ARRIVE AHMEDABAD
Welcome to your 'Best of Gujarat' tour! On arrival at airport / railway station in Ahmedabad, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Ahmedabad.
The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and unwind.
Day 2
AHMEDABAD - BAJANA (LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH ) (235 KM/APPROX. 6 HOURS DRIVE )
Today after breakfast, drive to Bajana (Little Rann of Kutch). On arrival, check in to your resort. En route visit Rani ki Vav at Patan and Sun temple at Modhera.
Later proceed for Wild Life Jeep Safari.
The highlight of this sanctuary is the Asiatic Wild Ass or 'Gudkhur' that is endemic to the region and is one of the most endangered species in the world. Other mammals that could be seen are nilgai, black buck antelope, chinkara gazelle, Indian wolf, Indian desert foxes, jackals and lesser cats. Also is a paradise for bird watchers. The key dry land birds are McQueen's hauberk bustard, chestnut bellied and spotted sand grouse, Indian courser, 13 species of larks and sparrow larks, 5 of quails (including buttonquails), thick-knee, desert warbler, desert and variable wheatear, aquila eagles, short toed snake eagle, six species of falcon and three harriers. Five species of vulture have been recorded. Apart from all these you can hope to see greater & lesser flamingo, three species of pelican, spoonbill, demoiselle and common cranes, and a number of ducks in flocks of several thousand during winters.
The rest of the evening is at leisure for independent activities.
Day 3
BAJANA - BHUJ (250 KM/APPROX. 5 HOURS DRIVE )
Today, after breakfast, drive to Bhuj and check into your resort.
The rest of the evening is at leisure to relax and unwind.
Day 4
BHUJ
Today, proceed on a sightseeing tour of Bhuj, visiting places like the Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Kutch Museum & Cenotaphs complex.
Aina Mahal - located adjacent to the Prag Mahal, the Aina Mahal or Hall of Mirrors was built during the rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century. An amalgamation of the Indo-European style of architecture, it was designed by master craftsman Ramsinh Malam, who trained as an artisan for 17 years in Europe. This erstwhile double storied palace, which belonged to Maharao Lakhpatji has now been converted into a museum and houses the Maharaja's private collection of paintings, royal furniture, textiles, arms, ivory work, manuscripts, etc. The main attraction here is the Hall of Mirrors, which has walls of white marble covered with mirrors separated by gilded ornaments, lighting being provided by elaborate candelabra, with shades of Venetian glass.
Prag Mahal - located within the Darbargadh Palace complex, next to the Aina Mahal, is the Prag Mahal, a magnificent building made of ornate Italian marble and sandstone. It was commissioned by King Pragmalji II in the 1860s and designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins in the Italian Gothic style. The structure of the palace has beautiful Jali work and Corinthian pillars that are carved with European animals and plants. The 2001 Gujarat earthquake severely damaged the palace and now, only the main hall and bell tower remain in good condition.
Kutch Museum - formerly known as the Fergusson Museum, was founded by Maharao Khengarji III in 1877 AD. This museum was built by the state engineer Sir Ferguson, and thus named after him. The museum remained a private exhibit for the Maharaos till independence and was renamed as the Kutch Museum. This museum is built in the Italian style and located in picturesque surroundings on the banks of the Hamirsar Lake. It has a large collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, various archaeological objects, arms and specimens of various crafts of the Kutch region.
The cenotaphs complex is also known as Chattardi. These cenotaphs complex is made up of red stones. This complex was built in the shape of polygon. The tomb of Rao Lakha is the largest and best one of all the tombs, which was built in 1770.
Post sightseeing get back to your hotel.
The rest of the evening is at leisure for independent activities.
Day 5
BHUJ - DWARKA (400 KM/APPROX. 9 HOURS DRIVE)
Today after breakfast, proceed to Dwarka, one of the main centres of the Lord Krishna legend, a sentinel overlooking the Arabian Sea. Soak in the heavenly goodness of God and his creation while you are here. On arrival, check in to the hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.
Day 6
DWARKA - BET DWARKA - DWARKA
After breakfast proceed for the day excursion of Bet Dwarka, enroute visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Dwarkadhish temple, Rukmini Devi Temple & Gopi Talav.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Dwarkadhish temple also known as Jagat Mandir. This temple was constructed over 1400 years ago and houses the image of Lord Krishna.
Rukmini Devi Temple is an important shrine dedicated to Krishna's beloved consort, Rukmani Devi.
Gopi Talav is the place where Lord Krishna used to play with his Gopikas. There is a small pond where it is said that Lord Krishna used to play with the Gopika Strees (Gopika Women).
Later proceed to Beyt Dwarka. Beyt is situated at 30kms from Dwarka and is surrounded by sea from all sides.
The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore this holy town.
Day 7
DWARKA - SOMNATH (230 KM / APPROX. 4 HOURS 30 MINS DRIVE)
After breakfast, proceed to Somnath. En route visit the Somnath Temple - one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Facing the wide open Arabian Sea, the Somnath Temple is an imposing structure offering a spectacular sight to the pilgrims. Legend says that Somnath was built by none other than the Moon God himself at the time of creation. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt six times. On arrival check in to the hotel in Somnath.
The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.
Day 8
SOMNATH - AHMEDABAD (408 KM / APPROX. 8 HOURS DRIVE)
This morning, proceed to Ahmedabad. enroute visit Vintage Car Museum at Gondal.
This is the royal collection of cars - 32 impressive vehicles, from a 1907 car made by the New Engine Company Acton and a 1935 vintage Mercedes saloon to racing cars raced by the present maharaja.
On arrival, check in to the hotel.
The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore the city on your own.
Day 9
DEPART AHMEDABAD
Today, bid farewell to your 'Best of Gujarat' tour, as you are transferred to the airport / railway station in Ahmedabad for your onward journey.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation in the hotels listed or similar.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance.
- Entire round trip journey by Air-conditioned vehicle on SIC basis as per the itinerary. Vehicle will be provided point to point and basis not on disposal. Note: Vehicle will be provided depending up on the count of pax travelling together and availability of vehicle.
- All current applicable taxes i.e. Hotel tax and Transportation tax.
EXCLUSIONS
- Any transport to / from Ahmedabad. Your tour price starts ex Ahmedabad.
- Air, train or bus fare from / to your originating city of stay, unless specified.
- Any meals / en route meals unless specified.
- Items of personal nature viz, tips, porterage, room service, laundry, mineral water, alcoholic or non alcoholic beverages, phone calls, pony / horse rides, rafting, cable car / ropeway rides, helicopter rides, additional sightseeing tours / excursions not included in the itinerary, still or video camera fees etc.
- Entrance fees and guide charges, where ever applicable.
- Any increase in fuel cost, government taxes, entrance fees, intra and interstate taxes etc, the tour price will be amended in accordance.
- Any items / services not specifically mentioned under 'Tour Price Includes' column.
- Supplement charges applicable for festive season/ long weekends.
- Goods and Services Tax of 5%.