Cultural Tour Of Gujarat

Day 01: Ahmedabad Arrival

Arrive at the Ahmedabad airport(Morning), our driver will pick you up from there and then will transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. Relax for some time in the hotel.
Visit one of the famous Jain temples- Hutheesing Jain temple
Gandhi ashram- The beautiful ashram complex of Ahmadabad, with shady trees populated by thousand of parakeets, Beaters, sunbirds, and squirrels, offers a refuge from the loud streets of the city and is one of the foremost tourist attractions of Ahmadabad. This ashram was Gandhi's headquarters during the long struggle for Indian independence. His ashram was founded in 1915 and still makes handicrafts, handmade paper, and spinning wheels. This ashram is open from 8.30 AM to 6.30 PM.
Sidi Saiyeed mosque(Optional), built-in 1573, is one of the most famous attractions in Ahmadabad. The mosque is entirely arcuated. The mosque has ten screen windows (jails) on the side and rear arches.
Adalaj StepWell is an architectural wonder built by Queen Rudabai and is certainly one of the finest monuments of Gujarat. It is a seven-storied structure in the form of a step-well with chambers one behind the other. The 'Vav' or stepped wells of Gujarat were used as a meeting and resting-places during summer since their cool interiors offered unbelievable respite from the scorching sun outside.
In the evening, enjoy a visit to the beautiful and magnificent Akshardham Temple (Monday- Closed)- Akshardham is situated in the capital city of Gandhinagar, which lies near Ahmadabad. The magnificent temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. It was constructed uner the directions of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Sanstha. The complex of this temple is the largest in Gujarat. Akshardham temple was inaugurated in the year 1992 and has become a major tourist attraction in India, during the last decade. It has a sprawling 23-acre area and is chiseled out in pink sandstone.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Ahmedabad- Kevadia (03 hrs drive)

Have a lavishing breakfast at the hotel. Cover the remaining sightseeing of Ahmedabad (if left), otherwise, check-out from the hotel to drive towards Kevadia.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. You'll visit the following attractions in Kevadia:- Sardar Sarovar Dam, Valley of Flowers, and Statue of Unity(Monday- Closed).
In the evening enjoy the Light and Sound Show at the Statue of Unity. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03: Kevadia- Bhavnagar

After having a healthy breakfast at the hotel, you can visit the Statue of Unity again (if your want to), otherwise, move ahead towards our next destination Bhavnagar.
On arrival in Bhavnagar, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Visit Takhteshwar Temple- dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is located on a high hilltop, thus giving a beautiful view of the city.
Rest time is for leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04: Bhavnagar- Sasangir

The Morning after breakfast proceeds to Sasangir. First visit Nishkalank Mahadev Mandir- situated at Koliyak beach and devotees can worship the god during low tide as during high tide only some part of it is visible.
Sasan Gir Lion sanctuary is home to around 300 Asiatic Lions. Sasan Gir is the only place in the world outside of the African continent where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat.
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is the last refuge of Asiatic lions in India and the lion population residing in the park is a little over 300. Gir is not just about Lions, the second most commonly found predator in the Gir is Leopard. Infect, Gir national park is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, and especially in the hotter season they can sometimes be seen at night close to the lodges. Other animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai Antelope, Chowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers, etc. And Asiatic lions, a subspecies that split from African lions perhaps 100,000 years ago, are only found in the Gir wildlife Sanctuary.
Overnight stay at Sasangir.

Day 05: Sasangir- Somnath

Have some breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel and drive towards Somnath. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Visit Somnath Temple, Geeta Mandir, Bhalka Teerth ,and later in the evening spend some time visiting Triveni Sangam. Bhalka Teerth- Its name is derived from the word 'Bhal' which means an arrow. It is one of the famous pilgrimage sites of Lord Krishna, it is believed that this is the place where lord Krishna was hit by an arrow from the hunter 'Jara' while he was in his resting state. Geeta Mandir- whoever visits this temple of Lord Krishna has these phrases in common “a very calm, quiet and peaceful place”. While visiting the temple, one can find the shlokas of Bhagavad Geeta engraved on the pillars/walls. As per the mythology, it is said that after getting hit by an arrow, Lord Shree Krishna rested here before going to “Neej Dham” and finally ending his mortal life cycle. In the evening enjoy a Light and sound show at Somnath temple(Optional). Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06: Somnath- Porbandar- Dwarka

Post breakfast, drive towards Dwarka. En-route visit Sudama Temple and Kirthi temple in Porbandar. Kirti temple- a memorial temple built in memory of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. This small museum displays items used by Gandhi Ji, along with some old photographs, and houses a library of books either written by Gandhi Ji or relating to his philosophies. The ancestral house of Gandhi family, where Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869 is just adjacent to the Kirti Mandir.
Have some lunch and then continue our journey to Dwarka. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Visit Dwarkadish temple and also attend evening aarti at the temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07: Dwarka

Early morning, attend aarti at Dwarkadeesh temple and then you may take a holy dip in the Gomti river. Come back to the hotel and have breakfast.
Proceed towards Bet Dwarka(Shankhodhar)- this island is believed to be the real abode of Lord Krishna. Take a boat ride from Okha to bet Dwarka (30 min ride) then visit Lord Krishna temple after arriving there.
After visiting Bet Dwarka, return back to Dwarka and then we'll visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple(one of the 12 Jyotirlingas), Rukmini Devi Temple, and Gopi talav(a small pond where Gopis or young girls of Dwarka merged inside. The soil is yellow in color and it is believed that this soil can cure many diseases(especially of skin) so tourists often take this soil with them as a reference to their visit).
In the evening enjoy the sunset view near the coastal region and later then, attend aarti at Dwarkadeesh temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 08: Dwarka- Jamnagar

After having breakfast at the hotel, drive towards Jamnagar(it'll be around 3 hours drive). On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in and relax for a while.
Visit Lakhota Lake and then also visit Lakhota Museum(Fort) which is in the middle of it.
Later in the evening, visit the unique Bala Hanuman Temple which is known for its nonstop Ramdhun since 1956 and it is also listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for this unique/amazing fact.
Later visit the local markets for shopping some handicrafts made in famous bandhani work as Jamnagar is famous for its bandhani (tie-dyed) fabrics, embroidery, and silverware.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 09: Jamnagar- Bhuj

Have a lavishing breakfast at the hotel, then drive towards Bhuj(it'll be around 5 hrs drive). You can take some breaks in between (for refreshments).
On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in and relax for some time. Visit Aina Mahal Museum(The museum is decorated in European style with glass, mirrors, and tyles.
It is a royal showcase of Kutch jewellery, weaponry and art), Prag Mahal Palace, later then, in the evening visit Swaminarayan Mandir.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: Bhuj -Narayan Sarovar -Mata No Madh -Lakhpat -Koteshwar- Bhuj

Morning after breakfast proceed to NARAYAN SAROVER.
Situated at the mouth of the Arabian sea, a huge natural lake of sweet-water, well-known from vedic era-named as Narayan Sarovar. It is one of the sacred lake of India, mentioned in vedic literature as well as in ancient poorana. There is one “seat” of Vallabh-achaarya shri Mahaprabhuji. It is regarded as a “must-visit” place for Hindu religion followers.
Koteshwar Mahadev (Near Narayan Sarovar there is a temple of Lord Shiva named as Koteshwar. It is an ancient temple of Vedic-era situated on the hillock at the beach of Arabian sea. It is a worth visiting sight, especially during sun-set. The name of this temple is mentioned in ancient poorana and vedic literature.
Lakhpat fort- an ancient trading port of west India, an old fort, gorgeous ancient mansions, and Guru Nanakdev of Sikh sect. stayed at this place for some time, so in memory of this occasion, a Gurudwara has been constructed at this place. Some ancient mansions of Islamic architecture are also seen at this place.
Matanomadh (Goddess of Kutch kingdom, Maa Ashapura's magnificient Temple is located here. Three annual celebrations i.e., three “Navraatries” are celebrated here as big festivals. Pilgrims from all over the India and abroad visit this place during” Navraatries”. Some pilgrims even visit this place by foot for about 100 kms journey to this Temple. Other places of interest are chachra Kund, Hinglaa-Maate temple, essence sticks of “Aashapuri” brand is very much famous of this place.
Drive back to Bhuj and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 11: Bhuj- Banni Villages- White Rann- Bhuj

The morning after breakfast, drive towards Banni Village.
En-route, kindly take a permit (all clients need to obtain the permit). On arrival visit the Banni village to see various people(locals) like Jat, Harijan, Meghawal and Mutva etc in various villages like Hodka, Ludiya, and Dhordo. Banni means “a cluster of the villages”. In the Banni area of Kutch, the Meghwal-Harijans who migrated from Rajasthan use Khambira, Kharek, and Kudi Stitching in their embroidery. Other famous works of these locals are- outline and satin stitch embroidery and very minute mirror designs similar to the famous Mutwa embroidery. They make wall hangings, waistcoats, and pouches in Kharek Stich and do 'Moti Bharat' or beadwork on handheld fans, bracelets, toys, and belts.
After that, move ahead to visit HODKA village- Hodka originates from the Gujarati word 'Hodi'which means 'boat' because the villages here are called jheels, where potable water is available. Hodka is famous for its beautiful embroidery and mud work as much as Leathercraft. Both men and women are actively involved in developing the art and craft tradition of the region.
Visit LUDIYA village- Harijans and Muslims are the main communities in this village. The main occupations are monsoon farming, cattle rearing, intricate wood carving, intricate embroidery work, mud work, and wall painting for decorating homes. Harijan men are involved with wood carving, the women take up embroidery and wall decoration.
Visit DHORDO to see beautiful traditional mud houses (Bhungas) with mirror work and its fine Mutwa embroidery with tiny mirrors.
Later visit Kalo Dungar & White Rann. Come back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 12: Bhuj- Patan

After breakfast, drive ahead towards our next destination Patan(It'll be around 5hr drive). On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in and relax for a while.
Visit Rann Ki Vav(stepwell)-It is the most magnificent and spectacular stepwell and the best example in terms of architecture for water wells. The Vav measures about 64 mts. The stepwell has a long stepped corridor descending down to the underground tank, it is having four pillars. Nearer to Rann Ki Vav,
also visit Sahstralinga talav- meaning “a lake of thousand lingams”, artificial system created in ancient times to store water and now it's under Archaeological Survey of India. One can learn how water was preserved/ stored in ancient times by visiting this heritage place.
Later in the evening, visit Pancharsara Jain temple- an excellent example of Jain architecture looking at its structure having white marble, one can say- it's a must-visit place if you're visiting Patan.
Rest time is for leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 13: Patan- Modhera- Ahmedabd

The morning after breakfast, check-out from the hotel to drive towards our final destination i.e returning to our starting point, Ahmedabad. First of all, as per your decision, you can visit Matrugaya for completing some parental rituals(Shraadh), arrive there and after completing your rituals, continue our drive towards Ahmedabad.
On our way to Ahmedabad, visit Modhera Sun temple(Optional)- The temple at Modhera is the most important of all sun temples built in the whole Gujarat. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God(Surya Dev). The temple is magnificent and the finest example of Hindu architecture in Gujarat. 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(Vishuv).
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 carved steps leading to the bottom.
Have lunch at any preferred place and continue our journey towards Ahmedabad.
(Evening) On arrival, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. No worries, our chauffeur will be there with you until your flight arrives or until you mark the end of the trip from your end.