Tales of Gujarat

You will be welcomed by our representative at the Airport. Then, you will have time to check-in at the hotel and relax. In the afternoon, we will visit Adalaj Step-well; the step-well at the village of Adalaj is another fine example of a 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 design.

We will indulge in exploring the underground art gallery’s exhibit of paintings and sculptures of noted artist M.F. Hussain (Closed on Monday). Later, we will ranch over SidiSayed Mosque, Jumma Masjid, Teen Darwaja and Hutheesing Jain Temple.

From Ahmedabad, we will drive to Vadodara, the third largest city in Gujarat. We will stop over in Champaner - It was established as the Chauhan Rajput capital in the 8th century. It is an ancient fort located at the foothills of Pavagadh. The entire landscape is scattered around with remains of fort walls, ruined tombs, gardens, arches, pillars and wells.

We will tour the nearby tribal regions of Chota Udepur and Jambhughoda. Chota Udepur is in proximity to various hamlets of Bhils, Rathwas, Bhilalas and other tribes. A tour of the tribal village and hamlets offer an insight of traditional architecture, lifestyle & handicrafts of each aboriginal community. Pithora painting, pottery, terracotta figures, Langoti wearing and bamboo basket weaving are main attractions.

After breakfast, we will drive to Bhavnagar. Bhavnagar was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohilin in 1723 AD, near the Gulf of Khambhat, on a carefully chosen strategic location having potential of maritime trade.

The day starts with an excursion to Palitana, the gateway to the Shatrunjaya hill and one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Jains. After reaching the top of the hill, we will visit the Jain temple. Followed by that, we will travel to the Chaumukha or the four faced temple. It has an image of Adinath facing out in the four cardinal directions. Post lunch, we will drive to visit Talaja Buddhist Caves on the top of a small hill.

After breakfast, we will drive to Diu, a tiny island in the Arabian Sea which is situated near the port of Veraval in Gujarat and is separated from the southern extremity of the Saurashtra peninsula by a narrow channel running through the swamp. Diu is a sensuous blend of sun, sand and deep blue sea.

After breakfast, we will proceed for a day excursion to Vanakbara, followed by a visit to Gomtimata Beach Temple located on the western end of the Diu in the village Vanakbara, one of the best beaches of the region. Secluded and with natural white sand, Gomtimata beach is a beautiful beach to just sit back and relax. And you can also drop by to see Khodidhar Beach Sunset Point.

We will commence with a sightseeing tour around Somnath, which consists of a few streets leading away from its phoenix-like temple. The rugged sea below gives it a lonely, wistful charm. Somnath is mainly known for the legendary shore temple of Somnath, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple contains the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Later, we will drive to Sasan Gir; Sasan Gir popularly known as Gir is the most famous lion sanctuary in India.

We will first drop by Gir Jungle Trail (Timing 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM): The lion safaris are popular among tourists. You may spot Leopard, Nilgai, spotted deer, wild boar, wild ass, monkeys, parrots and peacocks. Then we will drive to Junagadh. The Junagadh town is located at the foothills of the sacred hill of Girnar and occupies a special place in the history of Gujarat. We will then go to Gondal. The Riverside palace at Gondal, a government of India classified heritage hotel and the Orchard Palace are two mansion guest houses opened as heritage hotels. The highlight of staying at these properties is that guests can see the Royal Garages, housing vintage and classic cars and the Naulakha Palace. It has a royal saloon suite with its own drawing, dining, bedroom and bathroom in a converted railway carriage.

Enjoy your breakfast this morning at the hotel and then we will drive to Bhuj en route visiting Bhujodi and Ajrakhpur. Bhujodi – a village skilled in traditional Bandhani block printing and weaving. Nearby is the Hiralakshmi Craft Park – a nonprofit undertaking by the Ashapura Group of Companies that works with artisans throughout Kutch to show their skills and retail their crafts. Ajrakhpur – The artisans of Ajrakhpur specialise in Ajrakh – a Block Printed cotton cloth used traditionally by local herdsmen with natural dyes. Its geometrical and non figurative motifs often mirror those appearing in Islamic – influenced Indian architecture. Later, you will arrive at Bhuj for your stay at the hotel.

We will kick start with an excursion to Banni Villages. 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 masterpieces every day. Their ornaments, clothes and utensils will make you feel as if you have stepped into a lifestyle museum leaving you spellbound. Visit Jura and Nirona to meet master craftsmen Elias Lohar or Haji Vali Mohammad to learn about the skill-intensive process of tuning the famous copper bells of Jura. Nirona, about 6 km from Jura, is home to about half a dozen distinct craft forms. Visit AbdulGafar Khatri, who belongs to the last remaining family of Rogan artisans and watch him use a metal stick and some castor-oil based colours to create vivid compositions. Observe Sugar Saya or Mala Khamisa in Vadavas as they transform wood with bright lacquer colours. Visit the Bhirandiyara – a favourite Tea stop for locals and visitors alike on the road to Khavda. The village boasts of a delicious sweet – fresh Maavo. The local Meghwal Community has exquisite embroideries. Skillfully decorated, colourful Mud Bhungas Khavda village is famous for pottery while the men do all the throwing in terracotta, the women handle all the surface decoration. Overnight stay in Bhuj. Note: Permit for north side Banni Village is issued from the Bhirandariya Village which is 50 Km from Bhuj. Whenever guests for a full day excursion come to the Banni area, they can obtain the permit from the check post of Bhirandariya village.

We will hit the road towards Bajana located on the edge of little Rann of Kutch, which is an extension of the Rann of Kutch onto Saurashtra. Bajana is a major bird watching destination, it is known for bird watching and is the only place in India where wild ass can be found. Besides this, the tribal heritage of the area, craft villages and rural character are some attractions for guests looking for an authentic rural India experience.

Enjoy the Jeep safari to Little Rann of Kutch. Spend the evening at your leisure. Stay the night at Bajana.

After breakfast, you will check out from the hotel and depart to Ahmedabad. En-route visit Modhera Sun Temple, dedicated to the Hindu God Surya (Sun). The Temple is located on the bank of the Pushpavati River and was built by King Bhimdev of Solanki dynasty in the year 1026. We will drive to Ahmedabad from here.

After breakfast, you will be dropped at the airport.