Gujarat Archeological & Natural Wonders 9 days

Day 1 Arrive Ahmedabad

On arrival at Ahmedabad airport assistance & transfer to hotel check in. Rest time free to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2 Ahmedabad

City tour of Ahmedabad. Visit Hatheesing Jain Temple established in 1850 by Seth Hatheesing a rich Jain merchant, the temple is dedicated to 15th Jain Tirthankar Dharamnath. Bhadra Fort a beautiful monument that is famous for its intricate carvings, pattern works and beautiful frescos suits. Located in the middle of lush greenery the huge 44 acre Fort got its name from the Bhadrakali Temple that it houses. Sabarmati Ashram once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi located on the tranquil and serene stretch of Sabarmati River. The museum is one of the most interesting sections of the ashram as it has on display some of Gandhi`s personal letters and photographs. Shaking Minarets one of the most intriguing architectural wonders & an unsolvable mystery that the world has ever seen. VECHAAR Utensils Museum it house an elaborate collection of utensils ranging from hundreds of years back to the current times. Kite Museum in the premises of Sanskar Kendra the museum had an elaborate display of about 125 uniquely carved kites including mirror embroidered kites, block print kites and Japanese kites such as Rokuku. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 Ahmedabad - Dholavira (385kms) (B,L,D)

Drive to Dholavira via visiting Modhera Sun Temple a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya built wetbeen 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and Kunda, the reservoir. The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. The reservoir has steps to reach the bottom and numerous small shrines. Rani ki Vav 11th century Solanki era step well built by the Queen Udayamati & Karna in memory of her husband Bhima I. The stepwell is designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water, divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels, more than 500 principal sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, mythological and secular imagery. And Panchasara Jain Temples, more than 100 Jain temples with exquisite domes & sacred carvings on the walls built by king Vanraj Chavada around 746 CE.

Continue drive to Dholavira check in & overnight at hotel.

Day 4 Dholavira - Dasada (255kms) (B,L,D)

Explore Dholavira archaeological & historical sites dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization 4500 years ago. It is full of historic treasures, including seals with animal figures, funerary structures, letters of the Indus script, stone sculptures, pottery with painted motifs, terracotta ornaments, sign boards, and several other structures and objects. The ancient water reservoirs are certainly a highlight and excite visitors with their well-preserved state.

Later drive to Dasada, check in & overnight at hotel.

Day 5 Dasada - Bhuj (230kms) (B)

Early morning safari in Little Rann of Kutch a unique landscapes of its kind in the entire world with an unending possibility of exploration. The present saline desert of the Little Rann of Kutch is believed to have been shallow sea. Little Rann of Kutch is the only haven on earth for endemic Asiatic Wild Ass. Known for its speed, the wild ass lives in herds led by stallions and survived by migrating between the grassy bets through the season, in search of food. Sanctuary is also home to 32 other species of mammals such as chinkara, two types of desert fox, jackals, caracals, nilgais, Indian wolves, blackbucks, and striped hyenas along with 350 different species of birds, including the common crane, pelican and the lesser flamingo. Interestingly, the Little Rann gets a fair number of winged visitors in the winter months. Among these, the ceraneous vulture comes from Egypt, the common and demoiselle cranes arrive from Siberia, the blue-tailed bee-eater visits from Europe, and the houbara bustard of Iran and Iraq are the most commonly sighted birds here. Also, the sanctuary is home to a sizeable population of Rabari and Bharwad tribes.

After safari drive to Bhuj check in & overnight at hotel.

Day 6 Bhuj

City tour of Bhuj visit Aaina Mahal Palace built in the middle of 18th century. Explore the compound outside the palace, with its beautiful carved doorways, elaborate window boxes and balconies. Prag Mahal built-in the 19th century next to Aina Mahal, the grand palace boasts of Gothic-style windows and Corinthian pillars around it. The opulent Mahal has the second tallest clock tower in the country which offers an amazing view from the top. A part of the palace has been converted into a museum with archives and personal items of the royal family on display. Shri Swaminarayan Temple initially built in the year 1822, it was the first of many Sampraday Swaminarayan temples. Ramkund a square stepwell, whose walls have carved miniature idols depicting the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu and sculptures of Lord Rama, Devi Sita, Lord Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 Bhuj - Hodka (65kms) (B)

Drive to Banni Region of Kutch visiting Nirona Village for Rogan arts on a piece of cloth. The word Rogan comes from Persian and means oil-based. The process of making the natural colors used in art gives it such a name. Castor oil is heated on a fire for about 12 hours and then cast into cold water to give a thick residue called the Rogan. This is then mixed with stone pigments to lend it different hues. Next, the artisan uses a six - inch metal stick to paint with a fine thread of Rogan on cloth. Drive to Hodka check in at resort. Evening drive short distance to enjoy the breathtaking views of the White Rann. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 Hodka - White Rann of Kutch

Very early in the morning drive to White Rann of Kutch to see the sunrise. The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert of Gujarat. It is about 7500 km² in the area and is reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world.

Later visit Dhordo village in White Rann occupied by Mutwa Muslim Community. Next visit a small Pathan community hamlet engaged in Embroidery. Continue to Khavda to see Potters and Samma tribe. Later leave for Kala Dungar to view the beautiful sunset. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9 Hodka - Bhuj (65kms) (B)

Transfer to Bhuj airport to board flight for onward destination.