Gloriuos Gujrat

Arrive Ahmadabad, Meeting and assistance at the airport and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit Adalaj Step wells. Adalaj Vav is situated 18 kms. North of Ahmadabad in Gandhinagar district. Built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai, this step well at the village Adalaj is a fine example of magnificent architectural form, unique to Northwestern India. The step well or Vav as it is locally called is intricately carved and is several stories in depth. The designs on its walls and pillars include leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other breathtaking ornamental designs. A unique characteristic of step wells was that they not only conserved water but were also cool chambers where one could rest during hot summer months. In the olden days, these step wells used to be frequented by travelers and caravans as stopovers along their trade routes. Later visit Sabarmati Ashram founded by Mahatma Gandhi. Overnight at hotel

After an early breakfast depart Ahmadabad for Dasada en route visiting Modhera, and Patan, Modhera: It has one of the most magnificent monuments of Gujarat, the Modhera temple, built by the Solanki (Rajput) kings in 1025 A.D. was dedicated to Surya - the Sun god. The temple was constructed in such a manner that the rising sun at the equinoxes shone straight into the shrine and illuminated the image of Surya. The temple is profusely and intricately carved Patan: About 130 km north-west of Ahmedabad, Patan was an ancient Hindu capital before it was sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024.Patan has more than 100 Jain temples and is famous for it’s beautifully designed Patola silk sarees. There's also the renovated Rani-ki-Vav, a step-well which boasts some of Gujarat's finest carvings. It is very impressive and certainly a must see place. Later continue drive to Dasada, upon arrival Check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel

Early morning jeep safari to the Rann of Kachchh to try your luck to see the Asiatic Wild Ass; Rest of the day at leisure Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at hotel; later depart Dasada for Bhuj, on arrival check in at hotel Afternoon visit Bhujodi Village to see the shawl weaving done by Vankar Community Overnight at hotel

After breakfast, you head for north passing the Rudramata Dam on your way to Khavda. Our first stop is at Hudco/Dhordo in the Banni. About fifty years ago, the Banni was one of the largest grasslands of the Indian sub-continent. It has now been overtaken by a exotic thorny acacia known as "Ganda Baval". These tribal villages are famous for its handicrafts and textiles which are handmade by them. We go past the town of Khavda which is the last outpost before entering the Great Rann of Kutch. On our way, we see the Kala Dungar (black hills of Kutch) on our right and ancient volcanic rock formations, as we go up to the highest point where a small temple now stands. The priests of this temple has a tradition of offering food to jackals at lunch time daily by calling out to them. From here, one gets a wonderful 360-degree view of the surrounding area and an idea of the extent of the Great Rann. Overnight at hotel

Morning depart Bhuj for Gondal, on arrival check-in at hotel Afternoon visit to Rajit Villas Palace (subject to on spot permission) Overnight in Gondal

Early morning depart Gondal for Junagarh. Arrive Junagarh and start climbing Mt. Girnar Overnight in Junagarh

Morning visit Uparkot Fort. The Buddhist caves are fine examples of rock cut architecture with ornamented pillars, carved entrances, water cisterns, chaitya hall, monastic cells for meditation and chaitya windows. Adi-Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo were built by the Chudasama Rajputs and unique water structures among the numerous step wells of Gujarat. The Adi-Kadi Vav (15th century) has a long flight of 120 steps leading to water, while the Navghan Kuvo ( 1026 a.d) is hewn from the soft rock and is 52 meters deep, reached by a circular staircase winding around the shaft. Another intersting artefact from past is "Nilam" canon , brought to Diu from Egypt to fight against the Portuguese and it was manufactured by the order of Suleyman, the magnificent, King of Turkey. Also visit Ashoka Rocks. Later continue drive to Sasagir, upon arrival check in at hotel Late afternoon safari at Gir National Park Meals & overnight at hotel

Morning safari to Gir National Park. Later depart Sasan for Diu enroute visit Somnath Temple. Somnath :The temple of somnath is enshrined in legend, eulogised in history since the time of al-beruni and pillaged seven times by muslim invaders.the present temple built in 1950 stands on the side if orginal temple beside the sea,the deity is one of the twelve scared jyotorlingas of lord shiva. the shore temple of somnath, believed to have been built in 4-phases-in gold by lord soma, in silver by ravi, in wood by lord krishna and in stone by bhimadeva. tales of its riches brought in a series of invasions. sardar patel commissioned the present temple, the much loved gujarati leader, in the 1950’s. the temple has imposing architecture, a 50-meter high shikara tower, intricate carving, silver doors, a pretty nandi, the shivalinga, a number of holy idols and images, at a splendid location facing the arabian sea. Later continue drive to Diu, upon arrival check in at hotel Overnight at hotel

Morning half day sightseeing of Diu visiting, St. Paul's Church is dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The construction of the church was started in 1601 and was completed in the year 1610. The main facade of the church, perhaps the most elaborates of all Portuguese churches in India, is adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell-like motifs, and immediately attracts visitors. The facade has been illuminated by flood lights adding to the evening city glow. The old St. Thomas Church has been converted into a museum which houses the antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers, wooden carvings, idols, shadow-clocks and other important artifacts have been collected from various sites and displayed. Among the places of tourist interest, the Fort of Diu occupies a prominent position. It is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. The fort commands a magnificent view of sea. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD after a defence alliance, concluded by the Bahadurshah, Sultan of Gujarat, and the Portuguese when the former was attacked by Humayun, the Mughal Emperor Overnight at hotel

Morning depart Diu for Palitana. Palitana, one of the most sacred cities of Jainism. The temple dedicated to Shri Adishwara, the first Jain Apostle, is the most sacred. The four-faced temple enshrines a quadruple image of Adinath. A fantastic collection of temple jewels can be seen during the deity-adorning ceremonies at the Shri Adishwara Temple. The 600-mt climb to Shatrunjaya is made on foot by the pilgrims; lift-chairs are available, later continue drive to Palitana, upon arrival check in at hotel Overnight at hotel

Morning depart for Ahemdabad via Bhavnagar. Visit Takhteshwar Temple is a delightful shrine situated at Bhavnagar, in Gujarat. This beautiful shrine is situated on a small hill top in the middle of the city. The temple enshrines Lord Shiva as the presiding deity. Constructed in 1893, the temple is made of pure marble. Takhteshwar Temple is named in memory of Maharaja Takhtasinhjiis. From the temple site one can enjoy the panoramic view of the city towards the Gulf of Khambat. Later depart to Ahmadabad. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel

In time transfer to airport to connect flight for onward journey End of itinerary All hotels check-out / check-in time 12 noon