Gujarat – Undiscovered India
Ahmedabad, Dasada, Bhuj, Gondal, Sasan Gir, Bhavanagar
Straddling the mighty Arabian Sea and the arid desert plains of Rajasthan, Gujarat has a very distinctive culture despite the fact that it is far less travelled than the neighbouring states of Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Its landscape comprises fertile plains, forested hills, tidal marshland and desert plains, not to mention the affable island of Diu.
For a luxury holiday to Gujarat, start your journey in the capital city of Ahmedabad, where you can see superb examples of the iconic Indo-Islamic architecture and sample the famous Gujarati cuisine with a tailored street food tour. Ahmedabd was also the residence of Mahatma Gandhi, where he spent twelve years at the Sabarmati Ashram, which is well worth a visit.
Move beyond the chaotic capital and you can find many diverse and fascinating gems. Sacred Jain and Hindu pilgrimage sites scatter the landscapes and hilltops. The stunning, eleventh century Sun Temple in Modhera, is considered to be the finest surviving example of Solanki architecture and The Dwarkadish Temple shrouded in legend, is famed as Krishna’s capital. Just outside of Palitana is the holy hill of Shatrunjaya where over nine hundred, intricately carved marble temples stand on the hillside
In the northwest of the state, stands the intriguing, barren lands of Kutch, sometimes stranded by the vast tracts of flooded marshland. Here village culture still survives and the age old tribal traditions of embroidery, block printing and tie-dye still thrive resulting in the famous exquisite textiles of the region. Spend a night or two at the House of Bhuj and seek out the finest fabrics.
Although India is well known as the homeland of the Bengal Tiger, few are aware that Gir National Park in Gujarat is the last remaining habitat of the rare Asiatic Lion. Stay at one of the jungle lodges and spend your days in search of this exotic mammal. Gujarat is also home to herds of wild Ass and many exotic migratory birds, these are well observed from the Rann of Kutch. Here you can take a private jeep into the barren salt marshes and see these rare species in their natural habitat.
Ahmedabad, Dasada, Bhuj, Gondal, Sasan Gir, Bhavanagar
8 Days / 7 Nights