Short Tour Of Gujarat Wildlife

In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Palitana. Palitana is located about 50 kms from the Bhavnagar. Palitana is the gateway to the Shatrunjaya hill and one of the Jainism's holiest pilgrimage sites. There are about 863 temples on the top of the hill, exquisitely carved in marble and built over a span of 900 years. To visit the temples on the Shatrunjaya hill one has to climb 600 m up the hill. 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. Later we drive to Gondal. Gondal was once the centre of a former prosperous princely state. Overnight stay at the hotel in Gondal.

In the morning after having breakfast we visit Naulakha Palace, Orchard Palace and the royal garages in Gondal. Naulakha palace was built during the 17th century, and is the oldest palace in Gondal. This palace was constructed in nine lakhs and thus named so. There are stone carvings with exquisite balconies, a fabulous pillared courtyard, delicately carved arches, and a unique spiral staircase in the palace. The Orchard Palace is located in a huge complex of fruit orchards, lawns and gardens, and is a wing of the Huzoor Palace (the present royal residence) where the ruling family of Gondal entertained guests. The Royal Garages have an extensive collection of vintage and classic cars, sports cars, numerous imposing American cars from the World War II and post-war period. After visiting these places we drive to Junagadh. Junagadh is situated in the Saurashtra region at the foot of the temple-studded Mount Girnar, on the northern fringes of the Gir forest. The city takes its name from the Fort that enclosed the medieval town.

In the morning we visit the Mount Girnar Hill. Mount Girnar is one of the hills which is most sacred to the Jain community. Various Jain temples and Hindu temples are located on the Girnar hill which is more than 60 m in height. One of the largest and the oldest, 12th century temple dedicated to Neminath is situated on this hill. Besides this, the Bhavnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the temple of Amba Mata are also situated on this hill. After visiting these temples we visit the Mahabat Maqbara. This mosque is a stunning mausoleum of one of the Nawabs of Junagadh, built in 1892. It is resplendent with silver doors and intricate architecture, including minarets encircled by spiraling stairways. Later we drive to Gir National Park. Gir is the last abode of the Asiatic lion and has a thriving population of various wildlife animals and birds. In the evening arrive in Gir National Park and drive to the hotel.

In the early morning we have jungle safari in the Gir National Park and watch the various wildlife animals and birds like Leopard, Sambar, Chital (spotted deer), Nilgai and Wild boar. Gir is also one of the major habitats of chousingha (the world# s only four-horned antelope) and chinkara (Indian gazelle).

In the morning after having breakfast we drive to the Rajkot airport for the flight to the onwards journey.