Colours Of Gujarat 15 Night - 16 Days Tour

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Morning proceed for half day excursion to the Elephanta Caves (closed on Monday’s and during the monsoons).
Located across the sea from the Gateway of India and accessible by ferry is the island of Elephant that has rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Little is known about their origins but they are thought to have been created between 450 and 750 AD. The most famous sculpture here is the Trimurti, representing the three-headed Shiva where the god is depicted as the trinity of the creator, the preserver and the destroyer. There are also figures of Shiva dancing the tandava, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati and one in which Shiva appears as Ardhanareshwar, uniting both sexes in one body.
Later in the afternoon enjoy half day city tour visiting Gateway of India, Mumbai's principle landmark; Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalaya (closed on Monday’s. Earlier Known as Prince of Wales), drive past Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hills offering panoramic view of Marine Lines and Chowpati Beach and Dhobi Ghat.
Overnight in Mumbai

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred to airport for your flight to Bhuj.
Upon arrival in Bhuj, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Bhuj, the major town of Kutch, is an old walled city. You can lose yourself for hours in the intricate maze-like streets and alleyways of this fascinating town. There are walls within walls, attractive crenellated gateways, old palaces with intricately carved wooden pavilions, and striking, brightly decorated Hindu temples.
Later proceed to the collector’s office to process the permits, necessary to visit the tribal Banni Village the following day.
Afternoon explore the wondrous sights in the walled city of Bhuj.
Visit the 18th century Royal Palace, the Aiana Mahal (Mirror Palace) with its resplendent hall of mirrors and palaces housing the treasures and artifacts of the Royal family of Bhuj. Continue to the Kutch Museum formerly known as the Fergusson Museum.
Overnight in Bhuj

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast enjoy a day excursion by jeep to the famous Banni Villages inhabited by the tribal Kutch communities, each being identified by their individual constumes. Visit the Shevo village inhabited by the Jat tribe, the village of Hodka inhabited by the Meghwal tribe and the village of Nirona inhabited by the Khatri community.
Return back to the hotel. Overnight in Bhuj

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast, you will be driven to Gondal enroute visit the village of Bhujodi & Dhamadka to see the various tradional forms of textiles. Upon arrival in Gondal, proceed for check-in at your hotel.
Gondal has much to offer by way of sightseeing to the visitors. Built in 1875 AD by Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji for his son Yuvraj Bhojraji, the Riverside Palace is set in lawns and gardens beside the river Gondali. There are two marvelously appointed sitting arrangement-the living room furnished in typical colonial style with chandelier, antique wooden furniture and sofas, and the Indian room decorated with beadwork, brassware and paintings-and many pleasant sit-outs on the terraces and galleries overlooking either the river or the garden.
Rest of the day at leisure & Overnight in Gondal.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast you have a opportunity to see the Maharaja of Gondal’s private vintage car collection.
Later visit the 17th century Naulakha Palace, one of the most impressive privately owned Royal Castles and a fabulous example of medieval Indian architecture.
Naulakha Palace is a festival of stone carvings with exquisite jharokhas (balconies), a fabulous pillared courtyard, delicately carved arches, and a unique spiral staircase. The large chandelier-lit durbar hall has stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture, and antique mirrors. The private palace museum has an impressive display of silver caskets which carried messages and gifts for Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji o n his silver jubilee as ruler of Gondal, one of the many golden caskets received by him on his 50th anniversary, the weighing scales on which he was measured against silver and gold on the respective anniversaries, and princely relics.
Overnight at the hotel.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast, you will be driven to Sasan Gir enroute visit Junagarh.
Junagadh, an ancient city, is situated in erstwhile Saurashtra, at the foot of Mount Girnar on the northern fringes of the Gir forest. Through various phases of history, Junagadh is described with equal importance and for many centuries it was the capital of the western region of Gujarat. Stippled with hills, the medieval city of Junagadh derives its name from an old fort called by the same name. Junagadh is a place of pilgrimage and has produced a number of saints in its long histroy. The most famous being the Gujarati saint-poet, Narsimha Mehta. It is also a wonderful nature reserve for various flora and fauna. It is also one of the few places where lions still roam free as, it is the abode of the majestic Asiatic Lion. Junagadh is an ancient city of temples, museums, palaces and caves. Every monument reminds its great history.
Upon arrival in Sasan Gir, proceed for check-into your camp followed by buffet lunch.
Sasan Gir Forest is today the only place in the world outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in his natural habitat. The forest also harbours a variety of smaller animals and birds. Other predators are the Panther and the Hyena. The Indian 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.
Buffet dinner at the campsite. Overnight in the Tented Accommodation / Sasangir.

Enjoy early morning Jeep Safari into National Park. Return back to the camp for buffet breakfast. Buffet lunch at the campsite.
Afternoon enjoy Jeep Safari into National Park.

Buffet dinner at the campsite.
Overnight in the Tented Accommodation/ Sasangir

Enjoy early morning Jeep Safari to the National Park. Return back to the camp for buffet breakfast.
Post breakfast, you will be driven to Diu upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.

Diu: A Portuguese colony like Goa, Diu is an off - shore island on the western coast, off the Gulf of Cambay. The coast has limestone cliffs, rocky coves and sandy beaches, the best of which are at Nagoa. A massive fort built by the Portuguese dominates the skyline.An island of breeze and beauty. The island of Diu, an erstwhile Portuguese colony, is situated off the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat bordering Junagadh district. It is an exquisitely beautiful getaway with golden sand beaches, dense palm-groves and historical monuments sans commercial exploitation and environmental degradation. Diu stands out, in marked contrast to other places, as a tiny island, where people have an excellent civic sense. With the magnificent serenity of its ambience, it is perhaps one of India’s last undiscovered jewels.
Overnight in Diu.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast enjoy a visit to the magnificent fort that dominates the tiny island of Diu, considered at be one f the most important Portuguese forts in Asia. Contiune to Makata Lane with its impressive old mansions of rich Portugues and Indian merchants. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure giving you the opportunity to explore th colourful and bustling markets of just relax and indulge in water sport activities.
Overnight in Diu

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast, you will be driven to Bhavnagar. Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.

Bhavnagar : Established by Bhavsinhji Gohil in1723 AD, Bhavnagar is the capital of Bhavnagar State, the earliest princely state to join with independent Indian Union in 1948. At present it is the fifth-largest city of Gujarat, and is often regarded as the cultural capital of Saurashtra. Also called Gohilwad, Bhavnagar is the erstwhile capital of Gohil Rajputs belonging to the Surya Vanshi family.
Later in the afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour to include Barton Library and museum, completing the city tour with visit to the old bazaar.
Overnight in Bhavnagar

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast enjoy a day excursion to Palitana (50 Kms / 1 ½ hour approx), famed for its spectacular Jain Temples. A short drive will bring you to Shatrunjay Hill. 863 magnificent temples exquisitely cared in marble are consecrated here in an act of devotion that speaks of ancient and modern spirituality. The temples were built over a 900-ye ar period. The temples are not as intricate as the ones in Dilwara (Mt. Abu). The oldest temples date back to the 11th century. Because the Muslims destroyed most of the early temples in the 14th and 15t h centuries, most of the temples date from the 16th century and later. It takes about two hours to climb the 3,950 steps (4km), 600m (1,980 ft) high hill. It is a difficult climb.
Return back to your hotel following visit. Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities
Overnight in Bhavnagar

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast you will be driven to Ahmedabad enroute visit Lothal.
Lothal, one of the most substantial remains of the Harappan culture in India, dating from 2500BC-1700BC. Situated between the Sabarmati River and the Bhogavo River, the site functioned as a major port during the Indus Valley civilization. The site is surrounded by a mud brick embankment, which enclosed the workers area as well as the citadel. Visit the dry dock area, which is a massive excavated structure running along the east wall of the city. A 12m wide gap in the north side is believed to have be en the entrance by which boats came into the dock, while a spillway over the south wall allowed the excess water to overflow. Excavations of the warehouse have revealed wide evidence of trade. Visit the city section, excavations of which show a planned city in a grid pattern, with an underground drainage system, wells, brick houses with baths and fireplaces. Objects found include painted pottery, ivory, shell, semiprecious stone items, beads, bangles and terracotta toys. The visit of the site is completed with the visit to the Archaeological Museum on the site, exhibiting artefacts, which include copper and bronze implements, books and postcards of Lothal, and implements which would have been used as personal artefacts.
Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.
Ahmedabad, the largest city of Gujarat, was its former capital. The city founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411 AD, lies on the left bank of the Sabarmati River. Ahmedabad is known for its beautiful monuments of historical and archaeological importance. The elegant architecture of its mosques and mausoleums is a unique blend of Muslim and Hindu Styles. The city has grown into a great textile and commercial centre.
Afternoon at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Ahmedabad,]

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast, you will visit the World famous Calico Museum (closed on Wednesday & also subject to permission from the Museum Authorities). Part of the Sarabhai Trust, in an attractive old haveli, set in beautiful Shahi Bagh Gardens is one of the finest museums in the world. In addition to exhibits dating to the 17th century, the museum houses rich displays of heavy brocades, fine embroideries, saris, carpets, turbans, Maharajas costumes and Royal Mughal tents. The museum illustrates weaving techniques but not weaving equipment. The Museum Curator will give a special tour of the museum. Later visit the famous and serene Sabarmati Ashram, which played a pivotal role in India’s fight for freedom and the starting point for Mahatma Gandhi’s celebrated salt march to Dandi in 1930. Continue to unique Veechar Utensils Museum which has an exclusive exhibit of 10,000 utensils, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. Evening at leisure for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy a full day excursion including a visit to Modhera, Patan and Rani Ki Vav (approx 150 Kms /3 hours one way ).

Modhera
One of the famous historical monuments, the Sun Temple Modhera was constructed by the Solanki ruler, Bhimdev I. Though worn out by age it still has preserved its medieval charm and ambience in its structure, architecture and beautiful sculptures. On your Tours to Modhera, you can find 12 images of Sun God which has been constructed in a way so that it faces the eastern end. The sun rays during the equinoxes fall directly on the main deity of the temple which is quite an interesting sight for the tourists.

Patan
The glory of Patan reached its zenith during the Solanki period the golden age of Gujarat. During these years, the city was a great place of learning and a prosperous trading center. The rulers were great patrons of fine arts and architecture and undertook construction of many civic and religious edifices in the city.
The Jain text, 'Kumarpala Rasa', describes Patan as a prosperous fortified town; 18 miles in circumference with 84 town squares, 52 bazaars, mints of gold and silver, well laid gardens with fountains and trees, grammar school of Sanskrit and Prakrit, numerous Hindu and Jain temples and Sahastralinga Talav.

Rani ki Vav
Rani ki Vav is an excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat. This Vav was constructed by Udaymati, the queen of Bhimdev (1022-63 AD). The exisquisitely carved side walls, pillars, beams, series of steps and platforms lead to the elaborately carved water well. Every surface is adorned with finelly chiselled sculptures of maidens and Hindu deities, religious motifs and geometrical patterns. Rani ki Vav represents the finest of the Indian sculptures and architecture.
Return back to your hotel, following sightseeing tour. Overnight in Ahmedabad.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure for independent activities. Later you will be met at your hotel and transferred to airport for your flight to Mumbai.