A roar away from Asiatic lions
Discovering Gujarat
- India
- 15 Days
- Ahmedabad | Dasada | Bhuj | Jamnagar | Porbundar | Sasan Gir | Palitana | Vadodara | Mumbai
- Asiatic lions at Sasan Gir
- The Wild Ass Sanctuary at Rann of Kutch
- Craft Centres of Bhuj
- Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad
- A city with 900 Jain temples – Palitana
- Cosmopolitan vibe of Mumbai
Overview
An unassuming charm with an undertone of rapid growth has always been the vibe of Gujarat, India’s western most state. While major cities don the avatar of modernization, not too far away the villages of Gujarat are pleasantly draped in an old world charm. Gujarat has a number of defining highlights that makes it one of the top places to visit in the country. This was home to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Independence Movement. The state has an astounding number of museums and stunning architectural delights.
Move to the villages, and local craft holds sway, especially in Bhuj. Here, entire villages focus on weaving, Ajrakh textiles, copper work, lacquer work, bandhni (tie and dye), and the ancient Persian art of Rogan. Some say, this is the ‘most colourful’ infusion to the otherwise muted colours of the landscape. Another memorable addition to the state is a peek into Sasan Gir – the only place in India which is home to Asiatic lions. Experience spending time with the ‘King of the Jungle’, and then wend your way to Mumbai, the commercial capital of the country, with a distinct colonial enigma, thanks to its many British designed buildings.
Itinerary
1
Ahmedabad : You will be met on arrival at the Ahmedabad airport and then transferred to the hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.
2
Ahmedabad : A heady brew of history, design, heritage and local cuisine define the city of Ahmedabad. Today, you should be geared to get a glimpse of all these things on a day tour. The poignant legacy of Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram to the indulgent mosques of the old city, and even the night food markets, Ahmedabad is going to leave you mesmerised. Overnight at hotel.
3
Ahmedabad – Dasada : Leave for Dasada on this day. The road travel, 100km northeast of Ahmedabad gives you a chance to see the countryside. Dasada is one of the villages that is the gateway to the sprawling white Rann of Kutch. It also offers access to the Wild Ass Sanctuary here. The Rann of Kutch offers a unique topography with large salt pans crumbling under your feet. This morphs into a great destination for birding during the winter months, as migratory birds fly from cold regions into the wetlands here. Settle into Dasada’s village homestay and get a peek into local life. Overnight at Dasada.
4
Dasada : Reserve the early morning for a safari in the Rann of Kutch to spot wild asses, fox and a number of birds. It is prudent to keep the afternoon free for another safari as well. The more you head to the Rann, the more likely you are to catch a sighting of the native wildlife. If you happen to be here on a full moon night, the view of the white Rann is exquisite. Overnight at Dasada.
5
Dasada – Bhuj : Reserve the early morning for a safari in the Rann of Kutch to spot wild asses, fox and a number of birds. After breakfast leave for Bhuj. The drive, though long, gives one the opportunity to see the small craft-based villages on the way. We stop at the Hiralaxmi Craft Centre at Bhujodi to experience the many different crafts and artisans who converge here. Guests may also shop at the complex. We move further to the town of Bhuj and settle in for the night.
6
Bhuj : Spend the day at the city of Bhuj, at the different heritage locations; Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Kutch Museum, the Folk Art Museum and a number of villages close by. You can see local homes called ‘bhungas’ with exquisite paintings on the walls. Overnight at Bhuj.
7
Bhuj : Bhuj is the craft centre of the state. Spend the day visiting different villages that are themed around numerous handicrafts. Villages like Nirona, Khavda, Jura and Ajrakhpur are known for distinct crafts. Some for embroidery work, others for lacquer, rug making, pottery and Rogan art. Overnight at Bhuj.
8
Bhuj – Jamnagar : Drive from Bhuj to Jamnagar on this day, exploring the western part of the state. The journey of over 250km is likely to take at least half a day. Arrive at Jamnagar and settle into the hotel for some leisure time. Overnight at Jamnagar.
9
Jamnagar – Porbandar : Further south in Porbandar, you get to see the place where Mahatma Gandhi was born. This is also the town that houses the famous Huzoor Palace and a number of temples. Being a coastal town, the bustle of the market is an exceptional sight, that makes for great photo-ops. Explore Porbandar and stay overnight at the hotel.
10
Porbandar – Sasan Gir : Porbandar is often considered the gateway to the wildlife sanctuary of Sasan Gir. It takes about 150km to reach here. Settle into the hotel and prepare for your first safari in a 4WD to spot Asiatic lions. Back at the hotel, enjoy stories of sightings and share your own with other travellers.
11
Sasan Gir : Another day at Sasan Gir offers the opportunity to step into the jungle twice. Over 1000 sq km large, this vast stretch of protected forest is a rejuvenating addition to the plan. More than 500 lions, 300 leopards, antelopes, hyenas, fox and deer roam the thick forest here. Overnight at hotel.
12
Sasan Gir – Palitana : Today leave for Palitana, a town that houses more than 900 temples. A glance in any direction will award you with a view of exquisitely carved walls and high steeples of temples. The city is known as one of the main spiritual spots for the Jain sect of people and most of the temples are made in marble. The intricate work is admirable in all of them. Overnight at the hotel.
13
Patilana – Vadodara : Drive to Vadodara, the third largest city of the state. Ruled by the Gaekwad dynasty, the relics of the family can still be seen in the town. After check-in, explore Laxmi Vilas Palace, an extravagant showcase of art along with a zoo, Baroda Museum, Kirti Stambh, and other highlights of the city. Overnight at the hotel.
14
Vadodara – Mumbai : Take a flight on this morning to the commercial capital of the country, Mumbai. The city stands at the edge of the Arabian Sea, with a distinct colonial imprint on its buildings. A walking tour helps get a grasp of the city and its intoxicating nuances of monuments, a robust rail network and the biggest film industry after Hollywood. Overnight in Mumbai.
15
Mumbai : Leave for your International departure.
| October – March: | Winter months, recommended to travel. |
| Mid April – June: | Summer months, when it is moderately hot in April, but May and June are avoidable. |
| July – September: | Monsoon months where trips are doable. |
