Gujarat Darshan
Gujarat offers breathtaking locations and scenic landscapes. It is also a melting pot of several civilizations resulting in a vibrant culture and a rich heritage. Gujarat is home to several architectural marvels, witnesses of its glorious history and pilgrim centres for many faiths. Finally, it is also the land of several mythological and historical figures like the legendary Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence.
Day 1 : Arrive Ahmedabad
Welcome to Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat. On arrival at the airport / railway station in Ahmedabad, you will be met by our representative & Proceed to your hotel and check-in.
Later, proceed on a half day city tour of Ahmedabad visiting Gandhi Ashram, Calico Museum, Utensils Museum, the Jami Mosque and finally Akshardham which is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.
Overnight in Ahmedabad).
Day 2 : Ahmedabad * Day excursion to Modhera (102 kms / approx. 3 hours 30 minute drive)
This morning, proceed on an excursion to the Sun Temple at Modhera that dates back to the early 11th century. This temple has been designed in such a way that the Sun's rays illuminate the sanctum at dawn, during the time of the equinoxes. En route visit Patan that has over 100 Jain temples; the most important being the Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhandherwad with an exquisitely carved wooden dome and the other being the Rani ki Vav, an excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat.
The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight in Ahmedabad (Breakfast)
Day 3 : On to Gondal (265 kms / approx. 6 hours 30 minute drive)
This morning, drive to Gondal. Gondal is one of the remaining few towns that hold the real cultural heritage of the Rajput kings and early rulers in Gujarat. On arrival, check into your hotel.
Later, visit the Orchard Palace Retreat, the Virpur Jalaram Bapa Temple, Naulakha Palace, the Royal Palace the Veri Lake. The Orchard Palace in the Huzoor Palace estate of the Maharaja of Gondal was the guest annex of the main palace. Shri Jalaram Bapa was a Hindu Saint from Gujarat. The shrine is actually the house complex where the saint lived during his life time. The Naulakha Palace was built in 1748AD in the Darbargarh or old fort of the Jadeja Rajputs who ruled Gondal from the mid-1600s. A festival of stone carvings, the building now houses a selection from the family's collection of antiques and princely relics open for viewing only for those who stay at the Orchard Palace or Riverside Palace in Gondal. Veri Lake, one of the prominent lakes in Gondal, is an ideal place for watching birds like pelican, flamingo, spoonbill, crane and black, glossy and white ibis.
The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight in Gondal (Breakfast)
Day 4 : On to Somnath (155 kms / approx. 4 hours 30 minute drive )
Today, your journey takes you to Somnath located on the extreme southwest coast of Gujarat. En-route visit the Somnath temple, established as one of the twelve Shiva Jyotirlingas. Somnath is the famous temple of God Shiva located near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat State. The temple has a tower over 165 feet high over the main sanctum having one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have appeared first in gold, at the behest of the moon-god, next in silver, created by the sun-god, a third time in wood Gujarat State at the command of Krishna, and finally in stone, built by Bhimdev. The present temple is 7 th temple built in the same style. Later, check into your hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure. Why not pick a variety of things like wall hangings, quilts, marriage costumes, cradle clothes which are applique or embroidered and decorated with beadwork, sequins, mirrors, shells and buttons and are pretty eye-catching.
Overnight in Somnath. (Breakfast)
Day 5 : On to Dwarka (230 kms / approx. 6 1/2 hours drive)
This morning, drive to Dwarka. En route, visit the Kirti Mandir at Porbandar, hometown of Mahatma Gandhi. Kirti Mandir, Porbandar is a national monument of Gujarat that was said to be the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Kirti Mandir is located in the Porbandar city, a seaside town of Gujarat. The city also has a mythological association. It is believed that Sudama, Lord Krishna's classmate resided in the city. Continue to Dwarka and on arrival, check into your hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Dwarka (Breakfast)
Day 6 : Dwarka
Today, enjoy a full day city tour visiting the temples in Dwarka and Bet Dwarka. You will see the Dwarkadheesh and Rukmini Temple, Lord Krishna's wife. Later, take a ferry to Shankhoddar Island, also known as Bet Dwarka , visit the Ranchhodrai and Matsyavatar Temple, Nageshwar temple Mahadev, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
The rest of the evening is at leisure. You can avail of a wide array of shopping objects which breathe of the Gujarati folk culture, devotional items, idols of Krishna and other knick knacks (on your own).
Overnight in Dwarka (Breakfast)
Day 7 : On to Rajkot (235 kms / approx. 5 hours 30 minute drive)
This morning, proceed to Rajkot. On arrival, check into your hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the Watson Museum, Kaba Gandhi No Delo - the ancestral house where Gandhiji grew up which now houses 'Gandhi Smriti' a memorial museum and the Bhomeshvar Temple.
The rest of the evening is at leisure. You must buy "Bandhani" dress materials or sarees that are exclusive of Gujarat tradition.
Overnight in Rajkot (Breakfast)
Day 8 : Depart Rajkot
After breakfast transfer to airport or railway station in Rajkot for your onward/return journey with happy memories of Gujarat. (Breakfast)
