1

Arrive at Ahmedabad airport and transfer to hotel. Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavadwas founded by Ahmed Shah onthe banks of the Sabarmati river in 1411 and thus named as Ahmedabad. The city is also known for its association with Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. Later start tour of Ahmedabad city visitingGandhi Ashram, also known as the Sabarmati ashram. located on the banks of the Sabarmati.This Ashram was set up by the Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 and is one of his most famous memorial. Also visit Dada HariVav which was built in 1499 by a woman of Sultan Begara’s harem. Continue tour to visit Adalaj ,situated about 17 km north of Ahmedabad. The baoli or step-well at AdalajVav is one of the finest step wells in India built in 1499. The baoli is decorated with exquisite stone carvings. Overnight stay.

2

Morning leave Ahmedabad to first visit Sidhpur. The town also holds importance for the Bohra Muslims, an affluent Muslim community. Their old Havelis and mansions, some over 100 years old have a markedly European flavor and a walk through the ‘BohraVad’ is like a stroll through an England replete with the lamp lighters at dusk. BohraHavelis’ represent a nostalgic visual straight out of a Dickenson novel. Next stop is The Rani kiVav, a step well in Patanwhich is an excellent example of subterranean architecture in Gujarat This represents the finest of the Indian sculptures and architecture and forms the link between a kunda and the classical step-well. Final en-route stop is Modhera, known for the 11th century Sun temple and it is one of the finest Hindu temples in Gujarat, built by the great Solanki dynasty. The temple is designed to let the dawn sun shine on the image of Surya, at the time of equinoxes. Later continue drive for Dasada and check in at Hotel for overnight stay.

3

Morning departure for Bhuj, Arrive and check in at Hotel. Later leave for Sightseeing of Bhuj,visiting Kutch Museum founded by MaharaoKhengarji III in 1877 AD. The museum is the oldest museum in Gujarat built in the Italian style and located in picturesque surroundings on the banks of the Hamirsar Lake. The museum has a large collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, various archaeological objects, arms and specimens of various crafts of the Kutch region. Also visit AinaMahal Palace which was built by Rao Lakhpatji in 1750 AD. It is a two storey building with Darbar Hall, hall of mirrors, and suites for royal family. The Hall of mirror has white marble walls which are covered with mirrors and gilded ornaments and the floor is lined with tiles. The architecture of the palace is a unique example of an Indian palace built in the mid-eighteenth century with European influence. Overnight stay.

4

Early morning proceed to Banni Village to experience lifestyle of various tribes living in various villages of Kutch region – Hodka, Ludiya and Dhordo. These villages are home to various tribes namely Mutvas, Harijans, Jats and Meghwals. Mutvas have been living in northern part of Kutch and form part of muslim community who came to Kutch in search of grass and water for their living stock. Harijans migrated from Marwar in Rajasthan five centuries ago and they live in Banni area. They live in traditional huts made of grass and dried mud. Jats are also shepherds who earn their livelihood as camel herders and buffalo breeders. They wear huge nose rings which make them very distinct from others. Meghawal tribe mainly lives in Ludiya village and their women wear colorful embroideries along with ornamental jewelry made of gold and silver. We set out to visit HODKA village for beautiful embroidery and mud work as much as Leather craft. Then visit LUDIYA village known for intricate wood carving embroidery work, mud-work and wall painting for decorating homes. Also visit DHORDO village to forattractive traditional mud houses decorated with mirror work and fine Mutwa embroidery. Overnight stay.

5

Morning leave for having a day filled with experience of RannUtsavin Kutch. En-route excursion of Tibal village Nironawhich is the only place in the world where the tradition of Rogan art is still practiced (a method of producing dyes from natural resources and castor oil and creating intricate and long-lasting designs on silk and cotton). Also visit villages of Dhordo and Ludiawhich provide an opportunity to see Bandhani (tie and dye,) block-printing and the intricate embroidery and embellished bead and mirror-work that encapsulates the folk culture of Gujarat. Then leave to enjoy RannUtsav and upon arrival check in at camp. The remaining day is at your disposal to enjoy RannUtsav which is a celebration of life depicting festivities and culture of Kutch. The fair givesyou an opportunity to experience diverse traditions of Kutchi people The unique landscape of Kutch with picturesque “White Desert” astonishes you. The entire place comes to life with endless cycle of dance on a full moon night during fair. Overnight stay in camp.

6

The whole day is dedicated to enjoy the celebration in desert. Besides cultural extravaganza, there are many other activities which include horse riding, camel safari, archery. There is also a local handicraft bazaar where visitors can find great bargains. You can find best souvenirs of silver jewellery, artefacts, seashell toys, embroidery and wood carved furniture as Kutch artisans are known for their master craftsmanship. There is also meditation, yoga center as well as spas for relaxation of visitors. Overnight stay.

7

Morning leave for Junagarh. Arrive Junagarh and check in at hotel. Later start tour of Junagarh town visiting Mahabat Maqbara which is a stunning mausoleum of one of the Nawabs of Junagadh and one of the Gujarat’s most glorious examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Also visit Ashoka’s Rock Edicts, located on the route to the Mount Girnar hill. The fourteen Edicts of Emperor Ashoka are inscribed on the rock edicts. Finally visit Upperkot Fort. The fort was built in 319 BC by Chandragupta Maurya, the great Emporer. This has been rebuilt many times over the centuries. Overnight stay.

8

Morning, you may visitMountGirnar which is one of the hill in Ahmedabad which is most sacred to the Jain community. This hill rises to a height of more than 600 m, a climb marked by 10,000 stone-steps. On this hill various Hindu and five Jain temples are located. Later departure for Sasangir and after arrival check in at hotel. Gir National Park is the lion. Besides lion, various variety of wild animals are found in this park which are the Wild boar, Bear, Panther, Jackal, Sambar, Spotted deer, Striped Hyena, Leopard, Nilgai, Chinkara gazelle, Jungle cat, Black napped hare, Common langur, Porcupine, Langur, Blackbuck, Mongoose and the Indian Chousingha, the four horned antelope. The rusty spotted cat has been recorded in the Gir. During monsoons, about 200 varieties of birds can also be seen in this park including the peafowl, grey partridge, Bonelli’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and several species of doves. Gir is also home of the marsh crocodile, which can be sighted easily in its rivers, particularly in the lake of the Kamaleshwar dam. Overnight stay.

9

Early morning go forjungle safari at Sasangir and enjoy wild life and there is a great possibility of a date with Asiatic Lion which will be an event to remember for rest of your life. After breakfast, drive to Diu and upon arrival check in at hotel to relax. Later you will visit Diu Fort which is a very large and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. This fort was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD after the treaty signed between the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese. Rest of the evening is to relax on the beautiful palm-fringed beach. Overnight stay.

10

Morning leave for Bhavnagar. Arrival at Bhavnagar and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Historical Takhteshwar Temple, located on a small hill. This temple provides good views of the city and the Gulf of Cambay. Also visit Barton Library which is housed in a beautiful two story building. You may also enjoy evening stroll on the banks of Gaurishankar lake. Overnight stay.

11

Early morning before sunrise, get ready for drive for PalitanaShatrunjaya Hill which is located at a height of 591 metres. The Shatrunjaya Temple is the most sacred temple complex of the Jains and one of the largest of its kind in India. You need to climb up the hill for about 4 km (600 meters) on a stepped path to Shatrunjaya which means place of victory over worldliness. You may reach the top inDoli or lift chairs or by walking. There are about 863 white marble Jain temples, built over 900 years on the hilltop, each with its own enclosure. Later continue drive to en-route visiting Lothal known for remains of Indus valley civilization.Finally leave for Ahmedabad and upon arrival check in at hotel for overnight stay.

12

Morning leave for airport to catch your flight.