Jewels of Gujarat & Saurashtra Tour, Visit Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Dwarka, Junagadh, Sasangir, Somnath, Diu, Bhavnagar, Palitana

Jewels of Gujarat & Saurashtra Tour, a guided & customisable West India tour plan traversing through Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Dwarka, Junagadh, Sasangir, Somnath, Diu, Bhavnagar, Palitana and other tourist highlights. Two weeks given to cultural splendour, food fiesta and enchanting sightseeing tours. The itinerary is laced with numerous exciting features making your West India tour a memory to be cherished for life. These two weeks of travelling bliss through Gujarati countryside, with fascinating experiences of culture, food, sightseeing. Grab the essence of Gujarati spirit, enterprise and love for good life on this dream vacation through tourist jewels of Gujarat and Saurashtra.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Mumbai
Arrival in Mumbai. On arrival transfer to the hotel for check in, followed by overnight stay.

Day 2: Mumbai City Tour
Full day tour includes visit to Gateway of India, the Prince Wales Museum, Elephanta Caves & Marine Drive.

Day 3: Mumbai � Ahmedabad
Morning flight to Ahmedabad. Visit Jumma Masjid, Sidi Syed Mosque, Siddhi Bashir Mosque in Ahemdabad.

Day 4: Ahmedabad City Tour
Tour Ahmedabad includes visit to Hatheesing Jain Temple, Sabarmati Ashram.

Day 5: Ahmedabad � Jamnagar
Morning drive to Jamnagar. Sightseeing tour include visit to the temples and to local markets.

Day 6: Jamnagar � Excursion Dwarka- Jamnagar
Morning excursion to Dwarka and see Dwarkadheesh and Rukmini Devi Temple.

Day 7: Jamnagar �Junagadh
Early morning drive to Junagadh and visit Uparkot Fort & Ashoka's Rock Edicts.

Day 8: Junagadh � Sasan Gir
Morning drive to Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy the adventurous Jeep safari.

Day 9: Sasan Gir � Somnath
Morning Jeep Safari to the National Park. Later drive to Somnath Temple & witness traditional ritual of Aarti in the evening.

Day 10: Somnath � Diu
Transfer to Diu and visit the battlement of Diu Fort, St. Paul's Church & St. Thomas Church.

Day 11: Diu � Bhavnagar via Palitana
Drive to Bhavnagar, en route visit the Jain pilgrimage of Palitana. Then drive to Bhavnaga and check in a hotel.

Day 12: Bhavnagar City Tour
Visit Takhteshwar Temple and Gandhi Smriti Museum. If time permits also visit Velavadar Black Buck Sanctuary.

Day 13: Bhavnagar � Mumbai
Board a flight to Mumbai for your connecting flight to onward destination.

Tour Highlights

History, culture & entertainment find an intriguing definition in the city of Mumbai.
A former residence city of Mahatma Gandhi- Ahmedabad uncovers a perfect harmonious existence of vivid religions. Visit Gandhi�s residence here and the Bashir mosque known for its shaking minarets.
Explore exquisite handicrafts and Jain temples of Jamnagar.
Visit architectural masterpieces of Dwarkadhees and Rukmini Devi Temple in Jamnagar.
Spot world�s only 4 horned Antelope at Sasan Gir National Park.
Explore one of the holiest sites of Hindus- the Somnath Temple.
Cultural capital of Saurashtra- Bhavnagar too is a part of this tour.
Try and make it for a visit to Velavadar Black Buck Sanctuary in Bhavnagar.

Day 1: Arrive at Mumbai

Upon your arrival at the airport, meet our representative awaiting just outside the arrival hall, past the customs area & currency shops. Most of the international flights land late in the night and therefore nothing is planned for the day. Back at hotel after a short while our representative will brief you about your tour which starts the day after.

Beneath the chaos and the cacophonic sounds of the city lies an inebriating mix of culture, heritage, celebration and natural beauty. Mumbai is a financial powerhouse, centre of fashion and film industry and the hub of neon-lit chambers of frolic. The city allures with its wealth of Art Deco and magnificent colonial relics, grand temples, labyrinths of vibrant bazaars, horde of brand conscious malls and a pinch of soul stirring fun.

Day 2: Mumbai City Tour

Visit Gateway of India, a 26 meters high basalt arch, Gateway of India located on the seafront was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the region in 1911. It was here at Gateway that the last British troops passed through the Gateway in a ceremony on 28th February 1948 leaving India a free country. You will set on a ferry boat ride from here to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Elephanta Caves in Mumbai Harbour. The exquisite rock cut architecture of the caves date back to between 5th and 8th century. Out of these the three-faceted sculpture of Lord Shiva is the most striking one.

Later visit the renowned Prince of Wales Museum. The museum is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture along with elements of Mughal, Maratha and Jain architecture. The museum is known primarily for housing 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian and foreign art, archaeological and natural history. The museum houses artefacts such as miniatures, paintings, Mughal jades, silver, gold and artistic metal ware and more. The day concludes back at the hotel in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai - Ahmedabad

(Flying Time: 1hr)
Catch early morning flight to Ahmedabad. The largest city of Gujarat is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River. Set on a city tour and visit the major sightseeing attractions of the city. The capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad has established itself as one of the leading textile industries for which it is known as the Manchester of the East. The city also played an important role in the Indian independence movement which earned it special mention in the pages of history. Take a stroll around this historic city and visit one of the most beautiful mosques, Jama Masjid; this grand edifice dating back to 1423 A.D. nicely decked in Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Next visit other prominent mosques, the Sidi Sayed Mosque & Siddhi Bashir Mosque well known for its shaking minarets.

Day 4: Ahmedabad City Tour

The city which became the base for various struggles of Indian independence, it gave birth to campaigns of civil disobedience to promote workers� rights and political freedom. An ardent follower of principles of Mahatma Gandhi, Ahmedabad has emerged as a base for textile industry. Today you set on an expedition to travel across this cultural and commercial heart of Gujarat.
Tour Ahmedabad which includes a visit to Hatheesing Jain Temple; devoted to the 15th Jain Tirthankar (Jain Apostle) the temple has been intricately carved and lavishly decorated with white marble. Also, a visit to Sabarmati Ashram is a must while in Ahmedabad. The nerve center of India's freedom movement set up by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, the Ashram was the first Satyagraha Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi and has a memorial center, library and a sound & light spectacle.

Day 5: Ahmedabad - Jamnagar

(Driving Time: 8 hrs)
Proceed to Jamnagar one of the important states of Saurashtra and is also known as Jewel of Kathiawar for its exquisite handicrafts. The major attraction of Jamnagar remains its exquisite handicraft and the beauteous Jain temples which you will visit on this day. Begin the tour of the region on a pious note and visit the famed Jain temples in the region. By the evening stroll in the local bazaars to shop for some of the handicrafts as souvenirs.

Day 6: Jamnagar - Excursion Dwarka- Jamnagar

(Driving Time: 4 hrs)
Drive to Dwarka, one of the holy cities of Hindus. As per Hindu mythology, Dwarka was the dwelling place of Lord Krishna and thus have religious significance for the devotees. The highlight of this excursion will be the visit to renowned Dwarkadheesh temple and Rukmini Devi Temple. Applauded worldwide for its architectural marvel The Dwarkadeesh Temple was built by great grandson of Lord Krishna in around 400 BC and is built of limestone and sand. The current construction of this beautiful temple consists of influences of various dynasties which ruled the region as a result the temple captivates both devotees and connoisseurs of art. Thereafter you will be driven to Rukmini Devi Temple in the same vicinity which is believed to be 2500 years old. The temple devoted to Rukmini Devi, wife of Lord Krishna the temple is also an architectural wonder decked with lovely paintings and beauteous murals. This spiritual journey will conclude as you drive back to Jamnagar late in the evening.

Day 7: Jamnagar - Junagadh

(Driving Time: 5 hrs)
Early morning drive to Junagadh which lies at the foot of Girnar Hills. Set on a treasure hunt at Junagadh and you will be pleasantly surprised with the number of impressive heritage you will discover. A small and ancient city, Junagadh is situated at the base of stunning Girnar Hill which clouds the city beautifully. The region around Durbar Hall Museum is flanked with exotic old buildings and the Uperkot Fort is particularly eerie. At Junagadh the sightseeing tour will introduce you to the major attractions of the city i.e. Uparkot Fort famous for its virtual inaccessibility; now almost crumbling the fort is the most significant landmark in the city and this 319 BC construction has retained its charm. Explore the fifteen foot cannon and the sites believed to be Buddhist caves and more. Ashoka's Rock Edicts dating from 250 BC stands testimony to the ancient age.

Day 8: Junagadh - Sasan Gir

(Driving Time: 1.75 hrs)
Early morning drive to Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is planned for this day. The sanctuary established in 1965 is a renowned home to large number of Panthers, Hyenas, Deer, the world's only 4 horned Antelope, Blue Bull, Wild Boar & the dangerous Marsh Crocodile. Enjoy the adventurous Jeep safari to the National Park which boasts of being the sole home to pure Asiatic Lions. Thus an important protected area of Asia the park is also known as the largest dry deciduous forest in West India. The bountiful avifauna will surely impress you here with a total of 300 species of birds most of which are resident at Gir Wildlife National Park. A jeep safari today will be held under the care of expert naturalists.

Day 9: Sasan Gir - Somnath

(Driving Time: 2 hrs)
Set on an early morning Jeep Safari to the National Park before you commence on another drive to the next destination. Post safari drive to Somnath Temple. One of the 12 Jyotilingas of Lord Shiva the temple has imposing architecture and is believed to have been built by Moon God. The architecture of the temple is believed to be the Chalukya style of temple architecture and is reminiscent of the skills of Gujarat�s famed masons. Also have a glimpse of the spectacular Aarti ritual in the evening when the temple seemed steeped in spirituality and the splendid ambiance makes the divine presence felt.

Day 10: Somnath - Diu

(Driving Time: 2.1 hrs)
Transfer to Diu, an island lying off the South coast of Gujarat's Kathiawar peninsula. Visit the battlement of Diu Fort, constructed between 535 � 1541 AD. The town of Diu is situated at the eastern end of the island and the highlights of the region include the ancient fortress and a Portuguese Cathedral. The erstwhile Portuguese colonizers have bequeathed the city with its imprints in the form of ancient cathedrals. Even the Diu Fort which came under Portuguese rule in 16th century has a church inside its peripheries. St. Paul's Church known for its magnificent wood paneling was built in 1691 is most famous surviving church in Diu and is considered one of the finest examples of baroque architectural style. Also pay a visit to St. Thomas Church which now houses a museum containing assorted items of Catholic wood carving, antiques, multicolored fountains and special lightings.

Day 11: Diu - Bhavnagar via Palitana

(Driving Time: 5 hrs)
Drive to Bhavnagar, en route visiting the Jain pilgrimage of Palitana. Then drive to Bhavnagar, the cultural capital of Saurashtra. A religious Jain city on the way to Bhavnagar, Palitana is a famous pilgrimage centre renowned for housing more than 1300 Jain temples. These temples exquisitely carved in marble are situated on the top of Shatrunjaya hills out of which the main temple is dedicated to 1st Tirthankar lord Adinath. Resume the drive to Bhavnagar where you will come across a series of tangled bazaars and old houses seeming completely untouched from the outside modern world.

Day 12: Bhavnagar City Tour

Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Bhavnagar this morning. The highlights of the tour will be Khodiyar Mata shrine; built in 1893 the temple is located on the hilltop and is the holy shrine of Lord Shiva. Built in 19th century the temple displays architectural marvel of that age. Another splendid Shiva temple, Takhteshwar Temple is situated on the highest point in the city and is thus an important landmark from where one can enjoy the scenic panorama that surrounds. Finally conclude the journey with a visit to Gandhi Smriti Museum which houses a collection of photographs and memorabilia associated with Mahatma Gandhi. If time permits also visit Velavadar Black Buck Sanctuary in the vicinity before returning to your hotel for night stay.

Day 13: Bhavnagar - Mumbai

(Flying Time: 1hr)
Board a flight to Mumbai for your connecting flight to onward destination.