Gujarat offers breathtaking locations and scenic landscapes. It is also a melting pot of several civilizations resulting in a vibrant culture and a rich heritage. Interact with local artisans, spot asiatic lions in the wild, get mesmerized by the beautiful palaces, participate in craft workshops held by local experts and take in the spiritual vibe at Shatrunjaya & Somnath.
Duration : 13 Days
Route : Ahmedabad → Sidhpur → Adalaj → Patan → Modhera → Dasada → Bhuj → Banni → Hodka → Kala Dunger → Morbil → Junagadh → Sasan Gir → Somnath → Bhavnagar → Palitana → Velavadar → Lothal → Ahmedabad
Itinerary
Days 1-2 Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, the commercial hub of Gujarat, has a unique Indo-Saracenic style of architecture which can be seen in the minarets, domes and latticework in the mosques dispersed around the city.
Set off on an early morning Heritage Walk of Ahmedabad. Later visit the Gandhi Ashram,Akshardam Temple,Calico Textile Museum,Juma Masjid, Mosque of Sidi Sayed, and Vintage Car Museum.
Day 3 Dasada (via Sidhpur, Patan, and Modhera)
Visit the havelis and mansions in Sidhpur and Adlaj Wav (step well) before heading towards Patan to meet with the Salvi family, experts in the art of double Ikkat work.
Day 4 Dasada
Dasada is a perfect base for exploring the Rann of Kutch, the last refuge in India for the Asiatic Wild Ass, an elegant member of the horse family. In winter it is also home to migratory birds such as flamingos, Macqueen’s Bustard, pelicans and cranes.
Dasada and its nearby villages are inhabited by a number of interesting communities including pastoral tribes such as the Mirs, Rabaris, Bharwads, Jats and Kolis.
Enjoy the open air jeep safaris into the national park.
Day 5 Bhuj
Bhuj has a long history of kings and empires. It serves as the perfect base for exploring the remote areas of kutch.
Visit the Bhuj Museum and royal palaces (Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal).
Day 6 Hodka
Explore the Banni grass and desert lands, circumscribed by the great salt marsh of Rann of Kutch and the Arabian Sea. Visit Kala Raksha Trust, a grass root social enterprise dedicated to preservation of traditional arts. Later stop at Nirona village for Rogan art, bell and wood craft work. Meet with the semi nomadic Vadhas, whose skill lies in coating wooden implements and toys with lacquer in a psychedelic variation of hues.
Reach Hodka by evening to witness tribal cultural dances.
Day 7 Bhuj (via Kala Dunger and Banni)
Enjoy the views of the volcanic wastelands from Kala Dunger and later visit the Banni villages to see the tribal arts and crafts.
Day 8 Gondal (via Morbi)
Stop for lunch at the 19th century neo classical Darbargarh Palace, reflected in the Macchu River. The palace spreads out all the glory and magnificence of a century made eternal by the patronage of maharajas.
Continue your onward journey to Gondal where the 1748 AD Naulakha Palace houses a collection of antiques and princely relics of the Jadeja Rajput rulers and a magnificent Vintage and Classic Car museum.
Day 9 Sasan Gir (via Junagadh)
Leave for Gir via the historic city of Junagadh, which houses a lot of historic places including the Uparkot Fort, Buddhist cave-sites, Ashoka’s rock inscriptions (3rd century BC), Palace Museum, 18th & 19th century royal mausoleum complexes, Nawabi buildings and the famous Girnar temples
Gir National Park is the last abode of the Asiatic lions. Enjoy morning and evening open air jeep safaris into the park.
Day 10 Sasan Gir (Day trip to Somnath)
Experience the thrill of an early morning Wildlife & Bird watching Safari at the Gir National Park before heading off on a day trip to Somnath, which is established as one of the twelve Shiva Jyotirlingas.
Day 11 Bhavnagar
Visit the Nilambag Palace which is a pleasant juxtaposition with its lush green lawns and beatific foliage surround the imposing Khakhi stoned structure.
Day 12 Velavadar (via Palitana)
Set off early in the morning for Palitana, known for the 863 temples atop the Shatrunjaya hills. Later head to the Velavadar Black Buck National Park to enjoy an afternoon wildlife and birding safari.
Day 13 Ahmedabad (via Lothal)
After an early morning safari into the Velavadar Park, head towards Ahmedabad with an en route stop at Lothal, a 4500 year old Harappan (Indus Valley) archaeological site.
Arrive at Ahmedabad for your connections.
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