Enchanting Gujarat

Tour Highlights

• See the ancient stone architecture of Adalaj Step-well.
• Sun temple of Modhera
• Witness the famous Patola textile saree weaving factory.
• Witness the Rogan art is a rare craft.
• Visit the famous Mahatma Gandhi Ashram.
• Traditional welcome with garland at Ahmedabad airport.
• Naulakha Darbargadh Palace was built during the 17th century in Gondal
• See the great Statue of Unity.
• Visit the Sasan Gir Lion sanctuary by jeep is home of Asiatic Lions.
• Experience the jeep safari in the little Rann of Kutch.
• Visit the Mahatma Gandhi”s ancestral house in Rajkot where he spent his childhood
• The famous Rani ki Vav (Step well) in Patan.
• Heritage walking tour of Old Ahmedabad city.

Detailed programme

DAY 01                       ARRIVE AHMEDABAD
Arrive Ahmedabad by international flight. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Hotel check-in time 14:00 hours.

Ahmedabad is Located on the banks of the river Sabarmati, the city was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411. Today it is one of the fastest growing cities of India and is an immense repository of tradition, history & culture. Its famous walled area is one of the finest examples of community living & the city thrived as the textile capital & was nicknamed “Manchester of the East’ in 1888. This multicultural city is home to some of the finest Indo-Saracenic mosques & Jain temples. The Sidi Sayed Ni Jaali with its delicately curved branches in a masterpiece carved in stone. The elaborate havelis of wealthy Guajarati Sethias are part of the city’s living heritage. In the early 20th century Ahmedabed grew an important center for nationalist activities after Mahatma Gandhi established two ashrams in the city- the Kochrab Ashram in 1915 and Sabarmati Ashram in 1917.The thriving city has always been the financial capital of Gujarat and after independence; international architects like Louis Kahn and Le Corbusier were commissioned to build modern architectural marvels in the city. While the former built the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) building in brick, le Corbusier designed the Shodhan and Sarabhai Villas, the Sanskar Kendra and the Mill Owner’s Association in stark concrete. Like any other mega-polis, Ahmedabad straddles the ancient and modern with equal poise.

Evening visit  Market at Law Garden displays beautiful textile handicrafts of Gujarat. Overnight at the hotel in Ahmedabad.

DAY 02                         IN AHMEDABAD.
Ealy morning around 06:00 hours, proceed for sightseeing of the city which starts with heritage walk in the old town.
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. You have at least two options for taking a guided Heritage Walk around the old city of Ahmedabad. 

The tour begins with the Swaminarayan Mandir in Kalupur. It takes you through various pols, havelis, Hindu and Jain temples, various sites including the famous Manek Chowk, and ends at the soulful Jama Masjid at the center of the city. Return hotel for the breakfast. 

Later visit Gandhi Ashram : On a quiet peaceful stretch of the Sabarmati river, Mahatma Gandhi set up a simple retreat in 1915. This was his Satyagrah Ashram and for many years it was the nerve centre of India’s freedom movement. It was from here, in 1930, that Mahatma began his famous Dandi March to the sea to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. Hridaya Kunj, the simple cottage where he lived, is now a national monument and preserved as it was during the Mahatma’s life-time.

Sidi Sayed Mosque : One part of the wall in the old citadel of the mosque built by Ahmed Shah’s slave, Sidi Sayed, is celebrated the world over for its exquisite stone window tracery – a superb & peerless example of delicate carving that transforms stone into filigree.

Hutheesingh Jain Temple : Built outside the Delhi Gate in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant, the Hutheesing Temple is the best known of Ahmedabad’s many ornate Jain temples.

Adalaj Step-well : It is situated 17kms north of Ahmedabad. The step well at the village of Adalaj is another fine example of this magnificent architectural form. Adalaj Vav is richly carved, every pillar and wall surface covered with leaves and flowers, birds and fishes and friezes of ornamental designs. Overnight at the hotel in Ahmedabad.

DAY 3                          IN AHMEDABAD – FULL DAY EXCURSION TO STATUE OF UNITY      approximately 3 hour drive one way.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for Day excursion to Statue of Unity

The Statue of Unity is a monument dedicated to Indian independence movement leader Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India and is located on the river island called Sadhu Bet facing the Narmada Dam near Rajpipla in Indian state of Gujarat. (Remain closed on Monday)

Later this afternoon return back to Ahmedabad. Overnight at the hotel in Ahmedabad.

DAY 04                         AHMEDABAD – SIDDHPUR – PATAN – MODHERA – BAJANA      approximately 5 hour drive

Today after breakfast proceed to Little Rann of Kutch en-route visiting Sidhpur, Patan & Modhera.

Morning drive to visit Sidhpur to see the wonderful wooden havelies.. Their old Havelis and mansions, some over 100 years old have a markedly European flavor and a walk through the ‘Bohra Vad’ is like a stroll through an England replete with the lamp lighters at dusk. So enamored were they by the style & existence of living in the 19th century Europe that as a sign of opulence and to gain respectability amongst the community they tried to create a slice of Europe in their hometown. This, they did by imitating the Victorian architecture. The facades are rich in variety and aesthetic expression with intricate details in wood. Thus the living spaces of the Bohra community or the so-called ‘Bohra Havelis’ represent a nostalgic visual straight out of a Dickenson novel.

Patan – Rani ki Vav (Step well). It was built by the Queen Udaymati the wife of Bhimdev during 11-12th Century. It is the most magnificent and spectacular step well and the best example of such architecture for water wells. The Vav measuring about 64 mts. The stepwell has long stepped corridor descending down to the underground tank, it is having four pillars. The Pillars which support the roof have squire base decorated with Ghat Pallavas. It was one of the largest and the most sumptuous structure of its type. 

Later visit Patan Patola of weaving, patan is Famous for patola weaving, Salvi family is one of them who has continued this traditional art and has preserved it even today. Patola silk is often termed as the queen of all silk. The special technique of the handmade silk patola uses the same special technique for weaving from raw silk to the completion of the patola fabric. The weaver makes the special patola loom and colouring from indigenous natural materials. Patola from the area of patan in the north Gujarat region of western India glorifies this heritage with its unique gem like qualities, gorgeous colours, designing & durability Different colour and pattern matched exactly on horizontal and vertical threads in weaving. The patola was traditionally woven in a sari length of 5 to 9 yards by 45” to 54” width. The range now extends to include tablecloth borders scarves handkerchief.

Modhera Sun Temple, Modhera Sun Temple dates bake to early 11th centuary CE and was built by King Bhimdev I in 1026 CE. The temple at modhera is the most important of all sun temples built in the whole Gujarat. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God. The temple is magnificent and the finest example of the Hindus architecture in Gujarat. One of the most striking features of the Modhera Sun Temple that the first ray of the sun falls on the deity at the time of the equinoxes. In front of the temple is a colossal tank, which was once known as Surya Kund or Rama Kund.The tank has a series of the carved steps leading to the bottom. Continue drive to Bajana. Overnight at the hotel in Bajana.

DAY 05                                 BAJANA – AJRAKHPUR – BHUJ     approximately 6 hour drive
Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning safari in Little Rann later drive to Bhuj  enroute visit Ajrakhpur  to see the block printing by tribe, Dhaneti to observe the embroidery by the Ahir tribe and Bhujodi to view the weavers from the Vankar tribe. These block printing villages are home to the famousAjrakh craftsmen of the region. The latter is far from Bhuj and was largely destroyed by the earthquake, but there are still some great craftsmen and their workshops to visit there. In Ajrakhpur, not so far from KHAMIR, the famous Dr. Ismail Katri (for most of the practitioners are Katris), and his sons are friendly and make incredibly beautiful prints. But walking around and meeting the other craftmen is a must – there is great diversity in the craft.

Continue drive to Bhuj check in at hotel later proceed for sightseeing as per the time permits.

Visit Aaina Mahal: It was constucted by Rao Lakhpatji (1707-61 A.D.) in 1750 A.D., who was a great patron of art, architecture, music and literature. AainaMahal is a unique example of an Indian palace built in the mid-eighteenth century with European influence.

Prag Mahal: Rao Pragmalji II (1838-76 A.D.) undertook the constuction of PragMahal and appointed the famous architect – Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins to design it. Constructed in the Italian Gothic style, it has a large Darbar Hall, big rooms, wide verandahs& a 45 meter high lofty bell tower. It was built using the various type of stones available in Kutch region. This is a fine example of Indian craftmanship combined with European architectural design.

Overnight at the hotel in Bhuj.

DAY 06                                         IN BHUJ
After Breakfast at the hotel proceed for full day excursion tour to Banni Region. Amidst the Desert land of infinite dimensions, are suspended, quaint little villages. These are the last villages on the India-Pakistan border. Here you will come across master craft people’ exposing their traditional art, turning out master pieces every day. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they use – will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum leaving you spellbound. 

Nirona: The village of Nirona is the only place in the world where the tradition of Rogan art is still practiced (a method of producing dyes from natural resources and castor oil and creating intricate and long-lasting designs on silk and cotton). Rogan art is a rare craft that is not well known even in India. Because of its rare qualities, its practiced by only one family in India and they reside in Nirona village in Gujarat.

Nirona also offers the chance to see artisans making copper bells. The Luhars in Nirona have been preserving the craft of making copper bells over seven generations. The art form originally comes from Sindh and some sister villages in Pakistan too make similar bells but with carvings on the surface.

Another family in Nirona is practicing wood lacquering. Raw lacquer in various colours that is passed with great skill on the wooden object of focus in beautiful waves. The work they do is mainly focused on household items like jewellery boxes and kitchen utensils and has known to last more than 30-35 years. If the lacquer work starts to lose its sheen, just apply some oil on it.

Visit the Bhirandiyara – is a favorite Tea stop for locals and visitors alike on the road to Khavda. The village boasts of a delicious sweet – fresh Maavo. This milk-based sweet is best when eaten hot. Most of the roadside stalls sell Maavo. The local Meghwal Community has exquisite embroideries and skillfully decorated, colorful Mud Bhungas. 

Ludia Village is comprised of several hamlets belonging to the Meghwal & Samma Communities. The latter community, primarily herdsmen, is more conservative when it comes to tourists. Gandhi nu Gam, populated by the Meghwal community, features beautifully Painted Bhungas .The Kanjari (Blouses) of the women and the Bhunga decoration of this village are especially colorful. Also visit white Rann of Kutch. Overnight at the hotel in Bhuj.

DAY 7                               BHUJ – RAJKOT                      approximately 5 hour drive 
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Rajkot  check in at hotel later visit Watson Museum 
The Watson Museum in Rajkot, India is a museum of human history and culture. Its collections precious objects of colonial period of India and History of Rajkot. It is amongst the largest and most comprehensive museum in State of Gujarat. Watson Museum is considered to be the finest amongst 7 such museums located across Saurashtra (region) and run by the State Government because it holds invaluable articles and state-of-the-art facilities like photography, guide service, reference library and sales counter of the museum’s publication.

Kaba Gandhi No Delo 
Kaba Gandhi no Delo in Gujarati means the residence of Kaba Gandhi. This is Mahatma Gandhi”s ancestral house in Rajkot where he spent his childhood. The house, now declared as a national monument has a museum “Gandhi Smriti” with photographs and personal belongings of Gandhiji.

Late afternoon visit the Swaminarayan Temple. Overnight at the hotel in Rajkot.

DAY 8                                       RAJKOT – GONDAL – SASANGIR         approximately 3 hour drive
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Gondal visit 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 masonry base, rising about 30 meters above the river bed. This palace was built in about nine lakhs and thus named so. 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 on the right and a grand staircase on the extreme left corner leading to the intricately carved pavilions on the open terrace. There are stone carvings with exquisite balconies. Later drive to Sasangir. Overnight at the hotel in Sasangir.

DAY 9                                      IN SASANGIR
Breakfast at the hotel.

Sasan Gir Lion sanctuary is home of some 300 Asiatic Lions. Sasan Gir is only place in world outside African continent where lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Gir Wild life Sanctuary is the last refuge of Asiatic lions in India and the lion population residing in the park is a little over 300. The whole coverage area of Gir Sanctuary is about 560-square-mile (1,450-sq-kms). Gir is not just about Lions, the second most commonly found predator in the Gir is Leopard. Infect, Gir national park is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, and especially in the hotter season they can sometimes be seen at night close to the lodges. there animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai Antelope, Chowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli’s Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo etc. bout 10, 000 years ago lions spanned vast sections of the globe, but as the human population started to increase, trees were cut and forests were cleared to make more land for people to live in. Now lions only in small fractions in some parts of the world.  And Asiatic lions, a subspecies that split from African lions perhaps 100,000 years ago, are only found in the Gir wildlife Sanctuary. O/n stay at Sasangir.

DAY 10                                  SASANGIR – BHAVNAGAR     approximately 5 hour drive 
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Bhavnagar and visit Takhteshwar Mahadev Temple & Barton Museum (Closed on Sunday & Public holidays). 

Overnight at the hotel in Bhavnagar.

DAY 11                                 BHAVNAGAR – LOTHAL – AHMEDABAD    approximately 4 hour drive
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Ahmedabad en-route visiting Lothal (Lothal museum will on Friday & Public Holidays, but we can visit the site) is one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization, located in the Bhal region of the modern state of Gujarat and dating from 3700 BCE. Discovered in 1954, Lothal was excavated from 13 February 1955 to 19 May 1960 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the official Indian government agency for the preservation of ancient monuments. Lothal’s dock—the world’s earliest known—connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati river on the trade route between Harappan cities in Sindh and the peninsula of Saurashtra when the surrounding Kutch desert of today was a part of the Arabian Sea. It was a vital and thriving trade Centre in ancient times, with its trade of beads, gems and valuable ornaments reaching the far corners of West Asia and Africa. The techniques and tools they pioneered for bead-making and in metallurgy have stood the test of time for over 4000 years. Continue drive to Ahmedabad, Overnight at the hotel in Ahmedabad. 

DAY 12                                    DEPART AHMEDABAD
In time transfer to Ahmedabad airport to board your flight for onward destination.