The relatively less visited state of Gujarat can stand on its own as an important tourist destination. It offers everything a traveller could ask for- 4500 years old ruins of Harrapan civilisation, the magnificent Jain temples at Palitana, the famous silk weaving centre at Patan, stay in former palaces at Bhavnagar and Wankaner, the Maharaja's personal collection o f antiques including a Rolls Royce, a magnificent beach at Diu, the Asiatic lion at Gir sanctuary and the colourful tribals of the arid Kutch. It is a quirk of tourism that Gujarat remains largely unexplored. Ajanta and Ellora are world famous for their cave paintings dating back to 2nd century BC and area must for every traveller to this region. These can be visited as a stopover from Bombay or as part of an extension to Gujarat or Rajasthan holiday.
TOUR DESTINATIONS
DAY 1 Bombay-Ahmedabad
Evening transfer from your hotel in Bombay to the airport and fly to Ahmedabad. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Enjoy your dinner in a Restaurant accompanied with local folk music and dance.
DAY 2 Ahmedabad
Full day excursion to Adalaj Step Well, the Sun Temple of Modera, built by King Bhimdev in 1026, and Patan, famous for its Patola silk.
DAY 3 Ahmedabad - Bhavnagar
Morning leave by private car for Bhavnagar visiting the 4500 years old ruins of Harappan era at Lothal. Arrive late afternoon and check-in at Hotel.
DAY 4 Bhavnagar - Ahmedpur
Mandavi Early morning drive to Palitana, city of 863 Jain Temples on Mt Shetrunjaya. After visiting Palitana and lunch at a Hotel, drive on to Ahmedpur Mandavi and stay at a Beach Resort/Hotel.
DAY 5 Ahmedpur - Mandavi
Full day excursion to nearby Diu, the erstwhile Portuguese colony, and a fine beach.
DAY 6 Ahmedpur - Mandavi - Junagarh
Morning drive to Junagarh visiting the famous Somnath Temple en route. Check into hotel Girnar. Afternoon sightseeing includes the Upper Fort and Ashoka's Rock Edicts, dating back to 250 BC.
DAY 7 Junagarh - Wankaner
Drive to Wankaner and check into the Hotel. Afternoon visit the royal treasury and view the Maharaja's private collection of antique cars. Evening drive through the nearby villages.
DAY 8 Wankaner - Bhuj
Drive to Bhuj, the main town of Kutch, an arid land of tribal communities. This is a fascinating area, far off the beaten track, where the Rabari, Ahir, Meghwal and Vankar tribes still pursue the lifestyles of their forefathers. En route visit the Halvad Palace. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 9 Bhuj
Full day excursion to nearby villages.
DAY 10 Bhuj - Bombay
Morning at leisure. Afternoon fly back to Bombay and transfer to your hotel.
AJANTA-ELLORA Extension
BOMBAY-AURANGABAD-BOMBAY
(3 days)
DAY 11 Bombay - Aurangabad
Early morning transfer from your hotel in Bombay to the airport and fly to Aurangabad for two nights stay at hotel Ajanta Ambassador. Afternoon visit the Ellora cave temples and Bibika Maqbara.
DAY 12 Aurangabad
Full day excursion to Ajanta caves.
DAY 13 Aurangabad - Bombay
Morning fly to Bombay and transfer to your hotel.
Tailor-made extensions are available on request.
WHEN TO TRAVEL: September through March.
WHAT TO WEAR: Cottons.
PRICE
| IF YOU ARE INTERESTED: |
€ 1310 per Person
Single Room Supplement: 250 €
The price includes:
-Transport in Non-Air-conditioned deluxe buses or car/jeeps
-Train travel by 2-Tier Air-con Class / 3-Tier Air-con Class)
-Air Travel in Economy Class in local carriers
-Full Catering
-Escort from RIJ for entire tour
-Hotels, double occupancy
-Photo / Video Permission for private purpose (Commercial producers please contact RIJ)
Not included:
-International In- / Outbound flights
-Meals and Beverages
-Personal Spendings (Laundry, Phone Calls, Hotel Mini Bar, etc.)
-Tips
-Visa Fee / Visa Application
