Gujarat – Pearl of the West India

We will be picked up at the airport after our arrival and taken to the hotel. After a rest, we start our first sightseeing. First, we visit the famous Calico Textile Museum. Here you will find one of the best exhibitions of Indian textiles of the last 500 years. The former capital of Gujarat is still the cultural and economic center of the state today. It impresses with a fascinating potpourri of tradition and modernity, Islam and Hinduism.

On the eastern side of the Sabarmati River is the old town with numerous mosques such as the Sidhi Sayed Mosque, narrow streets and colorful bazaars. The strictly ascetic Jains hold a special position in Gujarat, and their temples are among the most impressive sights in Gujarat.

We visit the impressive Hutheesing Jain Temple from the 19th century, the Swaminarayan Temple and the Mangaldas ni Haveli. Another architectural marvel are the step wells Dada Hari Ni Vav & Adalaj, which we also visit.

Today we set off towards Bhavnagar. On the way we visit the important Velavadar Black Buck National Park (150km, approx. 3.5h). Blackbuck is the English word for a blackbuck - for whose protection it was mainly founded. In addition to this type of antelope, which can be found here in droves, there are also the rare Indian wolves, which are rarely seen during the day, as well as wild boars, various types of cats and jackals.

We then continue the journey to Bhavnagar (60km, approx. 1.5h). Bhanavgar is a lively trading town with an oriental flair. The main attraction is the winding old town with its lively markets and some outstanding temples. If time permits, we will start a small sightseeing program after our arrival. After the short climb to the Takhteshwar Temple, which is located on a hill, we will enjoy the fantastic view of the harbor and the bay.

Early in the morning we set off for Palitana (60km, approx. 1.5h), where we can climb the holy mountain Shatrunajaya and admire its 836 Jain temples and more than 10,000 statues. The most impressive Jain complex from the 15th/16th century is one of the most important pilgrimage sites on our trip. The finely carved reliefs and sculptures as well as columns and domes made of pure white marble are impressive testaments to the Jains' high culture and skill. But the climb is no walk in the park, as you have to climb 600 meters and 3,500 steps.

If you can't manage this, you can be carried up the mountain in a sedan chair (for a fee). Once at the summit, we can let our gaze wander over the surrounding area with its lakes. On our onward journey to Gopnath (50km, approx. 1.5h), we make a short stop in Talaja to visit a Jain temple and the Buddhist caves that are over 2000 years old.

Today we reach Diu (155km, approx. 4h), an island on the south coast of the state of Gujarat. On our sightseeing tour, we discover the numerous colonial influences, as Diu was part of the Portuguese colonial empire until 1961. We stroll through the dreamy, idyllic provincial town and visit the fort built by the Portuguese, St. Paul's Church and the Diu Museum. We end our day at Nagoa Beach by the turquoise sea.

Early in the morning we visit the fishing village of Vanakabra and the fish market there. After breakfast, another highlight awaits us, as we visit the legendary Somnath Temple, the temple of the moon god (90km, 2h). It is one of the twelve holiest shrines and is dedicated to the god Shiva. After the tour, we drive to Sasan Gir National Park (80km, approx. 2h), the last refuge of the Asian lions. The national park is around 260 km² in size and is located in a 1400 km² protected area. The landscape is characterized by hills and small valleys. Mixed forests and grassland alternate and provide a habitat for various species of deer, antelopes, wild boars and langurs.

The park is known for its big cats. In addition to hyenas, jungle cats and leopards, there are also Asian lions. The population is estimated at around 300 specimens. At dusk we go on safari to be able to observe the active animal life up close.

Today we must get up very early, because the chance of seeing the animals in the national park is particularly high in the morning hours. For this reason we set off very early for our jungle safari and can absorb the unique atmosphere at dawn. With a bit of luck, we might meet one or two "park residents". After our experiences in nature, we drive on to Junagarh to visit some of the local sights. The program includes the colorful Shree Swaminarayan Temple and the imposing Upperkot Fortress.

The fortress is over 2000 years old and sits on a hill in the east of the city. In addition to the mighty walls, you can see a huge cannon, a mosque, two cisterns and Buddhist cave temples dating from the fourth century AD. In over 1000 years, the fortress was besieged 16 times in vain - the two step wells within the walls provided enough water to supply not only the residents but also the horses and elephants within the walls. On the way to the fortress, we visit the Darbar Hall Museum. The Muslim tomb Mahabat Maqbara from 1892 impresses with its corkscrew-like, twisted towers, flights of stairs and filigree domes. and is a popular photo subject. The Narshin Mehta Choro is also a must.

On a short excursion we also visit Ashoka's rock edicts. (70km, approx. 1.5h)

Today we take an excursion to Gondal. Gondal is a small fortified town that exudes a calm atmosphere, although in the early 20th century it was the center of a progressive Indian principality of the same name. The Gondali River, after which it was named, flows through the town.

Here we visit the Naulakha Palace as well as the Riverside & Orchard Palace with the princely garages. Here you will find a collection of impressive American cars from the Second World War and the post-war period. Afterwards we visit a factory that produces traditional Ayurvedic medicine. After our sightseeing tour we drive back to Junagarh. (50km, approx. 1h)

On our journey to Dwarka we stop in Probandar (110km, 2.5h), the birthplace of Gandhi. Gandhi was born here in October 1869. On our journey we visit his birthplace - Kirti Mandir with personal items and writings.

We then drive on to the pilgrimage site of Dwarka (125km, approx. 2.5h). According to legend, Krishna built his capital here after he had to flee Mathura. Along with Badrinath, Puri and Rameshwaram, Dwarka is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destinations and a visit there is a must for every devout Hindu.

Unfortunately, visiting the famous Dwarkanath Temple from the inside is very dependent on local conditions, as it is only open to Hindus. With a bit of luck, we can still get in. But the temple is also worth seeing from the outside, with a five-story tower supported by 60 pillars. The temple is more than 1400 years old and houses the image of the god Krishna.

In the morning, we visit the Rukmani Temple in Dwarka. This temple belongs to the wife of the god Krishna. We then go to the Gomati Temple. The Gomati Temple is a Shiva temple that lies on the banks of the Gomati River of the same name. We then drive on to Jamnagar. The old town of Jamnagar was built around the Ranmal Lake, in the middle of which the circular Lakhota Fort rises.

In the southeast corner of the lake is the Bala Hanuman Temple. It is famous for the pilgrims and priests who have been chanting 'Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram' continuously since August 1, 1964, which also earned it an entry in the Guinness Book of Records. Later we visit the Jain Temple & the Shiva Temple. (140km, approx. 3h)

After breakfast we continue to Bhuj, in the northwestern tip of Gujarat. The capital of Kutch is built around a lake and surrounded by a city wall. Until a few years ago, the city gates were closed every evening and only opened again at dawn. In this city you feel like you have gone back in time. Since not many western tourists find their way to this city, the locals like to stop and look at the travelers.

In Bhuj you will find the most colorful bazaars that you will not find anywhere else in India. Everywhere you see colorfully dressed locals transporting huge carts of goods to the various markets. You can also visit many old palaces and Hindi temples with great carvings and colorful decorations.

Today we visit a typical palace of Bhuj - the Aina Mahal Palace. This mirror palace was built in the 18th century in European style. It is now one of the largest and most beautiful complexes, although it was badly damaged in the devastating earthquake in 2001.

Another attraction in Bhuj is the Kutch Museum. It was formerly known as the Fergusson Museum. It was built in 1877 AD and is therefore the oldest museum in Gujarat. It is located in picturesque surroundings on the banks of Lake Hamirsar. The museum has a large collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions and various archaeological objects. (160km, approx. 5h

We continued our journey to visit the famous Banni Villages, which are known for their traditional tribes and their artistic handicrafts. We will get to know the most diverse villages and their crafts as well as the way of life of the residents. The day feels a bit like a trip through a huge "open-air museum".

The crafts that are practiced in the villages include various embroidery work, wood carving, painting, pottery and also the finest silk weaving. This will be an impressive trip from which we will certainly return with numerous experiences and colorful photos. We then drive on to Hodka. Here we have our first experience with Indian bureaucracy. Since this region is close to the Indian-Pakistani border, we have to register in person with the police. (100mk, approx. 2.5h)

From Hodka we drive back to Bhuj. We pass the villages of Karo Dungar and Zura as well as the village of Nirona, the only place where the so-called Rogan paintings are made. Rogan is Persian and means "oil-based". Here we look at a wide variety of handicrafts. B/-/- (65km, approx. 1.5h)

In the morning we drive to Little Rann of Kutch. The day is all about nature. The word "Rann" comes from the language of the Hindus and means something like salty swamp. The mostly dry area is only flooded in the rainy season between July and September and then forms this salty swamp.

In the late afternoon we go on a safari through the "Little Rann of Kutch" national park. The area is home to the Asian wild ass, a relative of the African zebra and unfortunately threatened with extinction. With a little luck, these can be seen in small herds. There is also a diverse bird life here, including various species of flamingos and pelicans, as well as spoonbills, cranes, eagles, storks and ducks. Other wild animals that can be seen include antelopes, wolves, foxes, and various species of snakes, such as cobras, boas and vipers. (225km, approx. 4.5h)

On the way back to Ahmedabad, we visit the impressive sun temple and the step well in Modhera, and a visit to the beautiful Rani Ki Vav step well in Patan is also a must. In Ahmedabad, we can enjoy the rest of the day at our leisure. (118km, approx. 2.5h)

After breakfast, drive to Jambughoda - a small, former kingdom. The rural surroundings are home to the Bhil and Nayaka tribes. On the way, we stop in the temple town of Dakor and the Balasinor Fossil Park. (178km, approx. 4h)

Today we get to know a particularly interesting jewel of Gujarat, Champaner. Here we find the old Bhavani Devi Temple, the Champaner Fort and the Nagina Masjid and Jami Masjid. Champaner has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. (26km, approx. 40min each way)

On our onward journey we pass the temple of Shamlaji. It is believed that this shrine has existed for at least 500 years. The temple was built from white sandstone and bricks. Its beautifully crowned roof and a traditional Indian spire of the main shrine add to the grandeur of its open courtyard, which is decorated with the sculpture of a life-size elephant.

After the tour, we continue to Vijaynagar. Vijaynagar is located in the middle of a very beautiful, but also bizarre landscape. The small town lies on the Tunghabhadra River and is surrounded by huge granite rocks. According to legend, these were thrown there by the god Shiva. Gentle hills with wide domes dominate the picture. The fields between the ruins are planted with sugar cane and grains. (255km, approx. 5h)

Today we make excursions to Taranga and Ider. In the middle of a large plateau, on the summit of the Taranga mountain, stands a beautiful temple made of light sandstone. The large spire is supported by huge pillars depicting beautiful girls and figures with musical instruments. The outer walls are also richly decorated with figures in lifelike poses and costumes from the 12th century. The most famous temple in Vijaynagar is the Vittala Temple with the famous triumphal chariot made of stone and incredibly beautiful sculptures.

In the morning our journey takes us to Poshina. Here we get to know the simple beauty of traditional village life by visiting various small villages in the area. This is the home of the tribal communities of the Garasias, the Bhil and the Rabaris. We are presented with an unusual scene in which thousands of terracotta horses are lined up as offerings to the local deity. A visit to the house of a master potter gives us an insight into the tribal culture. B/-/D (60km, approx. 1h)

We start the day with a walk through several surrounding villages of the Adivasi, Chatrang, Garacia and Gowalas. We continue to Ambaji, an important pilgrimage town not far from Danta. Every year several million pilgrims come to the Ambaji Temple on the border with Rajasthan, where Shree Visa Yantra is worshipped. B/-/D

Today we embark on the last journey on our exciting India trip and drive from Poshina back to Ahmedabad. Here we have time to explore the city and the sights on our own until we are taken to the airport late in the evening or at night and take the flight home. We can use our hotel room in Ahmedabad until we are picked up. B/-/- (185km, approx. 4h)

After breakfast one of our staff, will lead to Ahmedabad International airport, back flight to home or onward destinations