Day 01:-Gujarat Tour Begins – Arrival Ahmedabad Half day local sightseeing. Overnight Ahmedabad

Arrival Ahmedabad – Met upon arrival at the Ahmedabad airport by TPI representative and transferred to the hotel.

Ahmadabad was founded by sultan ahmad shah in the year 1411 a.d with Blessings of his spiritual adviser sheikh ahmad AHMEDABAD khattu ganj baksha of Sarkhej at the site of an old town of ashawal and karnavati. Ahmedabad grew In wealth and splendour for a hundred years and became the centre of Skilled craftsmen and merchants. The ancient monuments in and around the City of ahmedabad may be broadly grouped under two main periods, the first That of ahmad shah – 1 datable to the first half of the 15th century a.d. , And the second , the period of mahmud begada, datable to the second half of 15th century a.d. Ahmedaba is the largest city and former capital of the Indian state of Gujarat. Ahmadabad is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, 30 km (19 mi) from the state capital Gandhinagar, which is its twin city the Historic City of Ahmedabad or Old Ahmedabad, was declared as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City.

Siddi Saiyed Mosque: One part of the wall in the old citadel of the mosque built by Ahmed Shah’s slave, Sidi Sayed, is celebrated the world over for its exquisite stone window tracery – a superb & peerless example of delicate carving that transforms stone into filigree.

Hate Sigh Temple – Built-in 1848 this Jain temple is the best know of the city’s many ornate Jain temples .built in white marble with rich ornamentation by a Jain merchant this temple is dedicated to dharmanath, the 15^th Jain tirthankar.

Gandhi Ashram ( Sabarmati Ashram )  Situated on a peaceful stretch of the River Sabarmati, Gandhiji set up a simple retreat in 1918. Laying down the Objectives of the ashram, Gandhiji wrote ” to take training for the National service which is not contrary to universal well being and Constantly endeavouring for such national service, is the aim of this Ashram. ” Gandhiji first stayed in vanatshala a place where handlooms were Installed, but later on moved to ‘ hridaykunj ‘ the pulse of the ashram. This spartan accomdation was to witness gandhiji’s evolution from Mohandas To mahatma, who rose to be the ‘father of the nation’. The first struggle That Gandhiji spearheaded from Sabarmati ashram was that of textile mill Workers. Soon after, there was a kheda satyagraha. Directed by his inner Voice Bapu gave a call to break the salt law and embarked on a 385 km march With his 79 followers. On 12th March 1930 Bapu commenced on this trail, setting the nation ablaze with the spirit of defiance.

Law Garden: is a public garden in the city of Ahmedabad. The market outside the garden is very famous for the handicraft goods sold by local people. The road at the side of the garden is filled with street hawkers selling all kinds of food items.

Day 02 of Gujarat Tour:- Ahmedabad – Patan – Mothera – LRK – Little Rann of Kutch. ( 250 Km & 06 Hrs )

After morning breakfast check out from hotel then drive to LRK  Enroute Visit Modhera And Patan

Modhera: Built-in 1026 ad during the reign of the Solanki King Bhima -1, Modhara Surya Mandir marks the peak of revolution in Indo-Aryan Hindu temple form Typology. It is positioned in such a manner that the rising sun’s rays illuminate the deity in the innermost sanctum sanctorum through the Main Entrance at the time of equinox only. With its grandeur, elegance and Clarity it only rivals its contemporaries at Konark and Khajuraho but arguably surpasses them in it symbolic overtones and spiritual setting with the placement of the water kund integral to the complex. This temple is dedicated to the Sun God, it stands high on an elevated plinth overlooking a Deep stepped tank, both the interiors and the exteriors have exquisitely Caved.

 

Rani – Ki – Vav (Queens Stepwell): Located in the heart of the city, it is the greatest reminder of the days when kings and queens ruled here. The stepwell is the oldest and perhaps the grandest among 120 plus step-wells in Gujarat. Built-in the 1050 A.D. it is named after Udayamati, wife of Maharaja Bim Deva.  Its massive size is realized when one looks down upon from the top of this medireview masterpiece. The Stepwell was silted up for the centuries ( the secret of its well-preserved status) and only a major excavation and restoration work which has helped to capture something of its former glory.

Patola weaving Patan has always been well known for its ikkat technique of silk weaving. Ikkat weaving involves tie-dyeing the warp threads before weaving to create Designs on the finished fabrics. The precise movement of coloured threads During weaving gives ikkat designs their richness. A type of ikkat weaving Typical of patan is the double ikkat, which is twice a complex as the Single ikkat. Both the wrap and the weft threads are tie-dyed before they Are set on the loom. The double ikkat method of weaving is exclusive to a Few weavers of Patan, Indonesia and Japan and therefore the Patola is of considerable collectable value for textile connoisseurs.

 Then drive to LRK . Overnight LRK – Little Rann of Kutch.

Day 03:- AM Safari later drive LRK – Bhuj. ( 260 Km & 06 Hrs )

Am Jeep safari in Wild Ass Sanctuary  then drive to Bhuj

Wild Ass Sanctuary Little Rann of Kutch (Most Popular attraction of Gujarat Tour on Full Moon Night ) : the entire little run of kutch know as the ‘Indian wild ass sanctuary is a featureless expanse of flat land – the sea bed-dotted with islands know as “baits “ which form the core for the flora and fauna .the wildlife consists of the rare and endangered ghudkhur(equs hemious khur ) not found anywhere else in the  world , others such as blue bull, chinkara, hedgehog and carnivores such as wolf, jackal, fox, jungle and desert cats.

Then drive to Bhuj by visit Aaina Mahal & Walking in the old city.

Bhuj
Bhuj was the capital of the former princely state of Kutch till 1947 AD. The two most interesting places at Bhuj, Aina Mahal and Pag Mahal are both located on the same campus. Aiana Mahal is a part of a large palace complex it is a two-storied building with Darbar Hall, hall of mirrors and suites for the royal family. The Kutch Museum, formerly known as the Fergusson Museum is another interesting visit in Bhuj. Tourist also attracts visit to Anjar – Old Architecture, Banny Villages to see ‘Bhunga mud Houses, Kutchi Handicrafts, Kera an 11th century Shiva Temple, Dholavira – and Indus Valley Civilization excavation site.

Aaina Mahal: The Aina Mahal palace, or “Hall of Mirrors” was built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century. Mastercraftsman Ramsinh Malam, who trained as an artisan for 17 years in Europe, felt unappreciated by lesser rulers in the area, so he went to the royal court at Bhuj and appealed to the king for work, who commissioned this palace. Malam designed it in a mixed Indo-European style and set about creating the materials for the palace locally. He established a glass factory at Mandvi, forged cannons in an iron foundry and manufactured china tiles in a factory in Bhuj. It seems Gandhiji’s ideal of swadeshi had an early proponent in Ramsinh Malam. He personally crafted the fountains, mirrors and glasswork, as well as many other wonders of artisanship—a pendulum clock in sync with the Hindu calendar, doors inlaid with gold and ivory… come visit to find out the rest.( Closed on Thursday & Public holidays )

Overnight Bhuj.

Day 04 :- Gujarat Tours Full Day excursions to Banni ( approx. 250 km round trip – 6 hrs )

Banni Villages Near Bhuj: banni area is famous for handicrafts like embroidery, patchwork, tie & dye fabrics, leather embroidery and other handicraft. see village-like brindriara, juara, hodko, dumado, dhordo etc. Banni Villages is known for its diversity as it has diverse communities such as Jat, Rabari, Meghwals, Mutwa, Muslim, Sodha and others making Kutch it’s home. The Kutchi people here are known for their hospitality and artistic handicraft and textiles. One can even today get to see the nomadic and semi-nomadic groups moving from one place to another along with their cattle.

Overnight Bhuj.

Day 05:- Bhuj – Gondal via Ajarakpur & Bhujodi. ( 270 Km & 06 Hrs )

After morning breakfast check our from then drive to Gondal Via Ajarakpur, Bhujodi

Bhujodi: Just 8 km southeast of Bhuj, Bhujodi is a major textile centre of Kutch, with the vast majority of the 1200 inhabitants involved in textile handicraft production. Here you can meet weavers, tie-dye artists and block printers, most of whom belong to the Vankar community. Many will let you watch them work; just ask around.

Ajarakpur :- is known worldwide for the art of Ajrakh. Block printing uses colours derived from nature, such as indigo, henna, turmeric, pomegranate, iron and mud some cases, the fabric are washed up to 20 times. The printing blocks are hand –carved. The Khatris are a community of block-printers adept in the 3000-years art of Ajrakh.

Then drive to Gondal.Overnight Gondal.

Day 06:- Am Gondal Visit then drive to Bhavnagar.( 200 Km & 04 Hrs )

NAULAKHA PALACE

The oldest extant palace in Gondal, the 17th Century Naulakha palace is a festival of stone carvings with exquisite Jarokha balconies, a fabulous pillared stud courtyard, delicately carved arches and a unique spiral staircase. The private palace museum has an impressive display of silver caskets which carried messages and gifts for Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji on hills silver jubilee as ruler of Gondal, one of the many golden caskets received by him on his 50th anniversary, the weighing scales on which he was measured against silver and gold on the respective anniversaries, and princely relics.

The Royal Garages, Carriages And Salons

The royal garages, have an extensive collection of Vintage and classic cars a 1935 Mercedes, 1955 Cadillac Limousine, sports cars from the 1950s and ’60s like the Mercedes 300 SL, Jaguar XK 150 and Chevrolet Camaro, and a fleet of 4 wheel drive vehicles from the WW-2 and post-war period, and some contemporary sports cars. Most of these cars are restored and some bear the original Gondal state number plates. Located in the town of Junagarh in Gujarat, the owners of the palaces of Gondal are descendants of Lord Krishna and the moon God, who ruled Gondal for more than 300 years. But it was in the late-19th and early-20th century under Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji that Gondal grew into one of the most progressive princely states of the region with an efficient system of a taxless economy. Under Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji, Gondal became a progressive state where women were concerned. The Rajput system of ‘Purdah’ was abolished, education was made compulsory for girls and ‘Zananas’ (restricted women’s wing) were no longer built-in palaces. The present owner of the palaces of Gondal is the great-grandson of Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji.

Then Drive to Bhavnagar. Overnight Bhavnagar

Day 07 :- Bhavnagar – Palitana – Bhavnagar. ( 140 Km & 03 Hrs )

After morning breakfast Gujarat Tour continues to Palitana Excursion in the evening return back to Bhavnagar.

Palitana : A jain pilgrim centre located at the foot of the 600mt. shetrunjaya hills .it has 863 jain temples built over 900 years. the  artistically made temples attract jain pilgrims and tourists. a Muslim shrine is located next to one o fifth major temples. Commanding a special place on the Gujarat travellers’ map, Palitana is a `must visit’ destination for the Jains and all those who would like to witness what the subtle combination of human enterprise, architectural skills, philanthropy and channelised religious fervour can achieve. The entire summit of majestic mount Shatrunjaya is crowned with about 900 temples, each rivalling the other for beauty and magnificence, presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle to devotees and visitors. ( Guest need to start Journey early morning to visit Palitana) (please note guest have to climb approx..  4000 footsteps-)

Overnight Bhavnagar.

Day 08:- Bhavnagar – Lothal – Baroda.( 250 Km & 5 & ½ Hrs )

After morning breakfast check out from hotel then drive to Baroda via Lothal.

Lothal about 85 kms south-west of Ahmedabad. Towards Bhavnager, Lothel is the nave given to a mound near Saragwala, A village in Ahmedabad district. Its is of great interest to the archaeologist as the city which stood here 4500 years ago was a Harappan settlement. The excavations at the site have brought to light a well-planned city with rows of houses and a scientific drainage system. All the discoveries prove that the city must have been a commercial centre. Harappans might have come of this part of India and proceeded inland. While the Harappan civilization comes to an end in Punjab, it continues for about 500 years more in Gujarat. The name Lothel actually means Mound of the dead in Gujarat.

Then drive to Baroda. Visit Laxmi Vilas Palace.

BARODA

Once the capital of the gaikwads, baroda is a city with traditional heritage. A graceful city with palaces, parks and museums Baroda is well known for its university and faculty of fine arts. Is also a thriving industrial centre.

Laxmi Villas Palace Tour  – the Laxmi Vilas palace built as the residence of the royal family, it is an extravagant and flamboyant piece of architecture, the royal collection art treasures which consist of old masters, morden western and contemporary Indian paintings are further complemented by graeco-roman sculptures and chineses and Japanese printings. Lakshmi Villas Palace, an extravagant building of the Indo-Saracenic school, was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 at a cost of GBP180,000. Major Charles Mant was the architect. It is reputed to have been the largest private dwelling built till date and four times the size of Buckingham Palace. At the time of construction, it boasted the most modern amenities such as elevators and the interior is reminiscent of a large European country house. It remains the residence of the Royal Family, who continue to be held in high esteem by the residents of Baroda.

Overnight Baroda.

Day 09:- Baroda – Champaner – Statue of Unity ( 150 Km & 03 Hrs )

After morning breakfast check out from hotel then drive to Ahmedabad via Champaner.

Champaner
It is situated 47 kms from Vadodara, The town of Champaner was subjugated by Sultan Mahmud Begara in 1484 and made it his new capital. Champaner lies at the foot of Pavagadh Fort. Champaner recently identified and declared as one of the hundred endangered architectural monument of the world.

STATUE OF UNITY:- The Statue of Unity is a colossal statue of Indian statesman and independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950) who was the first Home minister of independent India and the chief adherent of Mahatma Gandhi during the non-violent Indian Independence movement; highly respected for his leadership in uniting the 562 princely states of India to form the single Union of India. It is located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is the world’s tallest statue with a height of 182 metres. It is located on an island facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada in Kevadiya colony.

Remain Closed on Monday

Overnight at AC Tented Accommodation at Statue of Unity

Day 10:- Statue of unity – Baroda and drop at Baroda airport  ( 95 km – 2 hrs )