Wonders of Gujarat
Duration : 09 Nights / 10
Days
Places Covered : Bhuj - Gondal - Bhavangar - Palitana - Uthelia
- Ahmedabad - Gir National Park - Rajkot - Mumbai
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India's western most state, where the
desert tracts of the sub- continent meet with the monsoon lands of
peninsular India. Gujarat is synonymous for arts and crafts- weaving, hand
block panting and fabrics all thrive through the state and are highlighted
in this itinerary. The salt flats of the Rann of Kutch has the largest
flamingo breeding area in the world and is the home of the rare Asiatic Wild
Ass and the last remaining home of Asiatic Lion can he found in the Sasan
Gir National Park
Day 01 : Arrive Mumbai
Transfer
to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02 : Mumbai - Bhuj
This morning fly to Bhuj the capital of the Rann of Kutch. Later visit the
city to view the 18th century Aina Mahal Palace (Now a private museum) and
explore some the narrow alleyways with their carved overhanging balconies.
Day 03 : Bhuj
Visit the Banni villages around Bhuj which are noted for their traditional
handicrafts, especially embroidery, block painting, pottery, leather and
silver work.
Day 04 : Bhuj - Gondal
After breakfast leave with your driver for Gondal (250 kms/ 5.5 hrs) which
is situated in the heart of Gujarat. Gondal is an interesting town and
excellent base from which to explore the area. Gondal is noted for its
impressive 17th century Naulakha Palace and the Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic
Pharmacy. The Vintage and Classic Car Museum in the grounds of the main
palace is well worth visiting.
Day 05 : Gondal - Bhavangar
Morning visit Junagadh hotel for its fort and nearby Girnar Hill (at 900 m
the climb takes about 2 hours) has exquisite 12th century Jain temples on
the summit.
Other
places of interest around Gondal include Dhoraji and Jetpur. At Dhoraji view
the Dabarghadh (old palace) an architectural masterpiece with fine sandstone
carvings. Jetpur is a textile town known for its woodblock and screen
printing. Afternoon Drive to Bhavangar (230 kms / 4 hrs), a flourishing port
on the Gulf of Khambhat and a good base from which to visit Palitana.
Day 06 : Bhavnagar -Palitana -Uthelia
Early morning visit Palitana (70 kms /1 ½ hrs) where over a period of
900 years, 863 Jain Temples have been constructed on five sacred hills -if
you wish to climb Palitana you should allow at least 4 hours to climb to the
top. Later drive to Palace Uthelia (150 kms / 3 hrs), a small comfortable
heritage guesthouse, in the heart of the village.
Day 7 : Uthelia
At leisure to explore Uthelia an agricultural village, noted for its
traditional houses. Other places of interest include nearby Lothal to see
the major archaeological site dating back to the Harrappan era 2400 -1500 BC
and the Gundi Ashram
Day 08 : Uthelia -Ahmedabad
Morning drive to Ahmedabad (80 kms /1 ½ hrs). Afternoon visit the
noted Calico Museum (closed on Wednesdays & holidays). Overnight at
hotel.
Day 09 : Ahmedabad
Today visit Modhera and Patan. The Surya Temple at Modhera was built in
1026 AD and is dedicated to the Sun God. Patan is the old capital of Gujarat
and home of the famous Patola silk weavers and is also noted for the Rani
Vav step well.
Day 10 : Depart Ahmedabad
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Mumbai (it is also
possible to travel Mumbai by train). Ahmedabad is also connected by air to
Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur and Chennai, alternatively, From Ahmedabad it is
possible to travel on by car the little Rann of Kutch or to Rajasthan.
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