Renowned as the ancestral home of a large
proportion of Indian traders who emigrated to many parts of the world, this
State contains thriving industrial cities, green rolling hills, untouched
beaches and the great Rann of kutch - a peculiar tract of territory
described by a. Lt. Burnes in his memories as "a space without a
counter- part in the globe". The expanse is hard day saline, flat and,
as the summer heat intensifiers, the salt in the baked and blistered earth
shines with mirages of dazzling whiteness.
Day 01 : Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Transfer from Airport to Hotel
Day 02 : Delhi - Ahmedabad
Morning flight to Ahmedabad, upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Afternoon
visit the Calico Museum of Textiles with world's finest collections of
textiles, displaying antique tapestries, wall hangings, costumes and antique
looms.
Day 03 : Ahmedabad
Full day visit of Ahmedabad. Traditional Ahmedabad combines mosques of
inspired workmanship, wooden Jain temples, unique stone stepwells and houses
with ornately carved wooden balconies and window screens. Modern Ahmedabad -
just across the River Sabarmati spanned by four bridges, is a showpiece of
contemporary architecture with designs by Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and the
best known Indian architects.
Day 04 : Bhavangar
Drive to Bhavanagr 220 kms / 5 hrs. See the old Town bazaars in this
important cotton export centre.
Day 05 : Bhavnagar - Palitana - Diu
Early morning visit to Palitana (70 kms/ 1.5 hrs) - the largest temple city
of its kind in India. Within its gates are found 863 temples located atop a
hill (600 m climb) built over a period of 900 years from the 11th century
onwards. Continue drive to the island of Diu (200 kms/ 4 hrs)
Day 06 : Diu
A
day at leisure on the beaches of Diu- once a Portuguese colony. Miles of
unspoilt white sandy beaches and the ancient Forte de Mar complement the
walled town of Portuguese architectural influence.
Day 07 : Diu - Sasan Gir
Drive to the Sasan Gir National park (180 kms / 4 Hrs) - the last refuge of
the Asiatic lions. In the afternoon take a jeep safari in the park.
Day 08 : Sasan Gir - Junagadh - Gondal ( 75 kms / 1 ½ hrs)
Morning jeep Safari Drive to the ancient capital of Junagadh located at the
base of Girnar Hills and resplendent with legends and a large number of
shrines. Proceed to Gondal, one of the most progressive princely states in
the region during British rule with an efficient system of a tax-less
economy, good roads, railways, schools, hospitals, sanitary drainage, and
free compulsory education . Stay at hotel.
Day 09 : Gondal - Zainabad
Drive to Zainabad (240 kms / 5 Hrs) and stay in luxury tents. In the
afternoon take a jeep safari in the little Rann of Kutch wildlife sanctuary
which is the home to the Indian Wild Ass.
Day 10 : Zainabad - Mandvi
Morning jeep safari. Before noon drive to Mandvi (380 kms/ 8 hrs) one of
the premier ports of the Kutch region. Stay at Hotel.
Day 11 : Mandvi
Day at leisure at the summer retreat of the Royal family of Kutch - Vijay
Villas Palace. The palace was built in the 1940s in 450 acres of lush
greenery with a 2 km long beach. Stay at the luxury tents on the beach.
Day 12 : Mandvi
Full day at leisure
Day 13 : Bhuj - Mumbai
Transfer to Bhuj Airport (1 hr) and connect flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival
transfer from Airport to your hotel.
Day 14 : Mumbai
City tour of Mumbai visiting Gateway of India, Princess of Wales Museum,
Rajabhai Clock Tower, High Court, Marine Drive, Hanging Garden, Maha Laxmi
temple, Tower of Silence, Dhobi, Ghat, Mani Bhawan and Victroia Terminal.
Day 15 : Depart
Transfer to Airport for your onward flight. (Hotel Checkout 12:00 hrs)
