Gujarat Heritage, Wildlife, Great Rann of Kutch Tour

01 Day: Arrival Ahmedabad

Welcome at Sardar Vallabh bhai Patel Airport assistance on arrival, our representative escorts you by a/c car and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. After your check in, you will be given all the required documents related to your tour plan and explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. In the evening, if time permits visit to Akashardham temple, dedicated to Lord Swati Narayan, Akshardham Temple is located in Gandhinagar. It features the architectural skills of more than 900 artisans. 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 by lanes called 'pols'. The exquisite carved wooden mansions and havelis are in no manner less than their stone counterparts in Rajasthan.

02 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, you can opt to Someshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple, one of the most important of the 12 Jyotirlingas temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, The Sardar Vallabh bhai Patel National Memorial is a museum and exhibition centre dedicated to Sardar Vallabh bhai Patel, The Nehru Bridge is a major bridge over the river Sabarmati, later visit to Shaking Minarets, Calico Textile Museum, Utensils museum, and Sabarmati Ashram started by Mahatma Gandhi, Teen Darwaza is a historical gateway on the east of Bhadra Fort, built in 1415, it is associated with historical as well as legendary events. Nagina Wadi is a garden themed entertainment ground in the center of the circular Kankaria Lake – The circular lake having an island garden in the middle. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

03 Day: Ahmedabad – Lothal – Bhavnagar (180 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Bhavnagar. Enroute you can opt to visit Lothal excavated site is located between the Sabarmati River and its tributary Bhogavo, the place is known for Harappan archeological site. Later continue drive 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. 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.

04 Day: Bhavnagar – Palitana – Sasan Gir (220 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Sasan Gir. Enroute visit Palitana– the Place of Victory, visit the exclusive Jain temples considered to be the most sacred. The town is considered by many Jains to be more important than the temple covered hills of Bihar, Gwalior, Mt Abu and Girnar. After visit, drive to Sasan Gir, on arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. Evening is free for individual activities at the jungle resort. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

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. 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.

Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary, which lies on the south western 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.

05 Day: Sasan Gir Forest

After breakfast, take a jungle safari to explore Gir National Park and the Wild Life Sanctuary, the last stronghold of the Lion population, 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. Later return to the resort for dinner and overnight stay.

06 Day: Sasan Gir – Junagarh (80 kms: 2 hrs)

After breakfast depart from Sasan Gir and drive to Junagarh. On arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment, visit to the Mohabbat Maqbara, also known as Mausoleum of Bahaduddn bhai and Hasain bhai, its unique architecture makes it one of the most important attractions of Junagarh. Uperkot Fort, over 2300 years old, there are two step wells inside the Uperkot Fort. Usually wells are dug into the ground through layers of soli, stones, etc. Buddhist Caves, these aren't exactly caves but rooms carved out of stones and were used as monk's headquarters. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Junagarh is situated in the western state of Gujarat at the foothills of the Girnar Hills. The city of Junagarh takes its name from the fort that encloses the old city. Junagarh was an important trade center as testified by the Ashok an edicts dating from 250 BC. The present-day city has many archeological sites and historical monuments that reflect the rich history of the place.

07 Day: Junagarh – Porbandar (105 kms: 3 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 a coastal city in the Indian state of Gujarat, perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The home of Gandhiji's childhood, known by the name of Kirti Mandir is one major attraction of the place. Kasturba Gandhi, Gandhiji's wife, was also born in Porbandar. It is also a port in the state of Gujarat. A chronological history on the life of the Mahatma Gandhi is listed in the museum at Kirti Mandir.

08 Day: Porbandar – Dwarka (105 kms: 3 hrs)

After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Dwarka. The city of Dwarka, renowned in myth and legend, was once the capital of Lord Krishna's empire. He is believed to have settled there after leaving Mathura, thousands of years ago. On arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment visit Dwarkadhish Temple, Gopi Talav, Rukmini Devi Temple, Gomati Ghat Temples, Nageshwar Mahadev Temple and Bet Dwarka. Evening visit Okha Madhi beach at the time of sunset. After visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Dwarka, renowned in myth and legend, was once the capital of Lord Krishna's empire. He is believed to have settled here, after leaving Mathura thousands of years ago. The site is undoubtedly ancient but its association with Lord Krishna gives it a sanctity that draws millions of pilgrims even today. It is one of the seven sacred cities or 'Sapta Puris' as well as one of the four 'dhams' - supreme pilgrim centers for the Hindus.

09 Day: Dwarka – Jamnagar (130 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Jamnagar, on arrival transfer to the hotel, Jamnagar a coastal town and famous for its pearl fisheries, tie-and-dye fabrics, and bandhini textile work. Take a sightseeing of the city visiting Lakhota Museum located in the center of the Lakhota Lake. It was initially a palace, which was converted into a museum in 1946, and Kotha Bastion is an old well, the water of which can be drawn by blowing into a small hole in the floor. Then visit Bala Hanuman Temple, known for its nonstop Ramdhun since 1956 and it mentioned in Guinness Book of World Records, other temples you can visit are Shiva Temple and Jain Temples. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Jamnagar, historically called Nawanagar or the new city, was one of the most important princely states of Saurashtra. According to Pauranik literature, Lord Krishna established his kingdom at Dwarka, now in Jamnagar district, after his migration from Mathura and it is to this great Yadava race that the Jams of Nawanagar trace their descent.

10 Day: Jamnagar – Bhuj (255 kms: 6 hrs)

After an early 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 check in to the resort. After refreshment visit Hall of Mirrors at the Aina Mahal; climb the bell tower of the Prag Mahal next door; stroll through the produce market; examine the 2000-year-old Kshatrapa inscriptions in the Kutch Museum; admire the sculptures of Ramayana characters at the Rama kund step well; walk around Hamirsar Lake and watch children jumping into it from the lake walls as the hot afternoon sun subsides; and catch the sunset among the chhatardis of the Kutch royal family in a peaceful field outside the center of town. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Bhuj, a city in Gujarat, excites tourists by offering a range of attractions that vary from old forts and palaces to local haats ( local market) and shopping bazaars. Bhuj is a city and also a municipality in the Kutch district in Gujarat. Bhuj lies at the heart of Kutch. Bhuj is very well connected and very well linked by many roads to the rest of the peninsula. The historical and picturesque city of Bhuj was established by Rao Hamirji in the year 1510. Later on after a few years Bhuj was made the state capital by Rao Khengari. The city was made the state capital in the year 1549.

11 Day: Banni Region (Kutch) – Great Rann of Kutch – Banni Region (Kutch)

After breakfast, head out by jeep to explore the Paccham region and the proximities of the Great Rann of Kutch. Visit Dhordo to see beautiful traditional mud houses (Bhungas) with mirror work and fine Mutwa embroidery with tiny mirrors; Bhirandiara, a small settlement of Muslim shepherds; Ludiya village to see their traditional painted mud houses, Meghwal embroidery and wood carving crafts; and Khavda village to see its pottery work. A packed lunch is taken under the shade of a tree. After lunch, we drive to India Bridge, the last civilian point before the Pakistani border. Later you undertake a 2-hour camel safari or jeep safari along the edge of the Karo Dungar (Black Hill) and the Great Rann of Kutch. For sunset, we will drive you to the Dattatray temple at the top of the Karo Dungar (Black Hill), from where you will have the best views of the Great Rann. Return to the resort for dinner and overnight stay.

Banni: In Banni area of Kutch the Meghwal-Harijans tribal who migrated from Rajasthan, skilled to make satin stitch embroidery, also famous Mutwa embroidery of the area. They make wall hangings, waistcoats and pouches in Kharek Stitch and do 'Moti Bharat' or beadwork on handheld fans, bracelets, toys and belts. There are other villages in the region mainly: Dhordo village: The place is best to see beautiful traditional mud houses (Bhungas) with mirror work and its fine Mutwa embroidery with tiny mirrors. Ludiya village: The main occupations of the local here are monsoon farming, cattle rearing, intricate wood carving, intricate embroidery work, mud-work and wall painting for decorating homes. Locals are skilled in wood carving, the women take up embroidery and wall-decoration. Khavda village has excellent potters and leather craftsmen, this is also the departure point to visit the world's largest flamingo colony, at a lake in the desert out past Jamkundaliya, where a half million flamingos stop over on their migrations every year.

12 Day: Banni Region (Kutch) – Little Rann of Kutch (Dasada) (275 kms: 6 hrs)

Today after breakfast the tour starts with a drive to Dasada. The home to tribal heritage area that is rich in local craft. Little Rann of Kutch. On arrival check in to the resort. In the evening you may opt to visit crafts shops and cottages, Rabaris tribal of Dasada, known for their embroideries, the silk-weavers colony at Dasada. Evening is free for leisure. Dinner and overnight at the camps of Dasada.

Dasada is located on the edge of little Rann of Kutch, which is an extension of the Rann of Kutch onto Saurashtra. Dasada is a major bird watching destination; there are several bird watching sites around the area. Lesser Flamingos are found here in winter in large numbers. Besides bird watching tribal heritage of the area, this is only place in India where wild ass can be found. There are craft villages and rural character is an attraction for guests looking for an authentic rural India experience. One of the unique destinations of Gujarat for unique experience.

13 Day: Dasada – Ahmedabad (95 kms: 2 - 3 hrs)

After breakfast explore the desert by open jeep in the Little Rann of Kutch, where one can sight animals like Wild-Ass, Desert Fox, Blue Bull, Blackbuck, Wolf, Jackal and few species of snakes & many species of birds also one can visit the home of Rabari and Banjara are the two important tribes of the region. Dasada is known for bird watching and only place in India where wild ass can be found. Afterwards check out of the resort and drive to Ahmedabad. On arrival, check into the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for shopping at the local markets. Overnight at the hotel.

14 Day: Ahmedabad – Hometown (By Air)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to airport. If time permits you can do the shopping. The ‘Manchester of the East’, Ahmedabad has long been associated with textiles and fabrics in India and one of the finest cities in Gujarat for handicrafts, hand loom clothes, wooden toys and decoration, ethnic wears of the best handwork of the skilled professionals, block printed fabrics to contemporary art to Bandhej fabric, you can visit to many local markets and shops: like Rani No Hajiro, Lal Darwaza Market, Sindhi market, Sindhi market, Teen Darwaza Market, Kapasi Handicrafts Emporium, Asopalav Ratanpole, Law Garden’s Night Market, Dhalgarwad and many more shops and shopping malls in Ahmedabad. Later transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown/onwards journey. On departure tour concludes with happy memories.