On arrival in Ahmedabad, meet our tour manager and transfer to the hotel.
Ahmedabad is the largest city of Gujarat and also culturally significant. The city was founded somewhere in the 11th century and shot to political importance after Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi made it his base. It has a vibrant culture, and numerous state and national festivals are celebrated here with a lot of zeal.
After checking-in at the hotel, relax for a while and then proceed for City tour.
After admiring the temple's beauty, return to the hotel in Ahmedabad for a relaxing overnight stay.
Adalaj Stepwell is located in the village of Adalaj and built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, this stepwell served as a place for relaxation for pilgrims and caravans in the earlier years. It was constructed in Indo-Islamic architectural style, with the belief that villagers would visit the well to collect water, offer their prayers to deities carved on the walls and rest for some time. The walls are beautifully carved with scenes of women churning buttermilk, kings, dancers and musicians. Since direct sunlight does not reach the interiors of the stepwell or vav, the temperature is apparently six degrees cooler than the outside. A unique feature of this stepwell of Gujarat, that this is the only one with three entrance stairs.
Akshardham Temple is one of the largest temples in Gujarat dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and is the best example of contemporary architecture and style, built using 6000 tons of pink sandstone. It is considered a place of education, enlightment and in a way entertainment, where more than 2 million people visit each year. The major attractions of this majestic temple are its 10 story tall golden idol of Swaminarayan Mystic India( a film on an incredible journey of an 11-year old child yogi called Neelkanth) the light and music show(Sat Chit Anand Watershow) and audio animatronic shows. It is surrounded by a garden which houses rides, swings and games for kids, a lake, a waterfall and a herbal garden.
Bhadra Fort was built in 1411 by Ahmedabad’s founder, Sultan Ahmad Shah, spread over an area of 44 acres. Surrounded by pleasant greens all around, it houses the much revered Bhadrakali Temple (dedicated to the Hindu Goddess 'Bhadrakali') and a palace, complete with balconies that are embellished with intricate designs. Known for its architecture around the world, this fort serves as the venue for conducting flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day and Republic day. On the eastern side of the fort, tourists can also see Teen Darwaja, an entrance to the Royal Square of the fort. One can also see the dungeons where the prisoners were kept, inside the palace.
Hutheesing Jain Temple is considered to be one of the architectural masterpieces in Ahmedabad, famous for its architecture and unique design that consists of intricate carvings as the main aesthetic element. The temple was built in 1848 AD by Seth Hutheesing, as a dedication to the 15th Jain Trithanakara called Dharmnath. Home to 52 shrines, each consists of an image of a tirthankara. Made from beautiful white marble, it is a delight to see. The layout of the temple makes it one of the most beautiful temples in the country and is well worth a visit, has a dome on the main front and carved galleries on the other side.It also have the Mahavir Stambha (about 78 ft tall) that stands right at the entrance of the temple.
What makes the minarets unique is if one of the minarets is shaken then the other minaret shakes within a few seconds, while the connecting passage doesn't transmit any movements or vibrations.
Kankaria Lake is the largest lake in Ahmedabad, a 550 years old artificial lake, built in 15th century by the Sultan Qutbuddin . The lake is an ideal picnic spot for families as the lakefront has been developed by the Ahmedabad city governments into an entertainment zone. This Lakefront offers some of the best facilities like tethered balloon safari, train ride, ultra-modern high-speed rides, water park, zoo, kid’s city, food stall, butterfly park, aquarium and many other entertainment facilities. Every year in the month of December, a week-long festival, Kankaria Carnival kicks off celebrating the cultural and historical heritage of Ahmedabad.
Manek chowk is the bustling open square near the center of the city, surrounded by historical structures. This chowk functions as a vegetable market in the morning and a jewellery market in the afternoon, the second biggest in India, at an apparently 3 million rupees of annual turnover. Manek chowk is named after the 15th century saint Baba Maneknath, who is said to have interrupted and helped Ahmed Shah built Bhadra Fort in 1411. It is most famous for its food stalls that start in the evening. Manek Chowk is one of the few of the food-street which is allowed to stay open till late night. Visitors can grab bhajipau, dosa, typical local sandwiches, and many more local cuisines. Its mainly famous for its Kulfi.
Sabarmati Ashram is the biggest tourist attraction, located on the tranquil and serene stretch of Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad. Once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba, it was also referred to as the 'Gandhi Ashram', 'Mahatma Gandhi Ashram' and most importantly, 'Satyagraha Ashram' as Gandhi began the famous 'Dandi March' from here. The Mahatma Gandhi Ashram has a number of other buildings within its bounds. The most famous among them is the museum 'Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya' which has some of Gandhi's personal letters and photographs on display. Other buildings and sites within the Gandhi Ashram known as Nandini, Vinoba Kutir, Upasana Mandir, and Magan Niwas.
Siddi Sayed Mosque is one of the most photographed monuments, and an iconic landmark in Ahmedabad. Famous for its unique window designs, it was built in 1573 towards end of the Gujarat Sultanate, under the Mughal rule. The carved jaalis in the windows of the western wall are known worldwide. The major highlight of this mosque catches the attention of almost every tourist is the lattice work that resembles the famous 'tree of life" motif with intertwined trees and foliage. Logo of the prestigious educational institute, Indian Institute of Ahmedabad, is based on this motif too. The carvings look like fine lace filigree work, well appreciated as it has been done with excellent delicacy.
In the morning, check-out of the hotel and proceed towards Bhavnagar.
On arrival in Bhavnagar, visit Palitana Jain temples near the city.
Palitana Temples, 863 in total, are constructed atop a hill called Shatrunjaya. It is said to be the site where Adinatha – the first Jain Tirthankara – delivered his first sermon. The summit is reached via a flight of 3750 steps and is frequented by people in large numbers. Jains believe that visiting these temples on the hill will lead them to eternal salvation.
Later in the evening, head to the hotel for your overnight stay.
The Palitana temples of Jainism are located on Shatrunjaya hill by the city of Palitana in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India. The city of the same name, known previously as Padliptapur, has been dubbed "City of Temples". Shatrunjaya means a "place of victory against inner enemies" or "which conquers inner enemies".
Early in the day, check-out of the hotel and move towards Diu.
The seaside town of Diu is located in the southern extreme of Gujarat. It is separated from the Indian mainland by a narrow strip of the inlet called the Gulf of Khambhat. This little town was a busy seaport between the 14th and 16th centuries, and was essential for the rulers of those days to maintain their influence in the region. Diu is dotted with serene beaches, historical Portuguese forts, churches and heritage museums.
On arrival in this beautiful place, check-in at the hotel for your overnight stay.
In the morning, set out for a sightseeing tour in the region.
On this tour, visit the sacred Gangeshwar Mahadev temple, located about 3 km from Diu. It has an amazing setting with expansive fields on one side and the endless sea on the other. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has five Shiva lingas of different sizes. As per legends, they were erected by the Pandavas during their 13 years of exile, hence the lingas are of different sizes.
Later in the day, return to your hotel and stay overnight.
In the morning, check-out of the hotel and travel to Somnath.Here, pay homage at the famous Somnath Temple, one of the most important shrines of Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or pillars of light, which are regarded as sacred manifestations of Shiva. As per an inscription found near the temple, it is located at such a point that between it and Antarctica, there is no structure or land.
From this iconic shrine, proceed to Bhalka Tirth, which a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is situated at the site where according to Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna was shot in the feet by a hunter who mistook him for prey. The sanctum of this shrine has a reclining statue of Lord Krishna and that of the hunter in front of him. There is a square-shaped reservoir in the complex, with a small temple at its centre.
Return to the hotel in the evening for overnight stay.
Bhalka Tirth is one of the major pilgrim attractions, located at the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra district of Gujarat. This place is also refer as Shri Krishna Nija Dham Prasthan Tirth or Dehotsarg Tirth. There is a temple and a banyan tree at this Theerth, which are dedicated to Lord Krishna. As per legends, this is the site where Lord Krishna was hit by an arrow, after which he left his mortal body for his heavenly abode, the end of Dwapara Yuga. The footprints of Lord Krishna are installed in a small open shrine. The temple contains a beautiful tribhangi idol of Lord Krishna playing his flute. The festivals of Janmashtami, Holi, Radha-Ashtami, Gopashtami, and Diwali are celebrated with great devotion.
Devalia Safari Park also known as “Gir Interpretation Zone”, is the establishment of particular eco-tourism zone to minimize overload of tourists from Gir Forest Visit and to offer whole wildlife of Gir at single place in safe habitats. This Zone comprises of 412 Ha Chain linked fences area which is regarded as ‘Gir in a nutshell’ covering all habitat types and wildlife of Gir. The basic motive of creating this facility is to provide an opportunity of viewing lions and other animals in their natural habitat within a short period of time at cheaper rates. There are animals like Asiatic lions, Leopards, Blue Bull, Sambhar, Chital, Black buck, Wild Boar etc. The presence of Savana habitat and rare birds is also another attraction of the area.
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only home of the endangered mighty Asiatic Lion, is one of the most popular attractions of Gujarat. Gir forest was titled as wildlife sanctuary in 1965, and in 1975 it was declared as a National Park. The national park houses around 38 species of mammals, 300 avifauna species, 37 species of reptiles and over 2000 insect species, comprises 1412 square km of decidous forest, acacia, scrub jungle and rocky hills. Gir has about 400 lions and 300 leopards, major 'big cat' concentrations in India. Deer, Antelopes, Jackal, Striped Hyena, Langur, Porcupine, Black-naped Hare are among the other mammals of Gir. Enjoy jeep safari and bird watching at Sasan Gir.
Adi-Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuwo are two highly unusual forms of stepwells located inside Uparkot, very different from wells in other parts of Gujarat. These are made of single rocks and no other external elements are used in building them. Adi-Kadi Vav is a deep well with 9 layers, built in the 15th century, is carved entirely out of hard rock. Navghan Kuwo is partly hewn out of soft rock and partly built up structurally like other step wells, believed to be built in 1026 AD or earlier. The stairs that lead down 52 meter to the water level spiral around the well shaft itself, which is also very uncommon. The water from Navghan Kuwo allowed Uparkot to withstand many long sieges.
Girnar is an ancient hill in Junagadh, standing tall at 3672 feet, covered with 866 Hindu and Jain temples that are spread over the 5 summits and one will have to climb 9999 steps to reach the final summit. Start a hike early in the morning, carry plenty of water, and take rest often during the hot hours of the day, and your climb of Mt. Girnar will be fruitful. Places that will come across on a trek to Girnar Hill are Domdar Kund and Baldvji temples. In this series of temples, one will come across Bhavnath Temple where one can see 'naked sadhus'. After 4000 steps up, one will reach a plateau with a Jain temple complex. After walking 2000 steps, the panoramic view of the Girnar hill will start noticing. And the last temple on the Girnar Hill is the temples to Kalika. The devotees frequently visit these temples as they are considered very sacred.
The Junagadh Zoo, also refers as Sakkarbaug Zoo is one of the most visited tourist attractions, spread over an area of the 490 acres of land. The zoo was opened in the year 1863 with the objective to protect the animals in captivity and also to educate the people about the endangered and rare species of the earth. Some of the fauna include panther, deer, antelope, wild boar, blue bull, black buck, and spotted deer, the zoo received green pheasants, Indian gaur, marmosets and the Malabar giant squirrels in exchange for a pair of the Asiatic Lions, in 2011. It is noted that there are some 525 mammals, 111 reptiles and 597 birds found in this zoo. For a wildlife enthusiast, this place is a Must visit.
This ancient Uparkot Fort is believed to have been built in 319 BC by the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta, with walls up to 20 m high in some places, there used to be a 300 ft. deep moat inside the walls used to be inhabited by crocodiles for the fort's protection. It is believed that these caves are gilded with beautiful pillars and entrances, water cisterns, horseshoe shaped chatiya windows, an assembly hall and cell for meditation. Inside the entrance are the insignia of some of Uparkot’s rulers and temples to Ganesh, Hanuman and Shakti. Neelam and Manek, forged in Cairo and brought by the Turks are the major tourist attractions in the fort. Some places like Jami Masjid, Adi-Kadi Vav, Buddhist caves and Navghan Kuvo are all within Uparkot.
Bharat Mandir is located opposite to the Nehru Planetarium in a garden, showcases many sculptures, pictures and other artifacts about the Indian tradition. Known as India Temple, the temple houses stone carvings and brass reliefs of heroes from Hindu mythology on the pillars. Built to worship the motherland 'Bharat', the temple houses beautifully adorned idol of Bharat Mata in the prime hall and the statue clearly shows the entire condition of India from slavery to freedom. The floor of this temple is adorned with a big relief map of the country. This temple is a must-visit, to get an insight into the rich cultures and traditions of the country. The temple is wonderfully made in rectangular shape, constructed by making use of white marble.
Nestled in between the Veraval and Dwarka, it is an ideal place to sit and enjoy watching the waves and the fishing boats in the horizon. This beach is the most favorite spot for morning and evening walks.
Bet Dwarka, also known as Bet Shankhodhar, is a small island and was the main port in the region before the development of Okha. It offers opportunities to spot dolphins, marine excursions, camping and picnicking. Most of the archaelogical ruins excavated here and religious manus correspond with Beyt Dwarka as the original abode of Lord Krishna. In order to get there from Dwarka.
On the banks of river Gomti, there is a Shiva temple, as well as smaller shrines of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna and Krishna's friend Sudama around the ghat, where pilgrims have worshipped for at least 100 years. One can also hire a boat and move across the river to get a panoramic view of Dwarka. Gomti Ghat is situated at the mouth of the river. A bath in these waters is believed to purge the soul. The solemnity of this belief contrasts with the lively atmosphere of boys jumping into the waves and turning somersaults as people photograph them.Decorated camels,tea stands,and bearded men selling seashell jwelry by the water add to the ambience. The banks are dotted with innummerable shrines dedicated to Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Samudra (God of the Sea).
Gopi Talav or the Gopi Tank is a small pond surrounded by sandal like yellow sand, known as Gopi Chandan. This Chandan is used by devotees of Lord Krishna to make tilak marks on their bodies. The Talav has a special significance in the Hindu mythology, as it is believed to be the place where gopis came to see Lord Krishna in Dwarka.
The Dwarkadhish temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir and occasionally spelled Dwarakadheesh, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Krishna, who is worshiped here by the name Dwarkadhish, or 'King of Dwarka'. The temple is located at Dwarka, Gujarat, India. Temple was enlarged in the 15th- 16th century. The Dwarkadhish Temple is a Pushtimarg temple.
Jamnagar also called as "Chhoti Kashi", where the most beautiful temple "Shri Bala Hanuman" is located. It is also known as Shri Balahanuman Sankirtan Mandir, situated at the south east side of Ranmal Lake. It is the world famous temple and has acheived name in Guinness Book of world records for continous 24-hours chanting of Ram Dhun- 'Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram', since August 1, 1964. The simple looking structure houses the idols of Lord Ram, Lord Lakshman, Goddess Sita and Lord Hanuman. Local people has deep faith in the temple and believes that it protect them from natural calamities and other troubles. The evening arti is the most awaited event of the temple.
Darbargadh Palace is located to the east of Chandi Chowk in Jamnagar, was founded by Jam Shri Rawalji in 1540 and Darbargadh came to become their first place of residence. He originally belonged to Kutch. The palace complex is semi-circular in shape, and its architecture possess both Rajput and European influences. A section of the structure, belonging to the older times is called Tilamedi, the place where the crowning ceremony of kings used to take place and king's throne, sword, dagger and spear are also kept. The palace displays works of art in the form of wall paintings, decorated mirrors, ornate pillars, sculptures, fretwork, stone carvings.
Lakhota Palace is situated in the middle of the lake, houses a beautiful repository called Lakhota Museum. Lakhota Palace was constructed by the rulers of Nawangar and it become an important tourist attraction of Jamnagar. The Lakhota museum showcases the artefacts that belong to the 18th and 19th century including items like a skeleton of a whale, swords, possessions of Jadeja Rajputs, powder flasks, and remnants of Gujarat rulers. Also, there are artefacts describing the life of the people around the region who lived there during the 18th century. Lakhota Museum walls are covered with paintings and frescos depicting various wars, fought by the Jadeja Rajputs. Visit the Lakhota Palace for witnessing more of wonderful antiques.
Early in the morning, check-out of the hotel and then travel to Rajkot.
Rajkot is one of the largest cities in the state of Gujarat. It was founded in 1620, and from then till the British conquest of the country, it was ruled by numerous dynasties. The city is located on the banks of the Nyari and Aji Rivers, and experiences a semi-arid climate with warm summers and cool winters. Museums, libraries, numerous temples and expansive gardens are the popular attractions here.
Upon arrival in the city, visit the Swaminarayan Temple – one of the most prominent city landmarks. The temple sits atop a high platform and is approachable via a flight of stairs. There are a number of small dome-shaped superstructures atop its open pillared halls and a trio of stone and brick towers atop the sanctum. The pillars and walls of this huge temple are ornately sculpted, and it is illuminated with multi-coloured lights in the evening.
Also in Rajkot, visit Ramakrishna Ashram, one of the centres of the famous and widely-followed Ramakrishna Mission. The ashram houses libraries, temples, apartments of members and a dispensary. Its main temple houses the remains of Ramakrishna Paramhansa, who was an Indian ascetic and the main figure of the mission. The temple has a façade designed like the main cave at Ajanta.
After the excursion, retire to the hotel for overnight stay.
Aji Dam is yet a famous tourist attraction with its manicured garden on the side. The Aji Dam Garden in Rajkot in Gujarat features an amusement park, food court, bird aviary, children, crocodile park and zoo. It is a dam built on the river Aji along with beautiful recreational facilities. As winter looms, the Aji Dam becomes a haven of late-flowering shrubs, migratory birds are the primary attraction at this time of year. The garden is situated downstream and looks beautiful with lovely flower plants, trees and different types of floras. In the amusement parks both the adults and the children can have a nice time. It is one of the main spot which can't be skipped while touring this city.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral is a cathedral of the Syro-Malabar Catholic rite in Rajkot. Also known as Prem Mandir, it is one of the most important places of worship where devotees come for peace of mind and spend time in front of Jesus Christ, the ‘Sat Guru’, the True Teacher, listening and meditating. It is built integrating different religious and cultural architecture. This may be the only church where an Indian form of worship, “Arti” is adapted.It is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was founded on 8th December 2000 and is under the administration of Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Rajkot. It has domes, an apex, and its arches and granite carvings are inspired by Indian mosques. The symbols illustrated on the windows and doors are a flame, flute, and lotus.
Rotary Midtown Dolls Museum is an interesting place which is full of traditional and ethnic, dolls from all over the world. The dolls and toys exhibited in the museum gives the visitor a chance to move around the world and get an idea of the culture and heritage that each of the country has. The museum is the pride of Gujarat, as it has earned a place in the Limca Book of Records for its unique collection of dolls. The museum was set-up by the locals in the year 2001. In the museum, one can see dolls depicting folk dance like bhangra and dandiya, blue-eyed Barbie, black-eyed Laila, designer dolls, husk dolls, Santa Claus dolls, and Einstein dolls. There is also a souvenir shop and library, the museum also offers a perfect platform for kids to explore and learn history.
The aerial distance from Rajkot to Dwarka is 187 km while the road distance between Rajkot to Dwarka is 224 km.By Train it is 214 Km. There is/are 12 direct train(s) from Rajkot to Dwarka.
Hotel Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis as per itinerary
Meals as per hotel plan
All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary in an air-conditioned vehicle on sharing basis
Road taxes, parking fees, fuel charges, interstate taxes
GST if not mentioned in the rates
All personal expenses like tips, laundry, telephone calls/fax, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fees at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
Anything not mentioned under Package Inclusions.
Entrance fees at all monuments and sightseeing spots
Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, and roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
Airfare if not mentioned in the itinerary
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12 Days / 11 Nights / Ahmedabad , India