Cultural tour of Gujarat

Arrive Ahmedabad

Arrival at Ahmedabad International Airport.

Once immigration procedures are completed and luggage collected, our operator will be waiting for you outside the Terminal to transfer you to the hotel.

Arrival at the hotel and check-in. Standard check-in at 14:00 / Check-out at 12:00.

Visit Gujarat Sahay Orphanage: – Overall, Shishu Gruh serves as a life support system for these vulnerable children, offering them a chance of a better future by providing them with the care and attention they require.

Gandhi Ashram (Sabarmati Ashram): – Also known as Gandhi Ashram, Harijan Ashram or Satyagraha Ashram, it is located in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, adjacent to Ashram Road, on the banks of the Sabarmati River, 6.5 km from the municipality.

Adalaj Stepwell: – Situated in the quiet village of Adalaj, it has served as a resting place for many pilgrims and caravans along their trade routes for many years.

Hutheesing Jain Temple: – Established in 1848, Hutheesing Jain Temple is one of the most revered Jain temples in Ahmedabad. Dedicated to the 15th Tirthankara of the Jains, Lord Dharmanath, this two-storied white marble structure houses 11 sculptures of deities.

Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.

Ahmedabad-Siddhapur-Patan-Modhera-Bajana (Little Rann of Kutch) (240 Km, 5 Hours)

After breakfast the day begins.

Siddhapur: – One goes to Siddhapur to see the beautiful wooden houses. The old havelis and mansions, some over 100 years old, have a distinctly European feel, and a walk through the ‘Bohra Vad’ is like stepping into a unique heritage setting.

Patan: – Visit Rani ki Vav (Stepwell). It was built by Queen Udaymati, wife of Bhimdev, between the 11th and 12th centuries. It is the most magnificent and spectacular stepwell and the best example of such water architecture.

Patan Patola: – Patan is famous for Patola weaving. The Salvi family is one of those who have continued this traditional art and preserved it even today. Patola silk is often called the queen of all silks.

Modhera Sun Temple: – The Modhera Sun Temple dates back to the early 11th century AD and was built by King Bhimdev I in 1026 AD. It is the most important of all the sun temples built across Gujarat.

Overnight in Bajana.

Bajana (Little Rann of Kutch)-Ajrakhpur-Bhujodi-Bhuj (275 Km, 5 Hours)

After breakfast, drive to Bhuj.

Ajrakhpur: – Established by the Khatri Muslim hand block printers after the 2001 earthquake. Here, artisans practice the “resist technique” on cotton/silk fabrics using ancient Ajrakh prints and new design motifs.

Dhaneti: – Visit to see the elaborate embroidery work of the Ahir tribe. Dhaneti is a complete Ahir community village, and the Ahir women are engaged in this embroidery.

Bhujodi: – A community of master craftsmen – Vankar weavers – skilled in traditional handloom weaving, including cotton and wool weaving, which you can observe as you walk around the village and explore each house.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Bhuj.

Bhuj-Mandavi (70 Km, 2 Hours)

After breakfast, departure for Mandavi.

Meet the dhow builders of Mandvi: – The dhows are entirely wooden, built with sal wood imported from Malaysia, Indonesia and Burma or sourced locally from babool trees of Gujarat.

Vijay Vilas Palace: – The palace was built during the reign of Maharao Shri Khengarji III, who was the Maharao of Kutch. It was intended to be a summer resort for his son and heir to the kingdom, Yuvraj Shri Vijayaraji.

72 Jinalaya (72 Jain Temples): – Mandvi is also famous for 72 Jinalaya, located 11 km from Mandvi near Koday village. It is a Jain pilgrimage site housing 72 shrines of Lord Mahavir, spread over approximately 80 acres.

Mandvi Beach and Windfarm: – The settlement was built to accommodate the Kharva families, known for their expertise in building wooden ships.

Overnight stay in Mandavi.

Mandavi-Anjar Market-Gondal (325 Km, 6 Hours 30 Minutes)

After breakfast, departure for Gondal.

Anjar Market: – It is impossible to visit Anjar and return empty-handed, as the markets offer an exciting range of metal handicrafts. The city also celebrates the Jesai-Toral fair in memory of the famous couple Jesai and Toral.

Royal Garages: – Royal Garages house a large collection of vintage and classic cars from 1910 to 1955, including limousines, sports cars, and World War-era vehicles.

Naulakha Darbargadh Palace: – Built in the 17th century, this palace is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Gondal. It is situated on the banks of the river on a large brick base about 30 metres above the riverbed.

Overnight in Gondal.

Gondal-Palitana-Bhavnagar (205 Km, 4 Hours 40 Minutes)

After breakfast, depart for Bhavnagar.

Palitana:- It is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Jainism and is renowned for its magnificent complex of more than 800 intricately carved Jain temples. The climb to the summit involves ascending approximately 3,500 to 3,900 stone steps over a distance of about 3.5 kilometres. Depending on fitness levels, the ascent usually takes between 1.5 and 3 hours.

On arrival at Bhavnagar, visit:

Barton Museum: – Located on the ground floor of Gandhi Smriti, it displays artefacts like religious sculptures and items representing the culture of Saurashtra.

Overnight stay in Bhavnagar.

Bhavnagar-Lothal-Vadodara (224 Km, 4 Hours 40 Minutes)

After breakfast, drive to Vadodara.

Lothal (Closed on Fridays and public holidays): – One of the most important cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, dating back to 3700 BC. Discovered in 1954, it was excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India.

On arrival visit:

Laxmi Vilas Palace: – One of the grandest structures in India and the private residence of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. It is believed to be four times the size of Buckingham Palace.

Overnight stay in Vadodara.

Vadodara-Kevadia (86 Km, 2 Hours)

After breakfast, departure for Kevadia.

Aurobindo Ashram: – Built in 1896, it is the only national memorial in Vadodara and includes a nursery, conference hall, and yoga facilities.

Khanderao Market: – A famous and palatial building constructed in 1906 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.

Continue to the Statue of Unity and transfer to the hotel.

Statue of Unity: – Situated near the sacred Narmada River, it is the tallest statue in the world, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India.

Various activities available (chargeable): observation gallery, boat ride, butterfly garden, jungle safari, Arogya Van, Vishwa Van, Ekta Nursery, etc.

Note: The Statue of Unity remains closed every Monday.

Overnight in Kevadia.

Kevadia-Jambughoda (100 Km, 2 Hours)

After breakfast, drive to Jambughoda.

Bhasha Research and Publication Centre: – Established in 1996 to give a voice to Adivasi communities. The Adivasi Academy at Tejgadh serves as a centre for research, culture and education.

Kada Dam: – Located near Bodeli in Jambughoda taluka, it is one of the most scenic dams in Gujarat, surrounded by attractions like Targol Dam, Hathni Waterfall and Zand Hanuman Temple.

Overnight stay in Jambughoda

Jambughoda - Champaner -Ahmedabad (186 Km, 3 Hours 45 Minutes)

After breakfast, drive to Ahmedabad.

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park:- A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient fortified city. It includes Jama Masjid, Kevda Masjid, Saharwali Masjid, Saat Kaman and other historical structures.

Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.