Highlights Of Gujarat Tour

Begin your day with a visit to the famous Calico Museum of Textiles, celebrated for its rare and intricate Indian fabrics. Next, head over to the Sabarmati Ashram, which was once the home of Mahatma Gandhi. After that, take some time to admire the architectural beauty of the mosques and the intricately carved Jain temples.

In the afternoon, explore the Sarkhej Roza royal complex, followed by a visit to Shahibag Palace - a Mughal-style garden palace that once hosted poet Rabindranath Tagore - and end your day at the Vishalla Village Complex, home to the unique and fascinating Utensils Museum.

Overnight in Ahmedabad.

Start your day with a heritage walk in Old Ahmedabad's narrow lanes, havelis, and temples.

Experience the city's rich history and vibrant street life up close on foot, ending at the impressive Jama Masjid, Ahmedabad's grandest mosque. Return to House of MG for breakfast, and then check out and begin the drive to Palitana.

Then, drive and make a stop at Lothal, a significant site from the Indus Valley Civilization. Continue your journey to Velavadar National Park, where you can spot blackbuck antelopes and migratory birds.

Finally, arrive in Palitana and settle into the charming Vijay Vilas Palace, a lovely heritage hotel.

Overnight stay in Palitana.

Get an early start to tackle the climb up Shatrunjaya Hill, which boasts over 850 beautifully carved Jain temples. The 3,500-step journey is spiritually uplifting, and the Palitana temples range from massive hilltop structures adorned with intricate carvings, glasswork, and golden flagpoles, to small cave temples lining the path. For those unable to climb, local bearers offer a traditional ‘dholi' (palanquin) service for a fee.

Descend back to Palitana town and explore its bustling market filled with local crafts and flavours. After breakfast at the Vijay Vilas Palace, visit the Jain Art Museum to admire rare religious artefacts. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Adipur village for a glimpse of rural Gujarat.

Overnight stay in Palitana.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, drive, and head south to Gir, 250 km away. You'll arrive just in time for a delicious lunch at the peaceful Gir Birding Lodge, a charming retreat right at the forest gate with views of the park entrance from the dining room. Later in the afternoon, gear up for your first safari adventure in Gir National Park.

Gir is the last stronghold of the Asiatic lion and boasts a thriving population of leopards. You might encounter their main prey, which includes sambar, spotted deer, nilgai (Blue Bull), and wild boar.

You may also spot chousingha, the world's only four-horned antelope, and the graceful chinkara, or Indian gazelle. With its rich biodiversity, Gir is among the top birdwatching destinations in India.

Overnight stay in Gir Birding Lodge in Sasan Gir.

Enjoy morning and evening safaris in Gir, where lion sightings are most common from February to April, though chances remain high throughout the season. In between your drives, take some time to explore local tribal villages or make a side trip to the ancient Somnath Temple by the Arabian Sea. Unwind in the serene surroundings of your forest lodge.

Overnight stay at Gir Birding Lodge.

Start your day with an unforgettable morning jeep safari in Gir before heading off to Junagadh, one of the most historic cities in Gujarat. Discover the ancient Uparkot Fort, marvel at the princely treasures in the Durbar Hall Museum, and admire the stunning Nawab Maqbara, the mausoleum of the Muslim rulers.

Next, make your way to Gondal, stopping by the Khambalida Buddhist Caves site along the way, and arrive just in time for a delicious lunch. After settling into your heritage palace stay, spend the afternoon exploring the 18th-century Naulakha Palace, renowned for its intricate carvings and a museum showcasing royal memorabilia.

As the sun sets, visit the Kathiawadi horse and Gir cattle breeding centre, and unwind by a lake teeming with birds.

Overnight stay in Gondal.

After breakfast, drive 260 km to Bhuj, stopping en route at Rajkot to visit the Watson Museum, which showcases fine examples of traditional Gujarati crafts.

The drive to Bhuj offers your first views of the Rann of Kutch - a vast, arid salt marsh landscape that defines western Gujarat. Home to Rabari camel caravans and scattered villages, its stark beauty is both harsh and uniquely captivating.

On arrival in Bhuj, check into your hotel and visit local museums and monuments. Later, stop by the police headquarters to obtain permits for visiting the surrounding Kutch villages.

Visit the Qasab artisans' cooperative on the city's outskirts - an initiative preserving the region's rich heritage of weaving, embroidery, leatherwork, and wood carving. In the evening, explore Bhuj's vibrant market.

Overnight stay in Bhuj.

Head north from Bhuj into the hinterlands of Kutch for an unforgettable day of village visits and close interaction with local communities. Enjoy lunch at Shaam-e-Sarhad, a unique, community-run resort near Hodka. Designed Inclusions include a traditional desert village. It features luxury tents and bhungas (mud-walled huts) arranged around a central courtyard for dining and socializing.

Overnight stay in Shaam-e-Sarhad.

On the return journey to Bhuj, visit a few more villages before continuing to the coastal town of Mandvi, known for its tie-and-dye textiles and India's longest private beach -a pristine stretch of golden sand along the Arabian Sea. Your stay here is at a deluxe tented beach camp.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby palace or explore the town, where traditional wooden dhows (Arab sailing vessels) are still built entirely without using metal fasteners.

Overnight stay in Mandvi Beach Camp.

After breakfast, depart Mandvi and drive across the narrow land strip between the Little and Great Rann of Kutch, reaching Dasada by early afternoon. Check into your accommodation and later head out on a jeep safari into the Rann, searching for the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass (Khur) and other wildlife adapted to this harsh terrain. The region is also renowned for its rich birdlife, including many rare species. Return for dinner around the campfire.

Overnight at Rann Riders, Dasada.

Begin your morning in Dasada by visiting the Rabaris, celebrated for intricate embroidery, and the Mirs, marvelled for vibrant beadwork.

Later, depart for Modhera to visit the magnificent 11th-century Sun Temple, a masterpiece of ancient Hindu architecture. Continue to Patan to explore the intricately designed Rani Ki Vav, one of Gujarat's most impressive step-wells and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

By evening, arrive in Danta and check in at Bhavani Villa, a heritage homestay with farmlands and a private horse stud hosted by the Maharana, Mr. Mahipendrasinh. Enjoy the warm hospitality, home-cooked meals, and royal charm of this traditional Gujarati home.

Overnight at Bhavani Villa, Danta.

In the morning, enjoy a guided village walking tour around the Bhavani Villa estate to observe local life and traditional agricultural practices in rural Gujarat. Return for a leisurely breakfast on the porch, with scenic views of Danta town below.

Later, depart for the 11th-century Kumbhariyaji Jain Temple, known for its exquisite marble architecture, followed by a visit to the 12th-century Taranga Jain Temples, featuring intricate stone carvings and serene surroundings.

Continue your journey to Ahmedabad, arriving in the afternoon for your connecting flight to Mumbai or Delhi for international departure.

Note: This itinerary can also be extended into Rajasthan, as Udaipur - the gateway to Southern Rajasthan - is just a four-hour drive from Danta, depending on your preference and travel plans.