Glimpses Holidays

Day 01: Arrive at Ahmedabad
Evening arrive at Ahmedabad - Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel international airport.

Ahmadabad - Welcome to the commercial and cultural capital of Gujrat. Nestled in the heart of Gujarat, this zesty city provides one with a generous buffet of stimulation that swears to enliven all the five senses. A day here is like living through an enigmatic and passionate dance between the old and the contemporary, the virtuous and the ruthless, the peaceful and the chaotic, the artistic and the crude, the spiritual and the material. Ahmedabad has many monuments constructed using a blend of Hindu and Muslim influences and also served as a base for visitors wishing to travel to the white desert of Gujrat. Its local flavor, friendly people and sunny weather make it an interesting destination for any traveler.

On arrival at the airport you'll greet and assist by our representative and transfer to hotel. Where our executive will explain the travel plan in detail and hand over the essential documents (Tour programme, hotel's vouchers, feedback report etc) to you. Rest of the day free to relax at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Ahmedabad
After breakfast at hotel enjoy morning city tour including Law Garden, Sidi Saiyad Mosque, Gandhi Ashram & museum - Gandhi Ashram, also known as the Sabarmati ashram is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, about 7 kms north of Ahmedabad. This ashram is one of the important tourist attractions and the beautiful ashram complex of Ahmedabad. This Ashram was set up by the Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 and one of the most moving memorial. This ashram was the Mahatma Gandhi's headquarters during the struggle for India's independence. His ashram still makes handicraft, handmade paper and spinning wheels. His living quarter is still preserved as a small museum and there is a library and a memorial centre. Hathee Singh Jain Temple - This Jain temple was built in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant and is one of the Ahmedabad's best ornated Jain temple. This temple is dedicated to Dharamanath, the 15th Jain Tirthankar. This temple is built of pure white marble and profusely decorated with rich carvings. Kankaria Lake - This lake is a polygonal artificial lake which has 34 sides and was constructed in 1451 by the Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak. In the centre of the lake an island summer palace is situated which is known as Nagina Wadi. Jama Masjid - This mosque is believed to have been built by using the salvaged items from the demolished Hindu and Jain temples. This mosque is built of yellow sandstone and combines the best of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture.

Evening free to explore local markets at your own. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Ahmedabad - Bhavnagar (168 Kms / 3.5 hrs)
After breakfast at hotel drive to Bhavnagar. Bhavnagar lies in the southeast corner of the Kathiawar peninsula in the Saurashtra plains. Bhavnagar was founded by Bhav Singh ji Gohil in 1723 AD near the Gulf of Khambhat, on a carefully chosen strategic location having potential of maritime trade. Earlier, Bhavnagar was a flourishing port but today, various activities related to the sea takes place at the Ghogha and Alang port. Bhavnagar grew into one of the 15th richest princely states in India during the early 20th century. On arrival, check in hotel.

After wash and change at hotel enjoy half day city tour including Takhteshwar Temple - Takhteshwar Temple is a historic temple, located on a small hill. This temple provides good views of the city and the Gulf of Cambay. Gaurishankar Lake - a very popular place for the evening stroll, picnic and bird watching. Ducks, geese, pelicans, cranes and other wading birds can be seen on the banks of this lake. On the banks of the lake, Barton Museum & Gandhi Smriti - This museum has a fine collection of farming tools, beadwork, wood carvings, religious carvings, weapons, musical instruments, betel nut cutters, coins, stamps, sculpture, skeletons and various folk arts objects which represent the culture of the Saurashtra region. Barton Library - It has two wings and a central tower, constructed in ashlar stone masonry, with Gothic arch windows and a sloping roof with Mangalore tiles. This library is one of the oldest libraries of Gujarat and also houses a museum. Evening free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Bhavnagar - Diu (203 Kms / 04 hrs)
After breakfast at hotel drive to Diu. A beautiful blend of sea, sand and sun, Diu is a God's gift to those in quest of a blessed land where the weary weight of this unintelligible world can, for a while, be lightened and the waking soul can hear the music of the nature. This tiny island of breeze, beauty and serenity situated off the southern tip of the Saurashtra (Kathiawad) peninsula of Gujarat, lapped by the Arabian Sea, is a picture of calmness with superb beaches and a fascinating history. Diu was ruled by many well-known kings and dynasties during the prehistoric, ancient and medieval times. It was a Portuguese colony until 1961. It is now a Union Territory, separated from Goa in 1987.It was an important trading post and naval base from where the rulers controlled the shipping routes in the northern part of the Arabian Sea between the 14-16th centuries.

This beautiful island has excellent golden beaches, whitewashed churches, bazaar, colourful Lisbon streets, gorgeous climate, huge Portuguese fort, lush seafood and Gujarati weekenders who flock for the cheap booze and sunshine. On arrival, check in hotel. Rest of the day free to explore the hiddin beauty of this town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Diu
After breakfast at hotel enjoy day city tour including Diu Fort - constructed by the Portuguese in 1535 A.D. and was one of their most important ones in Asia. St. Paul's Church - founded by Jesuits in 1600 and then rebuilt in 1807. Inside it is a great barn, filled with heavy dark wood, with a small cloister, next door. St. Thomas Church - St. Thomas Church is a lovely simple building housing the Diu Museum. There is a spooky, evocative collection of worn Catholic statues. Once a year, on 1 November, this is used for a packed out mass. There are also some remains of the Jain. Evening free to relax at beach / hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Diu - EXCURSION VISIT TO GIR NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast at hotel excursion to visit to Gir National Park. Gir National Park is one of the India’s finest wildlife sanctuaries located in Gujarat. This national park is set up in an area of 1412 square km. of lush deciduous forests. Gir National Park has been the only habitat of the Asiatic lion. During the British Raj, lions were hunted mercilessly by the British officers assisted by the obliging Maharajas and Nawabs. Every Maharaja was proud of the number of lions or tigers he killed during his lifetime. On arrival enjoy safari to explore the wildlife inside the park.

Later return back to Diu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Diu - Somnath - Junagarh (116 Kms)
After an early breakfast at hotel drive to visit Somnath temple - one of Jyotirlinga of well known 12 Jyotirlinga. This temple is situated in Veraval city of Saurashtra in Gujrat enjoying close proximity of beautiful beach of Arabian Sea. This is one of the most ancient temple of Gujrat and with its beautiful structure and historical importance this temple is a center of attraction of shrines. Millions of people visit this beautiful temple every year from all around the world.

Later continue your drive to Junagarh. Junagadh, an ancient city, is situated in erstwhile Saurashtra, at the foot of Mount Girnar on the northern fringes of the Gir forest. Through various phases of history, Junagadh is described with equal importance and for many centuries it was the capital of the western region of Gujarat. Stippled with hills, the medieval city of Junagadh derives its name from an old fort called by the same name. Junagadh is a place of pilgrimage and has produced a number of saints in its long histroy. It is also a wonderful nature reserve for various flora and fauna. It is also one of the few places where lions still roam free as it is the abode of the majestic Asiatic Lion. Junagadh is an ancient city of temples, museums, palaces and caves. Every monument reminds its great history. On arrival check in at hotel.

After wash and change at hotel visit Ashokan Rock Edicts - On the way to Girnar, there is a huge boulder, housed in a small roadside building, on which are fourteen Rock Edicts inscribed by Emperor Ashoka. The inscriptions are written in Brahmi script in Pali language and date back to 250 B.C. The fourteen edicts of Emperor Ashoka are actually moral lectures. The fourteen edicts of Emperor Ashoka are moral lectures. Uperkot Fort - This ancient fort, on Junagadh’s eastern side, is believed to have been built in 319 BC by Chandragupta (ruler of India in the 3rd century BC), though it has been extended many times. An ornate triple gateway forms the entrance, and in places the walls reach 20m high. It's been besieged 16 times, and legend has it that the fort once withstood a 12-year siege. It's also said that the fort was abandoned from the 7th to the 10th centuries and, when rediscovered, was completely overgrown by jungle. Buddhist Caves, Junagarh Museum. Evening free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Junagarh - Porbandar - Dwarka (255kms )
After breakfast at hotel drive to Dwarka on the way one can visit Porbandar. Further west of Junagadh, situated along the coast of Gujarat is Porbandar. Porbandar is a small port town that is connected with India's history through its association with Mahatma Gandhi. Porbandar in Gujarat is famous for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The home of Gandhiji's childhood, known by the name of Kirti mandir is one major attraction of the place. Kasturba Gandhi, Gandhiji's wife, was also born in Porbandar. A chronological history on the life of the Mahatma is listed in the museum at Kirti Mandir.

Later continue drive to Dwarka. Dwarka - was known as the city of Gold. Shree Krishna came here from Mathura along with some Yadav families and establishes his own empire Dwarka. That was the legend but science proved it partially. According to legend, Dwarka was submerged in water after the death of Lord Krishna and the demise of the Yadava Dynasty. The present-day Dwarka was the Kushasthali of the ancient times which enjoyed a proud spot along the Saurashtra coast.  It is believed that Dwarka was rebuilt six times by different civilisations and the present-day Dwarka is the 7th one.

Scientists researched on that and have found some facts. Being adopted home and capital of Shri Krishna after he gave up Mathura. It is held in such a high esteem as a place of Hindu pilgrimage that it is considered to be one of the four principle holy places or chardham, it is also known as Mokshapuri. On arrival chek in at hotel. Add overnight at hotel

Day 09: Dwarka
After breakfast at hotel visit various famous temples and places. The holy town of Dwarka is visited by several tourists from across the globe, throughout the year. This place is famous for the main Dwarkadish Temple, which is also known as the Jagat Mandir. The present structure of Jagat Mandir was built during the 16th century, while the original temple was constructed by the great grandson of Lord Krishna. At the banks of the Gomati River is the famous Gomati Sangam Ghat which features various ancient temples, including the Samudra Narayana Temple. Nageshwara Jyotirlinga Temple, which is situated at a distance of 10 km from the town.

Later visit Beyt Dwarka Beach and Dunny Point is the two popular tourist attractions in Dwarka. The former features 500 years old Lord Krishna Temple, along with shrines dedicated to Radha, Vishnu, Satyabhama and Lakshmi. Beyt Dwarka Beach and Dunny Point are also venues for different types of activities, such as bird watching, camping, boating, swimming, sunbathing and exploring marine life. Evening free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Dwarka - Jamnagar - Wankaner (250kms )
After breakfast at hotel drive to visit Jamnagar. Jamnagar the Jewel of Kathiawar, is on the coast of Gulf of Kutch. It has unspoilt Islands & Beaches, Hills, Temples, Palaces, Forest, Fantastic Bird life in the Bird Sanctuary & Marine Sanctuaries and Facinating Corals and Marine Life in the Marine National Park. On arrival enjoy the hidden beauty of this coast.

Later continue drive to Wankaner. Wankaner is a small city, which is situated in the Rajkot District, in Gujarat. It is located on the bend of Machchhu River. The name Wankaner is derived from the words ‘wanka’ and ‘ner’, which in Gujarati language means ‘bend’ and ‘water stream’ respectively.

On arrival check in at hotel. Later one can visit Ranjit Vilas Palace is famous for its beautiful architecture that is believed to be influenced by Mughal, Victorian, Gothic and Dutch styles. The palace houses a watchtower located on a hill. Rest of the day free to relax at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Wankaner - Bhuj (200 Kms)
After breakfast at hotel drive to Bhuj. Bhuj is a city situated in the Kutch district of Gujarat. It is a municipality town as well as the district headquarters of Kutch. The city is famous for its Hindu temples, palaces and wooden pavilions. The houses of Bhuj are decorated with mud and mirrors on both the interiors and exteriors. It serves as a stop over to explore the remote areas of Rann of Kutch. On arrival, check in at hotel.

After wash and change at hotel enjoy half day city tour including all the famous places and temples. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Bhuj - EXCURSION TO RANN OF KACHCHH

After breakfast at hotel excursion to visit Rann of Kachchh. The Rann of Kutch, also known as the Great Rann of Kutch (there's a Little Rann of Kutch as well), is a remarkable place to visit in Gujarat. It's the world's largest salt desert, measuring over 16,000 square kilometers. What makes it even more amazing is that it's underwater during the main mansoon season in India. For the remaining eight months of the year, it's an enormous stretch of packed white salt. Later return back to Bhuj. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Bhuj - Ahmedabad (335kms ) Departure

After breakfast at hotel drive to Ahmedabad. On arrival transfer to airport to board on flight for onward destinations.