Culture of Gujarat & Rajasthan

Morning after breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Ahmedabad visit Gandhi Ashram, Swaminarayan Temples (Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar), Hateeya Singhjain temple, Sidi Saiyad Mosque and Jamma Mosques.

Gandhi Ashram, also known as the Sabarmati ashram is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, about 7 kms north of Ahmedabad. This ashram is one of the important tourist attraction and the beautiful ashram complex of Ahmedabad. This Ashram was set up by the Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 and one of the most moving memorial. This ashram was the Mahatma Gandhi’s headquarters during the struggle for India’s independence. His ashram still makes handicraft, handmade paper and spinning wheels.

Swaminarayan Temple is situated in the old Ahmedabad city. This glorious, multicoloured, wood carved temple looks like a grand haveli dating from 1850, enclosed in a large courtyard.

Hathee Singh Jain Temple is located just outside the Delhi Gate in the north of the old city. This Jain temple was built in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant and is one of the Ahmedabad’s best ornated Jain temple. This temple is dedicated to Dharamanath, the 15th Jain Tirthankar. This temple is built of pure white marble and profusely decorated with rich carvings.

Sidi Saiyad mosque was built by Sidi Saiyad, a general of Abysinian origin in the 1573. This mosque is located close to he river and was once part of the old citadel wall. This mosque is one of the Ahmedabad’s most stunning building and best known for its intricate perforated stone work and has beautiful carved stone windows which depict the intricate intervening of the branches of the kalpa tree.

Jamma Mosque (Jama Masjid) was built in 1423 by Ahmed Shah and described as one of the most beautiful mosque in India. This mosque is believed to have been built by using the salvaged items from the demolished Hindu and Jain temples. This mosque is built of yellow sandstone and combines the best of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. Inside the mosque the large black slab by the main arch is the base of a Jain idol, that is buried upside down for the Muslims to tread on.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast depart for en route visit Lothal (78 kms / 1 ½ hr)

Lothal – A perfect place to get an insight of the Indus Valley civilization. The most dominating site at Lothal is the massive dockyard spanning an area of 37 meters by 22 meters perhaps the greatest work of Maritime Architecture. Lothal was also famous for its arterial streets, microbes of gold, ivory and coppersmith workshops, potteries and underground sanitary drainage. (Closed on Fridays)

Continue drive to Bhavnagar (98 kms / 2 hrs)
Arrive and transfer to Hotel.|
Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast depart for Sasan Gir Lion sanctuary is home of some 410 Asiatic Lions. Sasan Gir is only place in world outside African continent where lion can be seen in its natural habitat and the lion population residing in the park is a little over 410. The whole coverage area of Gir Sanctuary is about 560-square-mile (1,450-sq-kms).

Gir is not just about Lions, the second most commonly found predator in the Gir is Leopard. Infect, Gir national park is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, and especially in the hotter season they can sometimes be seen at night close to the lodges.

The other animal residents of the park are Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai Antelope, Chowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli’s Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo etc.

About 10, 000 years ago lions spanned vast sections of the globe, but as the human population started to increase, trees were cut and forests were cleared to make more land for people to live in.  Now lions only in small fractions in some parts of the world and Asiatic lions, a subspecies that split from African lions perhaps 100,000 years ago, are only found in the Gir wildlife Sanctuary

Arrive and check-in at Camp / Resort

Evening visit Jambur Village to see African Nigros (gratitude like pencils / paper note book and chocolates for children to be given directly, however guide will help in purchasing)

Overnight at camp.

Morning after breakfast depart for Gondal. En route Junagadh Fort – Located in the heart of Saurashtra, was established by the Mauryan kings in the 4th century BC. Junagadh or “Old Fort” takes its name from the 4^th century Uparkot fort built by Chandragupta Maurya. The fort is surrounded by massive walls over 66 ft high in places and a 295 ft deep moat inside the walls. An ornate triple arched gateway marks the entrance to the fort. In the afternoon visit the fort and deserted Jami Masjid. Its carved stonework and pillars show that it was constructed on the remains of a destroyed Hindu temple. Also visit the 2nd century Buddhist caves, Later visit Mahabat Maqbara in the complex of royal mausoleums.

Continue drive to Gondal.

Arrive and check-in at Hotel

Later visit the Naulakha Palace – This palace with sculpted façade, pretty Jharoka windows and carved stone pillars, has an impressive Darbar Hall and museum of paintings, brass and silver, the Vintage and Classic Car Museum.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after an early breakfast depart for Dasada (also known as little Rann of Kutch)

En route visit to Bhujodi, a major textile center of Kutch with the vast majority of the 1200 inhabitants involved in textile handicraft production. Here the weaver’s produce traditional shawls, stoles, textiles and carpets with traditional motifs on pits and shuttle looms in local wool cottons and silks.  Then drive to Ajrakpur, a small weaving village famous for Ajrakh block-prints. Blocks carved in traditional designs are coated in dye and pressed onto cloth. Layers of colors and prints are added between stages of rinsing, dyeing and sun drying. Visit a weaver’s house watch them at work.

 Arrive Dasada and check in at Resort

 Dasada is famous for Wild ass sanctuary which is well known for its group of brown Asiatic Wild asses, which do not live elsewhere except in the Indian lowlands. Sometimes, you could see Little Rann of Kutch blackbuck (Indian antelope), Nilgai or blue bull (India’s largest antelope) and the graceful chinkara (Indian gazelle). The main carnivores of the Little Rann of Kutch are the endangered Indian wolf, desert fox, Indian fox, jackals, desert and jungle cats, and a few hyenas; also we can see during the visits flamingoes, pelicans, ducks, cranes and storks. 

Optional – Afternoon proceed for Jungle safari by Jeep to see wild ass sanctuary.

Overnight at resort

Morning after an early breakfast Jungle Safari by Jeep to see wild ass sanctuary.

Return to Resort, lunch at Resort

Afternoon proceed Village safari along the Rann of Kutch. Visit the rural Vadiara and Kharapat Rabari tribals of Dasada. The tribals here are known for their embroideries and silk-weaving.

Overnight at camp   

Morning after breakfast depart for Mount Abu en route visit Modhera & Patan

Modhera (48 kms from Dasada) : the 11th century Sun temple of Modhera is easily one of the finest examples of devotional in western India. Built by the Solanki Rajput kings, the aid of donations from the people, the temple features carved torana arches mounted on kirti stambhas (pillars of victory) as the entrances, a large rectangular stepped with 108 smaller shrines, an exquisite 52 pillared portico, beautiful domed central portion and a sanctum sanctoruim designed so that the sun light fell on the bejewelled statue of the God, specially at sunrise during the equinox. The exterior of temple is carved with traditional erotic scenes, rivalling at Konark and Khajurao, and depictions of various Gods and, while inside are friezes of the Mahabharata and portrayed on the pillars. The temple is framed by a well garden, and sits on the banks of river Pushpawati.

Patan (40 kms from Modhera) : another fine example of the Solanki period architecture can be seen at Anahilwada Patan, the capital of Gujarat from the 8th century till Ahmed Shah moved his seat of power to the larger and more impressive citadel of Ahmedabad in the 15th century. It saw the The greatest reminder of the golden period of Gujarat under the Solanki kings can be seen at the Rani-ki-Vav stepwell some distance from the town centre. Built in the 1050s and named for Rani Udamati, wife of Maharajah Bhim Deva and daughter-in-law of Mulraja, founder of Solanki rule in Gujarat, the stepwell is the oldest and perhaps the grandest among the 120 plus step wells in Gujarat.

Continue drive to Mount Abu (140 kms)

Arrive and check in at Hotel
Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, sightseeing tour of Mount Abu visiting Dilwara Jain Temple complex which is one of the finest Jain temple known world over for its extraordinary architecture and marvelous marble stone carvings, some experts also consider it architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. It seems fairly basic temple from outside but every cloud has a silver lining, the temple interior showcases the extraordinary work of human craftsmanship at its best. These temples were built between 11th to 13th century AD. The beautiful lush green hills surrounding the temple gives a very pleasant feeling. The ornamental details of marble stone carvings is phenomenal and unmatched.

Later depart for Udaipur
Arrive and check in at Hotel.
Overnight at hotel

Morning after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting

City Palace on the banks of the Lake Pichola. The magnificent and awe inspiring citadel is, in fact, a complex of several buildings that were added at different times by different rulers spanning nearly three hundred years. Happily, they harmonize beautifully with each other and maintain an overall homogeneity of design. There are terraces, courtyards, pavilions, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens, with lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art on their walls, floors and ceilings. The main part of the Palace is now a museum.

The Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, is located within easy walking distance from the Palace gate. It is an impressive, beautifully proportioned structure, covered with carved friezes and heavily decorated inside.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum houses a very interesting collection of Rajasthani folk art – costumes, paintings, folk deities, musical instruments, masks, dolls and weapons. The puppet collection is particularly fascinating.

Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour), a small ornamental garden with fountains, once the site for royal picnics, or the impressive Gulab Bagh

Evening witness Rajasthani Folk dances at Bagore Ki haveli

Bagore Ki Haveli at Gangaur Ghat is the 17th century old historic mansion has its own rich cultural legacy. Once, the private mansion of Rajput royals now turned into a museum, becoming a major tourist destination in Udaipur. If you have visited Udaipur you also have been there but it is quite possible that you might have missed seeing another great attraction inside Bagore Ki Haveli.

 Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, depart for Jodhpur en route visit Ranakpur Jain temples – Ranakpur is in a peaceful valley , it is one of the five main pilgrim centers for the Jains. The main shrine in the 500-year old temple complex (preserved in near perfect condition) is the huge Chaumukha Temple dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain saint. It is the largest and most complex Jain temple in India with 29 halls and 80 domes supported by 1444 ornately carved pillars, no two pillars alike. There are two other Jain temples in the complex and some distance away, a Sun temple. Continue drive to Jodhpur

Arrive and check in at Hotel.
Overnight at hotel

Morning after breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur visiting The awe inspiring Mehrangarh Fort takes pride of place as the first destination on any visitor’s list. From the outside its wide, high walls and sheer cliffs appear unassailable, imposing and austere, but once inside you discover several lavishly decorated palaces, with intricate carved ‘Jalis’ and panels that take your breath away. Seven heavily fortified gateways led to the palaces, armoury and royal chambers. Few of these gates remain but the palaces are impressive in their variety and ornamentation.

The Mehrangarh Fort Palace Museum and the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum house a fine collection of royal memorabilia, armours and arms, bejewelled howdahs, palanquins etc.

Jaswant Thada, a few meters below the fort, is the site of the white marble royal cenotaph of Jaswant Singh II and four of his successors.

The Mahamandir, dedicated to Lord Shiva is an architectural wonder, built in 1812, with 84 intricately carved pillars. As it was outside the city walls it was given its own protective fortifications, a sign of those turbulent times!

The Umaid Bhawan Palace was built during the 1920s and ”30s as a famine relief project when Maharaja Umaid Singh started a food for work program. The palace took 16 years to complete- no wonder, then that with its 347 rooms, it is one of the largest private residences in the world. The present ruler converted it into a fine luxury hotel with an in house museum while retaining the use of one wing as the private residence of the erstwhile royal family.

Later depart for Pushkar
Arrive and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour Pushkar visiting Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple

Pushkar Lake , Pushkar lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Pushkar. It is believed that this lake was formed as a result of a lotus falling off from Lord Brahma’s hand. A holy dip in the Pushkar lake is considered to be sacred for Hindus as it is believed to wash away all their sins. The pure waters are also said to contain medicinal and curative powers. The Pushkar lake is surrounded by many important Hindu temples and 52 Ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in its sacred waters.

The Brahma temple or the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir in Pushkar is known to be one of the very few temples of Hindu Lord Brahma. It is close to the Pushkar lake to which it also has an indelible link. Built mainly of marble and stone slabs, the temple holds the central images of Brahma and his second consort Gayatri. The temple is usually visited by pilgrims as well as holy men and sages.

Later depart for Jaipur
Arrive and check in at Hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast visit Amber Fort which lies 10 kms from from Jaipur. Amber with an old palace overlooking the lake at the entrance to a rocky mountain grove, climb up to fort on elephant back in a Maharaja (emperor) style.

Afternoon city tour visiting the sprawling the City Palace of Sawai Jai Singh II, sits right in the centre of the geometric grid in the heart of the old city. It consists of the seven-storied Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-i-Am and the Diwan-i-Khas.

The City Palace Museum houses an exquisite collection of textiles, costumes, carpets, the finest porcelain and a rare collection of arms and paintings. It is here that you can see the world’s largest silver objects – a pair of giant urns.

 Jantar Mantar (Observatory) is one of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh whose ruling passion was astronomy. It was built between1728-34 and consists of observer’s seat, sundial and a number of enormous instruments used to calculate altitude, locate and identify celestial bodies. These instruments are extremely accurate.

 Hawa Mahal or the ‘Palace of Winds’ is one of the most unusual structures built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Honeycombed with over 900 niches or windows, it allowed the ladies of the court to watch the activities on the streets below and yet not be seen themselves. The Hawa Mahal too is made of the famed Jaipur pink stone!

Later visit the Birla Temple and local market.
Overnight at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast, depart for Agra. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri – Situated 40 kms from Agra, this deserted city of Emperor Akbar literally means ‘The City of Victory’. The audience halls, palaces and mosques are still perfectly preserved as are the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Panchmahal and the Buland Darwaza.

Chand Boari–located in the eastern part of the province of Rajasthan, Chand Baori is 140 kms from Fatehpur Sikri and 95 kms from Jaipur, Baoriis a step well built by King Chand somewhere in 8^th & 9^th centuries, over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan which has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, which descend 20m to the bottom of the well. It is one of the largest step well in the world and also one of the most beautiful one. It is not an easy landmark to find, thus it is one of the hidden secrets of India. About 64 feet deep, it is India’s largest and deepest step well with 13 floors and was built for the purpose of water harvesting. Today, the construction is not used as a well anymore but its exquisite geometry attracts local and international visitors alike.

Continue drive to Agra
Arrive Agra and check-in at Hotel
Overnight at hotel.

Early morning proceed for visiting Taj Mahal – Built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal, this beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is an architectural marvel. The Taj by sunrise and sunset is a breathtaking sight.

Return to hotel for breakfast and visit Agra Fort – Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of courtyards, mosques and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid and other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects and artists.

Evening witness for live theater show on Taj Mahal (Optional)

Mohabbat The Taj is a fascinating play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into history. The Drama portrays the Mughal era in 16th Century. It is series of play depicting the true and immortal love of Shajahan for Mumtaj Mahal- his beautiful wife, the lavish lifestyle of mughal era, emaculate hardship of the artisans for 22 years that created the most precious specimen of craftsmanship.

(Note : Kalakriti show closes from 01 May till 15 July for annual maintenance)

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi

In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid, Chandini Chowk, Red Fort, Raj Ghat – Gandhi Memorial

Jama Masjid – Built by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid was begun in 1650 and it took hard work of six years of more than 5000 workers to build the largest mosque in India. It was customary for the emperor and his courtiers to go to the mosque every Friday for attending ‘Jumme ki namaaz’, the congressional prayers.

Chandini Chowk – The living legacy of Delhi is Shahjahanabad. Created by Shahjahan, the builder of Taj Mahal, this city, with the Red Fort as the focal point and Jama Masjid as the praying center, has a fascinating market planned to shine under the light of the moon and thus is called Chandini Chowk.

Red Fort (Lal Quila) – One of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture is the Lal Quila or the Red Fort. Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, the Red Fort has walls extending up to 2 kms. in length with the height varying from 18 mts. on the river side to 33 mts. on the city side.

 Raj Ghat – The Raj Ghat is the last resting place of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The place is not far away from the banks of River Yamuna. Mahatma Gandhi was cremated here on 31st January 1950 following his assassination on 30th January 1950 by Nathu Ram Godse. The memorial stone is a simple square platform made of black stone. The last words uttered by Mahatma “Hey Ram” are inscribed near the black platform. An eternal flame keeps burning in a copper urn in the Raj Ghat. Thus the first item on the agenda of a foreign dignitary on a state visit to India is to visit Raj Ghat. They the memorial is set in a garden with fountains and a variety of exotic trees. The Gandhi Memorial Museum is just across the road. It houses many belongings of Gandhi and photographs from his life.

In New Delhi visit Birla Temple, India Gate, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple and Jewish Synagogue

Birla Temple (Lakshmi-Narayan Mandir) a Hindu temple which came up alongside with New Delhi and has therefore been pegged with it. Popularly known as the Birla Mandir, it is the first of the temples built across the country by the industrial family of Birla. Located just off Connaught Place on Mandir Marg, it is dedicated to Vishnu, the second of the Hindu Trinity of creator-preserver-destroyer, and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.

India Gate is the pride of Delhi. An imposing structure, the gate was built in memory to the of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I. Situated at the at the end of Rajpath, the India Gate is 42 meters high. Photo stop at Presidential Palace and Indian Parliament House.

 Baha’i Temple (Lotus Temples) in Delhi is often compared to the Sydney Opera House. Popularly known as the Lotus Temple, Baha’i Temple is a major feature of Delhi and is well known for its appearance. There is no doubt that in years to come the temple will prove to be a mecca for the visitors. Baha’ism is considered to be a syncretism of the nine great religions of the world and traces its genesis to its prophet Baha’u’llah, born in Persia in the twentieth century.

Qutab Minar, one of the most visited places in Delhi. The unique architectural structure of the monument attracts many visitors from all across the world. The construction of Qutab Minar began in the 12th century and it was completed in the 13th century. Beautiful calligraphy of the magnificent tower adorns the adjacent edifices. The Minar rises over 230 feet and can be ascended by a circular stairway for a breathtaking view.

Overnight at hotel.

End of the tour