Ahmedabad to Bhuj Uncover the Gujarat Best Kept Secret

Day 1 · Arrive Ahmedabad

1. 1

   Ahmedabad

   2 hours

   On arrival at Ahmedabad airport assistance and transfer to hotel check in. Rest time free and easy to relax.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 2 · Ahmedabad

1. 1

   Stop 1

   one hour

   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.

2. 2

   Bhadra Fort

   one hour Admission included

   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.

3. 3

   Kite Museum

   one hour Admission included

   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.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 · Ahmedabad - Dholavira (255kms/ 5hrs approx)

1. 1

   Dholavira

   one hour

   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.

overnight at hotel.

Day 4 · Dholavira - Bhuj (220kms/ 5hrs approx)

1. 1

   Stop 1

   one hour Admission included

   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.

2. 2

   Prag Mahal Palace

   30 min Admission included

   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.

3. 3

   BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Aksharwadi Temple)

   one hour

   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.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 · Bhuj - Hodka (65kms/ 1.3hrs approx)

1. 1

   Hodka Village

   3 hours

   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.

Day 6 · Hodka - White Rann of Kutch

1. 1

   Stop 1

   2 hours

   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.

overnight at Hodka.

Day 7 · Hodka - Mandvi (135kms/ 3hrs approx)

1. 1

   Stop 1

   one hour

   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.

2. 2

   Vijay Vilas Palace

   one hour Admission included

   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.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   one hour

   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

overnight at Beach Resort.

Day 8 · Mandvi - Mundra - Bhadreshwar - Bhuj (135kms/ 3hrs approx)

1. 1

   Mundra

   one hour

   Breakfast at hotel drive to Bhuj 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.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   one hour

   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.

3. 3

   Bhuj

   2 hours

   Continue drive to Bhuj and drop off at airport to board evening flight for onward destination.