The West Coast State of Gujarat is not on popular tourist itineraries of foreign and Indian tourists. Although it is easy to travel to Gujarat during your trips to Mumbai or Rajasthan, few people pause to explore this very interesting part of India. Gandhinagar is the capital city of Gujarat. It is India’s second well planned city after Chandigarh. Makara Sankranthi is a big festival of Gujarat. The birth place of Mahatma Gandhi,the father of the nation.
State of Vibrant Culture: Gujarat covers an area of 196, 024 sq. km which is traditionally divided into three zones – the eastern mainland that includes the cities Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara; the Kathiawar peninsula better known as Saurashtra with its headquarters at Rajkot and Kutch with its most important town Bhuj. The state offers its visitors fabulous offbeat possibilities of exploring Gujarat’s vibrant culture and history. Here one scarcely knows where legend ends and history begins.
Day 01 Arrive Ahmedabad (By Flight)
Arrive Ahmedabad, welcome with fresh flower garlands.
Meet assist and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad is the second largest city of west India and the largest city in Gujarat. Ahmedabad was also the former state capital of Gujarat. Ahmed Shah I founded this city on the banks of the Sabarmati river in 1411 and thus named as Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is also known for its association with the Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation and is one of the India’s foremost industrial centres. It is a place where tradition and modernity co-exist in perfect harmony.
Day 02 Ahmedabad – Dasada (By Road) (98 Kms. / 2.5 hrs. appx.)
After breakfast, half day city tour of Ahmedabad.
PM: Drive to Dasada Little Rann of Kutch.
Overnight in Dasada.
The various tourist attractions in Ahmedabad are the Jama Masjid, Sidi Bashir Mosque, Sabarmati Ashram, Sidi Saiyad’s Mosque, Hathee Singh Temple and Jama Masjid was built in 1423 AD by Ahmad Shah and was also described as the most beautiful mosque in India.
The little Rann of Kutch – also spelled as Kuchchh is one of the best tourist places in India located near the Great Rann of Kutch in Kutch district of Gujarat state. It’s not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List but also the home of world’s last refuge Wild Ass only found here and has been declared as the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary. Due to the Biodiversity of the Rann, it is also a home to many bird species and it is one of India’s largest Bird Sanctuaries. The little rann of kutch serves as paradise for birdwatchers and bird photographers.
Day 03 Dasada – Little Rann of Kutch
Full day jeep drive in Little Rann of Kutch.
Overnight in Dasada.
Dasada is a small yet gorgeous village in the Indian State of Gujarat. One can locate the hamlet on the outskirts of the Rann of Kutch. The beauty of the place and facts associated with the village boasted tourism to Dasada. A stay in Dasada will introduce you to many facets of Gujrat. Long stretched sandy desert, cascading streams and rivers and fascinating view of colourful bird and animal species, are some of the marvels you can enjoy during the Dasada tour.
Day 04 Dasada – Rajkot (By Road) (183 Kms. / 4 hrs. appx.)
In the morning after breakfast, drive to Rajkot.
Overnight in Rajkot.
The beautiful city of Rajkot is located on the banks of the Aji River and Nyari River. Rajkot is well-known for its royal living. The city is also famous for its handicrafts and silver jewellery. It is the fourth largest city in Gujarat. Rajkot is a multicultural city and is a part of Kathiyawad and people of Rajkot are famous as Kathiyawadi’s.
Watson Museum – The Watson Museum and Library commemorates the work of Colonel John Watson, political agent from 1886 to 1889. It is a jumbled attic of the collection with the 3rd century inscriptions and a delicate ivory work overseen by a marble statue of Queen Victoria
Rashtriya Shala – Rashtriya Shala was founded by Mahatma Gandhi which has a center of patola weaving.
Jagat Mandir – Jagat Mandir is beautiful carved temple of Shri Ramkrishna Paramhansa. It is made of red stones.
Lal Pari Lake and Randerda -Lal Pari Lake and Randerda is a picturesque picnic spot, situated about 5 kms. from Rajkot
Day 05 Rajkot – Gondal – Junagadh (By Road) (105 Kms. / 2.5 hrs. appx.)
After breakfast, drive to Junagadh.
On the way visit Gondal. Overnight in Junagadh.
Gondal is a city and a municipality in Rajkot district in the Indian state Gujarat. Gondal state was one of the eight first class princely states of Kathiawar.
Naulakha Palace – Is the oldest extant palace in Gondal, dating back to the 17th century. It has legendary stone carvings with exquisite “jharokhas” balconies, a fabulous pillared courtyard, delicately carved arches, and a unique spiral staircase. The large chandelier-lit “durbar” hall court house witnesses stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture, and antique mirrors. The Private palace museum displays an impressive display of silver caskets which were in the services of carrying messages and gifts for Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji on his silver jubilee as ruler of Gondal.
The Royal Garages – have an extensive collection of vintage and classic cars, for which it has been famous all over the world
Day 06 Junagadh – Somnath – Diu (By Road) (171 Kms. / 3.5 hrs. appx.)
After breakfast, visit Junagadh later drive to Diu.
On the way visit Somnath Temple. Overnight in Diu.
Junagadh was the capital of the Junagadh state under the Muslim rulers of Babi Nawabs. In Gujarati, “Junagadh” means an ancient fort. The town of Junagadh takes its name from the fort that enclosed the medieval town.
Ashok Rock Edict – Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts refer to 14 separate major Edicts of Ashoka. They are all inscribed on a rock located outside the town of Junagadh on the Saurashtra peninsula in the state of Gujarat.
Durbar Hall Museum – Durbar Hall Museum houses a large collection of silver chains, chandeliers, thrones, palanquins, weapons and armour from the days of the Nawabs. There is also a portrait gallery of the Nawabs. This museum was once the hall where the Nawabs held their Darbars assemblies.
Somnath Temple – The legendary shore temple of Somnath is located near Veraval and is about 80 kms from Junagadh. The Somnath temple 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.
Day 07 Diu
Relax at beach and visit of Diu.
Overnight in Diu.
Diu is not a great choice for a beach-centric vacation. Most of its sandy strips are littered with trash, and the throngs of families make them better for people-watching than sun-worshipping. Diu town sits at the east end of the island. The northern side of the island, facing Gujarat, is tidal marsh and salt pans, while the southern coast alternates between limestone cliffs, rocky coves and sandy beaches.
Day 08 Diu – Palitana – Bhavnagar (By Road) (221 Kms. / 5 hrs. appx.)
After breakfast, drive to Bhavnagar. On the way visit Palitana.
Arrive and transfer to city tour later transfer to hotel. Overnight in Bhavnagar.
Palitana is a sacred city of the Jains located about 215km. from Ahmedabad and 51 kms southwest of Bhavnagar. It was the capital of a small princely state founded by Shahji, a Gohel Rajput who belonged to the same clan as the Maharaja of Bhavnagar.
The Shatrunjaya Hill 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. 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.
Bhavnagar is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was founded in 1723 AD by Bhavsinhji Gohil1703-64 AD and was named after its founder and ruler.
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.
Gaurishankar Lake – Gaurishankar Lake is a very popular place for the evening stroll, picnic and bird watching. Ducks, geese, pelicans, cranes and other wading birds can be seen on the banks of this lake.
Barton Museum & Gandhi Smrit -Mahatma Gandhi which reminds of the Mahatma Gandhi as a student of Bhavnagar University. This museum also has a library that consists of the books and photographs of Mahatma Gandhi.
Day 09 Bhavnagar – Baroda (By Road) (194 Kms. / 4.5 hrs. appx.)
In the morning after breakfast, drive to Baroda.
On arrival, city tour of Baroda.
Overnight in Baroda.
Vadodara is a graceful city of palaces, parks, temples and museums. It is also known as Baroda and is the industrial and cultural capital of Gujarat. Vadodara, originally ‘Vadapadraka’ means a village amidst the banyan trees. Baroda is called as the garden city of Gujarat.
Kadia Dungar Caves – Seven rock-cut caves and monolithic lion pillars are present at Kadia Dungar, near Bharuch. The caves suggest that they were viharas. A Brick stupa was also found in the foothills. These caves were in use during 1st and 2nd century AD.
Kayavarohan Temple -Kayavarohan is a village located in Vadodara. Kayavarohan is one of the sixty-eight ‘teerthas’ Pilgrimage of Lord Shiva as mentioned in the Shiva Purana. It is of great significance to the Pasupatas Followers of the Pashupati doctrine. There is a huge ocassion on Maha Shiv Ratri Festival.
Lehripura Gate – Built as the western gateway to the old city in 1558, Lehripura Gate is an impressive structure with beautiful arches.
Lakshmi Vilas Palace -The Lakshmi Vilas Palace, an extravagant building of the Indo-Saracenic school, was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 at a cost of GBP180,000. Major Charles Mant was the architect.
It is reputed to have been the largest private dwelling built in the nineteenth century and four times the size of Buckingham Palace. At the time of construction it boasted the most modern amenities such as elevators and the interior is reminiscent of a large European country house. It remains the residence of the Royal Family, who continues to be held in high esteem by the residents of Baroda.
Day 10 Baroda – Mumbai (By Flight)
Morning, flight to Mumbai.
On arrival, meet assist at the airport and proceed for the city tour of Mumbai.
Overnight in Mumbai.
Mumbai – ‘City of Dreams’. This fabulous city is not only the financial capital of India that serves as the center of all trade and investments, but also a cultural center. Take a look at the beaches in Mumbai to witness some of God’s amazing miracles- the magnificent sunsets over the Arabian Sea, which is a dream-like vision. In Mumbai, night is when the day truly begins, which is why Mumbai is also referred to as the ‘city that never sleeps’.
Some of the well-known tourist attractions in India are found here in Mumbai.
Gateway of India- the Gateway of India is the main attraction of Mumbai city. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Situated at the Apollo Bunder, the gateway holds greater historical significance as the last of the British troops that left India by sea, marched through its portals.
Prince of Wales Museum -The Prince of Wales museum is another major attraction of Mumbai. Built in the year 1914, it is surrounded by a beautiful landscape forming an ideal getaway for the people of Mumbai. The museum houses art, sculpture, rare coins, and old firearms and a priceless collection of miniature paintings.
Marine Drive- A stroll down the Marine Drive is the best way to discover Mumbai. This winding stretch of road with tall buildings on one side and sea on the other extends from Nariman Point to Malabar Hills. Due to its curved shape and many street lights, it was once called the Queen’s Necklace
Hanging Gardens – The Hanging Gardens makes another must see site in Mumbai. The park was built during the early 1880s over Mumbai’s main reservoir at the top of the Malabar Hills. The reason of its location being to cover the water from the potentially contaminating activity of the nearby Towers of Silence.
Juhu – Nicknamed as the uptown bourgeois paradise, Juhu Beach is a place that attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. Characterised by walkers, screaming children and courting couples, the beach covers an area of about 5 kilometres.
Day 11 Depart Mumbai (By Flight)
Transfer to the airport for flight back home.
City | Night (s) | 5* Hotels |
Ahmedabad | 01 | Hyatt Regency |
Dasada | 01 | Desert Coursers |
Little Rann of Kuch | 01 | The Royal Safari Camps |
Rajkot | 01 | Fortune Park JPS Grand |
Junagadh | 01 | Bellevue Sarovar Portico |
Diu | 02 | Azzaro Resort & Spa |
Bhavnagar | 01 | The Fern Bhavnagar |
Baroda | 01 | Grand Mercure Vadodra |
Mumbai | 01 | Sun N Sand |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– 10 Nights accommodation as per the program.
– Daily breakfast and dinners.
– Domestic air ticket Baroda – Mumbai in economy class.
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian Speaking guide.
– Tour with all transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Monument entrance fee to the object sights in the itinerary
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All taxes
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.