Maharashtra, Goa & Gujarat Tour

01 Day: Arrival Mumbai

Welcome to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Mumbai assistance on arrival our representative assists and escorts you by a/c car and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. After check in, you will be given all the required documents related to your tour plan; he will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. If you are arriving by early flight, after relaxation you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants. 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

Today morning after breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Mumbai city, firstly visit to Gateway of India and cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves - ancient rock cut caves dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later cruise back Gate Way of India. And sightseeing continue visiting Prince of Wales Museum- A heritage museum exhibits ancient artifacts. Parliament house- (From outside), Nariman Point- Commercial Hub, Marine Drive- a most beautiful laid boulevards of the city. Dhobhi Ghat- a famous open air laundry, Mani Bhawan- Known also Gandhi Bhawan. Later return to the hotel. If time permits visit to Bandra and Juhu area where bollywood celebrity houses are located like Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan etc, (can be seen from outside). In the evening, visit Iskcon Temple: dedicated to Lord Krishna, The architectural splendour of the ISKCON Temple is adorned with murals and sculptures. After visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.

03 Day: Mumbai – Goa (By Air)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and transfer to the airport, to board the schedule flight for Goa, assistance on arrival and transfer to the pre-booked resort. After relaxation enjoy the beach activities at Goa: (on your own) Swaying palms, white sand and sparkling waters: the three essential elements that attract 2 million visitors annually to Goa’s balmy shores are plentiful in this tiny, glorious slice of India hugging the country’s western coastline and bounded by the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay at the resort.

Goa: A Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became a part of the Indian Union. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities for which are available.

04 Day: Goa

After breakfast, the day is free to enjoy the beaches and amenities available at the resort. You can take a sightseeing tour of Old Goa - 10 km from Panjim, the basilica of Bom Jesus, and the 16th century church dedicated to infant Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, is one of the most important sight of Goa. The other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral & Fort Aguada, with its vaulted interior, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay at the resort.

05 Day: Goa

Today after breakfast day is free for individual activities and enjoy the beaches and sport activities in Goa: (on your own). Overnight stay at the resort.

06 Day: Goa – Ahmedabad (By Air)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Ahmedabad. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Day free for rest and relax in the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

07 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. 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 industrialised 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.

08 Day: Ahmedabad – Rajkot (215 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Rajkot. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, take a sightseeing tour of the Rajkot City: The main tourist attractions in Rajkot are the Mahatma Gandhi House (The Karba Gandhi No Delo) is the house of the Mahatma Gandhi where he lived from the age of six. The Mahatma Gandhi House has a good collection of things related to the Mahatma Gandhi's life.The Watson Museum and Library commemorates the work of Colonel John Watson, political agent from 1886 to 1889. Also visit, Aji Dam, Jagat Mandir, Rajkumar College, Lang Library, Lal Pari Lake and Randerda. Evening is free for shopping in the local markets which is famous for its Bandhani Sarees, mirror-work, patch work, bead work and silk embroidery. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Rajkot was founded in the year 1610 A.D. by Chief Vibhaji Jadeja & Raju Sandhi. Rajkot was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra. Today it is best known as the town where Mahatma Gandhi spent the early years of his life when his father was a Diwan or Prime Minister to the king of Saurashtra. Rajkot is famous for its Bandhani Sarees, mirror-work, patchwork, beadwork and silk embroidery.

09 Day: Rajkot – Porbandar (180 kms: 4 hrs)

Today in the morning check out and drive to Porbandar, on arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment visit The Kirti temple was built honoring Mahatma Gandhi. Nehru Planetarium, also known as the Tara Mandir, the Nehru planetarium is built mainly for the children. Bharat Mandir also Known as India Temple showcases many sculptures, pictures and other artifacts about the Indian tradition. Located opposite to Nehru Planetarium in a garden, the temple houses stone carvings and brass reliefs of heroes from Hindu mythology on the pillars. Porbandar Beach, also known as Willingdon Marina Beach, Porbandar Beach is one of the famous and most amazing attractions of Porbandar. Also known as Willingdon Marina Beach, Porbandar Beach is one of the famous and most amazing attractions of Porbandar. Don't foret to visit Huzur Palace which is a great tourist spot located near the beach. After visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Porbandar is Saurashtra's end - a picturesque seaport on the Arabian Sea. It is situated 395 Kms from Ahmedabad. It is also known as "White City" because of its white stone construction. It is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Porbandar has a pleasant beach with beach villas. Its ancient maritime activities - trade with Arabia, Africa and Persia have given way to a thriving industry of cement and chemical units.

12 Day: Porbandar – Junagadh (105 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast check out and drive to Junagadh, on arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment visit Mohabbat Maqbara, also known as Mausoleum of Bahaduddnbhai Hasainbhai, Uperkot Fort, over 2300 years old, with walls up to 20m high in some places, there used to be a 300 ft. deep moat inside the walls which reportedly used to be inhabited by crocodiles for the fort's protection. Adi-kadi Vav and Navghan Kuwo, these are two step wells inside the Uperkot Fort. Girnar Hills, just 5 km from Junagadh town, Girnar Hills are a collection of hills, whose origins can be traced back to the Vedas. Edicts of Ashoka, A site with an inscription of fourteen Edicts of Emperor Ashoka is found on a large boulder on the way to mount Girnar. Buddhist Caves, these aren't exactly caves but rooms carved out of stones and were used as monk's headquarters. Sarkeshwar Beach is one good place to relax and enjoy. Sound of the waves here are very soothing and the shore is lined by tiny and beautiful sea shells. Rest of the day free for relaxation. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Junagadh means "Old Fort". An alternate etymology gives the name as coming from "Yonagadh", literally "City of the Yona (Greeks)," referring to the ancient inhabitants of the city under the Indo-Greek Kingdom. It is also known as "Sorath", the name of the earlier Princely State of Junagadh. An impressive fort, Uparkot Fort, located on a plateau in the middle of town, was originally built during the Mauryan dynasty by Chandragupta. There is an inscription with fourteen Edicts of Ashoka on a large boulder within 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) of Uparkot Fort.

11 Day: Junagadh – Sasan Gir (80 kms: 2 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive Sasan Gir, on arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. After refreshment visit at 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. Gir Forest is today the only place in the world outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in his natural habitat 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. Take a jungle safari and return back to the resort for dinner and overnight stay.

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.

12 Day: Sasan Gir – Somnath (70 kms: 2 hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Somnath. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Somnath is one of the India’s major fishing ports. After refreshment, visit Somnath jyotirlinga Temple, A highly revered religious site for Hindus, the Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. Triveni Sangam Temple, the confluence of the three rivers Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati this is the point where the rivers meet the mighty Arabian Sea. Beaches of Somnath, though crowded, have the power to lure you away in a different world of soothing waves. The beaches are not recommended for swimming but are definitely a great point to relax and unwind. Rest of the evening is free for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

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.

13 Day: Somnath – Diu (85 kms: 2 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Diu. On arrival, transfer to the hotel after refreshment take a city tour of Diu visiting St. Paul's Church, One of the most famous tourist attractions of Diu, this magnanimous structure is the St. Paul Church dedicated to 'Our Lady of Immaculate Conception'. Diu Museum has been set up in the St. Thomas Church. This church had been built in 1598 but was later converted into a museum. Sunset Point, A beautiful hillock located near the Chakritirath beach in Diu, offers its visitors a mesmerizing view of sunset from here. The hillock and the surrounding areas have been beautifully landscaped and illuminated. Rest of your day is free for beach and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel/resort.

Diu: A Portuguese colony like Goa, Diu is an off - shore island on the western coast, off the Gulf of Cambay. The coast has limestone cliffs, rocky coves and sandy beaches, the best of which are at Nagoa. A massive fort built by the Portuguese dominates the skyline.

14 Day: Diu

After breakfast, enjoy The Golden sand beach undulates into the horizon while the Arabian Sea laps away at the edge as though imploring the sands to let it find its own beach. The Naida caves are located on the periphery of the Diu fort. Nagoa Beach, the most beautiful and famous beach of Diu is Nagoa Beach. Diu Fort, the Fort of Diu is a colossal structure that occupies a prominent place on the tourist's list. Panikota Fort, also known as Fortim-do-Mar, Panikota Fort is a former Diu Jail. This white coloured huge structure is located within the Diu Fort. Gangeshwar Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has 5 Shivalingas that were supposedly laid by the Pandavas during their exile period. Zampa Gateway, is another attraction. It is a major landmark of Diu and is carved with dedicated angels, lions and a priest. An artificial waterfall adds to its beauty. Overnight at the hotel/resort.

15 Day: Diu – Palitana – Bhavnagar (200 kms: 5 hrs)

Morning after breakfast check out and drive to Bhavnagar, enroute visit Palitana – The Place of Victory, Visit the exclusive Jain temples, proceed to Bhavnagar, on arrival, transfer to the hotel. Afterwards take short sightseeing tour of the city Takhteshwar Temple, Gaurishankar Lake-a beautiful picnic spot and the Lock Gate. Rest of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay 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.

16 Day: Bhavnagar – Velavadar National Park – Bhavnagar (55 kms: 1 ½ hrs one way)

Early morning, drive to Velavadar National Park for a safari. Formerly the private grassland of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar, where he would hunt blackbucks with his famous hunting cheetahs. The park consists mainly of blackbucks, wolves, houbara bustards and lesser floricans. Foxes, jackals and jungle cats are the main carnivores found here. Other species seen in the park include wild pigs, hares and rodents, which are typical of savannah type grasslands and thorn scrubs. Birds like the sand grouse and lark are seen in fair numbers. The harrier roost found at the park is one of the largest in the world. After safari, return back to Bhavnagar for overnight stay.

17 Day: Bhavnagar – Mumbai (By Air)

After breakfast checkout of the hotel and transfer to airport to board the schedule flight for Mumbai. On arrival transfer to the International Airport to board flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories.