Vibrant, Unexplored Gujarat

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of city Start at the Calico and Sarabhai Foundation Collection, the premier textile museum of the country, and one of the most celebrated institutions of its kind in the world for its distinguished and comprehensive collection of textiles and artefacts. Its outstanding collection of Indian fabrics exemplifies textiles spanning five centuries. After lunch visit the Mosque of Sidi Sayed is one of the most prominent in the Ahmedabad city. Constructed in the last year of the Gujarat Sultanate, it was built by Sidi Sayed, a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah. The mosque consists of ten semi-circular windows, the appeal of which is accentuated by the splendid mesh covering them, which is more popularly known as “Jali' in the Indo-Saracenic style. Also on the itinerary is a visit to Sabarmati Ashram. Originally called the Satyagraha Ashram, the Sabarmati Ashram was home to Mohandas Gandhi from 1917 until 1930 and served as one of the main centres of the Indian freedom struggle. It is named after the river on whose bank it is located. The Ashram is presently involved in a number of activities that serves to both preserve the history of Gandhi and the freedom struggle and also to promote and educate people in the great philosophies, values and teachings of Gandhi. Drive past the Law Garden Market, unlike other gardens of the city, the Law Garden is filled with a large number of shops selling colourful handicrafts and textiles and is quite a visual treat. Tonight you get to try the local cuisine for the first time. At a very popular local restaurant enjoy a traditional Gujarati Thali which is an assortment of dishes arranged as a platter. “Thali” literally means “a full plate meal”. A traditional Gujarati Thali consists of various dishes like ringana methi nu shak (eggplant cooked with fenugreek leaves), Gujarati khatti mithi daal (sweet and sour lentil), undhiyu (mixed vegetable prepared with spinach paste), bhindi sambhariya (ladyfingers curry), aloo rasila (potato and tomato thin curry), steamed basmati rice, badshahi khichdi, Chapati, methi na thepla and bhakhri with kachumber salad along with various types of chutneys. In addition you will have at least three fresh vegetable dishes, one dry dal or some sprouted pulses dish (ugaadayla mung, for instance), a wet dal, kadhi, kathor (a savoury), mithai, poori, rotis, steamed rice, chaash and papad. Bring your appetite! Overnight at hotel

After breakfast you check out and drive to your next destination, Dasada. The total drive time is approximately four hours but en route you have a couple of great stops. Your first stop is Sidhpur, approximately two hours away. This destination holds importance for the Bohra Muslim community, an affluent Muslim community spread all over the world. They have contributed significantly to the development of Sidhpur. Their old Havelis and mansions, some over 100 years old have a markedly European flavour and taking a walk through the ‘Bohra Vad’ is like a stroll through England. The facades are rich in variety and aesthetic expression with intricate details in wood creating a nostalgic visual that is something straight out of a Dickenson novel. Also visit the Rudramahalaya Temple Complex. The idea for the temple was conceived by King Mulraja Solanki, in the 10th century and completed in the 12th century by King Siddhraja. It was once the grandest and most imposing temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is among the finest, most lavishly decorated structures of its time. Its pillars too are the tallest known so far in Gujarat. Today, only fragments of this magnificent temple remain. The entire temple along with the adjacent shrines was dismantled in the 13th century by Muslim invaders and part of the structure was converted into a mosque. Your next stop as you continue your drive is Patan approximately forty five minutes away from Sidhpur. Here the attraction is the Rani ka Vav (The Queen's Step well). This magnificent east facing step well with its exquisite carvings make it one of the finest specimens of its kind. Befitting its name, the Rani-Ki-Vav is now considered to be the queen among step wells of India. They are also part of the structures, under consideration to be put on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Stop for a visit to see the artistry of the Patola Weavers. With its unique gem like qualities, gorgeous colours, designs and durability, their weave, ikat’s very appearance lures the connoisseur of fine textiles. It has no reverse side. Both the sides have equal intensity of colour and design. Legend indicates that sometimes in the 12th Century AD, King Kumarpal of Solanki dynasty invited 700 families of Patola weavers from Jalna in South Maharashtra to settle down in Patan. After lunch proceed to Modera, approximately an hour’s drive from Patan to see the famed Sun Temple. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Sun-God, Surya. It was built in 1026 AD by King Bhimdev Solanki. The Solankis considered themselves descendent of the Sun God. The temple is of a unique architectural style, the temple was designed such, that the first rays of the sun fell on the image of the Sun God, at the time of the equinox. The temple has been partially in ruins after it was destroyed by the Allauddin Khilji. However, enough has remained of the temple to convey its grandeur. After Modera, you continue your drive to Dasada arriving by evening. Overnight at hotel

Dasada is a small village occupied mainly by farmers, nomadic cattle herders and artisans. It is situated on the outskirts of the Rann of Kutch, a vast salt marsh that spans 30,000 square kilometres. It is the perfect base from which to explore the Rann of Kutch, the last refuge in India of the Asiatic Wild Ass, an elegant member of the horse family. In winter it is also home to migratory birds such as flamingos, Macqueen’s Bustard, pelicans cranes etc. This morning take a wildlife & bird watching safari into the Little Rann Sanctuary (Note: Little Rann of Kutch sanctuary remains close from 15th June to 15th October every year). Dasada and its nearby villages are inhabited by a number of interesting communities including pastoral tribes such as the Mirs, Rabaris, Bharwads, Jats and Kolis. In the evening you visit the tribal settlements and get to see their fascinating culture and simple lifestyle that still seems largely unaffected by modernity. Overnight at hotel

Start from Dasada after breakfast and drive approximately five hours to Bhuj. Start early so you can arrive into Bhuj by lunch time. Transfer to your hotel and check in. In the afternoon view the museums and palaces of Royal family of Kutch. Bhuj Museum is the oldest museum in Gujarat, founded in 1877 by Maharao Khengarji, and has the largest existing collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, dating to the 1st century AD, as well as examples of the extinct Kutchi script and an interesting collection of coins. A section of the museum is devoted to tribal cultures, with many examples of ancient artefacts, folk arts and crafts and information about tribal peoples. The museum also has exhibits of embroidery, paintings, arms, musical instruments, sculpture and precious metalwork. After the museum, visit Aina Mahal or “Hall of Mirrors” which was built during the rule of the flamboyant ruler Maharao Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century. Designed in a mixed Indo –European style, he commissioned master craftsman Ramsinh Malam, who had trained as an artisan for 17 years in Europe. The Pragmahal is a 19th-century palace located next to the Aina mahal. It was commissioned by Rao Pragmalji II, and construction began in 1865. It was designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins, in the Italian Gothic style, and many Italian artisans were involved in its construction. Back then, the palace artisans' wages were paid in gold coins. Construction of the palace, which ultimately cost 3.1 million rupees, was completed in 1879. Unfortunately the building was severely damaged in the 2001 earthquake and subsequently, years later also burglarized. Today while still a pale reflection of its old self, this is a remarkable place and visitors may enter the main palace halls and ascend the bell tower, which offers views of the city. Return to your hotel by evening. Overnight at hotel.

Today post breakfast, proceed to Hodka - the venue of Rann Utsav, perched on the edge of the Rann of Kutch, in the heart of the Banni grassland. Hodka is a 'vibrant' hamlet in every sense of the word. The drive is approximately two hours. In Hodka you check in to your tented accommodation. After lunch spend time discovering the best of the Rann Utsav (festival). An array of distinct endowments connects the visitor to the traditional assets of the communities here. Architecture and arts, music and dance, textiles and cuisine, unique panoramas and topography lend a surreal magnificence to the distinct beauty of Banni region. Witness the making of finest embroidery work and leather craft of this region which is believed to have inhabited around 300 years ago by the Halepotra clan. Other handicrafts on display are beautifully designed terracotta, patchwork and embroidered items. In the evening explore White Rann to experience the grandeur of sunset. This remarkable place consists of the world's largest salt desert and what makes it even more amazing is that the salt desert is underwater during the main monsoon season in India. For the remaining eight months of the year, it's an enormous stretch of packed white salt. Spend the evening gazing at the gorgeous full moonlight in this extraordinary desert. Return back to the tents to enjoy some spectacular cultural programs followed by dinner. Overnight at camp.

Begin your morning with meditation and greet the sun as it rises. After that, enjoy breakfast and then spend the rest of the day exploring the colors of the beautiful place. Step out to have a look at the ethnic stuff designed by the local artisans. You can also take a short trip to the Indo - Pak Border. In the evening, grab the opportunity to dance with the local folk dancers. Enjoy a comfortable stay at night in Dhordo. Overnight at camp.

Start after a leisurely breakfast and drive approximately five hours to Gondal. Drive directly to your hotel on arrival and check-in. In Gonfdal this afternoon you pay a visit to the 1748 AD Naulakha Palace, housing a collection of antiques and princely relics of the Jadeja Rajput rulers and also stop to see the Vintage and Classic Car museum. Overnight at hotel

In the morning you leave for Gir via the historic city of Junagadh. The total drive time is approximately three hours. Junagadh is an hour and a half away and has a lot of historic places like the Uparkot Fort, Buddhist cave-sites, Ashoka's rock inscriptions (3rd century BC), Palace Museum, 18th & 19th century royal mausoleum complexes, Nawabi buildings and museums and the Girnar temples. After lunch at Junagarh proceed to Gir. Gir National Park is the last abode of the Asiatic lions. Check in to the hotel by lunch. In the evening enjoy the afternoon wildlife safari at the Gir National Park. One can also spot Asiatic Lions, Leopards and other animals like the Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Chausingha, Grey Langur and Hyena over 250 varieties of birds like the painted Sandgrouse, Peacocks and the Paradise Flycatchers. The Kamleshwar dam reservoir has one of the largest marsh crocodile populations. Note: Gir National Park remains close from 15th June to 15th Oct and the Ashoka Rock Edict is presently under renovation Overnight at hotel

Experience the thrill of the early morning safari at the Gir National Park in search of the elusive lion. In the afternoon take a short excursion to Somnath located on the extreme southwest coast of Gujarat. The temple of Somnath is a pilgrimage spot. The old Somnath Temple (said to have been built first of gold, then of silver, next of wood and then of stone) was destroyed by the invader Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024. A new temple on the exact site of the original has now been built. The confluence of three rivers to the east of the town adds to its importance. Return to Gir by evening. Overnight at hotel

Early morning enjoy another game drive through Gir National Park Post lunch drive to Bhavnagar, approximately three and a half hours by road. The evening is at leisure Overnight at hotel

Today morning drive to explore the beautiful Palitana Jain Temples - one of the most sacred sites of Jainism. The drive each way is approximately an hour and a half. In Palitana, climb to the Palitana temples located atop Shatrunjaya Hills and crowned with 863 temples, each rivalling the other for its beauty and magnificence. This is one of the most awe inspiring sights to devotees and visitors alike. The peak is a 3 km climb of over 3500 steps from the town, while on each temple one can see detailed carvings, beautiful idols and images, jewelled statues and intricate torans. The climb takes approximately 2 hours. Proceed for lunch at the Vijay Vilas Palace for a sumptuous home cooked meal hosted by the present owners Nitya and Yashpal Singh. The Vijay Vilas palace was built in 1906 AD by Yashpal’s ancestor, Yuvraj Vijay Singhji of Palitana, a member of the same Gohil Rajput clan as the Maharajahs of Bhavnagar. The palace was used as a country retreat, being splendidly located in the hills with great views of the Shetrunjaya hill and historic Palitana temples. After lunch drive back to Bhanvanagr Overnight at hotel

Post breakfast today morning transfer to Bhavanagar airport to board your flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai you are met by our colleague and assisted with your transfer to your hotel located close to the international airport. You have a room here until your on time departure for your onward flight later today back home.