Gujarat - Undiscovered India ⋆ Itinerary ⋆ Greaves India

Gujarat – Undiscovered India

Gujarat - Undiscovered India

Step off the tourist trail and see beyond the bright lights of Mumbai and discover the unique treasures of Gujarat. Often overlooked, this state is well worth a visit being home to some of the most unique heritage and natural history India has to offer. From the superb Indo-Islamic architecture and bustling bazaars of Ahmedabad, to the luna like desert salt pains of the Kutch, home to the rare wild ass and the Sasan Gir Forest the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic Lion. This tour also includes visits to the 11th Century Sun Temple at Modhera and the breathtaking marble shrines high up on Shatrunjaya Hill.

Best Things to Do in Ahmedabad | Adalaj Stepwell

Gujarat - Undiscovered India

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

On arrival transfer to the Leela Hotel

Day 2: Mumbai – Ahmedabad

Morning transfer to Mumbai Domestic Airport for a flight to Ahmedabad, the most populous city in the state of Gujrat home to many buildings and monuments of historical and religious importance. On arrival in Ahmedabad transfer to House of MG hotel

Day 3: Ahmedabad

Morning proceed for an exclusive Heritage walking tour of Old city in Ahmedabad. The walk begins from the picturesque Swaminarayan Mandir in Kalupur and ends in the most glorious architectural legacies, the Jama Masjid. Explore the numerous havelis, ornamental facades, workplaces of artisans and number of magnificent Hindu and Jain temples.

Day 4: Ahmedabad – Patan – Modhera – Dasada

Morning drive to Dasada and enroute visit Patan, Rani Ki Vav and Modhera. Patan is a dusty, little visited town, but its narrow streets are lined by the elaborate, faded wooden houses and more than 100 Jain temples, which are worth exploring. The largest of the Jain temple is Panchasara Parasvanath. The major tourist attractions in Patan are Rani ki Vav, Sahastralinga Talav and Khan Sarovar. Later visit Modera an almost deserted hamlet off the beaten track 100km northwest of Ahmedabad. Modera is famous for its Surya Temple, beautifully balanced and intricately carved. On arrival in Dasada check-in at Rann Riders Resort.

Day 5: Dasada

Morning set on a jeep safari to explore the Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sancturary. The Rann of Kutch is famous for its white salty desert sand and is reputed to be the largest salt desert in the world. The Rann of Kutch region is also home to a range of ecologically rich wildlife such as the flamingos and the wild ass. Rann is also a part of a few sanctuaries such as the Indian wild ass sanctuary, Kutch desert wildlife sanctuary etc. It is a paradise for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Afternoon go on an excursion to nearby villages to see tribal settlements.

Day 6: Dasada – Bhuj

Today morning drive to Bhuj – known as the Jaisalmer of Gujarat, Bhuj is the most important city in the Kutch region of Gujarat. The city is a maze of alleys with fine examples of Gujarati architecture that can be found in the form of houses and temples. The city of Bhuj is a paradise for tourists who are interested in purchasing handicrafts especially embroidered textiles. On arrival check-in at The Bhuj House. Afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bhuj exploring Aina Mahal, bell tower in Prag Mahal, Kshtrapa inscriptions in the Kutch museum, which is believed to be the oldest museum in the region. Engage in some shopping of Bandhani (tie & dye), hand-printed saris, embroidery, needlework and ornaments that are exquisite to this region.

Day 7: Bhuj

Toady explore the North Banni villages – located between the dry arid Rann and the hinterland

Day 8: Bhuj – Gondal

Morning drive to Gondal and on arrival transfer to Orchard Palace Hotel. Afternoon enjoy the sightseeing tour of Gondal visiting Naulakha Palace and Ayurvedic Pharmacy.

Day 9: Gondal – Junagadh – Sasan Gir

Morning drive to Sasan Gir en-route visiting Jetpur screen-printing, Uparkot Fort and Museum at Junagadh. On arrival check-in at Lion Safari Camp Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 10: Sasan Gir – Somnath – Sasan Gir

Early morning game drive at the Gir National Park by shared jeep in search of the elusive lion. Gir forest is the only place in the world, where the Asiatic lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Also one will come across a host of other herbivores like Chital, Nilgai - Blue Bull and rare four horned antelopes. Later in the morning go on an excursion to Somnath Temple (approximately an hour drive each way)

Day 11: Sasan Gir – Bhavanagr

Early morning game drive at the Gir National Park by shared jeep. Afternoon transfer by road to Bhavnagar and on arrival, check-in at Nilambagh Palace Hotel (Heritage Room)

Day 12: Bhavanagar – Palitana - Bhavanagar

Today morning drive to explore the beautiful Palitana Jain Temples - one of the most sacred sites of Jainism. (there are approximately 3700 steps to the Shrine, palanquins can be requested if required) Rest of the day at leisure.