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Overview

GLORY OF GUJARAT

Package Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Ahmedabad by early morning A warm welcome on arrival by our representative and transfer to Hotel Ahmedabad- Manchester of the East. Ahmedabad was founded in the year 1411 AD and hasbeen named after Sultan Ahmed Shah. Ahmedabad also called Amdavad or Ahemdavad isGujarat’s major city and a startling metropolis with a long history, many remarkable buildings,and a fascinating maze of an old quarter, excellent museums, fine restaurants and fabulousnight markets. Yet the old-world charm is all but swamped by 21st-century traffic, crowding,pollution and the usual extremes of wealth and poverty. The old city lies on the east side of theSabarmati River and used to be surrounded by a 10km-long wall. The new city on the west sideof the river, nearly all built in the last 50 years, has wider streets, several major universitiesincluding the prestigious Indian Institute of Management.

Afternoon, visit Sabarmati Ashram and Hutheesingh Jain Temple. Evening visit Law garden market. Overnight in Ahmedabad. Hutheesingh Jain Temple: This remarkable elegant temple is created out of white marble and has been sacred to many Jain families, generation after generation. It was built in 1848 A.D. at an estimated cost of 10 Lakhs rupees by a rich merchant Seth Hutheesing after whom it is named.

Sabarmati Ashram(also known as Gandhi Ashram or Satyagraha Ashram) is located on thebank of River Sabarmati. This was one of the residences of Gandhiji. The ashram was originallyestablished at the Kocharab Bungalow of Jivanlal Desai on 25 May 1915. The Ashram was then

shifted on 17 June 1917 to a piece of open land on the banks of the river Sabarmati. Themuseum, Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalay, was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru, PrimeMinister of India, on 10 May 1963.

Evening visit Law garden market packed with stalls selling glittering wares from Kutchchh andSaurashtra. It’s chock-a-block with fantastically decorated cholis (sari blouses) and chaniyas(long, wide traditional skirts), as well as embroidered wall hangings, costume jewellery andmore. Overnight in Ahmedabad.

Day 2 AM: Visit to Calico Museum. After lunch, visit to Lothal. Overnight inAhmedabad- Hotel Hyatt After Breakfast, visit the famous Calico Museum of Textiles. The Calico Museum of Textiles atAhmedabad is the premier textile museum of the country, and one of the most celebratedinstitutions of its kind in the world for its distinguished and comprehensive collection of textilesand artifacts. It was founded by Ms. Gira Sarabhai. Situated in the vicinity of ShahibaughPalace, the museum is bordered by lush green gardens and fountains that provide anenchanting view.

Lothal: Situated at a distance of 60 kms from Ahmedabad, Lothal city is one of the well knowncities of the ancient Indus valley civilization. The origin and history of Lothal can be dated backto 2400 BC. Lothal is one of the primary sites of archaeology. Though, it was discovered in theyear 1954, its excavation work began on the February 13, 1955, which continued till May 19,1960. Lothal has enjoyed the status of being the leading center of trade in the bygone times. Itwas actively involved in the trade of beads, gems and expensive ornaments that were exported toWest Asia and Africa. The techniques that were used by the people of this city brought a lot ofname and fame to them. People are of the say that, the scientists of Lothal were the ones toinitiate the study of stars and advanced navigation.

Day 3 AM: Depart for Patan visiting Adalaj Step well and Rani Ki Vav enroute. Afterlunch, proceed to Modhera. On completion proceed to Bajana. Overnight in Royal SafariCamp Adalaj Step Well: The well was built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai. The step well or Vav, as itis called in Gujarati, is intricately carved and is several stories in depth. The designs on its wallsand pillars include leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other breathtaking ornamental designs. Thefour-level well is dug directly into the water table, exposing fresh water that rises and fallsaccording the seasons and the amount of rainfall.

Rani Ki Vavor the Queen’s Step Well. It was built by the Queen Udayamati the wife of Bhimdevduring 11-12th Century. It is the most magnificent and spectacular stepwell and the bestexample of such architecture for water wells. The stepwell has long stepped corridor descendingdown to the underground tank. The Pillars which support the roof are square based anddecorated with Ghat Pallavas. It was one of the largest and the most intricate structure of itstype.

Later visit Patan. Patan is Famous for patola weaving, Salvi family is one of them who hascontinued this traditional art and has preserved it even today. Patola silk is often termed as thequeen of all silk. The special technique of the handmade silk patola uses the same specialtechnique for weaving from raw silk to the completion of the patola fabric.

Modherais known for its 11th century Sun temple. The Sun Temple was built by King BhimdevI in 1026-27 AD, two centuries before the Sun Temple at Konark. This temple is one of the finestHindu temples in Gujarat, built by the great Solanki dynasty. The main hall and shrine arereached through a complex, pillared pavilion. Beautiful columns and magnificent carvingsdecorate the hall. The exterior of the temple is intricately and delicately carved, showingdemons and evolving gods.

Rann of Kutch is divided into two main parts; Great Rann of Kutch and Little Rann of Kutch. Little desert of Kutch is a salt marsh located near the Great Rann of Kutch. Though a bleaklandscape it is rich in biodiversity and is an ecologically important area for wildlife and many

local and migratory water birds.

Wild Ass Sanctuary is located in this Rann which harbours the last population of Wild Ass(Equus hemionus khur). It is a vast desiccated, unbroken bare surface of dark silt, encrustedwith salts which transforms into a spectacular coastal wetland after the rains. The present saline desert of the Little Rann (saline desert-cum-seasonal wetland) of Kutch isbelieved to have been shallow sea.

Day 4 Morning Safari. After breakfast, depart for Bhuj. On arrival, check in at Infinityresort.

Day 5 AM: Proceed to Nirona for demonstration of Rogan art. Thereafter visitto Copper Bell art & Lacqueware work and Megwal leather. Evening dinner in great Rann.

Overnight in Infinity resort Nirona is famous for ROGAN art which a free hand way of drawing. Nirona is home to aboutsix different Crafts. Meet Mr. Abdul Gafur Khatri, who together with his five brothers belongs tothe last family of Rogan Painters. Rogan Art involves using a Metal Stick and Castor-Oil basedcolors to create a work of genius. Viewing a demonstration of the craft is sure to leave you in

awe.

Copper Bellart - Currently, only two villages make these types of bells – Nirona and Zura. It isdone by the Lohars of the Muslim community.

Lacqueware work: Lac, a material taken from insect resin, has been used in Indian craft forcenturies. Coloured lacquer is applied to wood by heat through turning with a hand lathe. Inthe process, the artisan maneuvers the lacquered colors to create patterns by hand inkaleidoscopic designs. This form of lacquered patterning is found only in Kachchh. The Vadhasare a nomadic community that moved throughout Kachchh through villages like Nirona andJura. They collected natural stones and colors from forests, created lacquer goods, and barteredthem with the Maldhari community, who they had close ties up.

Megwal leather: The Dalit Meghwals of Rajasthan migrated to Kachchh, bringing an artfulleather craft with them. When Maldhari cattle died, the Meghwals converted the raw hides intoleather. The work was tough, taking eighteen labour intensive days to treat and wash the hide.By recycling the dead cattle, the Meghwals gave new life to waste, transforming it into a productof utility. The Meghwals’ close relationship with the Maldharis resulted in a remarkable fusionof cultural customs which can be seen in the shared styles of dress and embroidery traditions ofthe various communities in the region.

Dinner in great Rann The Great Rann of Kutch is a seasonal salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in the Kutchdistrict. It is reputed to be one of the largest salt desert in the world. This area has been inhabitedby the Kutchi people. The name "Rann" comes from the Hindi word ran meaning "desert". This place isconsidered to be one of the hottest areas of India.

Day 6 AM: Visit to Dhaneti, Ajrakhpur and Bhujodi villages. Thereafter transfer toHotel Regenta in Bhuj Dhanetiwas known for its embroidery work. Clothes, garments, bed sheets, wall hangings,mattresses, etc with rich embroidery work carried out by women of the village has found a placeboth in the national and international markets. Majority of the women’s engaged inembroidery belong to the ethnic minorities like Rabari and Ayar.

Ajrakhpuris known worldwide for the art of Ajrakh, block printing uses colors derived fromnature, such as indigo, henna, turmeric, pomegranate, iron and mud. The printing blocks arehand-carved. The Khatris are a community of block-printers adept in the 3,000-year-old arto f Ajrakh. The process is complex and involves 16 different processes. Ismail MohammedKhatri has gained critical acclaim for his innovative use of natural dyes that include a mixtureof camel dung, soda ash and castor oil, waste iron, myrobalan, madder, indigo, pomegranatepeel boiled in water, sprays of turmeric water and the root of rhubarb

Bhujodiis a traditional crafts village inhabited by around 1200 people of the Vankarcommunity of weavers. Majority of the inhabitants are involved in textile handicraftproduction. Bhujodi village produces 16 different styles of embroidery, including the sub-stylesof Mutwa. Exquisite shawls, traditional blankets and handicraft products including dhablasand woollen durries are made here.

Day 7 AM: Aina Mahal, Pragmal Palace and Kutchchh Museum. Dinnerat Mandvi. Overnight in Bhuj Aina Mahal - The Aina Mahal, currently a museum, was built under Rao Lakhpatji. It nowstands as a storehouse of the culture and history of Kachchh. The building bears the mark of itsarchitect, Ramsang Malam, who was influenced by European style during his long stayin Holland. It is a large two storey stone mansion, which was built in 1752. Sadly, the 2001earthquake caused extensive damage to the Mahal. The management is still restoring parts ofit. The chief rooms on the first floor are the Audience Hall, the Hall of Mirrors, and the StateApartments. The palace floors are covered with blue delftware tiles made under Ramsingh’sguidance at Bhuj.

Pragmal Palace: Rao Pragmalji II undertook the construction of Prag Mahal and appointedthe famous architect - Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins to design it. Constructed in the ItalianGothic style, it has a large Darbar Hall, big rooms, wide verandas & a 45 meter high lofty belltower. It was built using the various type of stones available in Kutch region. This is a fineexample of Indian craftsmanship combined with European architectural design.

Kachchh Museum – It is the oldest museum in Gujarat and founded in the year 1877. It has thelargest existing collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, dating to the 1st century AD, as well asexamples of the extinct Kutchi script (now the language is mostly written in the Gujaratialphabets) and an interesting collection of coins (including the kori, Kutch's local currency.) Asection of the museum is devoted to tribal cultures, with many examples of ancient artifacts,folk arts and crafts and information about tribal peoples. The museum also has exhibits ofembroidery, paintings, arms, musical instruments, sculpture and precious metalwork.

Evening, depart for Mandvi. Mandvi is a small town located about 50 kms from Bhuj. Main attraction of Mandvi isobviously its pristine beach. It has powdery white sands and is pretty long due to which it neverfeels crowded. You can always find a calm spot after a short walk and enjoy the beautifulsunset. After dinner return back to Bhuj for overnight stay.

Day 8 AM: Depart for Gondal. On arrival, check in at hotel. Evening free. Overnight inGondal

Day 9 Depart for Sesan Gir visiting Junagadh enroute. After lunch at Gir proceedto Somnath and back. Overnight in Gir The ancient city of Junagadh was once the capital of the Nawabs of Junagadh. Junagadhliterally means old fort. It is also known as Sorath (the name of a princely state). Junagadh isthe seventh largest city in Gujarat. The city has an interesting mix of Buddhist monuments,mosques, Hindu temples, elaborate mansions and Gothic archways. Junagadh was ruled by theBabi Nawabs from 1748 AD till India’s independence. It has been home to several Gujaratisaints and poets. The most prominent being the 15th century poet saint, Narsinh Mehta.Junagadh has been strategically important since the Mauryan times. The Uparkotor the Upper Fort was built by Chandragupta in 319 BC. The Nawabs built severalbeautiful buildings which still stand today. Mohabbat ka Maqbara, which is one of Gujarat’s finest Indo-Islamic monuments. Built inthe 18th century, it is the tomb of one of Junagadh’s Nawabs and is indeed a very fine structure

GIR : Discover the lair of the extremely endangered Asiatic lion in Gir, the small forest reservethat remains his last sanctuary.

The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan-Gir) is the solehome of the pure Asiatic Lions. The Hindi name Gir stands for forest. The forest also harbours avariety of smaller animals and birds. Other predators are the Panther and the Hyena. TheIndian Deer, Sambar, Chital (spotted deer), Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara and the Chowsingha(four horned antelope) are found here, alongwith the bear and the long tailed langur.

Somnathis located near Veraval and is about 45 kms from Junagadh. Somnath consists of afew streets leading away from its phoenix like temple. The rugged sea below gives it a lonely,wistful charm. The pilgrim trade is constant, but merchants are relaxed, perhaps in deference tothe shadows cast by the awe-inspiring temple. Somnath is mainly known for the legendaryshore temple of Somnath, which is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The Somnath temple is one of the twelve most sacred shrines dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Thetemple contains the jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. This temple has a very long history. According tothe legends, the Somnath temple is very old and was originally built in gold by the Somraj, theMoon God. Later, it was rebuilt by Ravana, in silver; then by Krishna in wood and Bhimdev instone.

Prabas Pata Museum: The Prabas Pata Museum is strikingly laid out in courtyard centeredrooms and contains interesting remains of the previous temples, with lots of beautifulfragments, including an elaborate 11th century ceiling. Bhalka Tirth: Bhalka Tirth is situated halfway between the Veraval and Somnath. At thisplace, the Lord Krishna was mistaken for a deer and wounded by an arrow. The legendary spotis at the confluence of the three rivers. This place is entered through the small Sangam

(confluence gate), known as the Nana. North of this sacred spot is the Suraj Mandir or SunTemple. This ancient temple was destroyed by the Mahmud of Ghazni. The temple, with a laneof lions with elephant trunks, probably dates from the same time as the Somnath temple.

Day 10 Morning game ride. Afternoon free. Overnight in Gir

Day 11 After breakfast, depart for Velavadar. Arrive by Lunch time. On arrival, checkin at Black Buck Lodge. Evening free The Velavadar National Park is a hidden gem, one of the last stands of grassland remaining inthe massive alluvial plain running along the Gulf of Khambatt called Bhal. The Bhal is atapestry of cotton, wheat and other agricultural fields, saline flats, grasslands, pastures,freshwater wetlands and coastal marshes

Day 12 Morning game ride. After breakfast depart for Champaner. Lunchenroute. Afternoon sightseeing in Champaner. Overnight in Champaner Champaner is an ancient fortified city. There are two stories about the origin of the name ofthis town. Some believe that is named after Champaraj who was the founder of the city, whileothers believe that the town was named after the champa tree that is found here. ChampanerFort is an ancient fort located at the foothills of Pavagdh. Mohammed Begada (The famousMuslim King of Gujarat) captured the fort in 15th Century after a long siege against the KhichiChauhan Rajputs. The structures represent a perfect blend of Hindu-Muslem architecture,mainly in the Great Mosque (Jami Masjid), which was a model for later mosque architecture inIndia. This special style comes from the significant period of regional sultanates. Alsovisit Pavagadh is temple of mother goddess Mahakali Maa. Pavagadh gets its name from thefact that is a solitary hill standing out alone, blessed with a blowing gentle breeze from allaround.

Day 13 Visit Chotta Udaipur villages. Stay overnight at Champaner Chhota-Udaipur: This is especially famous for Rathwa tribes. The tribe is known for itsPithoro Paintings and the Chuum Jhuum, a famous dance form. Dhebariya, Kohaliya, MotiNat and Nan Nat are the major sub groups of Rathwas. The tribe has distinct cultural heritageand unique historical background. Visit to tribal museum, then visit of Rathwa Tribes in &around village to see tribal people, culture & wall painting.

Day 14 AM: Depart for Vadodara. Afternoon sightseeing in Vadodara. Overnight inVadodara.

Baroda is situated on the banks of the river Vishwamitri (whose name is derived from thesaint Rishi Vishwamitra). The city was once called Chandravati, after its ruler Raja Chandan,then Viravati, the abode of the brave, and then Vadpatra because of the abundance ofbanyan trees on the banks of the Vishwamitri. From Vadpatra it derived its present nameBaroda or Vadodara.

Laxmi Vilas Palace:Laxmi Vilas Palace is a huge building of the Indo-Saracenic school thatwas built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890. Designed by Major Charles Mant,this building is said to have been the largest private dwelling built till date.

Tambekar Wada:This wooden multi-storeyed townhouse is a typical Maratha mansion, oncethe residence of Bhau Tambekar, diwan of Baroda (1849–54). Inside are beautiful 19th-centurymurals featuring scenes from the Mahabharata, Krishna’s life and the 19th- century Anglo-Maratha War.

Baroda Museum:this museum houses a diverse collection, much of it gathered by MaharajaSayajirao III, including statues and carvings from several Asian regions, an Egyptian room andsome rather mangy zoology exhibits. The gallery has lovely Mughal miniatures and a motleycrew of European masters. There were intricately carved sandalwood figurines as well as brass sculptures. The museum,surprisingly, had artifacts from around the world – apart from Nepal, Tibet and China, it hadpaintings and marble sculptures from Europe as well.

Day 15 In Vadodara. Free time. Afternoon transfer to Ahmedabad to conenct theflight to Home