Gujarat Culture and Nature 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 – Bhavnagar (170 kms: 4 hrs)

Early morning check out from the hotel and drive to Bhavnagar. Enroute visit (optional) Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, located 70 kms from the Ahmedabad, this serves as an oasis of serenity in the midst of hustle bustle of city life. Some of the birds that can be more commonly found here include osprey, harriers, flamingoes, pelicans, storks, ibises, wading birds, geese, cranes, spoonbill, swallows and fishing eagles. Also visit the Lake here. Its beauty and tranquility is surely going to steal your heart and make you feel as if you are in the paradise. It is nothing less than a dream world. It appears like a fairyland on the full moon nights. After visit 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. Rest of the evening is free for leisure. 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.

04 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.

05 Day: Bhavnagar – Diu (210 kms: 5 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.

06 Day: Diu

After breakfast, visit 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. These caves have a big network of tunnels with square hewn steps. 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. 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 stay at the hotel/resort.

07 Day: Diu – Somnath (85 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 stay 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.

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

Today in the morning 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.

09 Day: Sasan Gir – Dwarka (235 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Dwarka. Dwarka is one of the seven most holy Hindu pilgrimage cities in India, on arrival transfer to the hotel. 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. Visit Rukmini Devi Temple, Gomati Ghat Temples, Nageshwar Mahadev Temple and Bet Dwarka. Afterwards 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.

10 Day: Dwarka – Virpur – Rajkot (225 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to Rajkot, enroute stop over at Virpur to visit, after darshan proceed to Rajkot, on arrival transfer to the hotel. 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 VibhajiJadeja& Raju Sandhi. Rajkot is the fourth largest city in the state of Gujarat, has a long history and had a significant part in the Indian independence movement. Rajkot was home for many personalities like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Rajkot is in a transition period of growing cultural, industrial and economical activities. Rajkot is famous for its Bandhani Sarees, mirror-work, patchwork, beadwork and silk embroidery.

11 Day: Rajkot – Porbandar (180 kms: 4 - 5 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.

13 Day: Junagadh – Palitana (175 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Palitana, on arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment visit the Palitana temple, covered Shatrunjaya Hill; 2,000 ft. near Palitana town has 863 shrines and exquisite marble temples with arches, carved pillars and bejewelled idols. The temples range from the 11th to 20th century. Rest of the evening free for individual activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Palitana: 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.

14 Day: Palitana – Ahmedabad (215 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Ahmadabad, on arrival transfer to the hotel, in the evening visit to the local market for shopping, this city of fabrics and curios with a strong old world charm. Premier shopping areas in Ahmedabad are C.G.Road, Ashram Road, Law Garden, and Relief Road. The Khadi Gram Udyog Emporiums, Hastkala, Kapasi Handicrafts Emporium, Saurashtra Emporium, and Bandhej are some of the places where one can get cotton garments, handicrafts, and curios. Gurjari, the Gujarat State Crafts Emporium, has some of the best products not only from Ahmedabad but also from Gujarat. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

15 Day: Ahmedabad – Hometown (By Air)

Today after breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Onwards journey. On departure, tour concludes here with happy memories.