Gujarat Tour Package

Luxurious Heritage Travel > India > Gujarat Tour Package

Destination

AHMEDABAD – PATAN – MODHERA – DASADA –BHUJ – GONDAL – JUNAGARH – DIU – BHAVNAGAR – PALITANA – JUMBHUGHODA

Duration

12 Nights / 13 Days

Customize This Tour

This itinerary is customizable according to your need

Inclusions

Accommodation

Transfer

Meals

Sightseeing

Itinerary

Day 1

Ahmedabad

Arrive in Ahmedabad. Our representative will welcome you at the Ahmedabad Airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Ahmedabad located on the banks of the Sabarmati River and once served as the capital of Gujarat, has a strong relationship with India’s struggle for independence. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation lived here for several years and the city served as the starting point for famous Dandi March. Today, the city is renowned for its mushrooming IT and scientific industries and unconventional design as it is for its primitive architecture. It has built its wealth on the flourishing textile industry, therefore earned it the nickname as “the Manchester of the East.” This largest city in Gujarat remains soaked in history and has a wealth of historical attractions.

In the afternoon, we shall go for sightseeing of the city.

We shall first visit Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram. Located on the west banks of Sabarmati River, this was Gandhi’s dwelling place from 1917-1930 during his battle for India’s independence. The legendary salt march to Dandi on the Gulf of Cambay was started in the year 1913 from here. The Ashram also showcases Gandhi’s belongings, that are on display.

Next, we visit the famous Calico Textile Museum, which is one of the finest textile museums in the world displaying an impressive collection of rare textiles and costumes that date back to the early 17th century. (One needs to take prior permission to enter the textile museum and it is open only in the morning).

Later, proceed to Adalaj Step Well. Stepwell or Baori, built by Muslim king Mohammed Begda for Queen Rani Roopba in the year 1499, are man-made ponds in which the water is stored. These five storied well is intricately carved and various festivals and sacred rituals are held here. The structure is built in sandstone on carved pillars and is built in Solanki architecture style.

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Ahmedabad

Day 2

Ahmedabad – Patan – Modhera – Dasada (260 KM, 5 Hours)

In the morning, we leave for Dasada

Stop en-route and visit Patan.

Patan is an ancient fortified town, founded by Vanraj Chavda in 745 AD. It is famous for its forts, step wells, lakes and places of worship. The main attractions of the city are Rani ki Vav and Patola Weaving Center.

Rani ka Vav is a stepwell, developed during the period of the Solanki dynasty and is one of the richly sculptured monuments of the region and now a world UNESCO World Heritage site. The steps begin at ground level, and lead down through several pillared pavilions to the deep well below. There are more than 800 elaborate sculptures among seven galleries.

Next, we will visit Patola Weaving Center. Patola is a double Ikat weave, which has no reverse side, that is it can be worn from both the sides. Due to this feature, the colour of Patola doesn’t fade even after a 100 years of usage, although the fabric might wear out. According to a narrative, King Kumarpal from Solanki dynasty was extremely fond of Patola and wore it to all auspicious and formal occasions. Since it was made elsewhere, the king found it inconvenient so he shifted the craftsmen to his capital. Since then, Patola has been produced only in Patan, Gujarat. Patola-weaving is therefore a closely guarded family tradition with only three families left in Patan who weave these highly prized double ikat saris. The craft of weaving rests exclusively with the Salvi family in Patan who manufactures Patolas for royalty and aristocracy, which makes a visit to Patolo Weaving Centre a must-visit and an experience in itself!

Later, we shall proceed to visit Sun Temple of Modhera. The temple is one of the seven temples that is dedicated to the Sun God. Pillars of the temple count ancient stories, scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata are intricately carved. The temple features a Surajkund, water tank to perform ceremonial rites; the Sabha mandap, the hall used for religious gatherings, and the gudha mandap which once housed the divine idol. The most interesting fact of the temple is that there was no blue print made before the construction and the mathematical calculations were so precise that the first rays of the sun fall directly on the main Deity of the temple.

Late in the evening, we reach Dasada and check in at the hotel.

Dasada is the part of Little Rann of Kutch. This small yet beautiful village is surrounded by wetlands and has a long stretch of sandy desert. It provides a great platform for tourists to discover the unique lifestyle and the ecosystem of the region, which is known for its local handicrafts.

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Dasada

Day 3

Dasada

Enjoy a jeep safari in Little Rann of Kutch in the morning and again in the afternoon. Little Rann of Kutch has a unique landscape which supports a unique wildlife. The place is a home to Asiatic wild ass, the elegant black buck, Nilgai which is India’s largest antelope and Indian gazelle. The place is also a bird watcher’s paradise as one can spot flamingos, pelicans, ducks, cranes and storks here.

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Dasada

Day 4

Dasada – Bhuj (300 KM , 6 Hours)

In the morning, we leave for Bhuj. Upon arrival check in at hotel.

Bhuj, a city in Kutch district of Gujarat, is known for its small, meandering streets, palaces and temples. This beautiful town was founded by Maharao Hamir in in 1510 and has a vibrant and rich history. It is an ideal starting point for Rann of Kutch which is a natural reserve.

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Bhuj

Day 5

Bhuj

We start the day with a full day excursion tour to the villages in Banni.

Banni has around 40 quaint little villages wherein you can meet the local craftsmen who are masters in their craft and display 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.

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Bhuj

Day 6

Bhuj – Gondal (315 KM, 7 Hours)

In the morning, we shall leave for Gondal.

We stop en-route at Anjar.

Anjar is claimed to be the oldest town of Kutch, founded around 650 AD. Anjar is famous for its local markets and its impossible for one to come to Anjar and return home empty handed as the markets of the city offers an exciting range of metal handicrafts. One also gets to interact with the locals and understand the culture and traditions.

We also visit craft villages on the way to Gondal to see woolen varieties, wooden block printing with natural vegetable dyes and natural colors. Handicrafts are the living traditions of Kutch and they generate a variety of embroidered garments.

We continue our drive to Gondal and upon arrival, we check in at the hotel for overnight stay.

Gondal houses a number of palaces and a calm river. It’s a small scale city and relatively tranquil compared to other Gujarati cities, thus making an overnight stay here worthwhile.

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Gondal

Day 7

Gondal – Junagarh (100 KM, 2 Hours)

In the morning, we start with the sightseeing of Gondal.
First, we visit Naulakha Palace. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful palace in Gondal, which dates back to 17th century. It is famous for the beautiful stone carvings and houses royal mementos including toys of the late 19th & early 20th century, silver caskets that carried messages & gifts for the Maharaja (king), elephant howdahs & royal portraits. It also has a royal saloon suite, which has its own drawing room, dining room, bedroom & bathroom in a converted railway carriage.

Next, we visit the Royal Garages, which have an extensive collection of vintage and classic cars from 1910 to 1955, limousine and sports cars from 1950 and 1960, American cars from 1940 and 1950, and a fleet of four-wheel drive vehicles from the World War II and post-war period. Most of these cars are restored and some bear the original Gondal State number plates.

The Riverside Palace at Gondal is a Government of India’s classified heritage hotel, and the Orchard Palace has also been converted into a heritage hotel. The interiors of these properties are equipped with the furniture, antiques and artifacts from those days.

In the evening, we leave for Junagadh and check-in at the hotel.

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Junagadh

Day 8

Junagarh – DIU (100 KM, 2 Hours)

In the morning, we start the sightseeing tour of Junagarh and visit Mahabat Maqbara.

Mahabat maqbara is an impressive mausoleum with splendid arches, domes and towering minarets. The structure is known for its opulent and intricately carved architecture. The structure features beautifully carved silver doors and is the tomb of Nawab Mahabatkhanji.

Next, we visit the Durbar Hall Museum, which displays an interesting collection of weapons, silver articles, thrones, costumes, tapestries, and paintings which exhibit the lifestyle of the Nawab. Earlier it was a palace of Nawab of Junagadh, which has now been converted into a museum.

Later, we visit Uparkot Fort, an impressive fort built during the Mauryan dynasty. The fort was built by Chandragupta in 319 BC and is situated at the foothills of Girnar Hills. The fort remained buried and undiscovered for more than 300 years and was later discovered in 976 AD. Over the centuries the fort was rebuilt by many rulers. The fort features various archeological sites such as Babupyana Caves, Naugham Kuva, Jama Masjid, Buddhist Caves and Adi-Kadi Vav.

Ashoka Rock Edict, a large boulder can be found on the way to Girnar Hill temples. On this boulder, you can see inscription of fourteen edicts by Emperor Ashoka. The inscription is written in Brahmi script with an iron pen and dates back to 250 BC. Later on, Rudradamana and Skandagupta also added some inscriptions in Sanskrit that are very significant archeologically.

In the afternoon, we shall leave for Diu. En- route stop at Somnath and visit the famous Somnath temple.

Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred and oldest temple in the country. It was first of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva and is signified as the most celebrated pilgrimage site.
Arrive at Diu and check in at hotel for overnight stay.

Diu was the former Portuguese colony which was liberated in 1961. Diu is an exotic location with beckoning beaches. Diu’s monuments and churches indicate its rich heritage. This calm island boasts of a perfect blend of sand, sun and sea. You will experience the surreal touch of Portuguese history flowing through the veins of this beautiful island.

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Diu

Day 9

DIU – Bhavnagar (200 KM, 4 Hours)

In the morning we shall visit the local fish market.

Then, we visit Fort of Diu, a majestic fort overlooking the Arabian Sea. The fort was built in 1535 and was known to provide strategic vantage point against invaders. The fort features a wonderful collection of cannon, engraved tombstone fragments, and small chapels.

Later, you can relax and take a leisurely walk on the beach.
In the evening, we shall leave for Bhavnagar.

Bhavnagar was founded in 1724 by Bhavsinhji Gohil. The rich history of ocean trade, vibrant culture, local bazaars and enchanting architecture makes Bhavagar a must visit.

Upon arrival, check in at hotel.

During the afternoon visit local bazaar of Bhavnagar.

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Bhavnagar

Day 10

Bhavnagar – Palitana – Bhavnagar (120 KM, 3 Hours)

In the morning, we leave for an excursion to Pailtana.

Palitana is one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Jain religion and is world’s largest Temple Complex. The city is known for 863 small and big Jain temples that are located on the top of the hill. Siddha Kshetra Shri Shatrunjaya Teerth is perched on the top of the hill which is adorned by 3500 temples. It took 900 years for the completion of these white marble temples. The marble image of the deity is adorned with gold ornaments decorated with precious jewels.

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Bhavnagar

Day 11

Bhavnagar – Jambughoda (260 KM, 5 Hours)

In the morning, we leave for Jambughoda and en-route, we visit Champaner.

Champaner is a historical city which was built by Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat. UNSECO- protected World Heritage Site, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is situated here. Champaner is also known for the famous Jama Masjid built by Sultan Begada that ranks amongst the finest architectural edifices in Gujarat.
We then continue the drive to Jambughoda.

Jambughoda is a base point to visit Bhilala and Bayaka tribal villages. It is a perfect gateway that allows you to leave your fast paced metropolitan city life behind and be with nature to simply enjoy and rejuvenate.

On arrival, check in at hotel.

In the afternoon, we will leave for an excursion to tribal villages around the area to experience the primitive lifestyle along with Pithora wall paintings. The entrance to the tribe’s home is through a richly carved wooden door with ornaments and tribal icons as they are God fearing people and superstitious.

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Jambughoda

Day 12

Jambughoda – Ahmedabad (200 KM, 4 Hours)

In the morning, we visit tribal market called haat in the nearby village. Haat is a weekly market place to which the tribals from the surrounding areas bring their hand-made products such as jewelry, earthenware, simple farm implements and farm produce, to sell or barter. Apart from these products, there is very active and noisy bargaining over goats, chickens and bullocks.

After this visit, we leave for Ahmedabad. On the way, we will visit Khambhat.

Khambat, once an important port is now a commercial trading centre for cotton, grains, tobacco, textiles, and carpets. Petroleum was also discovered in the area. Khambat is possibly the only place in India where the Harappan craft – bead making- is still prevalent in the living traditiona.

Finally, we proceed to Ahmedabad and check in at hotel.

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Ahmedabad

Day 13

Departure from Ahmedabad

We transfer you to the airport for you to board a flight to onward destination with everlasting imprints of this mesmerizing tour organized by State Express in your mind.