Grand tour of Gujarat and Mumbai in India
- India
- Tour
Come and experience the magic of vibrant Gujarat, situated at the western coast of India and famous for its rich heritage. culture and also tradition. This tour offers you an opportunity to explore this marvellous state, meet its people and get to know their folklore, along with its magnificent temples. Gujarat has always been a centre point of trade between India and other civilizations and trade has always been in the blood of its people who are very affluent and this reflects in their lifestyle.The colourful life of Gujarata people makes them probably the most lively community in India. Immerse yourself in the charm of Gujarat!
Read moreCome and experience the magic of vibrant Gujarat, situated at the western coast of India and famous for its rich heritage. culture and also tradition. This tour offers you an opportunity to explore this marvellous state, meet its people and get to know their folklore, along with its magnificent temples. Gujarat has always been a centre point of trade between India and other civilizations and trade has always been in the blood of its people who are very affluent and this reflects in their lifestyle.The colourful life of Gujarata people makes them probably the most lively community in India. Immerse yourself in the charm of Gujarat!
During your adventure you'll also have the unique chance to visit the city of Bollywood in Mumbai, enter the step well in Rani ki Vaav, meet the less known Rabaari tribes of Gujarat, explore villages of Great Rann of Kutch and encounter the rare species of wild ass in Little Rann of Kutch, learn more about the old temple of Somnath dedicated to Lord Shiva, walk around Diu fish market, see the Asiatic lion at Gir National Park and over 800 Jain temples on Palitana Hill!
Arrival in Mumbai with an airline flight. Customs formalities and meeting with local executive. Transfer to the hotel and overnight.
Transfer to train station and train to Ahmedabad. Arrival to Ahmedabad. In the afternoon walk to the Old Town: see the complex of Sarkhej Roza, the Great Mosque in the ancient Islamic Bazaar (Jama Masjid). Visit of the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi where the famous "salt march" began. Night in Ahmedabad.
Continue towards Dasada. Stop at Adalaj Baoli, one of the greatest examples of Hindu architecture in Gujarat, dating back to 1502 AD. Visit of the artistic towns of Modhera and Patan. In Modhera, visit the Temple of Surya, the Sun god, which is one of the greatest masterpieces of Hindu architecture of the Solanki period (XI century). In Patan visit of the wonderful Baani Rani-ki-Vav Baoli 28 meters deep with 7 columns that support ground pressure on the two main sides. Arrive at Dasada and settle in the hotel.
Morning dedicated to a safari in Little Rann of Kutch, an expanse of water and mud, for the visit of Rabari shepherds villages. The region is rich in animals including antelopes, wild asses, gazelles, desert foxes, pelicans, flamingos, cranes, and storks. Transfer to Bhuj. Travel in the Land of Rann of Kutch. During the monsoon season this region is submerged by the water that retreats in the dry period, leaving a unique spectacular desert scenery. Visit the tribal villages of Dhamkada, Ajrakhpur, and Dhaneti. Arrival and accommodation in hotel in Bhuj.
Excursion in the Grand Rann of Kutch, the deserted expanse of salt marshes, characterized by colorful markets rich in artisan crafts with medieval techniques. The villages of Hodka, Ludhiana, Bhirandiara, Dhordo and Kavda offer the opportunity to admire the tribes of Jat, Rabari, Harijan, Maldharis and Lohanas and their typical handicrafts. A unique experience to live in touch with local populations still strongly isolated and linked to their traditions. Return to Bhuj and time to go for a walk in the bazaar. Overnight.
Transfer to Rajkot. Afternoon visit to Gondal Palace and Swaminarayan Temple. Dinner and evening at Pooja's house. Night in hotel.
In the morning, depart for Junagadh and visit the imposing fortress and the Mausoleum of Mahabat Khan. Continue for Sasangir. Afternoon in the village Siddhi, inhabited by tribes of African origin. Night in hotel.
Departure for Bhavnagar. On a trip visit to Diu Island which once was under Portuguese rule. Visit Diu Fort and St. Paul church, beach and market.
The largest complex of Gujarat temples is located in Palitana (50 km from Bhavnagar), an ancient fortress of Jainism whose origins date back more than 2500 years ago. The group of over 800 times was divided into section. The greates and tallest is the Khartavasi section, with the XVI century Adinath temple with pictures of Tirthankars, the XIXth century Temple of Vallabhi finely clustered and the imposing Motisah Temple of 1836 AD.
Other important shrines include the Adiswara Temple in the 16th century Vimlavasi section, the Ramaji Gadhariya Temple and the XVIII century Bhavani. Other important temples can be seen in Sakara Premchand, Ujambi Hemabhaik, Sheth Hemabhai Vakatachand sections and other attachments. You will see detailed engravings, beautiful idols and images, jeweled statues, intricate toranas and enjoy views from the top of the mountain and the Shetrunjaya River.
On a clear day, you can see the Gulf Coast of Cambay. The summit can be visited from 7 am to 7 pm. The temple complex covers the Shetrunjaya Mountain.
In the afternoon visit the Gandhi Smriti Museum House and the Takhteshwar Temple, located on a hill overlooking the entire city and Cambay Bay. Time available for visiting local bazaars.
Continue for the spectacular Champaner, the ancient capital of Gujarat declared World Heritage by UNESCO. The city develops around Pavagadh, an altarpiece 800m high of volcanic origin that looks like a piece of Himalayas in the middle of the plain. Founded as Rajput's capital in the 8th century and located along a commercially important commercial route, Champaner was besieged by Sultan Mahmud Bogart, and then built many religious structures.
The walls at the base of the hill once extended for 6 km and surrounded military, religious and civic buildings, as well as a complex water collection system. Fascinating structures are certainly the mosques, where Islamic and Hindu decorative elements coexist. The most spectacular monument is Jama Masjid, built in 1513, which required 125 years of work and featuring a wonderfully carved entrance portal and a very imposing interior courtyard.
After breakfast, visit the sorrounding villages. These villages are famous for the Rathwa and Dhanka ethnicities. Continue for Vadodara. Arrive at Vadodara and transfer to Mumbai. Arrival in Mumbai and at night in hotel.
After breakfast, fish market visit and departure for the excursion to Elephanta caves (depending on the weather). Return to Mumbai and visit the city. At the right time, transfer to the international airport.
Price does not include