GUJARAT: SAURASHTRA & SALT MARSH
Ahmedabad | Modhera | Patan | Dholavira | Bhuj |Morbi |Jamnagar | Dwarka |Somnath |Sasan Gir National Park | Junagadh | Lothada | Rajkot | Vadodara | Statue of unity |Ahmedabad.
16 Days / 15 Nights

Arrival & Exit Port : Ahmedabad Airport / Railway Station

Day 1
Ahmedabad Arrival
On Arrival at Ahmedabad Airport, proceed to Ahmedabad Hotel, check into hotel for overnight stay in Ahmedabad.

Day 2
Ahmedabad Sightseeing
Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, visit Sabarmati Gandhi Ji Ashram, Sarbar Patel Museum, Adalaj stepwell (Adalaj Ni Vaav), Evening drive to Gandhinagar. Visit Akshardham Temple, 30kms away from City, (Closed on Monday). Later visit Local market, if time permits. Overnight Stay at Hotel in Ahmedabad.

Day 3
Ahmedabad | Modhera | Patan
Distance: 135kms – 3hrs drive one way

Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, transfer to Patan, en-route Modhera (100kms from Ahmedabad)
Modhera: The town was known as Dharmaranya during Puranic age. It is believed that Rama had performed yagna here to cleanse the sin of killing Brahmin Ravana. He had built Modherak, which was later known as Modhera.

The Sun Temple was built during the reign of Bhima I of Chaulukya dynasty in 1026-1027 (Vikram Samvat 1083).

There is Gyaneshwari stepwell in village which belongs to 16-17th century. It has a shrine at the first pavilion of the stepwell instead of usual at the end.

Modhera town in Mehsana district is located on the bank of Pushpavati river, known for the Sun Temple of Chaulukya era.

Patan:
Patan, also known as ‘Anhilpur-Patan’, was the capital of Gujarat’s Chavda and Chalukya dynasties in medieval times. It was established by Vanraj Chavada, a Chavda king. The city has had an old history, with several Hindu and Muslim dynasties making it a thriving trading city and a regional capital of northern Gujarat.
On arrival, visit Queens Well.

Rani-ki-Vav, on the banks of the Saraswati River, was initially built as a memorial to a king in the 11th century AD. Step wells are a distinctive form of subterranean water resource and storage systems on the Indian subcontinent, and have been constructed since the 3rd millennium BC

Its construction is attributed to Udayamati, daughter of Khengara of Saurashtra, queen and spouse of the 11th-century Chaulukya king Bhima I. Silted over, it was rediscovered in 1940s and restored in 1980s by the Archaeological Survey of India. The finest and one of the largest examples of its kind and designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water, the step well is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels; more than 500 principal sculptures of Bhagwan Vishnu and over 1000 minor ones combine religious and Legendary imagery.
It is a historical place located on the bank of the now extinct Saraswati River, which is probably what remains of the ancient Sarasvati River. Patan has an old market which is quite sizeable and is believed to have been in continuous operation since at least the rule of Vaghelas.

Later, check in at Hotel for overnight stay in Hotel in Patan.

Day 4
Patan | Dholavira | Bhuj
Distance: 375kms (275kms+100kms)
8-9hrs drive.

After early morning breakfast,
proceed to Dholavira (277kms – 5 to 6hrs).

Dholavira is an archaeological site at Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District, which has taken its name from a modern-day village 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) south of it. This village is 165 km (103 mi) from Radhanpur. Also known locally as Kotada timba, the site contains ruins of an ancient Indus Valley Civilization/ Harappan city. Dholavira’s location is on the Tropic of Cancer. It is one of the five largest Harappan sites and most prominent archaeological sites in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. It is also considered as having been the grandest of cities of its time. It is located on Khadir bet island in the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in the Great Rann of Kutch. The 47 ha (120 acres) quadrangular city lay between two seasonal streams, the Mansar in the north and Manhar in the south. The site was thought to be occupied from c.2650 BCE, declining slowly after about 2100 BCE, and to have been briefly abandoned then reoccupied until c.1450 BCE; however, recent research suggests the beginning of occupation around 3500 BCE (pre-Harappan) and continuity until around 1800 BCE (early part of Late Harappan period).

The site was initially discovered by a resident of Dholavira village, Shambhudan Gadhvi, in early 1960s who made efforts to bring government attention to the location. The site was “officially” discovered in 1967-68 by J. P. Joshi, of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and is the fifth largest of eight major Harappan sites. It has been under excavation since 1990 by the ASI, which opined that “Dholavira has indeed added new dimensions to personality of Indus Valley Civilisation.” The other major Harappan sites discovered so far are Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Ganeriwala, Rakhigarhi, Kalibangan, Rupnagar and Lothal.

It is named as the UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Dholavira: a Harappan City on 27 July 2021. Later, proceed to Bhuj (100kms). On arrival, check in at Mahefeel E Rann Village Resorts.

Mahefeel E Rann Resort is situated towards rural location of north part of Kutch.
Distance from other places are Bhuj City- 63 k.m, White Rann- 20 k.m, Chhardhand- 40 K.m, Black Hill- 50 k.m. On Arrival, check in at Mahefeel E Rann Resort.

Mahefeel E Rann Resort: 17 km distance from Tent City of Kutch Rann Utsav surrounded by an area of impressive natural beauty, an ideal location from which to discover the captivatin lands of Kutch. All the bhungas are traditionally crafted with interior mud work and decorated with traditional cloth patch works and local paintings on wall, beautifully decorated with regional handicrafts and feature en suite bathroom facilities. Overnight stay in Hotel/Tent/Camp in  Bhuj.

Day 5
Bhuj

Breakfast is taken at Tent. Later, visit Sri Swami Narayan Temple & Kutch Museum

Sri Swami Narayan Temple
Made in marble, intricate carvings adorn the pillars and ceiling of the most expensive temple built in the state of Gujarat recently.
Kutch Museum
A visit to the Kutch Museum, to learn about the history of tribal and folk tradition of the district, will help you to know about present day people and their lives. Remember that tribal are not merely part of history, but they are a major part of Kutch’s population and cultural identity of present time. (Museum remains closed on Wednesday). Visit to Swami Narayan Temple & Kutch Museums subject to it’s schedule.

Hiralaxmi Craft Park (optional visit) a vision to preserve, restore and promote the arts of Kutch and making them accessible to masses. Handicraft village, where live artisans can be seen working.

Bhuj Sightseeing: Visit Banni Villages To See The Art, Craft & Culture Of Kutch. Into Villages Like (Hodka, Ludiya, Nirona, Dhordo, Bhirandiyana ), White Rann all subject to availability of time.

BHUJ CITY
Bhuj was founded by Rao Hamir in 1510 and was made the capital of Kutch by Rao Khengarji in 1549. It’s foundation stone as state capital was formally laid on Vikram Samvat 1604 Maagha 5th (approx. 25 January 1548). From 1590 onwards, when Rao was forced to acknowledge the Mughal supremacy, Bhuj came to be known as Suleiman Nagar amongst Muslims. The city’s walls were built by Rao Godji I in 1723 [dubious – discuss], and the Bhujiya Fort by Devkaran Seth in Rao Deshalji I’s time (1718 – 1741).

Bhuj has been attacked six times. In two instances, the defence was successful and in four other instances, the defence failed. In 1728, an attack by Sarbuland Khan, Mughal Viceroy of Gujarat, was repulsed by Rao Deshalji I, and, in 1765 Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro was, by a timely display of the strength of the fortifications, induced to withdraw. During the civil troubles of the reign of the Rao Rayadhan III, Bhuj was thrice taken, by Meghji Seth in 1786, by Hansraj in 1801, and by Fateh Muhammad in 1808. On 26 March 1819, the hill fort of Bhujia was captured by a British detachment under Sir William Keir.

In 1818, Bhuj had a population of 20,000 people. The earthquake on 16 June 1819 destroyed nearly 7000 houses with a loss of an estimated 1140 human lives. About one-third of the buildings that escaped ruin were heavily damaged, and the north face of the town wall was levelled with the ground.

he British garrison at Bhuj peaked in 1826 with nearly 1400 British troops (685 infantry, 543 dragoons, 90 foot artillery and 74 horse artillery)[5] supported by over 5000 Indian soldiers. Amongst the highest profile British figures during this time was Alexander Burnes, who was based here between 1826 and 1829. Evening, return to Hotel / Resort / Camp in Bhuj for overnight stay.

WHITE RANN
A seasonal salt marshland situated in the heart of the Thar Desert with Gujarat on one side and Pakistan’s Sind province on the other, the district spans about 7,505.22 square kilometres (2,897.78 sq mt) and is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The Great Rann of Kutch, the Little Rann of Kutch and the Banni grasslands at the southern fringe, makes up for some 30,000 square kilometres of white lands, sweeping the Gulf of Kutch at one end, and the seat of the great Indus Valley Civilization on the other, falling in southern Pakistan

BANNI BIODIVERSITY
During the fifties, Banni was predominantly grassland, with a very low density of trees and bushes. It was considered one of the largest and finest Asian grasslands. At that time there were more than 40 species of grasses, but nowadays there are just around 15 species, due to the planting of a non-indigenous thorny shrub (prosopisjuliflora) by the Forest Department in the Sixties to control the soil salinity. This thorny shrub known locally as gandobaawal, literally crazy thorn-bush, grew very fast, destroying several native species and eroding huge tracks of the grassland. Locals have learned to extract gum and to make charcoal from this plant as a source of livelihood.

Day 6
Bhuj (Mahefeel E Rann Resort) to Morbi
Distance: 230kms ( 4 to 5 hrs)

Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, proceed to Morbi,
230kms and 4-5hrs drive, approx., from Bhuj.

Morbi or Morvi is situated on the Kathiawar peninsula. The city of Morbi is on the Machhu River, 35 km (22 mi) from the sea and 60 km (37 mi) from Rajkot. Much of the building heritage and town planning is attributed to the administration of Sir Lakhdhiraji Waghji, who ruled from 1922 to 1948.  On arrival, explore city of Morbi. Later, check in at Hotel for overnight stay in Hotel in Morbi.

Day 7
Morbi to Jamnagar
Distance: 100 kms ( 2- 3hrs drive)

Morning Breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed to Jamnagar.

Visit:
Lakhota Lake & Bala Hanuman

On arrival, check in at Hotel. Later, visit Lakhota Lake, Lakhota Palace and Museum is a former fort that exhibits weapons, sculptures and pottery from the 9th to 18th centuries. At Bala Hanuman Temple, the Rama Naam prayer has been chanted continuously since 1964. To the northeast, the marshlands of Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary attract spotted deer, painted storks and migratory birds. Evening at Leisure. Overnight Stay in Hotel in  Jamnagar.

Day 8
Jamnagar to Dwarka
Distance: 140kms ( 3hrs drive)

Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, drive to Dwarka, reach at Dwarka, check in at Hotel.
Later, proceed to the sacred town of Dwarka, visit Dwarkadhish Temple. Take a holy dip in Gomti river, later leave to visit Nageshwar Jyotirling, Gopi Talav, Beyt Dwarka (if time permits), else return to city, and on way back do visit Rukmani Temple, evening visit other temples on coastal area than attend evening Aarti at Dwarkadhish temple.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Dwarka.

Day 9
Dwarka to Porbandar to Somnath
Distance: 270kms ( 4 – 5hrs drive)

Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, drive to Somnath, En-route visit Porbandar – Kirti Mandir and Shree Krishna – Sudama Temple, then continue drive to Somnath. On Arrival, visit Shree Bhalka Tirth Temple. Later check in at Hotel. Evening, visit Geeta Mandir (Temple ) for darshan and attend Aarti at Somnath Jyotirling. Shree Somnath Mahadev Temple is the first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlings in India and is believed to have been constructed originally in the 4th century AD. Somnath Temple was looted and destroyed by invaders numerous times but was always rebuilt. The present temple was built between 1947 and 1951 at the initiative of Sardar Patel.
The temple illuminated every evening and also hosts a sound and light show daily.
Return to hotel for overnight stay in Hotel in Somnath.

Day 10
Somnath to Sasan Gir National Park
Distance: 40kms ( 1 hr drive)

After breakfast check out from Hotel and transfer to Sasan Gir. On Arrival, check inn to Hotel and as per time we visit Devaliya Park Safari on evening (optional, additional payment) and back to Resort. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Hotel/Resort in Sasan Gir.

Day 11
Sasan Gir National Park

Sasangir is the only park in India, where the endangered Asiatic lions can be seen. Spread across 1412 sq. km, the park is one of the oldest sanctuaries in India. Gir is home to about 674 lions as per the 2021 census. In addition to lions, many other animals such as Jackal, Striped Hyena, chital, Nilgai, Procupine, Black-naped Hare etc are also found here in abundance. Gir also has a sizeable number of pythons, and one of the largest populations of marsh crocodiles in the country. Birdwatchers can expect a sizeable avian population including migratory birds.
Park is closed from mid june to mid october every year.

Early Morning, enjoy Sasan Gir Safari (booked in advance, payable extra). Jeep safari in Gir National Park to watch lions roaming freely, sun bathing and even hawking for their prey. As you pass through the varied landscapes that change at every turn, keep on tracking the movement in the bushes as behind it might be a lion playing with cubs or deer escaping from a predator.

Safari in Sasan Gir (At Own Cost & Must booked online by Guest in Advance, [Bus safari in Devaliya Park 30 Minutes or Jeep safari] – after safari enjoy Nature of Jungle.

The day is invested to rest and unwind. Full day at Leisure & Night Stay in Hotel / Resort at Sasan Gir.

Day 12
Sasangir to Junagadh
Distance: 70 kms (2 hrs drive)

After a leisurely breakfast, check out from Hotel and proceed to Junagarh. On Arrival, check in at Hotel.

Later, visit Mahabat Maqbara Palace, which is the huge 19th-century mausoleum of a local ruler, which showcases intricate Indo-Islamic architectural details. Uparkot Fort, founded around 300 BC, has city views from its ramparts. Within the fort are the stone-cut stepwells Adi Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuwo, plus Buddhist caves. To the west, Darbar Hall Museum is housed in a former palace. Evening at Leisure. Overnight stay in Hotel in Junagarh.

Day 13
Junagarh to Lothada to Rajkot Gujarat
Distance : 120kms (2 to 3 hrs drive)

Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, proceed to Rajkot enroute visit to in-route visit Jalaram Temple at Virpur and Swaminaryan temple, Navlakha Palace and Vintage Car museum at Gondal and Lothada Village. Lothada village is located in Rajkot Tehsil of Rajkot district in Gujarat, India. It is situated 17km away from Rajkot, which is both district & sub-district headquarter of Lothada village.

Later, continue drive to Rajkot. On arrival, check in at Hotel.

Visit Watson Museum, Kaba Gandhi No Delo, Patola Art Workshop & Rotary Dolls Museum, etc

Visit Mahatma Gandhi’s paternal house, where he spent his childhood is among the most important places to visit in Rajkot. He had lived in a house off the Gheekanta Road from 1881 to 1887 AD which was known as Kaba Gandhi No Delo. Visit the Alfred High School (also known as Mohandas Gandhi High School), the oldest institution in Rajkot known as the school of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi Also witness the art from the past at the Watson Museum and Library

The Watson Museum has collections of precious objects from the princely State of Rajkot founded by the Jadeja Rajputs. It holds invaluable articles, artifacts, photographs, a reference library and the museum’s publication are sold through a counter

The Rotary Dolls Museum exhibits dolls from around the world. This unique museum was conceived by celebrated Rotarian Mr. Deepak Agrawal in 2001, it was inaugurated in 2004 and is one of the most interesting places to visit in Rajkot. Spread over 9000 square feet, the museum intends to spread knowledge about the culture and traditions of different countries from across the world. If time permits, you may also visit Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Iskon Temple and Pradhyuman Zoological Park. Evening, return to Hotel for overnight stay in Hotel in Rajkot.

Day 14
Rajkot to Vadodara (Baroda)
Distance: 300kms ( 6 -7hrs drive)

Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later check out from Hotel, and proceed to Vadodara.
Vadodara, known as Baroda, the second-largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat, is situated on the banks of the Vishwamitri River, 141 kilometres (88 mi) from the state capital of Gandhinagar. The city is named for its abundance of the Banyan (Vad) tree. Vadodara is also locally referred to as the Sanskari Nagari (Cultural City) and Kala Nagari (City of Art) of India.

On arrival, visit Laxmi Vilas Palace & Iscon Temple.
Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III as his private residence, is one of tehe grandest palaces inIndia. Built in Indi-Saracenic style, the Palace was at the time, the largest private residence built till date and believed to be four times the size of Buckingham Palace. In is ornate Darbar Hall, one will find a Venetian mosaic floor and Belgian stained glass windows. The Palace was full of sculpturs by the Italian master Fellici, as well as art by the great Raja Ravi Verma. A lot of the artwork is now on display at the museum within the palace compound. The Palace compound also has a miniature train circuit, as well as a small zoo. The Palace remains closed for visitors on Monday.

ISCON Temple: Sprawling over an area of four acres, ISCON Temple, located near the Gujarat Samachar Press, is a beautiful amalgamation of Gujarati and Rajasthani Architecture style. Sacred to Lord Krishna, the temple has a marble floor with intricately carved windows. Krishna life is illustrated through beautiful muralson the walls and ceilings of the temple. The main sanctum of the temple idols of dieties like Radha and Govinda, Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman. Evening at Leisure. Overnight stay in Hotel in Vadodara (Baroda)

Day 15
Vadodara to Ahmedabad via Statue of Unity.

Distance: 300kms (100kms + 200kms) – 5-6hrs drive
Breakfast is taken at Hotel.

Proceed for a day trip to Statue of Unity, and later visit Sardar Sarovar Dam, Shoolpaneshwar Temple, Maa Harsiddhi Temple, Narmadar River and Shree Kuber Mahadev at Chanond, Neelkanth Dham and back to Ahmedabad for overnight stay.
The Statue of Unity is a colossal statue of Indian statesman and independence activist Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950), who was the first deputy prime minister and home minister of independent India and an adherent of Mahatma Gandhi during the nonviolent Indian independence movement. Patel was highly respected for his leadership in uniting 562 princely states of India with a major part of the former British Raj to form the single Union of India.

The Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue, with a height of 182 metres (597 feet)., located on the Narmada River in the Kevadiya colony, facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam 100 kilometres (62 mi) southeast of the city of Vadodara and 150 kilometres (93 mi) from the city of Surat.

Visit Statue of unity  and later, return to Ahmedabad for overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 16
Departure Transfer
Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, free for shopping, evening proceed to Ahmedabad Airport to connect flight for onward journey
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