West Indian Heritage | Heritage Tours | Indian Heritage Places

Arrive at Ahmedabad International airport, you will be transferred to the hotel by our representative. Ahmedabad, the city of Ahmed Shah (Medieval ruler of Gujarat), is known for its rich past and its association with the Mahatma (Great Soul), also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The city offers the traveller a unique style of architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles (Indo-Saracenic style of architecture). The monuments of Ahmedabad mainly date back to the 15th century. Ahmedabad is famous for its textile mills and is often referred to as the 'Manchester of the East'. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast visit Calico Museum of Textile, which is undoubtedly one of the foremost textile museums and a celebrated institute in Indian textiles around the world. Its remarkable collection of fabrics spanning varied and remote regions of India exemplifies handicraft textiles across five centuries.

Later visit the Jama Masjid. The magnificent Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), built in 1423 during the reign of Ahmedabad’s founder Ahmed Shah I. While all around the mosque lies the hectic frenzy of the center of the old city, step through the gates (on the north, east and south sides) and the urban chaos falls away behind you, leaving you standing in a refuge of profound serenity, accompanied only by people in quiet prayer, and birds perching on the columns. The mosque and arcades are built of beautiful yellow sandstone and carved with the intricate detail that mosques of this period are known for. Also visit Sidi Saiyyed Mosque-  built in 1573, is the last of the major mosques to be built in Ahmedabad under the Mughal rule. It is surrounded by busy intersections. The carved jaalis in the windows of the western wall are known worldwide and have become a symbol of the city of Ahmedabad. Later visit the Sabarmati Ashram or Mahatma Gandhi's home in Ahmedabad. Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, the ashram was set up by Gandhiji himself and was the central point of the Indian freedom movement. There is a museum inside the ashram. Mahatma Gandhi used to spin his charkha from the ashram itself. In those days the ashram was known as the Satyagraha Ashram. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Palanpur, en-route visit Adalaj Vav set in the quiet village of Adalaj (20 Kms from Ahmedabad). This vav (Step well) has served as a resting place for hundreds of years for many pilgrims and caravans along their trade routes. Built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, wife of the Vaghela chief, Veersingh, this five-storey stepwell was not just a cultural and utilitarian space, but also a spiritual refuge.

After the visit of Adalaj, drive to Palanpur, surrounded by hills, Palanpur is located in the northern region of Gujarat. Palanpur received its name from Palansi Chauhans who were the inhabitants of the city in 14th century. This beautiful tourist place of Gujarat has several tourist attractions. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast proceed for Patan, home of the famous patola silk saris. The main attraction of Patan is Rani ki Vav -  Rani (Queen) Udayamati commissioned this vav or stepwell, in 1063 in the memory of her husband King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty. The vav was later flooded by the nearby Saraswati river and silted over until the late 1980s, when it was excavated by the Archeological Survey of India, with the carvings found inpristine condition.

Late afternoon leave for Modhera, where the Sun Temple is situated. This is one of the finest examples of Indian architecture of its period. Built in 1026 A.D. Baucharaji (Goddess Bachuccharaji) the temple is dedicated to the Sun-God, Surya and stands on a plinth overlooking a deep stone-steeped tank.

After sightseeing drive to Dasada (Rann of Kutch). The Rann of Kutch is a geographically one of the most remarkable and unique landscapes of its kind in the entire world. It is separated from the sea due to geological forces, & is now a vast desiccated, unbroken bare surface of dark silt, encrusted with salts which transforms into a spectacular coastal wetland after the rains. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today after breakfast we will proceed to visit the Banni villages around Bhuj. Mud is the essence of life in the villages of India, and more particularly in the villages of Banni grassland, a large spread over in the arid deserts of Kutch.  Twenty years back when Banni was lush grassland the thatched roof of the bhungas (tribals) were made from bamboos and grasses. Today there are more modern versions of bhungas in which the thatched roof is replaced by clay baked tile roof and twigs are replaced by stones. This will be the highlight of the tour especially if you are interested in handicrafts, textiles and tribal cultures. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Mandvi, virtually lies on the brink of the Arabian Sea. The city was once the summer retreat of Kutch Maharaos. It is believed that it was founded by the first Jadeja ruler of Kutch, Rao Khengarji, in the late sixteenth century. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. After some rest, visit Vijay Vilas Palace. It is a splendid monument set amidst sprawling gardens and dotted by a number of marble fountains. The palace was constructed by Rao Pragmalji and designed by a Jaipur architect. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Gondal. Once the capital of a princely state, it was run by the Jadeja Rajputs, later overtaken by the Mughals and again recovered by the original rulers. It is a fortified town located on the river Gondali after which it was named. It was known as a model state of Saurashtra in late 19th and early 20th century. Specifically designed by Sir Bhagwatsinhiji, the ruler himself planned the development of the town which is reflected in the architecture, parks and buildings. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast visit to the Naulakha Palace. The most attractive tourist spot in Gondal is the 17th century, Naulakha Palace complex, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful of Gondal’s monuments. The Naulakha Palace (17th century), is situated on a river bank, on a grand masonry base, rising to the monumental scale of at least 30 m above the river bed.

Also visit the nearby Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Ashram, which has been manufacturing herbal medicines according to ancient principles since 1910. Later drive to Sasangir. On the way, visit Junagadh. Junagadh is an ancient, fortified city at the base of the holy Girnar hills. The town is famous for many exotic old buildings. The 2nd century Buddhist caves and the mausoleums of the Nawabs are worth your while. After the sightseeing, continue your drive to Sasangir - is the only place in the world outside Africa, where the Lion can be seen in its naturalhabitat. The last remaining bastion of the Asiatic Lion, Gir is also home to one of the largest leopard populations in any park in India, making it an excellent place to see big cats of a different kind. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy morning & afternoon safari to Gir national park. This sanctuary is known all over the world for being the natural abode of Asiatic lions. A safari in the Gir National Park will be one of the most memorable and popular highlights of this trip. Enjoy viewing the asiatic lions and the flora and fauna of Sasangir National Park. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Bhavnagar, the place of several lakes and temples. Bhavnagar has a rich history of traditions, trade and culture. It was a major port from 1743, and its commercial importance led to close interactions with countries like Africa, Mozambique, Zanizibarand Persia. Later, enjoy the city tour of Bhavnagar. Visit the Gandhi Smriti - a tribute to Gandhiji. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy the full day excursion to Palitana. The Palitana temples are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place by the Jain community, and are the world's largest temple complex.  The temple hill of Palitana is located about 56 km from Bhavnagar, at the foot of the Shatrunjaya or 'place of victory' hill, with the Shatrunjaya River flowing to its south. It is an architectural and sculptural marvel with almost 900 temples all soaring into the skies. These temples were built over a span of 900 years. The 600 m climb to the peak is usually made on foot.

After breakfast, drive to Ahmedabad, en-route visit Lothal. Lothal is one of the most important archaeological sites in India. In the dialect of the local people language, Lothal means 'the mound of the dead'. The site was discovered in the year 1957, followed by excavations done by the Archaeological Survey of India. It was concluded from the excavations that the ruins of the settlement belonged to the Harappan Era, dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. After a brief stop, drive onwards to Ahmedabad to connect for the onward destination.

The above itinerary can be further customized as per your travel requirements.