Gujarat
Trip Overview
Gujarat is the fifth-largest Indian state by area and the ninth-largest state by population. The vibrant and culturally rich Gujarat is not to be missed for umpteen reasons. A journey through this fabulous state is a unique trip in itself. You will go to places like the Statue of Unity, the striking Little and Great Rann of Kutch, the Rann Utsav, stark salt flats of the White Rann, Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and the Shaivite shrine of Somnath. And if you have a thing for thrill and adventures then the sight of ferocious yet graceful Asiatic Lions of Gir will enthrall you. The state’s ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki’ tourism campaign starring Amitabh Bachchan, which won the National Tourism Award 2011-12, sees Mr. Bachchan explaining interesting facts about heritage and religious sites in Gujarat. So, let’s begin our Gujarat trip!
About the trip
Duration
11 Nights / 12 Days
Trip Cost
INR 110000 Per Person (EMI Option available)
Excluding 5% GST Per Person (EMI Option Available)
Trip style
Solo / Family / Couple / Friends
Landscapes
Beach, Desert, Forest
Activities
Architecture, Desert Safari, Jungle Safari, Road Trip, UNESCO Sites
Upcoming Dates
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Brochure
Route Map
Itinerary
Ahmedabad
Kick start your Gujarat custom tour package with a warm welcome into Gujarat in a marvellous fashion. First stop, Ahmedabad, the largest city of Gujarat. Recognized by the UNESCO as India’s World Heritage City in the year 2017, ‘Amdavad’ is a fine blend of modern improvements and vintage majesty. From the airport you will be transferred to the hotel in a private vehicle. Spend the rest of the day taking in the sights and sounds of Ahmedabad by strolling along the Sabarmati River and visiting the Gandhi Ashram which displays Mahatma Gandhi’s living quarters and artifacts. It is said that Gandhi choose this spot because it lies in between a cemetery and a jail, and any non-violent protestor was bound to end up in one or the other.
Ahmedabad – Statue Of Unity
Our first driving day in Gujarat will set the tone for your curated travel experience as you head southeast towards the recently constructed Statue of Unity situated near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Kevadiya. With a height of 182 m, this colossal edifice is the tallest statue in the world and celebrates the contributions of freedom activist, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India. The highlight of the visit will be the spectacular Laser Light & Sound Display which is projected upon the statue every evening. You will find it interesting to know that The Statue of Unity is approximately 4 times taller than New York’s famous Statue of Liberty!
Statue Of Unity – Dasada
Your third day of the Gujarat customized holiday package starts with a hearty breakfast. You will need it as you are going to be making your way through a long but smooth drive towards the town of Dasada in Surendra Nagar. This small yet bustling constituency acts as the gateway to the wondrous Little Rann of Kutch. Dasada serves as an ideal base to explore the culture, weaves and handicrafts of the Surendranagar district. It is also the ideal place where you can experience a jeep, horse or a camel safari in the Little Rann of Kutch, the habitat of Asiatic Wild Ass and a birdwatching paradise. A lively cultural program has been arranged at the hotel in Dasada, post which you can tuck-in a delicious dinner and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Dasada – Mandvi
One of the most anticipated days of our Gujarat custom tour dawns with a promise of unparalleled thrill. Today is the day you get to explore the austere yet immensely compelling vistas of the Little Rann of Kutch. This seemingly endless salt marsh hosts some rare species of wildlife; most notable of these being the Indian Wild Ass [Khur]. One of the topmost destinations for bird watching in India, water bodies here turn pink in certain seasons as hordes of flamingos throng the area. Driving long hours through this boundless expanse of salt flats can be an intensely surreal [and at times, disorienting!] experience, which is why the presence of an expert guide will be a welcome relief for our participants. We will cross the Little Rann and make our way towards the port town of Mandvi, where gorgeous beaches and sunsets await us.
Mandvi (Experience Day)
Today will be yours to spend in unhurried exploration of the beach town of Mandvi. Let your morning be spent in walking upon the velvety sand of the beaches here. The Mandvi beach is a golden-brown sprawl of sand along the southern tip of the Kutch district. Later, we will head to the central part of the town to visit ship-building yards where wooden boats are still assembled by hand. Mandvi has been an active shipbuilding centre for centuries due to its apt location as a port. The shipbuilding industry still flourishes around the beach, and you are most welcome to watch the interesting process. You can also climb atop one of the ships and talk to the sailors and workers who will be happy to answer all your questions!
Mandvi – Hodka
After spending a relaxing day in Mandvi, it is time to hit the road once again. After breakfast, you will be heading from Mandvi towards Kalo Dungar [aka Black Hill]. This spot affords sweeping views of the Great Rann of Kutch for as far as the eye can see. The drive further towards Hodka will take you through remote and uninhabited regions of Great Rann of Kutch where you will find a calming silence, local wildlife and vast stretches of empty land for company. Hodka Village lies close to the Border with Pakistan. It is a rural development and tourism project visited by travellers from all around the world. Hodka is primarily a craft village which is a great example of how local communities can come together and execute an eco-tourism concept to increase awareness of local arts, crafts and employment.
Hodka – White Rann – Hodka (Experience Day)
An appetizing breakfast will be followed by a visit to the incomparable White Rann for a full-day experience that is sure to leave you all awe-struck. Your tour guide will throw light on Kutch’s unique mixture of culture, traditions, people, history, wildlife and nature. The northern and eastern areas of Kutch comprise a vast white salt encrusted desert wilderness called the Great Rann of Kutch. This extensive desert stretch is full of white salt crystals which present a magnificently gleaming sight on a full moon night after witnessing an enchanting sunset. It will be like nothing you have ever witnessed before. You will literally be walking on salt and if you continue walking through the White Rann, you will end up in Pakistan!
Hodka – Porbandar
Today will require an early start as this will be the longest driving day of your road trip. But there is nothing to worry about when you are driving through some of the best roads in the country! You will effortlessly glide through the silky tarmacs of Gujarat and continue driving all day long towards the city of Porbandar – the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Today is the perfect day to stop at some road side eateries and sample the delicious local Gujarati cuisine such as Khandvi, Samosa, Dhokla and Gathiya! Upon reaching Porbandar, check into your hotel and grab a delicious dinner before hitting the bed for some much-needed rest.
Porbandar – Somnath Temple – Gir
We will begin the day with a visit to Kirti Mandir, the memorial temple built to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba Gandhi. The coastal city of Porbandar is also believed to be the birthplace of Sudama, Lord Krishna’s friend and devotee, owing to which the city has become a pilgrimage site for the Hindus too. Head out of the city and drive towards the famous Somnath Temple near Junagadh. Believed to be the first of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, this is one of the most significant pilgrimage spots for devotees of Lord Shiva. From Somnath, we will continue our drive towards Gir National Park. The long and exciting day draws to a close as we reach Gir National Park by late evening.
Gir (Experience Day)
A new day offers new scope for adventures. Post breakfast, head towards the Gir National Park, the last home of the Asiatic lions. Besides Africa, Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in the world where you can spot lions roaming free in the wild. You will go on a wildlife safari in the park and embark on an adventurous journey with a professional guide for an incredible encounter with the mighty Asiatic lion in its natural habitat. Keep your cameras ready and capture the rare moments spent in this unique wildlife park. After sighting the majestic beast from an open-roof jeep, which will surely be a thrilling experience, return to the lodge and spend rest of the day at leisure.
Gir – Ahmedabad
The ultimate driving day is here as it is time to start heading back towards Ahmedabad. Enjoy the final driving day and take in as much of Glorious Gujarat as you drive through the heartland of this fascinating state crossing a plethora of villages and small towns on way to Ahmedabad. Take a few stops to indulge in the local food, capture the sights and sounds of this unique part of India before concluding the journey in the evening as you arrive in Ahmedabad. If you are still up for it, head out for an authentic local meal at one of our recommended restaurants. Retire for the night with a smile and cherish the splendid memories you created on the Glorious Gujarat Drive.
Departure
Time to head back to your chosen destination. All good things are destined to come to an end, and so is this journey. But not all farewells have to be lasting, and we promise to lend our hand again when you plan to explore another fascinating part of Incredible India or any other region of our fascinating world. And a person who visits India once, falls in love with this beautiful diverse country. No wonder somebody rightly said, “There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place.
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Trip Inclusions
Accommodation in Premium category hotels on twin sharing basis with breakfast
Chauffeur driven vehicle including fuel and parking fees
Activities & Sightseeing as per itinerary Meal – Breakfast, Lunch, Tea And Dinner
Local Guide tour monument visitor
Entry Fee
Private Airport Transfers
Trip Exclusions
Any flight ticket
Lunch on Day 1
Alcoholic Beverages
Insurance And Documentation Cost Such As Travel Insurance, Visa Applications Etc.
Any Cost Arising Out Of Unforeseen Circumstances Like Ill-health, Vehicle Breakdown Or Repairs Damage Accruing From Land Blocks, Bad Weather.
Additional Accommodation Charges Due To Unforeseen Delays In The Journey
Any Charges For Carrying Video Camera Or Still Camera
Any Hotel, Subsistence Or Other Cost Incurred Prior To The Official Start Date Of The trip And After The Official End Date Of The trip
5% GST
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)
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