. It represents the eternal beauty & strength of the Indian society. Shree Somnath is first among the twelve AadiJyotirlings of India. It has a strategic location on the western coast of India.
Visit Triveni Sangam, Shardha Math, and Bhalka Teerth, Somnath Temple, attend evening aarti, see the Light & sound show at Somnath Temple premises
Overnight at Somnath - Day 8
SOMNATH TO SASAN GIR
Morning Aarti at the Temple
Later back to hotel for breakfast, check out & drive to Sasan Gir. [50 kms - 1 to 2 hours]
The last refuge of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is this forested, hilly, 1412-sq-km sanctuary about halfway between Veraval and Junagadh. It feels beguilingly uncommercial, and simply driving through the thick, undisturbed forests would be a joy even if there was'nt the excitement of lions and other wildlife to spot. It is the only home in India for the Asiatic Lions of which there are nearly 650 in the park
On arrival check in at hotel
Later you can visit Devalia Interpretation Park
Devalia Safari Park also known as Gir Interpretation Zone is an eco-tourism zone to reduce overload of tourists from Gir Forest and to provide wildlife of Gir a single place of safe habitats
Overnight at Sasan Gir - Day 9
SASAN GIR / JUNGLE SAFARIS
Safari at Gir National Park
Early-morning sunlight filters through the leaves and shadows skittle through the undergrowth. Suddenly, the silence is broken by the high-pitched alarm call of a spotted deer: danger is at hand. Somewhere out there the king of the jungle is hunting.
This is Gir National Park, the last home of the Asiatic lion, and Gujarat's most applauded wildlife park. Coming here on a safari is an unforgettable experience. The best time to visit is December to April.
The park was set up in 1965, and a 259-sq-km core area was declared a national park in 1975. Since the late 1960s, lion numbers have increased from under 200 to over 650 (not all of these lions live within the park). The sanctuary’s 37 other mammal species, most of which have also increased in numbers, include dainty chitals (spotted deer), sambars (large deer), nilgais (large antelopes), chousinghas (four-horned antelopes), chinkaras (gazelles), crocodiles and rarely seen leopards. The park is a great destination for birders, too, with more than 300 species, most of them resident.
Return back to the hotel in time for breakfast
Later in the day afternoon to evening Safari
Overnight at Sasan Gir - Day 10
SASAN GIR TO GONDAL
After breakfast, depart for Gondal [120 kms - 2 to 3 hours]
Compact, leafy Gondal, 38 kms south of Rajkot, sports a string of palaces and a gentle river. Its small scale and relative tranquillity compared to other Gujarati cities make an overnight stay here worthwhile. It was once capital of a 1000-sq-km princely state ruled by Jadeja Rajputs who believe they are descendants of Krishna
On arrival, check in at hotel
Later visit Swaminarayan Temple & Naulakha Palace
Naulakha Darbargadh Palace was built during the 17th century. This palace is one of the oldest and the most beautiful palace in Gondal. This palace is situated on the banks of the river on a grand masonary base, rising to the monumental scale of at least 30 meter above the river bed. This palace was built in about nine lakhs and thus named so.
Overnight at Gondal - Day 11
GONDAL TO AHMEDABAD - ENROUTE VISIT LOTHAL
After breakfast, depart for Ahmedabad [250 kms - 4 to 5 hours]
Enroute visit Lothal - A Harappan Era site : A perfect place to get an insight of the Indus Valley civilization
Lothal is one of the most famous sites of Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization. Lothal is located approximately 80 kms southwest of Ahmedabad. Present day Lothal is in the middle of quiet agricultural field, where you can see no inhabitants around the site
After visit of Lothal continue sightseeing with visit to Sun Temple at Modhera & Step Well at Patan
Continue the sightseeing with drive to Modhera to visit 11th century Sun Temple, one of the finest examples of Hindu temple architecture in western India.
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.SunTemple 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, which it predates by some 200 years. Like that temple, it was designed so that the dawn 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 Mahumad of Ghazni.
Later proceed to Patan to see the magnificently carved 11th century stepwell
Home of the famous patola silk saris, Patan is a beautiful old town with Jain temples and carved wooden houses. Ranikivav (step well) is an excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat. The exisquisitely carved side walls, pillars, beams, series of steps & platforms lead to the elaborately carved water well. Every surface is adorned with finelly chiseled sculptures of maidens & Hindu deities, religious motifs & geometrical patterns. Rani ki Vav represents the finest of the Indian sculptures and architecture.
Later continue drive to Ahmedabad
Check in at hotel upon arrival
Evening visit Utensil Museum followed by Dinner at Vishala [An ethnic Village Theme Restaurant] serving a variety of delicious Meals
Surendra Patel, an interior designer by profession, has set up a unique culinary experience in the outskirts of Ahmedabad along with a vibrant spectacular display. In the rural settings the Vishalla Restaurant offers you a taste of the delicious local cuisine along with the open courtyard full of a wide array of implements. The different utensils are placed in a simple structure set around an open courtyard. They have been collected from all over the country in an effort to demonstrate the purity of form and shape in these utilitarian objects.
Overnight at Ahmedabad - Day 12
AHMEDABAD HERITAGE WALK & VISIT TO STATUE OF UNITY / DEPARTURE FLIGHT
After early breakfast at 7 am, proceed to Swami Narayan Temple for a guided Heritage Walk of old walled city
The best way to learn about a city is through friends who know the place, but here in Ahmedabad, you can get to know the city and its intricacies even as a stranger. Take a guided Heritage Walk around the old city of Ahmedabad. The walk is conducted by guides who volunteer their precious time for this preservation effort. The tour begins at 0730 am from the Swaminarayan Temple in Kalupur with a slideshow. It takes you through various pols, havelis, Hindu and Jain temples, various sites including the famous Manek Chowk and ends at the soulful Juma Masjid at the center of the city at 10:30am.
Visit Green House for snacks [optional] and visit Siddi Sayed Mosque located right opposite
Later return to hotel & check out
Drive to Statue of Unity [near Vadodara]
This 182m (240m including the base) statue of Indian statesman and independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950) was the world's tallest statue when it was unveiled in late 2018. Built in 15 months by some 3000 workers and at a cost of around US$420 million, the statue utilises 210,000 cu metres of cement, 6500 tonnes of structural steel and 18,500 tonnes of reinforced steel, as well as 1700 tonnes of bronze plates and 1850 tonnes of bronze cladding.
Attractions & activities apart from visit to the statue available are ... Glorious view of Sardar Sarovar Dam, Eco-Tourism & Adventure Zone, Cruise, Butterfly Garden, Cactus Garden, Cycling, Nursery, River Rafting, Jungle Safari, Ayurveda Wellness Centre, Children Nutrition Park, etc.
After visit to the Statue of Unity, drive to Baroda or Ahmedabad airport for onward journey
Notes
Round the Year Destination ... Extention to Diu, Champaner & Statue of Unity at Sardar Sarovar
Hotels
Tour Inclusions [COMPLETE GUJARAT]
1 night Ahmedabad
2 nights Kutch
1 night Mandvi
1 night Jamnagar
1 night Dwarka
1 night Somnath
2 nights Sasan
1 night Gondal
1 night Ahmedabad
Chauffer driven AC vehicle for transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary inclusive of fuel, toll, parking, taxes, allowances, etc.
Breakfast at all hotels
Breakfast & dinner at Sasan Gir & Mandvi hotels
Evening Aarti at Dwarka & Somnath
Jungle Safari at Sasan Gir
Notes on itinerary
All our itineraries are "Just for Ideas" ... We will get to know you and customise an itinerary just for you that matches your requirements ... dates of travel, category of hotels, preferred airline, flexibility in choosing sightseeing, mode of travel between cities, etc.
Many of our clients have us design more relaxing, slower paced holidays with more in-depth experiences whereas some simply want to visit various destinations and cover only the highlights.
Together, we will determine the ideal route, pace of travel, accommodations, levels of pampering, style of touring, sightseeing to be included, dining preferences, adventure levels, options to meet locals, dates of travel & much more ! and based on this arrive at a price.
Do feel free to get in touch with us by a quick call on +91 79 29602961 or a short mail on mail@destinations4india.com ... Looking forward
