Ahmedabad Trip Overview
Best Kept Secret of Gujarat, Architecture Marvel & Historical Monuments tour will begin with pick up from Ahmedabad airport. Explore the monuments and museums of Ahmedabad then proceed to uncover the mystery of Dholavira. Next drive to Bhuj to visit grand palaces, museum & step-well. Continue to explore the Great Rann of Kutch a salt marsh in the Thar Desert reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world. This area inhabited by the Kutchi people is rich center of traditional art and craft. Next head to Mandvi a beach resort & major port with four-hundred-year-old ship building industry. Return toward Ahmedabad and stopover visit to great temple complex at Bhadreshwar & Patan. Safari in Little Rann Of Kutch is also part of package.
Additional Info
Duration: 10 days
Starts: Ahmedabad, India
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Ahmedabad Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Best Kept Secret of Gujarat, Architecture Marvel & Historical Monuments tour will begin with pick up from Ahmedabad airport. Explore the monuments and museums of Ahmedabad then proceed to uncover the mystery of Dholavira. Next drive to Bhuj to visit grand palaces, museum & step-well. Continue to explore the Great Rann of Kutch a salt marsh in the Thar Desert reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world. This area inhabited by the Kutchi people is rich center of traditional art and craft. Next head to Mandvi a beach resort & major port with four-hundred-year-old ship building industry. Return toward Ahmedabad and stopover visit to great temple complex at Bhadreshwar & Patan. Safari in Little Rann Of Kutch is also part of package.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Ahmedabad
Stop At: Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat
On arrival at Ahmedabad airport assistance and transfer to hotel check in. Rest time free and easy to relax.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Ahmedabad
Stop At: Hutheesing Jain Temple, Shahibaug Rd, Bardolpura, Madhupura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380004, India
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Ahmedabad. Visit Hatheesing Jain Temple established in 1850 by Seth Hatheesing, who was a rich Jain merchant. This temple is dedicated to the 15th ‘Jain Tirthankar’, known as Dharamnath.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Bhadra Fort, Ahmedabad Village, Ahmedabad 380001 India
Bhadra fort a beautiful monument that is famous for its intricate carvings, pattern works and beautiful frescos suits. Arches at the entry gate, has some inscriptions that represents the history of the fort. Jama Mosque there are different entrances to the mosque. Near the eastern entrance, stands the tomb of the Sultan Ahmed Shah, which houses the graveyard of three great rulers, namely Ahmed Shah, his son, Mohammed Shah and his grandson, Qutub-Ud-Din Ahmed Shah.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kite Museum, Sanskar Kendra Opposite Tagor Hall, Paldi, Ahmedabad 380007 India
Kite Museum the city of Ahmedabad is popular for the Kite Festival so it doesn’t come as a surprise if you find an entire museum dedicated to kites. The popular Kite Museum that houses some of the rarest kites in the world is a first of its kind in India and second in the world. Sabarmati Ashram on his return from South Africa, Gandhi’s first Ashram in India was established in the Kochrab area of Ahmedabad on 25 May 1915. The Ashram was then shifted on 17 June 1917 to a piece of open land on the banks of the river Sabarmati. Reasons for this shift included: he wanted to do some experiments in living eg farming, animal husbandry, cow breeding, Khadi and related constructive activities. Shaking Minarets one of the most unique monuments in Ahmedabad, located in Siddi Bashir’s Mosque near the Sarangpur gate.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Ahmedabad – Dholavira (255kms/ 5hrs approx)
Stop At: Dholavira, Dholavira, Kutch District, Gujarat
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Dholavira check in at village resort. Dholavira is a real treat for historians, and one of Gujarat’s best-kept archaeological and historical sites dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. It is full of historic treasures, including seals with animal figures, funerary structures, letters of the Indus script, stone sculptures, pottery with painted motifs, terracotta ornaments, sign boards, and several other structures and objects. The ancient water reservoirs are certainly a highlight and excite visitors with their well-preserved state. Dinner
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Dholavira – Bhuj (220kms/ 5hrs approx)
Stop At: Aaina Mahal Palace, Maharav Of Kutch, Darbargadh Chowk, Old Dhatia Falia, Bhuj, Gujarat 370001, India
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Bhuj check in at hotel.
Later city tour visit The Aaina Mahal Palace built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century. However, what once stood proudly with glittering glasses, antique clocks and exotic tile works was shaken and dishevelled in the 2001 earthquake that hit Bhuj. The loss was tragic, but it has now been recovered and renovated for people to visit safely again. Be sure to explore the rest of the compound outside the palace, with its beautiful carved doorways, elaborate window boxes and balconies.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Prag Mahal Palace, Next to the Aina Mahal, Bhuj India
Prag Mahal one of the architectural wonders in India, built-in the 19th century next to the popular Aina Mahal. The grand palace boasts of Gothic-style windows and Corinthian pillars around it. The opulent Mahal has the second tallest clock tower in the country which offers an amazing view from the top. A part of the palace has been converted into a museum with archives and personal items of the royal family on display. Imposing and beautiful in itself, the resplendent palace is made mostly out of red sandstone. There are intricate carvings done on the walls with beautiful art, and the most amazing thing is the jaali work on the jharokhas, those are exquisite in appearance.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Aksharwadi Temple), Waghawadi Road Aksharwadi, Bhavnagar 364002 India
Shri Swaminarayan Temple initially built in the year 1822, it was the first of many Sampraday Swaminarayan temples. Located near the Hamirsar Lake completely white structure is an architectural masterpiece built of marble and is a stunning place to visit. Ramkund is a square stepwell, about 56 ft on one side, whose walls have carved miniature idols depicting the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu and sculptures of Lord Rama, Devi Sita, Lord Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman. The architecture of the stepwell is geometrical and leaves one in awe of the skill of that time. As you descend down the steps to reach the water, you are engulfed by a sudden coolness that is not to be found above the stepwell. While going deeper into the well, one can almost be transported to the ancient times when it was a place of water storage. Ramkund is located across the Kutch Museum and behind the Ram Dhun Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.
Day 5: Bhuj – Hodka (65kms/ 1.3hrs approx)
Stop At: Hodka Village, Hodka Village, Kutch District, Gujarat
Breakfast at hotel drive to Banni Region of Kutch visiting Nirona Village for Rogan arts on a piece of cloth. The word Rogan comes from Persian and means oil-based. This is then mixed with stone pigments to lend it different hues. Next, the artisan uses a six-inch metal stick to paint with a fine thread of Rogan on cloth. Seeing it live made us realize how delicately the Rogan thread has to be led with precision to give shape to one’s imagination. The Luhars in Nirona have been preserving the Copper Crafts making over seven generations. As a result you can see some heart-shaped wind chimes, a xylophone made of bells and even a few fauna inspired bell pieces. And Lacquer Works on wooden utensils. Continue to Hodka check in at resort and lunch. Evening drive short distance to enjoy the breathtaking views of the White Rann.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 6: Hodka – White Rann of Kutch
Stop At: White Dessert Road, White Dessert Rd, Gorewali, Gujarat 370510, India
Today very early in the morning drive to White Rann of Kutch to see the sunrise. The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert. It is about 7500 km2 (2900 sq miles) in the area and is reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world. Later you will be visiting Dhordo village this area which has White Rann. You can see Mutwa Muslim Community here in Dhordo. Return Hodka for breakfast and later visit a small Pathan community hamlet engaged in Embroidery. Continue to Khavda to see Potters and Samma tribe. Later leave for Kala Dungar to view the beautiful sunset. Dinner and overnight at Hodka.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: overnight at Hodka.
Day 7: Hodka – Mandvi (135kms/ 3hrs approx)
Stop At: Sumarasar, Gujarat 370001, India
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mandvi en-route visit Sumarasar Village for Weaving of Shawl and Stole Weaving in Kutch a traditional profession and skills are passed on from father to son. After having an experience of Weaving drive to Bhuj to meet Abu Baker Wazirs, Museum of Quality Textiles for over 50 years. Being collectors of antique Indian textiles and embroideries for over 45 years. Continue to Mandvi check in at resort.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Vijay Vilas Palace, Kachchh District, Mandvi India
Later visit Vijay Vilas Palace built in 1929 by Rao Vijayrajji, this palace is very well-maintained, and often the scene of filming for Bollywood productions. It was built of red sandstone in the Rajput style, with a main central dome, Bengal domes at the sides, bastions at the corner, and colored glass windows. The balcony at the top affords a superb view of the surrounding area, and the king’s tomb can also be seen.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mandvi, Mandvi, Kutch District, Gujarat
Mandvi Town known for its shipbuilding centre. The local carpenters still make ocean-going Dhows in much the same way that their ancestors had done a century ago. One can go and visit the men at work, shaping the great vessels with hand tools and coaxing the seasoned timber into shape. The carrying capacity of these boats can vary from 250 tons to 1000 tons. The predecessors of these very same ships had roamed the Indian Ocean and made Kutch a maritime power. Handmade models of these Dhows can also be procured from local artisans. Rest time free and easy to relax on the beach. Dinner
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Beach Resort.
Day 8: Mandvi – Mundra – Bhadreshwar – Little Rann Of Kutch (275kms/ 5hrs approx)
Stop At: Mundra, Mundra, Kutch District, Gujarat
Breakfast at hotel drive to Little Rann Of Kutch via visiting Mundra & Bhadreshwar.
In Mundra see some of the finest Batik workshops. The process starts with the removal of starch from the plain white fabric. The fabric is soaked in soda and with thorough rinsing; the starch from the fabric is removed. A work table is prepared by spreading river-bed sand on a long rectangular surface. The printer begins block-printing with wax once the plain fabric is laid out on the table.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Shri Bhadreshwar Jain Tirth Derasar, WW63+GMW, Bhadreshwar, Gujarat 370410, India
Next drive to visit Bhadreshwar Jain Temple perhaps one of the most under-appreciated sites of great significance in religious history. It is claim the city was founded in 516 BC, and first temple was built “2500 years ago, about 45 years after the death of Lord Mahavir,”. The main temple is strikingly beautiful in all white marble with majestic pillars. Around the central one are 52 smaller shrines, one of which reputedly holds the original Parshavanath idol from 500 BC.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: overnight at resort/ camp
Day 9: Little Rann Of Kutch – Patan – Modhera – Ahmedabad (160kms/ 3hrs approx)
Stop At: Little Rann of Kutch, Thar Desert, Kutch India
Early morning Jeep Safari in Little Rann of Kutch to spot the Asiatic Wild Ass and other mammals, this area is also good for spotting migratory Birds. You can also do a village safari to see communities like Mir, Bharwad, Rabari, and Bajanias.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rani Ki vav, Near the Patan Highway, 384265 India
Return to camp for breakfast and drive to Ahmedabad with stop to visit Rani ki Vav & Panchasara Jain Temple at Patan & Modhera Sun Temple.
Rani ki Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) – Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the banks of the Saraswati River. The world famous 11th century Solanki era step well was built by the Queen in memory of her husband. Designed as an inverted temple, it is highlighting the sanctity of water and is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels; more than 500 principle sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, mythological and secular imagery, often referencing literary works. Panchasara Jain Temple – The king Vanraj Chavada built this jain temple around VS 802. There are 51 mini temples around the temple. It was said that main idol of lord parshwanath much older than Vikram Samvat 802- hindu calendar(around 8th century).
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Sun Temple, On Becharaji Highway, Modhera 384212 India
Modhera Sun Temple – a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya located at Modhera village of Mehsana district. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. No worship is offered now and is protected monument maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and Kunda, the reservoir. The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. The reservoir has steps to reach the bottom and numerous small shrines.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat
Continue drive to Ahmedabad check in at hotel.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Ahmedabad – Departure (flight)
Stop At: Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
