Gujarat Archaeological & Natural Wonders – Extension Tour from Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Gujarat Archaeological & Natural Wonders Tour will begin with pick up from Ahmedabad. On the way to Dholavira visit the magnificent Modhera Sun Temple, Rani ki Vav step well & Panchasara Jain Temple complex. Explore Dholavira best-kept archaeological sites dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Enjoy Jeep safari in Little Rann of Kutch a unique place on earth of its kind in the entire world. Next drive to Bhuj to visit grand palaces & museum. Continue to explore the Great Rann of Kutch a salt marsh in the Thar Desert reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world. This area inhabited by the Kutchi people is rich center of traditional art and craft. Accompanied tour guide and transport will remain on disposal at your service.
Description & Instructions When Visiting Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Gujarat Archaeological & Natural Wonders Tour will begin with pick up from Ahmedabad. On the way to Dholavira visit the magnificent Modhera Sun Temple, Rani ki Vav step well & Panchasara Jain Temple complex. Explore Dholavira best-kept archaeological sites dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Enjoy Jeep safari in Little Rann of Kutch a unique place on earth of its kind in the entire world. Next drive to Bhuj to visit grand palaces & museum. Continue to explore the Great Rann of Kutch a salt marsh in the Thar Desert reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world. This area inhabited by the Kutchi people is rich center of traditional art and craft. Accompanied tour guide and transport will remain on disposal at your service.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ahmedabad – Modhera – Patan – Dholavira (385kms/ 8hrs approx)
Stop At: Sun Temple, On Becharaji Highway, Modhera 384212 India
Morning pick up from your hotel in Ahmedabad and drive to Dholavira with stop to visit Modhera Sun Temple & Rani ki Vav & Panchasara Jain Temple at Patan.
Modhera Sun Temple a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya located at Modhera village of Mehsana district. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. No worship is offered now and is protected monument maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and Kunda, the reservoir. The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. The reservoir has steps to reach the bottom and numerous small shrines.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rani Ki vav, Near the Patan Highway, 384265 India
Rani ki Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the banks of the Saraswati River. The world famous 11th century Solanki era step well was built by the Queen in memory of her husband. Designed as an inverted temple, it is highlighting the sanctity of water and is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels; more than 500 principle sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, mythological and secular imagery, often referencing literary works. Panchasara Jain Temple was built by king Vanraj Chavada around VS 802. There are 51 mini temples around the temple. It was said that main idol of lord parshwanath much older than Vikram Samvat 802- hindu calendar(around 8th century). There are around 10 parashwanath temples among 108 are situated in the patan city in different pole. All this temples are century old and marvelous example of carving in marbles.
Duration: 1 minute
Pass By: Dholavira, Dholavira, Kutch District, Gujarat
Continue drive to Dholavira check in at resort. Dinner & overnight at resort.
Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Dholavira – Little Rann Of Kutch (255kms/ 5hrs approx)
Stop At: Dholavira, Dholavira, Kutch District, Gujarat
Breakfast at hotel, Explore Dholavira a real treat for historians, and one of Gujarat’s best-kept archaeological and historical sites dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization 4500 years ago. 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.
Duration: 4 hours
Pass By: Little Rann of Kutch, Thar Desert, Kutch India
After sightseeing drive back to Little Rann Of Kutch and check in at resort. Dinner
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Little Rann Of Kutch – Bhuj (230kms/ 5hrs approx)
Stop At: Little Rann of Kutch, Thar Desert, Kutch India
Early morning Jeep Safari in Little Rann of Kutch a unique place on earth with an unending possibility of exploration, numerous sites for unbelievable sights and unforgettable experiences. Covering an area of 4954 Km2, Little Rann of Kutch is one of the most remarkable and unique landscapes of its kind in the entire world. It is a vast desiccated, unbroken bare surface of dark silt, encrusted with salts which transforms into a spectacular coastal wetland after the rains. The present saline desert of the Little Rann of Kutch is believed to have been shallow sea. The variety of the geomorphic facets of Kutch such as the present surface configuration, its landforms, drainage characteristics and relief pattern clearly reveals a complex interplay of tectonics, sea-level changes and lithology as also erosion and deposition.
Duration: 3 hours
Pass By: Bhuj, Bhuj, Kutch District, Gujarat
After safari and sightseeing tour drive back to Bhuj check in at hotel.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at resort.
Day 4: Bhuj
Stop At: Aaina Mahal Palace, Maharav Of Kutch, Darbargadh Chowk, Old Dhatia Falia, Bhuj, Gujarat 370001, India
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. Prag Mahal one of the architectural wonders in India, built-in the 19th century next to the popular Aina Mahal.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 115 Sheraton Dr, Salem, VA 24153, USA
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.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: overnight at resort.
Day 5: Bhuj – Hodka (65kms/ 1.3hrs approx)
Stop At: Hodka Village, Hodka Village, Kutch District, Gujarat
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. The process of making the natural colors used in art gives it such a name.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. .
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.
Day 6: Hodka – White Rann of Kutch
Stop At: White Dessert Road, White Dessert Rd, Gorewali, Gujarat 370510, India
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
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Hodka.
Day 7: Hodka – Bhuj (65kms/ 1.3hrs approx)
Stop At: Bhuj, Bhuj, Kutch District, Gujarat
Breakfast at hotel transfer to Bhuj airport to board flight for onward destination.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Duration: 7 days
Starts: Ahmedabad, India
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
