01 Day: Arrival Mumbai
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport at, our representative welcome you and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would brief the tour to you and hand over the documents. Overnight at the hotel.
Mumbai is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumba Devi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by nos time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.
02 Day: Mumbai
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Bombay, drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India, one can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or other several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, and Hanging Garden. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum
are closed on every Monday.
03 Day: Mumbai – Nashik (160 kms - 3 ½ hrs)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Nashik. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later explore the holy city visiting the ornamental Sunder Narayan Temple is rich in carvings and domed porticoes. The Kapaleeswara Temple, Rameshwar or Naro Shankar Temple with its white marble structure is the richest and the most elaborate., Balaji Temple built on the confluence of the Godavari and the Saraswati (a mythical river that flows underground) houses copper images of Balaji, Kala Ram Temple, the city's holiest temple with black stone deities of Rama, Sita and Lakshman, Ram Kund (pool) said to have been used by Rama and Sita during their exile. Its holy water is believed to provide moksha (liberation of the soul). More interestingly, the water has the ability to dissolve bones and the remains of famous Indians have ended up here. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Nashik: A delightful town, usually bustling with fervent crowds, Nasik is a classic mélange of the past and the present. It paves way to many fascinating forts and royally graceful temples that possess an aura of exuberance. This part of the terra firma is more than a dream destination for zealous lovers of glorious travel. It plays abode to most of the industries located in Maharashtra, including the Security Printing Press of the government, the nation's currency printer. The core of commerce and trade, it was earlier the country's largest market arena.
04 Day: Nashik – Ellora – Aurangabad (220 kms - 5 hrs)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Aurangabad. Enroute stop over at Ellora, one of the highly visited World heritage sites of India. It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It also has some of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva. After visit continue to proceed to Aurangabad. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Ellora: The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.
Aurangabad: Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II, founded the city of Aurangabad in 1610 A.D, on the site of a village, Khirki. When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's son succeeded the throne in 1626, he named the city 'Fatehpur'. In 1653, when Aurangzeb became the Viceroy of the Deccan, he made it his capital, and renamed it Aurangabad. Maurya rule heralded the advent of Buddhism in the state of Maharashtra. The earliest caves at Ajanta and Pithalkora were excavated in the 2nd century BC, during the Satvahana era. Paithan, then known as Pratishthana, was an important trade centre at the time Aurangabad, 400 kms from Mumbai, is linked by air too. Spectacular rock cut caves and cave paintings exist at two nearby places, Ajanta and Ellora.
The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday and Ellora caves on Tuesday
05 Day: Aurangabad – Ajanta – Aurangabad (Excursion 105 kms - 2 hrs)
After breakfast take an excursion to famous Ajanta caves. Ajanta is one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India. Recognized as the World Heritage Site today, it was discovered during the 19th century by a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt. The Ajanta group of caves, located deep within the Sahyadri hills above the Waghora, depicts the story of Buddhism that prevailed here during 200 BC to 650 AD. Ajanta’s wondrous cave temples are cut into the rocky sides of a dramatic crescent-shaped gorge, at the head of which is a waterfall that drops over the mountain rim in a series of seven steps to a pool far below –deep inside the mountain are the Buddhist chaitya – vihara prayer and monastery caves. They cover a span of 800 years where under the royal patronage of ruling dynasties, professional artists helped Buddhist monks to create magnificent murals narrating the story of Buddha in his cycle of incarnations, while simultaneously creating a painted record of the panorama of life in ancient India. Etched and painted in mineral dyes, the paintings have a languorous stylized beauty and magical eloquence. After visit drive back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Ajanta: It was only in the 19th century that the Ajanta group of caves, lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountainside, above the Waghora River, was discovered. A group of British officers on a tiger hunt, stumbled on these ancient works of art. They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning the period from 200 BC to 650 AD. The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centers of the Buddhist cultural movement.
The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday and Ellora caves on Tuesday
06 Day: Aurangabad
After breakfast, take a short sightseeing tour of Aurangabad visiting Bibi ka Maqbara Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother, Begum Rabia Durrani, the Queen of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Standing spectacularly on the lawns of the landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white marbled monument rises majestically in an intentional bid to copy and rival the world famous Taj Mahal of Agra and Panchakki - An engineering feat of the time is the Panchakki, or the water mill built by Malik Ambar in 1695. The water, channeled from a spring on a distant hill was used to power the flourmill and grind grain for the pilgrims. Overnight at the hotel.
07 Day: Aurangabad – Mumbai (By Air) – Diu (By Air)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai airport board the flight for Diu. Assistance on arrival at Diu airport and transfer to the resort. The day is free for rest and relaxation at the resort. Rest of the evening is at leisure to enjoy the beaches of Diu. They are exceptionally beautiful, quiet and some of the beaches also offer a wide variety of water sports facilities. Later if you wish you may proceed on a city tour visiting St. Paul's Church, Diu Museum and the Diu Fort. Overnight at the resort.
The island of Diu, an erstwhile Portuguese colony, is situated off the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat bordering Junagadh district. The other equally beautiful beaches are Ahmedpur, Mandvi,Chakratirath, Jallandhar, and Gomtimata all having their own charm and thrill.The word 'Diu' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Dweep'. During the period from the 14th to 16th century Diu was one of the best Sea Ports and a Naval base. A palm-fringed, largely deserted and secluded beach, Nagoa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in India. The unique shoe-shape of the beach makes it all the more beautiful.
08 Day: Diu – Somnath – Gir (120 kms - 2 hrs)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Gir enroute visiting Veraval (Somnath) – one of the India’s major fishing ports. Visit Bhalkeshwar temple and Bhid Bhanjan Mandir. Proceed to Somnath visit the seat of the twelve most sacred "Jyotirlingas’ of Lord Shiva continue the drive to Gir, on arrival check in into resort. Day free to individual activities in the jungle resort. Overnight at the resort.
Somnath
is about 5kms from Veraval. It is believed that the Somnath temple here was originally built by Somraj, the Moon God himself, out of gold, and then rebuilt by Ravana in silver and then by Krishna in Wood, then by Bhimdev in stone. The shore temple of Somnath was believed to have been built in 4 phases-in gold by Lord Soma, in silver by Ravana, in wood by lord Krishna and in stone by Bhimdev. Somnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of lord Shiva. Somnath is also known as Prabhas Patan
Sasan Gir
Lion Sanctuary, which lies on the southwestern fringes of the Saurashtra Peninsula (west-central India), is the last home of some 300 Asiatic lions. It was created in 1913 to protect the largest surviving groups of the Asiatic lions. It was given a sanctuary status in 1965. The vegetation in the area consists of teak with a mixture of deciduous trees, including sal (Shorea), dhak (Butea frondosa), and thorn forests. A few springs also exist, but their flow is rather eccentric depending upon the season. Gir Forest is today the only place in the world outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in his natural habitat.
09 Day: Gir
After breakfast, take a jeep safari to the park, which is the entrance to the 1412 sq. km Gir National Park and the Wild Life Sanctuary, the last stronghold of the Lion population outside Africa. It also plays home to a large number of Panthers, Hyenas, Deer, the world's only 4-horned Antelope, Blue Bull, Wild Boar and the dangerous Marsh Crocodile. Over night at the resort.
10 Day: Gir – Gondal (115 kms - 3 hrs)
Early an early breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to the princely place Gondal. Gondal has considerable significance and prosperity. Later take a sightseeing tour of 1740 AD Naulakha Palace to see the superb collection of former rulers as textiles, beadwork, toys painted by hands, crafts of silver, brassware & the excellent carvings. Also visit the place that promotes the weaving in Gondal and few historic buildings. In the evening visit Khadi Plaza - it is one of the main centers in Gujarat of handloom weaving. Stay overnight at a heritage hotel which is fabulously decorated by the rich textile collection of erstwhile ruling family of Gondal. Overnight at the hotel.
11 Day: Gondal – Bhuj – Nakhatrana (275 kms - 6 hrs)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Bhuj. On arrival visit the District Collector’s office to procure several permissions to visit the prohibited area in Kutch sector. Later drive back to the resort. Rest of the evening is free for relaxation. Overnight at the resort.
12 Day: Nakhatrana – Banni Region – White Rann – Great Rann of Kutch
After breakfast, enjoy a bird watching safari at the Chari Fulay Reserve which has a large variety of migratory birds. Visit the Banni Villages known for their rich traditional tribes and their amazing arts and crafts. Also visit the White Rann – an amazing natural desert landscape. On the way back, visit the textile towns of Nirona followed by visits to Than Monastery & Fossil Farm at Than-Dhinodhar. Return back to the resort for overnight stay.
13 Day: Nakhatrana – Bhavnagar (270 kms - 8 hrs)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Bhavnagar stopping en route at Lothal for an insight into the Harappan civilization. You may stop over for lunch at The Utelia Palace; one of those few heritage homes still inhabited by its owners. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture with domes and columns, the Utelia Palace has and arched gateway that leads to a hall decorated with age old chandeliers. After visit continue to drive to Bhavnagar. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Bhavnagar:
An 18th century city, Bhavnagar is a premier cotton-exporting sea-port on the south-eastern Saurashtra coast. Today, Bhavnagar is known for Gandhi Smriti, an institution built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, the Barton Museum, the Central Salt and Marine Research Institute, Takhteswar temple and Gauri-Shankar lake
14 Day: Bhavnagar – Palitana – Ahmedabad (200 kms - 4 hrs) After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Ahmedabad. Enroute visit Palitana– the Place of Victory, Visit the exclusive Jain temples. After visit continue to drive to Diu. On arrival, transfer to the resort. Rest of the evening is free for rest and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.
Amongst all the Jain temples, Palitana temples are considered to be the most sacred. Located on Shetrunjaya hills there are 863 temples, exquisitely carved in marble. No one is allowed to sleep overnight including the priest, because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods. The town is considered by many Jains to be more important than the temple covered hills of Bihar, Gwalior, Mt Abu and Girnar. Palitana was the capital of a princely state of the Gohil Rajput clan. It is also one of the greatest tourist attractions in Gujarat for foreign tourists.
15 Day: Ahmedabad – Patan – Modhera – Ahmedabad (Excursion 125 kms - 3 hrs)
After breakfast take an excursion to the Sun Temple at Modhera that dates back to the early 11th century. This temple has been designed in such a way that the Sun's rays illuminate the sanctum at dawn, during the time of the equinoxes. En route visit Patan that has over 100 Jain temples; the most important being the Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhandherwad with an exquisitely carved wooden dome and the other being the Rani ki Vav, an excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat. After visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Modhera, the 11th century Sun temple of Modhera is easily one of the finest examples of devotional in western India. Built by the Solanki Rajput kings, the aid of donations from the people, the temple features carved torana arches mounted on kirti stambhas (pillars of victory) as the entrances, a large rectangular stepped with 108 smaller shrines, an exquisite 52 pillared portico, beautiful domed central portion and a sanctum sanctoruim designed so that the sun light fell on the bejewelled statue of the God, specially at sunrise during the equinox. The exterior of temple is carved with traditional erotic scenes, rivalling at Konark and Khajuraho, and depictions of various Gods and, while inside are friezes of the Mahabharata and portrayed on the pillars. The temple is framed by a well garden, and sits on the banks of river Pushpawati.
16 Day: Ahmedabad
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Ahmedabad visiting the magnificent Mosque of Siddi Saiyad with its exquisite stone carvings, the beautiful Jama Masjid, white marbled Hathee Singh's Temple, Dada Hari Baoli, Shaking Minarets, Calico Textile Museum and Sabarmati Ashram started by Mahatma Gandhi, Kankaria Lake – The circular lake having an island garden in the middle,. Afternoon visit to Akshardham 32 kms. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Ahmedabad, founded in the year 1411 AD is located on the banks of river Sabarmati. Ahmedabad has been named after Sultan Ahmed Shah, who was primarily responsible for building it. Today, this city is known as the 'Manchester of the East'. One of the highly industrialized cities in India, Ahmedabad is also India's Textile City. The old city of Ahmedabad is dotted with labyrinthine bylanes called 'pols'. The exquisite carved wooden mansions and havelis are in no manner less than their stone counterparts in Rajasthan. The city is full of architectural delights. Though the capital of Gujarat was shifted from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar, it is still the second largest industrial city in western India.
17 Day Ahmedabad – Mumbai (By Air) – Hometown (By Air)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai airport, transfer to board the flight for hometown. On departure tour concludes with happy memories.
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