In Gujarat, The International Kite Festival is always held at Ahmedabad on January 14, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. It is a day when every family can meet outdoors ‘cutting’ each other’s kites. The people of Gujarat celebrate Uttarayan with a lot of enthusiasm and all business comes to a grinding halt for a couple of days. The festival lures expert kite-makers and fliers not only from major cities of India but also from around the world. A plethora of designer kites are also put on display. It is also a celebration to mark the end of winter.
The festival of Uttarayan is a uniquely Gujarati phenomenon, when the skies over most cities of the state fill with kites from before dawn until well after dark. The festival marks the days in the Hindu calendar when winter begins turning to summer, known as Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan. On what is usually a bright warm sunny day with brisk breezes to lift the kites aloft, across the state almost all normal activity is shut down and everyone takes to the rooftops and roadways to fly kites and compete with their neighbors.
Kites of all shapes and sizes are flown, and the main competition is to battle nearby kite-flyers to cut their strings and bring down their kites. For this, people find their favored kite-makers who prepare strong resilient kite bodies with springy bamboo frames and kite-paper stretched to exactly the right tension. Lastly, the kites are attached to a spool (or firkin) of manja, special kite-string coated with a mixture of glue and glass to be as sharp as possible for cutting strings of rival kites. Production of kites and kite supplies can be seen on the streets of Ahmedabad beginning in November, to get ready for Uttarayan, and nowhere more so than in Patang Bazaar, the special kite market that appears in the old city. For the week preceding the festival, it is open 24 hours a day for all kite lovers to stock up for the festivities.
Day 01 Arrive Mumbai (By Flight)
Fly to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, you will be Greeted and Escorted by our Tour Executive to your Hotel.
On arrival at hotel check in. (Room will be available from 1200 Noon)
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. India’s most cosmopolitan city, an ancient port and trading center. This palm -fringed shore of the Arabian Sea was the British Empire’s entrance to its `Crown Jewel’. Mumbai is also center for Hindi films made in India called “Bollywood”, with a credit of almost 900 films a year.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 02 Mumbai – Bhuj (By Flight)
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight for Bhuj Gate way of India.
Local ruler Maharao Hamir founded the city of Bhuj in 1510. In 1549 Rao Khengarji I, another local ruler, made Bhuj his capital. It remained an independent princely state during the rule of the British in India and became a part of India, when it gained independence in 1947.
On arrival check in at Hotel.
Important – Later visits the Foreign Registration office to take a permit to visit Banni Tribal area.
Foreign Registration Office at Bhuj remains closed on 2nd & 4th Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays. Clients have to keep photocopy of their passport and visa with them and clients have to go personally to DSP office.
Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 03 Bhuj
After breakfast full day excursion of Northern Banni Village.
Banni the last village on the border is a Desert land of infinite dimensions, and in its midst, quaint little villages suspended in Time. Here you will come across master craft people expositioning their traditional art, turning our masterpieces everyday. There ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they use – will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum leaving you spellbound.
Here you will come across master craft people expositioning their traditional art, turning our master pieces everyday. There ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they use – will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum leaving you spellbound.
Later drive back to Bhuj for overnight stay.
Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 04 Bhuj
After breakfast full day excursion of Southern Banni Village.
Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 05 Bhuj – Gondal (By Road) (310 Kms. / 06 hrs. appx.)
After early breakfast drive to Gondal.
En-route visit the Wankaner. Wankaner derives its name from the geographical feature related to the location of the town: ‘Wanka’ means a bend and ‘ner’ means water stream in Gujarati. Wankaner literally means a bend on the stream and it is located on the bend of the Machchhu river.
Later continue your drive to Gondal. On arrival transfer to the Orchard Palace.
After some rest be ready for a visit to the Naulakha Palace, adorned with stone carvings. It was constructed as a gift for Maharaja Bhagwat Sinh Ji, when he completed 25 years of his rule on Gondal. You will also visit an amazing collection of vintage cars. You shall also be taken to the Bhuvaneswary Ayurvedic Library, where you will be initiated with the process of making the centuries old Ayurvedic medicines.
Day 06 Gondal – Jungadh – Sasan Gir (By Road) (117 Kms. / 3 hrs. appx.)
After breakfast drive to Sasangir. On the way, visit Junagadh.
Junagadh has lovely houses with Stuccowork – Italian influence. You will visit the museum, Fort with Buddhist caves and Ashokan Edict.
After the sightseeing, continue your drive to Sasangir. On arrival in Sasangir, transfer to Camp
Sasangir is the only place in the world outside Africa, where the Lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The last remaining Bastion of the Asiatic Lion, Gir is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, making it an excellent place to see big cats of a different kind.
Overnight in the camps.
Day 07 Sasan Gir – Diu (By Road) (110 Kms. / 03 hrs. appx.)
In the morning, you shall be taken on a safari to Sasan Gir national park. This sanctuary is known all over the world for being the natural abode of Asiatic lions. A safari in the Gir National Park will be one of the most memorable and popular highlights of this trip.
The forests in Sasangir consist of dry desert vegetation, with scrub and thorn bushes extending over the dry soil and the rough rocky outcrops. The vegetation thins out giving tourists a better chance to see the animals and birds in the Sasangir National Park, Gujarat. Enjoy viewing the Asiatic Lion and the flora and fauna of Sasangir National Park.
After the safari depart for Diu, en route visiting the Somnath Temple. The temple contains wonderful piece of architectural work, it is the famous lord Shiva temple that has one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Later continue your drive to Diu. On arrival in Diu, check in at the hotel.
Later, enjoy the afternoon walk through the town to enjoy the Portuguese flair of the city.
Diu along with Goa was a Portuguese colony.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 08 Diu
After having breakfast, you shall head on for a sightseeing tour of Diu. You will visit popular tourist attractions like St. Paul Church, Diu Museum, etc. Afternoon is free at beach.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 09 Diu – Bhavnagar (By Road) (200 Kms. / 04 hrs. appx.)
After early breakfast drive to Bhavnagar. Bhavnagar, the place of several lakes and temples. Bhavnagar lies in the southeast corner of the peninsular region of Gujarat known as Kathiawad or Saurashtra.
On arrival check in at Hotel Nilambagh Palace.
Nilambagh Palace Bhavnagar was originally built as a private dwelling to Sir Takhat Singh. The German architect Mr. Simsom is the mastermind behind this elegant structure built in 1859. The house has been converted into a renowned heritage hotel in the state of Gujarat. The hotel is a heady mix of splendid royal charm and modern luxuries.
The Nilambagh palace is set in 40,000 sq ft of lawn and garden. The pillared portico, stepped arches, pleasant centre courtyard, turning marble staircase, the dining hall furnished with European chandeliers, Belgian mirrors, oil paintings and carved Burma teak furniture, the lobby with its king sized royal portraits, stuffed panthers and chandeliers an the historic library are some highlights of the property.
Later City tour of Bhavnagar, visiting the Gandhi Smriti, which has a library, a small museum, gallery and memorial to the founder of India.
Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 10 Bhavnagar – Palitana – Lothal – Ahmedabad (By Road) (278 Km/ 6 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Ahmedabad.En-rote visit Palitana.
It is the base for visiting one of the 5 important pilgrimage centers of the Jains. The impressive Jain temple complex on Shatrunjaya hill is at an altitude of 591 m. Palitana has a name for diamond cutting and horse breeding. Shatrunjaya City, is the largest temple complex of India. The ascent of 3.5 Kms climb up a winding path has 3950 steps. The temple complex has 863 temples strung along two ridges of the hill, with further temples in the hollow. Muslims destroyed these temples in the 14 and 15th centuries. Most of the temples are named after their founders and are mostly built over a period of 1000 years in the11th century and rebuilt in the 16th century”
Later drive to Ahmedabad. Just before 80 Kms from Ahmedabad visit Lothal.
Lothal city is one of the well known cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization. The origin and history of Lothal can be dated back to 2400 BC. Lothal in Gujarat is one of the primary sites of archaeology. Though, it was discovered in the year 1954, but its excavation work began on the February 13, 1955, which continued till May 19, 1960. It was done by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
After visit of Lothal, drive to Ahmedabad. On arrival transfer to the Hotel.
Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 11 Ahmedabad
After breakfast full day enjoy the Kite flying.
Kite flying has come a long way since then with the invention of motorized and even fiberglass kites-to compete with kite-paper, which was universally accepted as the only material that could fly. However, the tradition of kite flying in India has not changed. Be it during Basant or Makar Sankranti, people of all ages go out into the open to try their luck with their patangs. In towns and cities, where fields are difficult to find, terraces and rooftops are often used for this traditional sport.
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is kite-flying day. Traditionally celebrated on January 14, it is a holiday when every family can be meet outdoors ‘cutting’ each other’s kites. This immensely popular kite flying festival is held in all the important cities of Gujarat. The festival lures expert kite-makers and fliers not only from major cities of India but also from around the world. A plethora of designer kites are also put on display.
The International Kite Festival is always held at Ahmedabad on January 14, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. The people of Gujarat celebrate Uttarayan with a lot of enthusiasm and all business comes to a grinding halt for a couple of days. It is also a celebration to mark the end of winter.
Kite flying begins at dawn and continues without a pause throughout the day. Friends, neighbors and total strangers battle one another for supremacy and cries of triumph rend the air when someone cuts the line of a rival. A tremendous variety of kites are seen and the connoisseur can choose precisely what he wants. Experts specially prepare the lines with which the kites are flown on the great day.
Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 12 Ahmedabad
After breakfast visit Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) built by Ahmed Shah in 1424, The façade is emphasized by the spacious courtyard paved in marble with a tank in the middle. It has a screen of arches flanked by a pillared portico.
Later visit the Sabarmati Ashram founded in 1917, where Mahatma Gandhi, the “Father of Nation” lived as a lawyer after his return from South Africa. It was the starting point for Gandhiji’s celebrated 24 day, 385 km Salt March to Dandi in 1930. It has a library, archives and a picture gallery depicting Gandhiji’s life.
Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 13 Ahmedabad – Mumbai (By Flight) / Depart Mumbai
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight to Mumbai. On arrival, drive for the sightseeing of Mumbai
Visit the 26 meter high British built Arch “Gateway of India”, Mumbai’s landmark built to honour the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Also visit the Kamla Nehru Park from where you have a picturesque view of the city, Hanging Gardens are so named since they are located on top of a series of tanks that supply water to Mumbai.
Pass by the `towers of silence’ the crematorium of the Parsis and visit Mani Bhawan a private house where Mahatma Gandhi uses to stay when he visited Mumbai. It is now a museum and research library with 20,000 volumes. The display on the first floor there is a diorama depicting important scenes from Gandhi’s life. The display of photos and letters written and received by Gandhiji. Later enjoy the visit to Marine Drive dubbed, as the Queen’s Necklace is Mumbai’s most popular promenades.
Later transfer to the International Airport to board the flight for onwards journey.
| City | Night (s) | 5* Standard |
| Mumbai | 01 | Sahara Star |
| Bhuj | 03 | Kutch Safari Lodge |
| Gondal | 01 | Orchard Palace |
| Sasan Gir | 01 | Lion Safari Camp |
| Diu | 02 | Azzaro Resort & Spa |
| Bhavnagar | 01 | Nilambagh Palace |
| Ahmedabad | 03 | Fortune Landmark |
– Welcome on arrival with fresh flower garlands.
– Meet assist at airport / hotels by our office representative.
– 12 Nights hotel accommodation as per the program.
– Daily breakfast and dinners.
– Meal Plan – Full Board at Sasan Gir.
– Jeep Safari at Sasan Gir.
– Air Tickets for Mumbai – Bhuj & Ahmedabad – Mumbai in economy class.
– All transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per itinerary by private AC vehicle.
– Entrance fee to monuments as per itinerary.
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian Speaking Guide.
– 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.