Gujarat Highlights

Our  Tour features the following locations

MUMBAI: Mumbai the city of dreams. One of the best and most cosmopolitan cities of Asia. The commercial lifeline of India. Home to Bollywood, the second largest film industry in the world. A place where some of the biggest slums share the area with sprawling metropolises. The epicentre for fashion and Indian wine. A trip to Mumbai is everything you’d expect from a major metropolis, yet so much more. It’s a humbling experience, to say the least. But it’s also fascinating, edgy and exciting. Those colonial-era relics, incredible bazaars, hidden wine cafes and enclaves of peace and serenity really do have a way of putting you at ease.

AHMEDABAD: Nicknamed Manchester of the East, this industrious city is a fascinating place for tourists looking for a mix of modernism and ancient tradition. The food served here is an absolute feast for the belly, and there’s just so much to choose from. The old city lies to the east of the Sabarmati River and is popular as a treasure trove of hidden relics and artefacts. The iconic Sabarmati Ashram, Mahatma Gandhi’s headquarters, is also located here. Try visiting Ahmedabad during the nine days of the Navratri festival or the Uttarayan kite flying festival, celebrations that are held with great pomp and joy throughout the city. Navaratri is especially beautiful for you to join people performing the folk dance Garba at countless venues across the city.

DASADA: Located right at the edge of the Little Rann of Kutch, Dasada is an immensely beautiful place, one that offers a fascinating getaway for nature lovers. There are several bird watching destinations close to Dasada, and you get to see a large number of lesser flamingos, common cranes and pelicans in the winter months. The village itself is exciting, presenting an authentic experience into rural India, showcasing the tribal heritage of Kutch at its stunning best. The star attraction of Dasada is the Wild Ass Sanctuary, the largest wildlife sanctuary in India which hosts the only surviving populations of the Asiatic-Indian wild ass. These asses are beautiful animals, their striking chestnut brown standing out, somewhat unusually given their reserved nature. Other sightings include the chinkara, desert fox, jackal, nilgai, Indian wolf, striped hyena and the blackbuck. The best time to visit the Wild Ass Sanctuary is between the months of October to November, right after the monsoon season, when the asses can be seen in large numbers grazing and playing in the open.

BHUJ: Bhuj has had a connection to India ever since the great Indus Valley Civilization flourished here. It played a huge role in Alexander the Great’s reign and emerged as a major Rajput kingdom before becoming the Gujrat Sultanate under the British. The best thing to do in Bhuj is to lose yourself in its architectural wonders. The Bell Tower of Prag Mahal, Sharad Baug Palace, Ramakund Stepwell, Aina Mahal, and Kshatrapa inscriptions dating back 2000 years are sure to keep you busy. Once you’re done exploring for the day, head over to the Harimsar Lake to watch the sun’s rays paint the water in a sea of colour. Bhuj is also considered to be the perfect place to stay while you explore the surrounding villages, discover fascinating Kachchh handicrafts and learn more about the country’s most famous love affair, the one between Radha and Lord Krishna.

BANNI: Beautiful circular houses made of thatched roofs and mud make you forget those chaotic scenes that engulf you the moment you step foot in the country. Time seems to stop at Banni. You’re immediately transported to another era, to a quaint little village, a living museum bathed in all sorts of colours and designs. Banni embroidery is sacred here, a skill that is used to create colourful, intricate designs on belts, bags, wallets, shoes, and purses. Considered to be the most outstanding embroidery design that India has to offer, this craft has literally been passed down from one generation to the next. While you’re lost in a sea of design, don’t forget to keep an eye out for exotic bird species that frequent the area. Popular sightings include several species of ducks, waders, bar-tailed godwits and common cranes.

RANN OF KUTCH: Mere words fail to do justice to the beauty that awaits you at the Great Rann of Kutch, the largest salt desert on the planet. Nowhere else will you come across such a vast stretch of land that turns into the most beautiful shades of white during the summer and winter seasons. There is hardly any trace of life here. No insects, nothing for miles, just a sea of white and the vast blue skies above. This endless expanse of salt is best seen under a full moon, for it treats you to a shimmery carpet of white, resembling tiny diamonds shining under the night sky. Beautiful villages dot this arid landscape presenting a maze of tribal communities who are responsible for creating some of the most exquisite mirrorwork, embroidery and handicrafts in the country. The best time to visit the Rann of Kutch is between the months of October to March.

MANDVI: A bustling little seaside town with a lovely long stretch of beach. The town has a long history of shipbuilding, and wooden ships are still built by hand down by the docks. It was once a major port of the region and summer retreat for the Maharao of the Kachchh. Locations to visit here would be Vijay Vilas Palace a Royal abode set in the middle of well-laid gardens with water channels and marble fountains. The architect and craftsmen from Jaipur designed and constructed the palace in 1920 AD. The palace has all the elements of Rajput architecture and draws largely on the plan of palaces of Orchha and Datia.

GONDAL: Gondal once served as the capital of a former princely state but is now a historic town known for its elaborate forts and palaces. The star attraction is the 17th century Navlakha Palace, a priceless work of art known for its grand architecture and stone carvings. The Grand Darbar Hall is one of the most beautiful features of the palace, known for its series of huge windows and carved brackets. Stunning balconies, glamorous spiral staircases, magnificent arches and a private museum are also sure to leave you mesmerised. Other attractions in town include the Riverside Palace, Orchard Palace and the Royal Garage, a private collection of vintage automobiles from 1910 to 1955.

SASAN GIR NP: Imagine a place whose sole objective is to ensure that the king of the jungle never gets dethroned. Established over an area of 1412 sq. kms., this national park is primarily dedicated to conserving the Asiatic lion, one of the most endangered species on the planet. Gir is the only place where lions exist (apart from Africa), and this attracts people from all over the world. After all, watching the beast on its own turf is an adrenaline rush like no other. The park also presents 606 plants, 36 mammal and 300 bird species to keep you entertained. Common sightings include leopard, jungle cats, hyena, bush quails, rusty spotted cats, sloth bears, jungle cats and crested eagles. The best time to see the lion is at dawn and dusk when it’s on the prowl for prey. Park officials also arrange lion shows each Sunday where one can see an entire pride of lions on the hunt.

PALITANA: Palitana, an important pilgrimage centre for the Jains, has more than 800 temples scattered over two summits, each temple boasting of sculptures and carvings that are a delight for the eyes. Built over a span of 900 years and dating all the way back to the 11th century, these temples are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The temple complex is divided into 9 wings, each housing the main temple and several minor temples built around it. The larger temples have towers, numerous openings, fortified walls and marble halls, and the interiors are full of lace designs and carved ceilings. Some of the most popular temples of Palitana include the Vimal Shah Temple, Adinath Temple, Samavasaran Temple and Narsinh Kesharji Temple. Getting to these temples isn’t easy, though. Pilgrims often climb as many as 3500 stairs to visit each temple, but you can opt for a simpler route that passes Angar Pir.

BHAVNAGAR: The port town of Bhavnagar was founded in 1723 and is still an important cotton export centre. I t was once one of the most affluent states of Saurashtra. Sights include the Gandhi Smriti library and museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Nearby is the Gaurishankar lake, a popular picnic spot good for winter bird watching.

VADODARA: Vadodara (Baroda) was the capital of the princely Gaekwad state prior to Independence. Present-day Vadodara is a pleasant, medium-sized city with some interesting museums and art galleries and a fine park.  Kammati Bagh is beautiful. It is now a rapidly expanding industrial centre also. The City’s well-known Fine Arts College attracts students from around the country and abroad.  It is an institute of national renown. It’s a good place for a short pause.