Arrive at Ahmedabad International Airport. After completing arrival formalities, proceed to the exit, where you are met and greeted and transferred to the hotel by Atulyam tour representative. (Rooms will be available from 1200 Hrs).
Ahmedabad, the city of Ahmed Shah (Medieval ruler of Gujarat), is known for its rich past and its association with the Mahatma (Great Soul), also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The city offers the traveler a unique style of architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles (Indo-Saracenic style of architecture). The monuments of Ahmedabad mainly date back to the 15th century. Ahmedabad has been known for its industry since medieval times. Presently it is famous for its textile mills and is often referred to as the 'Manchester of the East'.
Overnight in the hotel
After breakfast visit Calico Museum (1030am – 1230pm). (Approx. 10 Kms – 20 Mins One way from Hotel)
Calico Museum of Textile is undoubtedly one of the foremost textile museums and a celebrated institute in Indian textiles around the world. Its remarkable collection of fabrics spanning varied and remote regions of India exemplifies handicraft textiles across five centuries.
The textiles were collected with a vision to conserve, built awareness and empower the vast and deep textile heritage of India. Over the years the collection has grown into an outstanding repository of fabrics based on colors, pattern, weave and embellishment and has become a recognized center providing Indian and international scholars an opportunity to study and draw in-depth knowledge on this extraordinary range of Indian ethos. The Museum inspired by Dr. Ananda Coomaraswamy was formally housed in 1949 by Shri Gautam Sarabhai and his sister Gira Sarabhai in the large industrial house of Calico. In 1983 it was moved to the beautiful Retreat premises of the Foundation.
Later visit the Jama Masjid - (Approx. 15 Kms / 20 Mins from Calico Museum)
The magnificent Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), built in 1423 during the reign of Ahmedabad’s founder Ahmed Shah I. While all around the mosque lies the hectic frenzy of the center of the old city, step through the gates (on the north, east and south sides) and the urban chaos falls away behind you, leaving you standing in a refuge of profound serenity, accompanied only by people in quiet prayer, and birds perching on the columns.
The mosque and arcades are built of beautiful yellow sandstone and carved with the intricate detail that mosques of this period are known for. In its Indo-Saracenic architecture, the mosque also contains many syncretic elements not necessarily obvious to the viewer:
Some of the central domes are carved like lotus flowers, closely related to the typical domes of Jain temples; and some of the pillars are carved with the form of a bell hanging on a chain, in reference to the bells that often hang in Hindu temples.
Also visit Sidi Sayeed mosque. Built in 1573, it is the last of the major mosques to be built in Ahmedabad under the Mughal rule. It is surrounded by busy intersections. The carved jaalis in the windows of the western wall are known worldwide and have become a symbol of the city of Ahmedabad. Depicting a tree with intertwining branches, the carvings look like fine lace filigree work, but are hewn from solid stone. Though much smaller than the Jama Masjid, and lacking the enclosed courtyard, the craftsmanship of this mosque places it on a level nearly unequaled in the world.
Later visit the Sabarmati Ashram or Mahatma Gandhi's Home in Ahmedabad. Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, the ashram was set up by Gandhiji himself and was the central point of the Indian freedom movement. There is a museum inside the ashram. Mahatma Gandhi used to spin his charkha from the ashram itself. In those days the ashram was known as the Satyagraha Ashram. (12 Kms / 15 Mins from Jama Masjid)
Overnight in the Hotel
*Visit to Calico Museum. Entry restricted to 30 visitors – 15 visitors on the basis of first-come-first-served and 15 by group booking. It remains closed on Wednesdays and on public holidays.
After breakfast drive to Palanpur.
En-route visit Adalaj Vav Set in the quiet village of Adalaj (20 Kms from Ahmedabad), this vav (Stepwell) has served as a resting place for hundreds of years for many pilgrims and caravans along their trade routes. Built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, wife of the Vaghela chief, Veersinh, this five-storey stepwell was not just a cultural and utilitarian space, but also a spiritual refuge.
It is believed that villagers would come every day in the morning to fill water, offer prayers to the deities carved into the walls and interact with each other in the cool shade of the vav. There is an opening in the ceilings above the landing which allows the light and air to enter the octagonal well. However, direct sunlight does not touch the flight of steps or landings except for a brief period at noon. Hence some researchers say that the atmosphere inside the well is six degrees cooler than the outside.
After the visit of Adalaj, drive to Palanpur (Approx. 150 Kms / 04 Hrs) , surrounded by hills, Palanpur is located in the northern region of Gujarat. Palanpur received its name from Palansi Chauhans who were the inhabitants of the city in 14th century. This beautiful tourist place of Gujarat has several tourist attractions.
On arrival, transfer to beautiful Heritage called Balaram Palace Resort.
Once the hunting retreat of the Lohani Nawab of Palanpur, it is now a Heritage hotel. It was built between 1922-1936 by the 29th ruler of Palanpur, His Highness Zubd-ul-Mulk Dewan Mahakhan Nawab Sir Taley Muhammad Khan Lohani. It is a graceful manifestation of neo-classical and baroque architectural style. Situated amidst the Aravallis in the 542 sq. kms of Balaram Ambaji Reserve Forest at the tip of North Gujarat it borders Rajasthan. The palace was visited by several dignitaries during the British Raj, including Lord Mountbatten.
Overnight in the Hotel
After breakfast proceed for Patan, home of the famous patola silk saris. (Approx. 80 Kms / 01 1/2 Hr)
The main attraction of Patan is Rani ki Vav - Rani (Queen) Udayamati commissioned this vav or stepwell, in 1063 in the memory of her husband King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty. The vav was later flooded by the nearby Saraswati river and silted over until the late 1980s, when it was excavated by the Archeological Survey of India, with the carvings found in pristine condition. Rani Ka Vav is amongst the finest stepwells in India, and one of the most famous legacies of the ancient capital city.
The steps begin at ground level, leading you down through the cool air through several pillared pavilions to reach the deep well below. There are more than 800 elaborate sculptures among seven galleries.
Late afternoon leave for Modhera, the Sun Temple one of the finest examples of Indian Architecture of its period. Built in 1026 A.D. Baucharaji (Goddess Bachuccharaji) the temple is dedicated to the Sun-God, Surya and stands on a plinth overlooking a deep stone-steeped tank.
The brilliant architecture of the temple is one of its own class. The temple encompasses three different yet axially-aligned and integrated constituents. As per the Konark Temple, this shrine is designed in a manner, so that the first rays of the Sun cast on the image of the Lord Surya.
After sightseeing drive to Dasada (Rann of Kutch) (Approx. 95 Kms / 02 Hrs). The Rann of Kutch is a geographically one of the most remarkable and unique landscapes of its kind in the entire world. It was once an arm of the Arabian Sea. It separated from the sea due to geological forces, & is now a vast desiccated, unbroken bare surface of dark silt, encrusted with salts which transforms into a spectacular coastal wetland after the rains. The Little Rann of Kutch contributes about 60% of the salt manufactures in the country.
On arrival, check in at hotel.
Overnight in the Hotel
In the morning enjoy the safari in the little Rann of Kutch a 4950 sq km wildlife sanctuary comprising a huge expanse of saline desert wilderness interspersed with grass-and- scrublands and marshes. The sanctuary is one of the last places on earth where the endangered wild ass sub-species Indian Wild Ass belonging to Asiatic Wild Ass species can be spotted.
Nilgai (blue bull), the largest antelope in India can be seen during the drives. Indian Wolf, Indian and White-footed Desert Foxes, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Desert, Jungle and Fishing Cat, and smaller mammals like hares, hedgehogs, gerbil and field mice are seen in the sanctuary.
The Little Rann of Kutch is also a birding paradise and has been declared a Ramsar Site. During the safaris in the Rann expect to see large flocks of larks, and other dryland birds like sandgrouse, coursers, plovers, chats, warblers, babblers, shrikes. Among the many winter visitors are the houbara bustard and spotted sandgrouse. This is the only place in India which attracts flamingos. You can also see pelicans, storks, ibises, spoonbill, a variety of ducks and other waterfowl.
Later drive to Bhuj. Local ruler Maharao Hamir founded the city of Bhuj in 1510. In 1549 Rao Khengarji I, another local ruler, made Bhuj his capital. It remained an independent princely state during the rule of the British in India and became a part of India, when it gained independence in 1947. On arrival check in at Hotel.
Overnight in the Hotel
IMPORTANT - On arrival in Bhuj visit the Foreign Registration office to take a permit to visit Banni Tribal area. Clients have to keep a photocopy of their passport and visa with them and clients have to go personally to DSP office.
Today after breakfast we will proceed to visit the Banni villages around Bhuj.
Mud is the essence of life in the villages of India, and more particularly in the villages of Banni grassland, a large spread over in the arid deserts of Kutch. Mud as a material has been creatively integrated in the socio-cultural life of Banni for centuries. One of the most distinctive uses of mud in Banni is found in the built form – the circular mud huts called bhungas. The
bhungas demonstrate the ecological, social and the aesthetic aspects of the region. According to architects, the circular design and the steely mesh of mud plaster and twigs make them resist wind pressure and quake. The bhungas are further known for their elaborate design and artistic elegance, and have a light dome shaped bamboo and thatched roof and a circular wall plastered with mud, twigs and dung. Their thick walls keep the interior cool when the temperature rises to 46 degree Celsius in summer and drops to 2 degree in winter.
Bhungas are wonders in art. Their outer walls are painted beautifully by the women folk every diwali depicting colourful geometrical and floral patterns and the inner walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors.
Twenty years back when Banni was lush grassland the thatched roof of the bhungas were made from bamboos and grasses. Today there are more modern versions of bhungas in which the thatched roof is replaced by clay baked tile roof and twigs are replaced by stones.
Some of the villages are famous for weaving, embroidery, block printing, tie & die printing and traditional nut crackers. This will be the highlight of the tour especially if you are interested in handicrafts, textiles and their tribal cultures.
Due to the increasing salinity of the ground, receding of rivers, and loss of grasslands, the people of the region have shifted their main livelihood from cattle breeding (as well as ghee and butter products) to handicrafts. For such women, belonging to a cooperative where they can retain a higher percentage from their embroidery work becomes even more important.
After visiting the interesting Villages, drive back to Bhuj.
Overnight in the Hotel
After breakfast drive to Mandavi.
Mandavi virtually lies on the brink of the Arabian Sea. The city was once the summer retreat of Kutch Maharaos. It is believed that it was founded by the first Jadeja ruler of Kutch, Rao Khengarji, in the late sixteenth century.
It was a major port for trading with Malwa, Marwar and Sindh. Mandvi is also a 400 year old shipbuilding center. There were a number of ships built here, which sailed up to England and return back. One can still see small boats being made here, as per the traditional techniques.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in at The Beach at Mandavi Palace.
The Beach at Mandavi Palace is a deluxe camp, comprising, 10 hand crafted tents. Each tent has its own verandah, spacious air-conditioned bedroom and state of the art attached bathrooms with running hot and cold water. Each of the tents is interior decorated to resemble the colonial-period camps of erstwhile royalty with carved furniture. The camp has 24 hour electricity with back up generators.
This camp is located on a private beach at Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandvi,
The beach is a curving stretch of white sand fringed by blue waters, with windmills on one side, the Sunset pavilion on the other, and an uninterrupted view of the sea in front. The sea is safe for swimming and the beach is ideal for walking making Mandvi a beach-holiday paradise.
After some rest, visit the Vijay Vilas Palace -
It is a splendid monument set amidst sprawling gardens and dotted by a number of marble fountains. The palace was constructed by Rao Pragmalji and designed by a Jaipur architect. Vijay Vilas Palace was built in the year 1920 AD. It contains all the elements of Rajput style of architecture and is a must visit destination.
Rest of the Day is Free at beach.
Overnight in the Hotel
After breakfast drive to Gondal.
Gondal - Once the capital of a princely state, it was run by the Jadeja Rajputs, later overtaken by the Mughals and again recovered by the original rulers. It is a fortified town located on the river Gondali after which it was named. It was known as a model state of Saurashtra in late 19th and early 20th century.
Specifically designed by Sir Bhagwatsinhiji, the ruler himself planned the development of the town which is reflected in the architecture, parks and buildings.
On arrival transfer to the Hotel.
Overnight in the Hotel.
After breakfast visit to the Naulakha Palace,
The most attractive tourist spot in Gondal is the 17th century, Navlakha Palace complex, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful of Gondal’s monuments. The Navlakha palace complex (17th century), is situated on a river bank, on a grand masonry base, rising to the monumental scale of at least 30 m above the river bed.
The palace is approached by the high gateway with the clock tower from the town side. The entrance leads to a huge open space with administrative blocks and a grand staircase with balustrade on the extreme left corner leading to the intricately carved pavilions on the open terrace. The grand Darbar Hall, with a series of huge windows opening onto a long balcony supported by intricately carved brackets, overlooks the river. The Darbar Hall has large chandeliers, stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture and antique Belgian mirrors.
The private palace museum displays artefacts, gifts and messages received by Sir Bhagwatsinhji, on his 50th birthday.
Gondal is like an ecstasy for the car lovers as the place highlights the Royal Garage that is pompous of gargantuan collection of vintage and classic cars which date back to the time of World War II on top of the post-war eon.
The collection includes a pre-1910 New Engine that belonged to Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji which is a a real beauty with its superbly crafted gas-operated lamp, curved glass windscreen and woodwork interiors of the coach. The Delage D8, Daimler, and the grand 1935 Mercedes seven-seat saloon are examples of supercharged European cars of the 1920s and '30s known for their superbly crafted bodywork and high performance. Stylish American cars in the collection include a 1935 Packard two-door convertible coupe, the 1930s Buick convertible and the 1935 Ford convertible. Imposing American cars of the 1940s and '50s include a 1941 Cadillac saloon, a 1947 Cadillac convertible, a 1947 Buick convertible, a 1947 Oldsmobile, the 1940s Studebaker convertible, the 1947 Lincoln V12, and the 1950s Cadillac Eldorado limousine.
The high-performance European cars of the late-1950s include the 1958 Mercedes 300SL two seat roadster, the 1959 Jaguar XK150 and other cars that Maharaja Jyotendra Sinhji and Maharajkumar Ghanadityasinhji raced to wins at many circuits. Also in the collection are muscle cars like the 1960s Chevolet Camaro and Surtees Formula 5000. Recent additions to the
collection include the 1992 Corvette ZR1, the 1997 Chevrolet Camaro, the 1997 Buick Riviera, and a Dodge.
Also visit the nearby Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic which has been manufacturing herbal medicines according to ancient principles since 1910.
Later drive to Sasangir. On the way, visit Junagadh. (Approx 65 Kms / 01 Hrs from Gondal)
Junagadh is an ancient, fortified city at the base of the holy Girnar hills. The town is famous for many exotic old buildings. Junagadh was the capital of the Junagadh State under the Muslim rulers of Babi Nawabs. In Gujarati, `Junagadh' literally means an ancient fort. The place also has Ashokan edicts from about 250 BC. Junagadh has at different times in history, been influenced by all the four major religions of this area - Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Islamic
One of the main highlights here is the fort walls surrounding the town and Uparkotin the west. Uparkot, an ancient citadel located on the higher level of the town, was a stronghold of Mauryan and Gupta Empires and is said to have survived 16 sieges in the last 1000 years. Inside the fort is a mosque, the Jami Masjid, built from a demolished Hindu temple.
The 2nd century Buddhist caves here are fine examples of rock cut architecture with ornamented pillars, carved entrances, water cisterns, chaitya halls, and monastic cells for meditation. The Khapara-Kodia caves located in the town are also worth visiting.
Other must-sees on the tourist list are the tomb of Nuri Shah and two old baolis or step wells called Adi-kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo. So is the Durbar hall museum, which displays many royal artifacts.
The mausoleums of the Nawabs of Junagadh are also worth a visit. This group of maqbaras represents the creative and eclectic phase of Nawabi architecture. They show case silver doors and intricate architecture, including minarets with spiral stairways.
After the sightseeing, continue your drive to Sasangir. (Approx. 75 Kms / 02 Hrs) On arrival in Sasangir, transfer to Camp
Sasangir is the only place in the world outside Africa, where the Lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The last remaining Bastion of the Asiatic Lion, Gir is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, making it an excellent place to see big cats of a different kind.
Overnight in the Camp
Enjoy morning & afternoon the safari to Sasan Gir national park (park is open from 15th Oct – 30th May every year. Subject to some changes.).
This sanctuary is known all over the world for being the natural abode of Asiatic lions. A safari in the Gir National Park will be one of the most memorable and popular highlights of this trip.
The forests in Sasangir consist of dry desert vegetation, with scrub and thorn bushes extending over the dry soil and the rough rocky outcrops. The vegetation thins out giving tourists a better chance to see the animals and birds in the Sasangir National Park, Gujarat. Enjoy viewing the Asiatic Lion and the flora and fauna of Sasangir National Park.
Overnight in the Camp.
After breakfast drive to Bhavnagar, the place of several lakes and temples. Bhavnagar lies in the southeast corner of the peninsular region of Gujarat known as Kathiawad or Saurashtra.
The Gulf of Cambay and the Arabian Sea wet its shores. Bhavnagar has a rich history of traditions, trade and culture. It was a major port from 1743, and its commercial importance led to close interactions with countries like Africa, Mozambique, Zanzibarand Persia. Named after its founder and ruler, Bhavsinhji Gohil, Bhavnagar founded in 1723. It was ruled by the Gohil Rajput clan and was the capital of Bhavnagar State, the first princely state to join independent India in 1948. On arrival check in at Hotel.
Later City tour of Bhavnagar, visiting the Gandhi Smriti, - It is a living tribute to Gandhiji. Opened in 1955, The Gandhi Smiriti, a complex attached to a clock tower, is located in the heart of the city. The clock tower bells tolls with timings on all four sides. The smriti has a gallery displaying photos on the Life of Mahatma Gandh, a small museum of artefacts, a big departmental Khadi Gramodyog Bhandar and a well arranged running library.
Overnight in the hotel
After breakfast, enjoy the full day excursion to Palitana. The Palitana temples are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place by the Jain community, and are the world's largest Temple Complex.
The temple hill of Palitana is located about 56 km from Bhavnagar, at the foot of the Shatrunjaya or 'place of victory' hill, with the Shatrunjaya River flowing to its south. It is an architectural and sculptural marvel with almost 900 temples all soaring into the skies. These temples were built over a span of 900 years. The 600 m climb to the peak is usually made on foot.
According to history, Palitana got its name from Guru Padalipta or Politta. Muslim invaders destroyed some of the earliest temples built in the 11th-15th century. The current temples date back to 16th century onwards. Sturdy walls surround the hilltops and the temples have been grouped into nine enclosures, each having several minor temples grouped around a central temple.
Climb up the Shatrunjaya Mountain to reach the “City of Gods”. The Palitana group of Jain temples seems to rise like the mountain peaks, as they are built in such a manner that the there is a successive level of temples, growing in size as we go further towards the peak. The temples stand on pillars which are carved with floral motifs, images of idols and geometrical decorations. The marble blocks were carried from Rajasthan to Gujarat and then lifted uphill, slab by slab.
The most important temple on the Shatrunjaya Hill is the temple of Jain Tirthankar, Adinath, which is the most decorative one with a perfectly symmetric shape of a square subdivided further into smaller squares, that form a cross. The pillars and domes made up of finely cut marbles in the shape of dragons, is really impressive for the traveler.
Later drive back to Bhavnagar.
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast, drive to Jambughoda. En-route visit Lothal. (Approx. 110 Kms / 02 Hrs from Bhavnagar)
Lothal is one of the most important archaeological sites in India. In the dialect of the local people language, Lothal means 'the mound of the dead'. The site was discovered in the year 1957, followed by excavations done by the Archaeological Survey of India. It was concluded from the excavations that the ruins of the settlement belonged to the Harappan Era, dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. It is an exquisite example of Harrappan town planning.
One of the most interesting sites here is the dockyard.
It reveals the fact that Lothal was once one of the major ports in the region. Then, there is the citadel that is divided into two parts, an acropolis and the lower town. The acropolis contains paved baths, while lower town stands laced with residential quarters, coppersmith workshops, sheds and bead factories. Apart from this, the most fascinating feature is the excellent sanitary drainage system of the town. Lothal was an important trade destination till 1900 BC.
Later continue your drive to Jambughoda. On arrival in Jambughoda, transfer to hotel (Approx. 225 Kms / 06 Hrs)
Before independence, the region belonged to the princely state of Jambughoda. The valleys nestled in the well-forested hills have always been home to many tribal settlements
Overnight at the hotel
Today you will enjoy the excursion trip to Chotta Udaipur. (Approx. 50 Kms / 01 Hr One Way)
Chotta Udaipur is in proximity to various hamlets of rathwas, nayaks and other tribes. A tour of the tribal village and hamlets offer an insight into traditional architecture, lifestyle & handicrafts of each aboriginal community.
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. Pithoro is an important deity of the rathwas. For the rathwas, this deity is very much alive. Pithoro witnesses all the good and bad events of their lives. Whenever a rathwa is in trouble, pithoro is invoked. A vow is taken, the fulfillment of which has to result in a painting on the house of vow taker.
The tribals do not live in hamlets. Their dwellings are separated from each other by considerable distance.
Visit Tribal Museum which has a large collection of tribal artefacts.
Later return back to Jambughoda.
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast, drive to Baroda.
On the way visit Champaner Fort of Pawagadh built in 15th century by the Sultan of Ahmedabad Mehmud. Begadha, Nagina and Jami mosques are the most beautiful specimens of Indo saracenic architecture. .
The town derives its name from the champa tree or from champaraj - founder of the Town, a contemporary of king Vanraj Chavda of Anhilwada. The entire Landscape for miles around is scattered with remains of fort walls, ruined Tombs, gardens, arches, pillars, and wells.
Champaner reminds the visitor Of other such great deserted towns of india - mandu , hampi, orchha and Fatehpur sikri
Later continue your drive to Baroda.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.
Later visit The Laxmi Vilas palace built as the residence of the royal family. It is an extravagant and flamboyant piece of architecture, the Royal collection art treasures which consist of old masters, modern western and contemporary Indian paintings are further complemented by Greco-Roman sculptures and Chinese and Japanese printings.
Overnight in the hotel
After breakfast, drive to Ahmedabad.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.
Overnight in the hotel
Today you will be transferred to the international airport to connect the flight for onward journey.
Your fascinating journey comes to an end however you must be sure to visit this splendid country again and again as it has lots to offer.
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Colors of Rajasthan
Coromandal to Malabar - Signature Sojourns
Gujarat Program with Prices
Exotic Kerala
Golden Triangle with Sherkhan
Gujarat - Rajasthan Wildlife Tour
Highlights of Nepal
India - Tiger Marathon
India For Honeymooners
Leopards & Tigers of India
The Great Himalayan Safari
The Ultimate Indian Indulgence
Cuisine of Udaipur
Explore Udaipur in a Customized Designer Auto
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Spiritual Udaipur
Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh Program
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Udaipur Heritage Walk
