Gujarat - Rajasthan Tour

In the morning we drive to Rajkot.

Rajkot is a very pleasant provincial town. Mahatma Gandhi spent a few years of his life in this town. His father was the Dewan (Chief Minister) of Rajkot, once a small princely State. In the evening arrive in Rajkot and visit Kaba Gandhi No Delo. Mahatma Gandhi spent the early days of his life here. You can see the exhibition of Gandhi's items here.

This will be followed by a visit to Rajkumar College. Mahatma Gandhi completed his secondary education from this school.

Over night at Hotel.

In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Dwaraka.

Dwaraka is situated on the Saurashtra coast, where the River Gomti meets the Arabian Sea. According to the legends, Dwarka was once the capital of the Lord Krishna's empire. It is also believed that the original Dwarka, which was an island, was submerged in the sea. Dwaraka is also one of the four holy places of the Hindus. Dwaraka is known all over the world for the temple of Dwarkadhish, the 'Lord of Dwarka', also known as the Jagat Mandir or Temple of the world.

We visit the Dwarkadhish Temple. This temple was constructed over 1400 years ago and houses the image of Lord Krishna. This temple attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Besides the Dwarkadhish temple there are various other temples in Dwarka like the Rukmani temple. This temple belongs to the wife of Lord Krishna.

In the evening arrive in Dwarka and drive to the hotel.

Over night at Hotel.

After breakfast drive to Gondal Enroute visiting Porbandar (122 km). Somnath Temple + Sasangir Village.

Porbandar is a picturesque old sea port situated on the western coast of Gujarat. Porbandar was the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi. Later in the evening we visit the Kirti Mandir in Porbandar. In this home the Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation was born in 1869. Sventeen rooms and three storeys are there in this house.

We drive to visit the Somnath Temple (100 km). This temple is one of the twelve most sacred shrines dedicated to the Lord Shiva and a jyotirlinga. According to the legend, Somnath temple was built originally in gold by Somraj, the moon god. This Somnath temple was rebuilt and destroyed seven times till 1706 A.D when it was raided by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. After that it was finally rebuilt in 1950 with the support of Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel.

After visiting the Somnath Temple we drive to Sasan Gir. Sasan Gir, popularly known as Gir, is the most famous lion sanctuary in India.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

0630 hrs: Early Morning Game Drive.

Early morning game drive in exclusive Gypsy into the Park where your naturalist will talk to you about the wildlife found in this Park.

1000 hrs: Return to the Hotel.

1030 hrs: after the adventurous drive enjoy the sumptuous breakfast.

1430 hrs: Evening Game Drive.

Evening game drive in exclusive Gypsy into the Park where your naturalist will talk to you about the wildlife found in this Park. And if you are lucky you will spot the Lion.

1800 hrs: Return to the Hotel.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

After breakfast drive to Diu. Diu is a sensuous blend of sun, sand and deep blue sea.A full day tour to monuments and beaches of Diu.

St.Paul's church: The Church adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell-like motifs and the magnificent wood carving is considered to be the most elaborate of all the Portuguese churches in India.

St.Thomas Church Museum: A huge edifice in gothic architecture was built in 1598 A.D. A part of it has been converted into a museum, an Archeological treasure house.

Diu Fort: This majestic structure stands on the coast of Diu sentinel. Once inside, you are overwhelmed by the gaunt majesty of the ancient stone work which transports you to a bygone era of gallant, where time stands still. The fort offers a kaleidoscopic view of Diu town.

Nagoa Beach: The Nagoa beach is exceptionally beautiful and secluded. The horse-shoe (semicircular) shaped, palm-fringed beach is twenty minutes invigorating drive from Diu.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Today we will drive to Palitana. Palitana is the gateway to the Shatrunjaya hill and one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Jains. There are about 863 temples on the top of the hill, exquisitely carved in marble and built over a span of 900 years. After reaching the top of the hill we will visit the Jain temple. The temple which is dedicated to Shri Adishwara, the first Jain Tirthankara (apostle) is one of the most magnificent temples and the most sacred temple on Shatrunjaya hill. After visiting the temple we will visit the Chaumukha or the four faced temple. It has an image of Adinath facing out in the four cardinal directions.

Evening drive to Bhavnagar. Bhavnagar lies in the southeast corner of the Kathiawar peninsula in the Saurashtra plains. Once the capital of a princely state, Bhavnagar is home for several lakes and temples. Visit the Takhteshwar Temple and Gandhi Smriti Museum. Takhteshwar temple is located on a small hillock and provide good views over the city and out into the Gulf of Cambay. Gandhi Smriti Museum is located northeast, by the clock tower and has a good collection of Gandhi memorabilia. In the evening we visit the bazaar in Bhavnagar.

Overnight stay at Bhavnagar.

Today, after breakfast do an excursion to Lothal and Sarkhej Roza.

Lothal: A perfect place to get an insight of the Indus Valley civilization. The most dominating site at Lothal is the massive dockyard spanning an area of 37 meters by 22 meters perhaps the greatest work of Maritime Architecture. Lothal was also famous for its arterial streets, microbes of gold, ivory and coppersmiths' workshops, potteries and underground sanitary drainage. It is located at a distance of 78 kms from Ahmedabad. (Closed on Fridays).

Sarkhej Roza: Is about 8 kilometres away from the city, Sarkhej Roza comprises one of the most elegant architectural complexes of Ahmedabad. Grouped around a great stepped tank is the tomb of the saint, Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh (1445), the mosque (1451), the tombs of Muhammad Shah Begada and his queen, the palace and pavilions.

Overnight stay at Ahmedabad.

Today morning, drive for an excursion visit to architectural beauty of Sun temple at Modhera(102 km from Ahmedabad), Rani-ki-vav at Patan(127km from Ahmedabad) and a beautiful stepwell at Adalaj.

Modhera: The Sun temple of Modhera is one of the finest examples of Indian architecture of its period. Built in 1026 A.D. the temple is dedicated to the Sun-God, Surya and stands high on a plinth overlooking a deep stone-steeped tank. Every inch of the edifice, both inside and outside is magnificently carved with Gods and Goddesses, birds, beasts and flowers. Sun Temple of Modhera was built by King Bhimdev I (1026-27) and bears some resemblance to the later and far better known, Sun Temple of Konark in the state of Orissa, which it predates by some 200 years. Like that temple, it was designed so that the dawn sun shone on the image of Surya, the sun God, at the time of the equinoxes. The main hall and shrine are reached through a pillared porch and the temple exterior is intricately and delicately carved. As with the temple of Somnath, this fine temple was ruined by Mahumad of Ghazni.
The town also holds importance for the Bohra Muslims, an affluent Muslim community spread all over the world. They have contributed significantly to the development of Sidhpur. Their old Havelis and mansions, some over 100 years old have a markedly European flavor and a walk through the 'Bohra Vad' is like a stroll through an England.

Ambaji: 94 km from Ahmedabad is one of the major Shakti-piths of India, situated in the Arasur hills. The Ambaji Temple contains no idol, but an inscribed Yantra in the niche. Ambaji is essentially a temple town-with a temple dedicated to Goddess Ambaji at the center.

Continue drive to Mount Abu.

On arrival, check in check in at Hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast sightseeing of Mount Abu.

Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan nestling in picturesque Aravali Mountains. Entire hill side in Mount Abu is covered by the mango, bamboo, eucalyptus, date-palm, silk, cotton and lime trees.

Visit Dilwara Jain Temples. One of the finest Jain temples and many even consider them architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. Built between 11th and 13th century, the most outstanding feature are its exquisite carvings in marble. The two temples Vimala Vasahi and Luna Vasahi are singled out by experts as superb examples of architecture.

Drive to Udaipur via Pindwara(about 70 km from Mt. Abu) sightseeing. The place is located in midst of many tribal villages. The town is famous for its marble carving works.

Arrive Udaipur for an overnight stay.

Today, after breakfast visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise.

During a guided tour you will visit the following:
City Palace: Built in 1725, one of the largest, most beautiful palaces in the state of Rajasthan, the grand City Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. It is now a museum, royal residence and a luxury hotel. This intricately designed monument is an architectural wonder in granite and marble.

Jagdish Temple: It was built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the centre of the old city. The temple has a black marble image of Lord Vishnu, which is unusual for the northern part of the country, where statues of Gods are normally in marble.

Fateh Sagar originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, Fateh Sagar was rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh after the rains destroyed the dam. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park, the garden island.

In the evening you will enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Lake Pichola (Subject to water level in the lake). With its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, Lake Pichola is about 4 km in length and 3 km wide. Jagniwas was earlier the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and now a five-star hotel. The city palace extends along the eastern shore of the lake and you can go for a boat ride from Bansi Ghat.

Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to JODHPUR enroute sightseeing of Ranakpur Jain temple.

After breakfast drive to Jaipur visit the Ajmer and Pushkar.Pushkar and Ajmer 220 Kms and approx 04 Hours. Ajmer, is the most sacred of all Muslim places of pilgrimage in India. Ajmer is a green oasis on the shore of Ana Sagar Lake, hemmed in by barren hills. Historically, Ajmer has always had great strategic importance. It was founded in 7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan. He named it Ajaimeru the 'invincible hill'. The city's Muslim history began when Prithviraj Chau-han lost Ajmer to Sultan Muhammad Ghori in 1193 A.D. The Persian saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti who came with Muhammad Ghori from Persia in 1192 settled here. Thus the place where he was buried is today known as the Dargah Sharif. Construction of the shrine was completed by Humayun and the gates were added by the Nizam of Hyderabad. Later Shah Jahan constructed a mosque of white marble, it has 11 arches and a Persian inscription running the full length of the building.
Ajmer is a green oasis on the shore of Ana Sagar Lake, hemmed in by barren hills. Historically, Ajmer has always had great strategic importance. It was founded in 7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan. He named it Ajaimeru the 'invincible hill'. The city's Muslim history began when Prithviraj Chau-han lost Ajmer to Sultan Muhammad Ghori in 1193 A.D. The Persian saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti who came with Muhammad Ghori from Persia in 1192 settled here. Thus the place where he was buried is today known as the Dargah Sharif. Construction of the shrine was completed by Humayun and the gates were added by the Nizam of Hyderabad. Later Shah Jahan constructed a mosque of white marble, it has 11 arches and a Persian inscription running the full length of the building.

Over night at Hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km. away from Jaipur.Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for six centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. Ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber, visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen.