Gujarat makes you witness its rich culture, heritage and history through its alluring destinations. On this 9-day tour, you’ll visit places that showcase the best of Gujarat.
This tour will appeal to travelers interested in heritage, history, architecture and culture. Visit the magnificent 11th-century Modhera Sun Temple, venture out to the Harappan archeological remains at Dholavira, Patan’s Rani ki Vav both UNESCO heritage sites, and more.
All these destinations speak much about rich history of Gujarat. These destinations present a historic combination of the Mughal era and Harappan civilization.
On arrival at Ahmedabad railway station/airport you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Check in, freshen up and later proceed to visit/explore some of the famous places of Ahmedabad such as SABARMATI ASHRAM, SABARMATI RIVERFRONT, KANKARIA LAKE, CALICO MUSEUM OF TEXTILE, VASTRAPUR LAKE, SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL NATIONAL MEMORIAL, SIDI SAIYYED MOSQUE, AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE, VAISHNODEVI TEMPLE, ISKCON TEMPLE, SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR and THOR LAKE as per your preference and time constrain.
The historic walled city of Ahmedabad is the first city in India to be inscribed in UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE CITY list of 2017. In the evening you can enjoy the beautiful LASER SHOW AT THE AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE.
Overnight Stay at Ahmedabad
Today, after breakfast do an excursion to LOTHAL and SARKHEJ ROZA.
LOTHAL: A perfect place to get an insight of the Indus Valley civilization. The most dominating site at Lothal is the massive dockyard spanning an area of 37 meters by 22 meters perhaps the greatest work of Maritime Architecture.
Lothal was also famous for its arterial streets, microbes of gold, ivory and coppersmiths’ workshops, potteries and underground sanitary drainage. It is located at a distance of 78 kms from Ahmedabad. (Closed on Fridays)
SARKHEJ ROZA: Is about 8 kilometres away from the city, Sarkhej Roza comprises one of the most elegant architectural complexes of Ahmedabad. Grouped around a great stepped tank is the tomb of the saint, Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh (1445), the mosque (1451), the tombs of Muhammad Shah Begada and his queen, the palace and pavilions. Overnight stay at Ahmedabad
Today morning, drive for an excursion visit to architectural beauty of SUN TEMPLE AT MODHERA (102 km from Ahmedabad), Rani ki Vav at Patan (127 km from Ahmedabad) and a beautiful STEPWELL AT ADALAJ.
MODHERA: The Sun temple of Modhera is one of the finest examples of Indian architecture of its period. Built in 1026 A.D. the temple is dedicated to the Sun-God, Surya and stands high on a plinth overlooking a deep stone-steeped tank. Every inch of the edifice, both inside and outside is magnificently carved with Gods and Goddesses, birds, beasts and flowers. Sun Temple of Modhera was built by King Bhimdev I (1026-27) and bears some resemblance to the later and far better known, Sun Temple of Konark in the state of Orissa, which it predates by some 200 years. Like that temple, it was designed so that the dawn sun shone on the image of Surya, the sun God, at the time of the equinoxes. The main hall and shrine are reached through a pillared porch and the temple exterior is intricately and delicately carved. As with the temple of Somnath, this fine temple was ruined by Mahumad of Ghazni.
PATAN: Home of the famous Patola silk saris, Patan is a beautiful old town with Jain temples and carved wooden houses. RANI KI VAV (step well) is an excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat. The exclusively carved side walls, pillars, beams, series of steps and platforms lead to the elaborately carved water well. Every surface is adorned with finely chiselled sculptures of maidens and Hindu deities, religious motifs and geometrical patterns. Rani ki Vav represents the finest of the Indian sculptures and architecture. In 2014, this magnificent step well was added to the list of UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE Sites for illustrating heights of art and techniques.
ADALAJ STEPWELL: Situated 20 km north of Ahmedabad, this step well at the village of Adalaj is another fine example of magnificent architectural form. ‘Adalaj Vav’ is richly carved. Every pillar and wall surface is covered with leaves, flowers, birds, fishes and friezes of ornamental designs.
Overnight stay at Ahmedabad
After breakfast, drive to Bhuj. Reach Bhuj by evening. Check in to the hotel and relax in the hotel/resort. Overnight stay in Bhuj
After breakfast we leave for Bhuj Sightseeing. BHUJ: The historic city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar, a hill, overlooking the present day Bhuj town. Bhuj is a typical example of a desert town located between two geographical features – Bujiyo Dungar on the East and Hamirsar Lake on the West.
Visit AAINA MAHAL: It was constructed by Rao Lakhpatji (1707-61 A.D.) in 1750 A.D., who was a great patron of art, architecture, music and literature. Aaina Mahal is a unique example of an Indian palace built in the mid-eighteenth century with European influence.
PRAG MAHAL: Rao Pragmalji II (1838-76 A.D.) undertook the construction of Prag Mahal and appointed the famous architect – Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins to design it. Constructed in the Italian Gothic style, it has a large Durbar Hall, big rooms, wide verandas and a 45 meter high lofty bell tower. It was built using the various types of stones available in Kutch region. This is a fine example of Indian craftsmanship combined with European architectural design.
THE KUTCH MUSEUM: Formerly known as the Fergusson Museum, It was founded by Maharao Khengarji III in 1877 AD and is the oldest museum in Gujarat. Constructed in the Italian style, the museum is located in picturesque surroundings on the bank of Hamirsar Lake. The museum has been a center of attraction for scholars due to its large collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, curious archaeological objects, fine collection of arms and specimens of various crafts of Kutch region. Other places of interest at Bhuj are – Cenotaphs of Kutch rulers, Snake Temple at Bhujiyo Hill Fort, Swaminarayan temple, Vegetable market, Hatkeshwar temple and Alfred High School. Overnight stay at Bhuj
Get ready to visit heart of Kutch. Drive on straight road to visit Bhirandiyara Village to collect your entry permit. This village is 55 Km from Bhuj town. From here left side road will take you to white desert (Rann Utsav organize every year here) enroute visit Hodka Village, Banni and Pachcham regions, Dhordo Village, and straight road will take you to KALO DUNGAR. At Kalo Dungar you will get spectacular view of White Rann and there is a temple of Dattatreya at the hilltop. After Kalo Dungar and India Bridge return to white Rann (via Bhirandiyara village) to enjoy sunset. After sunset return to Bhuj for night stay.
If you are interested in staying traditional houses of Kutch region ( known as Bungas ) then you can stay one night near to Village Bhirandiyara , or near White Rann ( village DHORDO ). You may enjoy village life in this region popular for handicrafts and mirror design dresses.
Evening return back to Bhuj for an Overnight stay
Early morning excursion to Dholavira, the Harappan City. Dholavira become the 40th site from India to get the UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE tag. The archaeological site of a Harappan-era city was added to the heritage site list on July 27th 2021. It is the first site of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) in India to get the UNESCO World Heritage tag.
DHOLAVIRA: Dholavira is the larger of the two most remarkable excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization or Harappan culture, dating back to 4500 years ago. It is 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. Overnight stay at Bhuj
Morning drive to Mandvi; Mandvi is located on the banks of the Rukmavati River, barely one km from the Arabian Sea at the Gulf of Kutch. The town has a very pleasant climate throughout the year and it was a summer retreat of the Kutch
Maharaos. The centre of attraction at Mandvi is the Vijay Vilas Palace, a royal abode set in the middle of well-laid gardens with water channels and marble fountains.
The architect and craftsmen from Jaipur designed and constructed the palace in 1920 AD. The palace has all the elements of Rajput architecture and draws largely on the plan of palaces of Orchha and Datia. The central high dome on the pillars, the Bengal domes on sides, the windows with colored glass, carved stone Jaalis, domed bastions at the corners, extended porch and other exquisitely stone carved elements, make the palace worth visiting. It owns a private beach, maintained in an eco-friendly manner to preserve its pristine beauty. It is an example of the traditional skill of craftsmen of early 20th century. Visit Ship building yard. On the banks of the Rukmavati River, just south of the bridge, you can visit the still-active shipbuilding yard. Craftsmen still assemble ships out of wood, for local or international guests, and you can feel free to watch them work. The process is long and elaborate and shoddy workmanship means risking sailors’ lives. Overnight stay at Bhuj
Morning after breakfast drive to Ahmedabad and transfer to Airport/Railway station for onward journey
