Gujarat, India's westernmost state, has its collection of attractions. It is home to some of India's most colorful tribes, exotic textiles, and magnificent temples. The scenic landscape of Gujarat stretches from the undulating Aravalli Hills to the vast Kutch salt flats. On the one side, there's the country's largest Marine Park, the wild and barren Rann of Kutch, which is home to the wild ass, the princely cities of Jamnagar and Junagadh, thick forests of Dangs, and the Velavadar sanctuary, where blackbucks can be seen roaming the grasslands.
Gujarat also has the last remaining Asiatic Lions, which can be found in the Gir jungles. Rare bird species such as the eagle sandgrouse, bush quail, flycatcher, woodpeckers, and partridges can be seen in Gir National Forest. When you visit Gujarat, you will find yourself in a different country, both culturally and in terms of nature. A traditional Gujarat tour lasts 12 nights and 13 days and takes you to the best places in this part of India.
Arrive at the commercial capital of India and check-in. The remaining time is at leisure till the next morning.
Morning proceeds for a sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Firstly visit the Elephanta cave island for astonishing ancient sculptures. Later during the day visit notable attractions of the city which include Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, Crawford Market, and old mansions of the Colaba area.
Morning you will be transferred to Mumbai airport to board a flight to Ahmedabad. You will be assisted at Ahmedabad airport and transferred straightway to your hotel to check-in. Evening free to explore the colorful markets.
Morning proceeds for a heritage walk which offers an opportunity to see the old quarters of Ahmedabad. Visit the Sayad Masjid and Swaminarayan Temple. Afternoon visit Akshardham Temples, on the way back visit the beautifully carved 15th-century Adalaj Stepwell.
Drive a little further and reach Wankaner, a pleasant little town with a striking palace visible from miles away. The Royal Palace has a mix of several architectural styles of the world and is still inhabited by the royal family. This palace of museum-like collections shall be your place of stay. Afternoon you may have an excursion to the interesting town of Morvi.
Morning drive to Bhuj, a unique landscape known as Katchh peninsula. Day the day visit the Bhuj Palace and Swami Narayan temple. Later proceed to visit the very interesting lanes & bazaars of the city. The embroidered shawls and durries (coarse rugs) of Bhuj are very popular. You may also find an amazing variety of earthen pottery being sold on the streets.
During the day visit Hodka and other Banni villages where you will see various kinds of textile & embroidery art. The Banni villages are treasure islands to all those having an interest in textiles, mirror work, and embroidery work. In this tour, you will also observe the lifestyle of the tribes. If interested, you may also enjoy an excursion to an ancient Hindu temple located on a small hillock where several jackals appear in the evening.
Today after breakfast, drive to one of Gujarat’s highlights, Jamnagar. It’s a beautiful city full of heritage buildings and interesting colorful bazaars. The place is known for the making of bandhani cloth – centuries-old process is followed in its production involving thousands of tiny knots in a piece of folded fabric. Jamnagar has India’s only Ayurvedic University and a temple (Bala Hanuman temple) that’s hosted non-stop chanting since 1964. The day would be kept free to take a walking tour of the temples and the bazaars.
Drive further and reach Sasan Gir National Park. Rest of the day free at your discretion.
Take morning and afternoon guided jeep safaris through the jungles of Gir. Sasan Gir National Park is the last remaining home to Asiatic Lion species.
Morning drives to Diu, en-route visiting Somnath Temple. Later drive to reach Diu. On arrival, check-in at your beach resort. The remaining day is at your discretion.
Morning drive to Bhavnagar and check-in at your hotel. Taking a short excursion to visit the Velvadar National Park – famous for the sizeable population of blackbuck it has. If time allows, near the Bhavnagar coast visit the Alang ship-breaking yard. This is an extraordinary site of the world’s largest ship-breaking yard where thousands of laborers painstakingly break the ships into pieces. The uniqueness of Alang is that here fortnight the tides rise very high (second highest tides in the world). At high tide, the ships are brought to the shore which during low tide completely stand aloof on the ground. The ship is then completely broken into pieces and sold off before the next high tide. The actual site of shipbreaking can be visited on a special permit. However, the big market outside selling the ship pieces is no less interesting.
Morning you will be transferred to Bhavnagar airport to board a flight back to Mumbai. The tour ends here.
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