Gujarat- Unknown Treasures

Day 1 Arrive Ahmedabad Arrive Ahmedabad by morning,

Reception at airport by our representative. Transfer to hotel. The ancient largest city of Gujarat is rich in culture, founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 and named after a Sultan , The city is known for treasure of ancient heritage of splendid monuments , old wooden sculptured houses and colorful Bazaar .Another important site in city is the Sabarmati ashram associated with apostle of peace the Mahatama Gandhi . Visit the Jama Masjid , one of the finest mosques in India with 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at different elevations. Built by Ahmad Shah in 1423, the Masjid is located in the center of the old city. Old Bazar and Mentok Chowk further to Rani Rupmati's mosque is a fine example of the blend of the Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, Sidi Saiyad's Mosque built by the slave of Ahmed Shah, is historically important for its twin windows which have beautiful carved stone. . The important thing is don’t forget to look up the Some of the buildings are beautifully carved havelis with hanging balconies and stained glass windows. They are easy to miss with all the colour at ground level. In addition its an important industrial center with textile and other industries . In spite of modernity the traditions and modernity lives together harmoniously .

Day 2 Ahemedabad To Bhavnaggar –203 kms .

Leave early in the morning to Bhav nagger the capital of Saraushtra located on the bank of golf of Cambay ,afternoon check in the hotel , after lunch visit the temple of Takheteshwar Situated on a hill top in Bhavnagarh. is one of the oldest temples of the Gujarat state. View around is breath taking. Including the entire cityscape and seacoast of the Gulf of Cambay.The temple is dedicated to three eyed Lord Shiva and was constructed by royal family in the memory of the popular maharaja of Bhavnagar late Maharaja Takhtasinhji, , Every year thousands of people climb to this hilly temple of Takteshwar to pay the homage to Lord Shiva and get blessings by Lord . Evening stroll on the Bazzar , night in hotel .

Day 3 Bhavnaggar -Palitana- Bhavnaggar , 50 km.

Leave to Paliana ,a small city is the most famous Jain pilgrimage centre housing 863 jain on the single Shatrunjaya (600 m) hill are built in 11th centaury and have entered in the Guinness book of records . These temples are dedicated to Jain Tirthankars. To reach at the top of the hill one needs to climb up about 5000 steps. Devotees before climbing the hill takes holy dips in the nearby river. This is the place where Jain’s first Tirthankar Rushabh attained his Moksh and hence it is very sacred. The hills close at sunset and open before sunrise. One should start climbing early in the morning , it take about 2 hours for the average walkers ./ There are some temples in the town and a Jain museum at the base of the hill is worth to visit .Evening back to Bhavnaggar and stroll in the town , night in hotel .

Day 4 Bhavnaggar or Palitana to Dieu (300 km)

After early breakfast, drive to Diu an important port of 14 to 16th centaury afternoon on arrival check in hotel, later visit old fort, Gangeshwer temple and Museum, night in hotel. Diu one of India's last undiscovered Gem, The word "Diu" is derived from the Sanskrit word dweep, means island , is situated on south of Gujarat at west coast of India on the Arabian Sea . its coastal length is 21 kms For long period it was colonized by Portuguese even after India got independence, Between 14th to 16th century, this tiny island was one of India's best sea ports, an important trading centre and a naval base. Today, it is a serenely beautiful getaway with golden beaches, dense palm-groves and historical monuments. Gangeshwar Temple: Located in the Fudam village about three km out of Diu town dedicated to Shiva. The temple is famous for its five lingas As per the Legend these lingas were set up by the famous Pandavas . St. Thomas Church cum Museum (Shell museum) This Church has been transformed into Museum by the local authorities. The Church – Museum contains wood carvings statues, idols and other significant relic gathered from many sites. Diu Fort located along the coastal side of the island. It is built about between 1535 and 1541 AD. One can get splendid view of sea from here. St. Paul's Church was built in 1691, It is among the most elaborate of all the Portugese churches in India .

Day 5 Dieu : Morning visit the fish market

Day at leisure for Beach activities , For those are sportive can engage in water scooters , swimming, sunbathing, and surfing etc. Or well one can hire cycle and explore the surrounding, evening stroll in the town, night in hotel.

Day 6 Diu to Sasangir via Veraval and Somath . 130 kms.

Leave to the wild life sanctuary of Gir , On the way visit Veraval , once a fortified port town of the royal family of Junagadh. , in spite of ruined port still impressive Junagadh gate and the Patan gate are visited , Also the town is known for a large fishing port. Further to Somnath a famous Hindu temple. Once, was one of the Richets shrines in the country. It has been attacked several times by the Muslims invaders in the 10th and 11th century AD. On arrival check in Lion safari camp. Lion sanctuary, It is home of about e 300 lions. Apart from the Asiatic Lions, there are also other species as chitals, chinkara, leopard, wild ass and other animals and birds including crocodile.

Day 7 Sasangir to Gondal via Juna garh . 120 kms.

Morning at dawn jeep safari is the best way to observe the animal, Junagadh is one of the oldest towns of India. Located at the base of the holy Girnar mountain in Saurashtra, It is one of the most picturesque towns of Indian and second to none in antiquite and historical importance. Visit the fort is believed to be built by Chandragupta in AD 319, It housses Jami Masjid , Tomb of Nuri Shah and Mahabat Maqbara is the mausoleum of one of the nawabs of Junagarh. The structure is resplendent with silver doors and intricate architecture, There are some Buddhist caves, which are believed to be 1,500 years old . By evening reached at Gondal a fortified town lies on the bank of river Gondali , Once the capital of a princely state was ruled by the Jadeja Rajput clan till the Independence of India., night in hôtel .

Day 8 Gondal to Wankaner via Rajkot. 93 kms.

Before leaving Visit of Gondal palaces (Navlakha palace) built in 17th century one of the oldest and most beautiful palace, leave to Rajkot a beautiful and prosperous city lies on the river bank of Aji. , . Childhood life of Gandhi’s is attached to this city due to his father who was an officer or Diwan of one of the province of Saurashtran Nawab. The home where he stayed is converted into a museum preserving and displaying the articles and photographs of Gandhi. Further to Wankaner, literally means a bend on the stream, located on the bend of the Machchhu River. Wankaner was a princely state ruled by the Jhala Rajput clan .night in hotel.

Day 9 Wankaner to Bhuj 190 kms . 6 hours.

Leave to Bhuj the former princely state of Kutch till 1947 AD, on the way we may cross the group of Rabri tribes while they migrates , on arrival check in hotel , Visit beautiful Aiana Mahal, Pag Mahal and intricately carved wooden pavilions The Kutch Museum the oldest museum of Gujarat. It is a paradise for handicraft lovers.. Bhuj is famous for embroidery work. Rest of the time to explore the town .night in Bhuj.

Day 10 Bhuj to Banni / Khavda

Leave to Banni the last village of the border on desert land, on the way you Will across craft person’s expositioning their traditional art. Proceed to Khavda to watch the flamingo . You will experienced the different tribes lives as Meghawal, Harijans, Jat, and Mutva etc. the villages are visit here hodhka, dhoido, Khavda, ludia, bhindiarana, nirona, jurah, sumrasar .

Day 11 Bhuj to Zainabad -280 kms . (The Little Rann of Kutch)

A small picturesque town located on the fringes of the Little Rann of Kutch. You will across different and interesting sightseeing spots. But the famous is the Wild Ass Sanctuary. Where you will also get the glimpses of exotic wildlife and rare birds, you can spot the Nilgai (Blue Bull), Chinkara, Black Buck, Jungle and Desert Cats. The Little Rann of Kutch composed of marshy salt flats and inhospitable Terai, and separates Kutch from the rest of Gujarat. ,. In the region Rabari and Banjara are the two important tribes. While the Rabari, the most nomadic of Gujarat’s tribes, constantly migrate in search for better grazing ground for their cattels , the Banjara and other tribes have settled here . Kachchh also has a strong tradition of crafts and is famous for its embroidery. The finest ari embroidery was woven for the wealthy people, Overnight stay will be at Desert Coursers.

Day 12 Zainabad

Enjoy Jeep safari through the rann of Kutch to see the rare species of the "Indian Wild Ass" and visit nearby villages to see the local tribes such as Rabari, Koli and Banania who still maintain their rich heritage of lifestyle, clothes, Jewelry and dances. Their embroidery is exquisite. Overnight at Desert Coursers Camp

Day 13 Zainabad to Ahmedabad via Patan and Madhera 95 kms.

Leave to Patan, famous for patola (an intricate form of double ikkat weaving) sarees. Visit one of the three families of patola, the fact that to complete the sari can take six months of time. Later close by visit 11th century Rani-ki-Vav (step well) is reliable source of water throughout the year was built in 1499 by royal families .The Modhera Sun Temple. The Temple is said to resembling the famous Konark temple of Orissa. , it was built during the reign of King Bhimdev I of solanki dynasty in 1026 AD. Afternoon reach at Ahmedabad. Night in hotel.

Day 14 Departure

As per your flight schedule transfer to airport, departure to your onward destination.