After breakfast in time transfer to the airport to connect flight for Ahmedabad. At Ahmedabad airport our representative will meet and assist you for transfer to your hotel.

Freshen-up and proceed for your tour of the city. We start with a Heritage Walk - a special feature of Ahmedabad is the plan of the old city, comprising numerous 'Pols', self-contained neighborhoods, sheltering large numbers of people. Some of these 'Pols' are virtually small villages, traversed by narrow lanes, usually terminating in squares (Chowks) comprising 'Community Well' and 'Chabutro' (for feeding birds). These 'Pols' were protected by gates, cul-de-sacs and secret passages. These historic residential settlements are explained in detail during the walk. After the walk we visit a local family for Hi-Tea.

Optional: Dinner at Vishalla - it is a restaurant with traditional Gujarati food in village surroundings. It has Vichar Utensil Museum worth visiting. The museum houses a unique collection of utensils. Museum remains closed on Mondays.

Overnight stay at hotel in Ahmedabad.

Morning we start our drive for Jambughoda.

En-route we visit Champaner, an ancient fortified city. There are two stories about the origin of the name of this town. Some believe that is named after Champaraj who was the founder of the city, while others believe that the town was named after the champa tree that is found here. Visit Champaner Fort, an ancient fort located at the foothills of Pavagdh. Mohammed Begada (The famous Muslim King of Gujarat) captured the fort in 15^thCentuary after a long siege against the Khichi Chauhan Rajputs. 

Next we visit Pavagadh is temple of mother goddess Mahakali Maa. Pavagadh gets its name from the fact that is a solitary hill standing out alone, blessed with a blowing gentle breeze from all around. Legend has it that the valley surrounding Pavagadh was filled up by the power of sage Vishwamitra.

Post visit continue with drive to Jambugoda and on arrival check in to your hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel in Jambughoda.

Early morning we shall proceed to visit a Milk Collection Centre in Village of Jambughoda. Then we move on to Kada Dam - a must visit for those who want to indulge in nature, where if you stand still you can hear the sounds of the wilderness. Enjoy the panoramic view in the middle of nowhere. A place where the sky looks like a painter’s palate.

Enjoy the breakfast at the watch tower at Kada Dam. Then continue the drive to visit Chhota Udepur to see Rathwa and Dhanka tribes in and around the region. There’s a town called Alirajpur of Rathore Rajput rulers and from Rathore came the region RATH and from Rath the tribal’s are called Rathwa. The traditional dress of the Rathawa men is a loin cloth (Langoti) and headgear (phenta). Chhota Udepur was the princely state of Chauhan Rajput who ruled much of this tribal area for many years. It is considered one of most primitive tribal belt of Gujarat. The Dhanaka is one of small tribal groups of Gujarat. These tribes migrate from central India, worked as agricultural laborers.

Evening enjoy the cocktail dinner with Royal Family at Jambughoda.

Overnight stay at hotel in Jambughoda.

After breakfast check out and start the drive for Bhavnagar.

En-route we shall visit Lothal – one of the sites of the ancient Indus Valley civilization of Mohenjodaro and Harappa. It has the same neat street pattern, carefully assembled, neat brickwork and scientific drainage system. Lothal means mound of the dead in Gujarati. Lothal is located between the Sabarmati river and the Bhogavo river and is now 10 kms up from the Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay). It has some of the most substantial remains of the Harappan culture in India, dating from 250 to 1700 BC.

Continue drive to Bhavnagar and on arrival check in to the hotel. Later visit Takhteshwar Temple. The Takhteshwar Temple is a historic temple, located on a small hill. This temple provides good views of the city and the Gulf of Cambay.

Also visit Gandhi Smriti and Barton Museum belongs to the 1895 AD. This museum has a fine collection of farming tools, beadwork, wood carvings, religious carvings, weapons, musical instruments, betel nut cutters, coins, stamps, sculpture, skeletons and various folk arts objects which represent the culture of the Saurashtra region. This memorial also houses photographs and some of the items related to Mahatma Gandhi which reminds of the Mahatma Gandhi as a student of Bhavnagar University. The museum also has a library that consists of the books and photographs of Mahatma Gandhi.

Overnight stay at hotel in Bhavnagar.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed to visit Shatrunjaya Hill which is located at a height of 591 metres. The Shatrunjaya Temple is the most sacred temple of the Jains and one of the largest of its kind in India. One has to climb up the hill for about 4 kms (600 meters) on a stepped path to Shatrunjaya (place of victory over worldliness). You can reach this place either in Doli or lift chairs or by walking. There are about 863 white marble Jain temples, built over 900 years on the hilltop, each with its own enclosure. There is a stunning view from the top of the hill and the air is filled with the scent of the jasmine trees. All the temples are enriched with gold, silver and jewels donated by rich merchants. According to local tradition, Adinatha, the first Jain Tirthankara, visited the hill several times and the first temple was erected by his son. Thereafter the ample builders could not stop. Jains believe that Pundarika, the chief disciple of Adinatha attained nirvana there. There are two series of temples strung along the two ridges of the hill with further temples in the hollow between linking them. All are surrounded by a tall battlement, erected for the defense.

Post visit we shall start the drive for Diu. Arrive and check in at Hotel. Evening relax on the beach.

Overnight stay at hotel in Diu.

Early morning we take you for visit to Vanakbara fishing village, a fascinating little fishing village and one of the highlights of the island. It’s great to wander around the port, packed with colorful fishing boats and bustling activity – best around 06:30 to 08.00am when the fishing fleet returns and sells off their catch.

Return back to the hotel and post breakfast we proceed for our sightseeing of Diu visiting:

Diu Fort, a very large and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. This fort was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD after the treaty signed between the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese. The fort is surrounded by the sea on the three sides and a canal on the fourth side. The fort offers a magnificent view of sea. On the fort stands a giant structure which now houses a Light House and the Diu jail. The beam from the lighthouse reaches to about 32 kms. Several canons are still located on the top of the fort and peep out of the holes on the walls of this gigantic structure.

St. Paul's Church dedicated to the Lady of Immaculate Conception. This church was built during the 17th century and the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India. St. Paul's Church was founded by Jesuits in 1600 and then rebuilt in 1807. Inside it is a great barn, filled with heavy dark wood, with a small cloister, next door. The main entrance of the church is adorned with volutes and shell-like motifs.

St. Thomas Church is a lovely simple building housing the Diu Museum. There is a spooky, evocative collection of worn Catholic statues. Once a year, on 1 November, this is used for a packed out mass. There are also some remains of the Jain temple. There is a guest house upstairs and you can also climb the roof for amazing views.

Post sightseeing of Diu, we drive to Somnath Temple which is one of the twelve most sacred shrines dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The temple contains the jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. This temple has a very long history. According to the legends, the Somnath temple is very old and was originally built in gold by the Somraj, the Moon God. Later, it was rebuilt by Ravana, in silver; then by Krishna in wood and Bhimdev in stone. The Somnath Temple has been raided again & again in the past by the Mughal emperors and rebuilt again for over eight times. This temple was finally rebuilt in 1950 and the current temple was built as per the traditional designs on the original site by the sea and is a serene, symmetrical and sinuous structure. Today, this majestic temple is a replica of the earlier temple.

We continue with our drive to Sasangir and on arrival check in to your hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel in Sasangir.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a Morning and Afternoon jungle safari to view the Asiatic Lion.

Gir National Park has been the only habitat of the Asiatic lion. During the British Raj, lions were hunted mercilessly by the British officers assisted by the obliging Maharajas and Nawabs. Every Maharaja was proud of the number of lions or tigers he killed during his lifetime. In the year 1899 the famine decreased the lion population so badly that Lord Curzon cancelled his shoot in Gir where he had been invited by the Nawab for a ‘Shikaar’. The Lord Curzon also advised the ruler to protect the remaining lions. By the time India achieved independence, the number of lions gets increased, but they were once again hunted by the Maharajas. The Government of India banned the hunting of lion in the Mid 1960 and now this park is open only for the photo safaris. The Gir National Park later became a major tourist attraction in India. About 300 lions are found in this park.

Overnight stay at hotel in Sasangir.

Morning after breakfast check out and start the drive for Gondal. En-route we shall be visiting Junagadh.

In Junagadh we visit the:

Upperkot Fort, also known as the Upper Fort is located on the eastern side of Junagadh. This fort was built in 319 BC by Chandragupta Maurya, though it has been rebuilt and extended many times over the centuries. During the period, various enemies tried to capture the fort but it cannot be captured by any of the king for a longer time. The king of Anhilwad Patan once attacked Junagadh to win the Raja’s wife. He won the battle only because one of the Raja’s ministers betrayed him, but he could not win the wife of the Raja as she committed Sati.

Mahabat Maqbara (Photo Shoot) is a stunning mausoleum of one of the Nawabs of Junagadh. This mausoleum is one of the Gujarat's most glorious examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. This mausoleum was built in 1892 and topped with silver doors and intricate architecture, including minarets encircled by spiraling stairways. This mosque is generally locked.

Ashoka's Rock Edicts (Closed on Wednesday and Public holidays) are located on the route to the Mount Girnar hill. This rock edict is a huge boulder that is housed in a small roadside building. On the rock the fourteen Edicts of Emperor Ashoka are inscribed. The inscriptions carry Brahmi script in Pali language and belongs to 250 BC. On the same rock the inscriptions in the Sanskrit language are also inscribed. The Ashoka's Rock Edicts incorporate moral lectures. The emperor Ashoka began the stone written history of Junagadh on this boulder. His 14 edicts in Pali states that he, the Beloved of the Gods, looks after all his subjects.

Post our visit in Junagadh, we continue our drive for Gondal. Arrive and check in at the hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel in Gondal.

Morning after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing of Gondal.  

The Royal Garages, have an extensive collection of vintage and classic cars from 1910 to 1955, limousine and sports cars from 1950 and 1960, American cars from 1940 and 1950, and a fleet of four-wheel drive vehicles from the World War II and post-war period. Most of these cars are restored and some bear the original Gondal State number plates.

Naulakha Darbargadh Palace was built during the 17th century. This palace is one of the oldest and the most beautiful palace in Gondal. This palace is situated on the banks of the river on a grand masonry base, rising about 30 meter above the river bed. This palace was built in about nine lakhs and thus named so. The palace is approached by the high gateway with the clock tower from the town side. The entrance leads to a huge open space with administrative blocks on the right and a grand staircase on the extreme left corner leading to the intricately carved pavilions on the open terrace. 

Bhuvaneswari Ayurvedics belongs to a family of ayurvedic physicians, who has a traditional history of above 250 years. They also export and manufacture ayurvedic medicines. All the medicines are prepared in traditional method using advanced equipment under the supervision of their ayurvedic doctors.

Udyog Bharti was established in 1957 in a very small room to give self-respect & employment to the scorn & needy people by handspun & hand woven Khadi & Gramodyog (i.e. village industries). These days approximately 2,000 families are earning their bread with the help of Udyog Bharti.

Post the sightseeing we start with our drive to Bhuj, upon arrival check in to the hotel. Evening we take you to visit the local area market.

Overnight stay at hotel in Bhuj.

Morning proceed to visit Banni Villages en-route take permit at Bhrindyara check post.

(All visitors need to obtain the permit). 

The community, here are like Jat, Harijan, Meghawal and Mutva etc in various villages like Hodka, Ludiya and Dhordo. 

Banni means “a cluster of village”. In Banni area of Kutch the Meghwal-Harijans who migrated from Rajasthan use Khambira, Kharek, Kudi Stiches in their embroidery. Also outline and satin stitch embroidery of the area and very minute mirror designs similar to the famous Mutwa embroidery of the area. They make wall hangings, waistcoats and pouches in Kharek Stich and do 'Moti Bharat' or bead work on handheld fans, bracelets, toys and belts.

Then we visit HODKA village – Hodka derives from the Gujarati word ‘Hodi’ which means ‘boat’. Since, the villages here are called jheels, where potable water is available. Hodka is famous for its beautiful embroidery and mud work as much as Leather craft. Both men and women are actively involved in developing the art and craft tradition of the region.

By afternoon return to Bhuj and do the local sightseeing visiting:

Kutch Museum (closed on Wednesday & Public Holidays)

The Kutch Museum, formerly known as the Fergusson Museum, was founded by Maharao Khengarji III in 1877 AD. This museum was built by the state engineer Sir Ferguson, and thus named after him. This museum remained a private exhibit for the Maharao’s till independence and was renamed as the Kutch Museum. The Kutch museum is the oldest museum in Gujarat. This museum is built in the Italian style and located in picturesque surroundings on the banks of the Hamirsar Lake. The museum has a large collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, various archaeological objects, arms and specimens of various crafts of the Kutch region

Aina Mahal Palace (Closed on Thursday & Public Holidays) 

Aina Mahal Palace was built by Rao Lakhpatji in 1750 AD. Aina Mahal is a part of a large palace complex. It is a two storey building with Darbar Hall, hall of mirrors, and suites for royal family. In the 18th century, the Rao Lakhpatji sent a local craftsman Ramsingh Malam to Europe to perfect his skills in glass making, enamelling, tile making and iron founding. After he returned back, he constructed the Aina Mahal with the hall of mirrors of Venetian glass. The Hall of mirror has white marble walls which are covered with mirrors and gilded ornaments and the floor are lined with tiles. The design and decoration of the Aina Mahal was due to the efficiency of Ramsingh Malam. The platform above the floor is surrounded by a series of fountains operated by an elaborated system of pumps below a Venetian chandelier. Aina Mahal is a unique example of an Indian palace built in the mid-eighteenth century with European influence.

Prag Mahal (if time permits)

Prag Mahal was constructed by Rao Pragmalji-II (1838-76 AD). Rao Pragmalji appointed a famous architect, Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins to design Prag Mahal, who had earlier designed Deccan College, Sasoon Hospital, Ohel David Synagogue. Prag Mahal took about 10 years to get built at the cost of 20 lakh rupees.

Overnight stay at hotel in Bhuj.

Morning after early breakfast we start with our full day excursion to Dholavira.

At the height of our civilization, our technological development, our social and material complexity, all signs point to progress, we often think. And yet, all is not as it seems and once in a while it occurs to us to look into the past to discover our future.

Dholavira is the larger of the two most remarkable excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization or Harappan culture, dating back to 4500 years ago. While the other site, Lothal, is more exhaustively educated and easier to reach, a visit to Lothal only complements, rather than replaces, a visit to Dholavira. What this site offers you, in the intense environment that comes with being surrounded by the Great Rann of Kutch, is a unique insight into the pioneering Harappan mind, with one of the world’s earliest and best planned water conservation systems and what might be the world’s first signboards, written in ancient Indus script.

The excavation also tells the story of the seven stages of the civilization, from development to maturity to decay, the last of which hints at a strange piece of history, with more questions than answers. After the peak of the civilization Dholavira was temporarily abandoned, after which it seems that the settlers returned with a markedly de-urbanized culture. There are hints that they willingly chose to simplify their lives, rather than try to ride the collapse of their once glorified civilization. Here, on the ruins, you will have a chance to contemplate what progress and civilization mean and what, if anything, is truly permanent.

Return back to Bhuj by evening and relax after a day long excursion.

Overnight stay at hotel in Bhuj.

Morning after breakfast, start the drive to Bajana.

En-route visit Ajrakhpur to see the block printing by tribe, Dhaneti to observe the embroidery by the Ahir tribe and Bhujodi to view the weavers from the Vankar tribe. These block printing villages are home to the famous Ajrakh craftsmen of the region. Though largely destroyed by the earthquake, but there are still some great craftsmen and their workshops to visit there. In Ajrakhpur, not so far from KHAMIR, the famous Dr. Ismail Katri (for most of the practitioners are Katris), and his sons are friendly and make incredibly beautiful prints. But walking around and meeting the other craftsmen is a must – there is great diversity in the craft.

Later continue the drive to Bajana and arrival check in to your hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel in Bajana.

Enjoy Morning Safari at Little Rann of Kutch viewing rarest wild asses in the region followed by Village Safari later in the evening.

Wild Ass Sanctuary - the sanctuary is well known for its group of the stale joke brown Asiatic (Wild ass), which does not live elsewhere in Indian lowlands. We can see with Little Rann of Kutch Black Buck (Indian antelope), Nilgai or Blue Bull (India’s largest antelope) and the graceful Chinkara (Indian gazelle) along with other mammals. The main carnivores of the Little Rann of Kutch are the endangered Indian wolf, Desert fox, Jackals, and Jungle cats and a few hyenas; also we can see during the visit flamingoes, pelicans, ducks, cranes and storks. 

Village Safari – in the safari we do the excursion of pastoral settlements and villages along the Rann of Kutch. You visit the rural Vadiara and Kharapat Rabaris of Dasada, known for their embroideries, the silk-weavers colony at Dasada, and Ambala village of the Bharward shepherds and goatherds. The weaving cooperative at Bajana and other artisans’ workshops can also be included in the tours. Other societies near Dasada are Padhars (primarily fishing people), the Siddis and the semi-nomadic Mirs, Jaths (Muslim herders), Bajanias.

Overnight stay at hotel in Bajana.

Today after breakfast we start our drive back for Ahmedabad. En-route we will be visiting Siddhpur – Patan – Modhera as follows:

Modhera Sun Temple,  dates back to early 11^th century CE and was built by King Bhimdev-I in 1026 CE. The temple at Modhera is the most important of all sun temples built in the whole Gujarat which is dedicated to the Sun God. The temple is magnificent and the finest example of the Hindu architecture. One of the most striking features of the Modhera Sun Temple is that the first ray of the sun falls on the deity at the time of the equinoxes. In front of the temple is a colossal tank, which was once known as Surya Kund or Rama Kund. The tank has a series of the carved steps leading to the bottom.

Patan, is famous for Patola Weaving. Salvi family is one of them who has continued this traditional art and has preserved it even today. Patola silk is often termed as the queen of all silk. The weaver makes the special Patola loom and coloring from indigenous natural materials. Patola from the area of Patan in the north Gujarat region of western India glorifies this heritage with its unique gem like qualities, gorgeous colors, designing & durability.

Rani ki Vav (Step well) - it was built by the Queen Udaymati the wife of Bhimdev during 11-12^th Century. It is the most magnificent and spectacular step well and the best example of such architecture for water wells. The Vav measuring about 64 mts and has long stepped corridor descending down to the underground tank, having four pillars. The Pillars which support the roof have square base decorated with Ghat Pallavas. It was one of the largest and the most sumptuous structure of its type. 

Siddhpur - to see the wonderful wooden havelis.  The old Havelis and Mansions, some over 100 years old have a markedly European flavor and a walk through the ‘Bohra Vad’ is like a stroll through an England replete with the lamp lighters at dusk. So enamored were they by the style & existence of living in the 19th century Europe that as a sign of opulence and to gain respectability amongst the community they tried to create a slice of Europe in their hometown. This, they did by imitating the Victorian architecture. The facades are rich in variety and aesthetic expression with intricate details in wood. Thus the living spaces of the Bohra community or the so-called ‘Bohra Havelis’ represent a nostalgic visual straight out of a Dickenson novel.

We continue our drive to Ahmedabad and on arrival check in to the hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel in Ahmedabad.

Morning after breakfast proceed for your visits in Ahmedabad which in includes:

Gandhi Ashram - also known as the Sabarmati ashram is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, about 7 kms north of Ahmedabad. This ashram is one of the important tourist attractions and the beautiful ashram complex of Ahmedabad. This Ashram was set up by the Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 and one of the most moving memorials. This ashram was the Mahatma Gandhi's headquarters during the struggle for India's independence. His ashram still makes handicraft, handmade paper and spinning wheels. His living quarter is still preserved as a small museum and there is a library and a memorial center.

Hathee Singh Jain Temple - is located just outside the Delhi Gate in the north of the old city. This Jain temple was built in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant and is one of the Ahmedabad's best ornated Jain temple. This temple is dedicated to Dharamanath, the 15th Jain Tirthankar. This temple is built of pure white marble and profusely decorated with rich carvings.

Adalaj - is the baoli or step-well at Adalaj Vav is one of the finest step-well in India. Queen Rudabai built this well in 1499 to provide the traveller with a cool and pleasant refuge from the summer heat. A long flight of steps descends to the water. It has three entrances leading to a huge platform that rests on 16 pillars, with corners marked by shrines. Ornately carved pillars and cross beams create open spaces and four storey’s that are quite striking. The octagonal well is five storey deep. The baoli is decorated with exquisite stone carvings, subjects range from eroticism to buttermilk.

Sarkhej - was once a country retreat of the Muslim rulers. It is known for its Rauza, the fine architectural complex of mosques, palaces, pavilions and tombs, all grouped around a stepped tank. The style shows distinct Hindu influence. By the entrance is the tomb of Sultan Mahmud Begadaa, with geometric jalis casting patterns of light on the floor. Shaikh Ahmed Khattu lived at Sarkhej and built this mosque with a great open space in front of the prayer hall, surrounded by the domes. The Dutch established an indigo factory nearby.

O/n stay at Ahmedabad.

Breakfast at the hotel and check out at 1200 hrs.

In time transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi you shall be assisted for transfer to your hotel near the airport.

Late evening you will be transferred back to the airport to connect your flight back home.