Gujarat and Rajasthan: Culture & Wildlife

Highlights of Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar, a coastal city in the south of Gujarat, is a prominent trading hub with the world’s largest ship breaking yard! Begin your tour of this laidback town with a visit to the Gandhi Smriti Museum, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The museum boasts a vast collection of books and memorabilia that Gandhi had used during his lifetime. Take a peek into the life of Gandhi through the hundreds of photographs kept on display. In the evening, continue on to the Takhteshwar Temple that is set on a hilltop. Made of marble with many carved pillar, this beautiful temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. (Half Day; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please carry comfortable walking shoes. Gandhi Smriti Museum is open between 0900 – 1300 hrs and 1400 – 1800 hrs, The museum is closed on all Sundays and 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month)

Visit the Jain Temples of Palitana
Discover one of the centers of Jainism in Palitana, in Western India. Set in the state of Gujarat, wander through the largest cluster of Jain temples in India that are spread over Shatrunjaya Hill in Palitana. Boasting beautiful architecture and intricate carvings on marble walls and pillars, these 863 temples were built over a span of 900 years! They are dedicated to the 24 ‘Tirthankaras’ – the spiritual teachers of Jainism. Climb 600 meters uphill to visit the magnificent Adishwar temple dedicated to Adhinatha, the first Jain teacher. The deity is adorned with gold jewellery studded with precious stones. Pay a visit to the ‘Chaumukha’ or the four faced temple, which has four entrances through which the image of Adhinatha can be seen. (Half Day; Time of the day: 0530 hrs; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Moderate; A palanquin can be arranged for guests which can be paid directly, as there are many steps to be climbed.)

Bhavnagar-English Tour Escort

Private Morning Jeep Safari in Sasan Gir
Early morning game drive at the Gir National Park in an exclusive jeep in search of the elusive lion. Gir forest is the only place in the world, where the Asiatic lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Also one will come across a host of other herbivores like Chital, Nilgai – Blue Bull and rare four horned antelopes.( Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Please don’t forget your cameras or your binoculars).

Highlights of Rajkot
On the way to Rajkot, visit Junagarh, a charming little town at the foot of the extinct volcano Girnar. Also visit Gondal, 38km away south of Rajkot.

Rajkot-English Tour Escort

Jeep Safari in Wild Ass Sanctuary of Bajana
Discover unique wildlife at the Rann of Kutch, tucked away in a corner of western India. The silvery saltpans, wide lakes and lagoons in this fascinating part of the country, supports distinctive endemic wildlife. Visit the Wild Ass Sanctuary at the Little Rann of Kutch for an exhilarating safari ride. This dry and dusty desert, dotted with the occasional green oasis around a lake, draws in a wide variety of birds. Catch the iconic sight of huge flocks of pink flamingos silhouetted against the shimmering waters of a lake. The arid flat plains of Kutch with its thorny scrubland is the last remaining habitat of the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass (Ghudkhar). These beautiful chestnut brown creatures are also the last of the subcontinent’s wild horse family. You may spot Indian gazelles, black buck, blue bull (Nilgai), jackals, Indian foxes, and jungle cats on your jeep safari. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the rare Indian wolf (India being the land of Big Cats!). (Half Day; Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Please don’t forget your cameras or your binoculars).

Enroute Activity: Patan and Modhera Uncovered
En route from Bajana, stop at Patan, the ancient capital of the erstwhile Chalukya dynasty located in northern Gujarat. Relive its glorious past by visiting some of the hundred Jain temples made of marble, complete with imposing pillars etched with intricate carvings. Discover architectural gems such as Rani ki Vav – a stepwell with stone sculptures of astounding detail! Soak in the local culture as you walk past ancient houses with wooden carvings on the façade. You will notice the famous Patola-style sarees woven only in this region using the ikat technique – a well-kept secret! Also visit Modhera, an hour away from Patan, to witness the classic temple architecture of the powerful Chalukya dynasty. The Sun Temple set beside the Pushpavati River dedicated to the sun god, has 52 carved pillars with sculptures narrating tales from legends. Built in 1026 AD, this temple complex and Surya Kund, the reservoir next to it, is a slice of India’s living heritage.(Enroute Activity; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Heritage Walk in Ahmedabad City
Embark on a Heritage Walk to explore Ahmedabad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin at the Swaminarayan Temple that was built on a base of Burmese teakwood. You’ll be awed at the immaculate carvings and brightly painted pillars, arches and walls. Your walk takes you through the ‘pols, a unique housing concept where families cluster together based on caste, profession or religion. As you walk past these houses, witness the wooden façades and elaborately carved windows. Further on, visit the beautifully carved Hutheesing Jain Temple built from marble in 1848 AD. Your walk ends at the Jama Masjid, a splendid mosque built with yellow sandstone in the 15th century. Choose to continue your visit to other landmarks such as the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque that has the famous ‘tree of life’ motif delicately etched in its marbled lattice windows. (Half Day; Time of the day: Morning, 0730 hrs; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please carry comfortable walking shoes.)

Set Sail at Lake Pichola
Experience the beauty of royal Rajasthan on a boat ride along Lake Pichola, overlooking the magnificent Lake, City Palace, and other historic sites and ghats of Udaipur. Your tour boat will cast off from the ghat or lakeside, which is barely a few minutes from your hotel. Enjoy a spectacular view of this magnificent medieval city on a romantic evening ride along the lake. Get to know the enthralling stories of the Maharanas of Mewar, including heroic tales of Udaipur’s brave kings and queens, on your leisurely ride. (Duration: 1 hr, Time of Day: Evening; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy; Maximum group of 10 for each boat. )

Highlights of Udaipur
Journey into the City of Lakes and soak up historic culture. Tour the 16th century City Palace, a flamboyant and towering structure sitting on a hilltop and one of the largest palaces in the state, boasting spectacular views and an intriguing museum. Explore 17th century Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Hindu God Krishna. Discover Saheliyon ki Bari, the ‘Garden of Maids’, which boasts lush lawns, stunning lotus pools, marble pavilions and even elephant-shaped fountains! Head to the crystal gallery to witness the world’s largest private collection of crystal. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Highlights of Jaipur
Wander into regality during your full day tour! Explore Amber Fort, a fabulous sandstone fort complex that overlooks the city. Visit Albert Hall, the state museum of Rajasthan with its vast collection of interesting regional Indian artifacts. Observe the aesthetically beautiful honeycombed façade of Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal). Discover the architecturally rich City Palace with its many regal courtyards, temples and pavilions, and Govind Devji Temple, dedicated to Hindu God Krishna, situated in the heart of the old city. Head to the world’s largest stone observatory – the Jantar Mantar. Visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, which acts to preserve the traditional Indian technique of hand block textile printing and boasts numerous beautiful examples. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Shared Safari-Ranthambore ( Morning and Evening)
Safari in style! Ranthambore National Park is a hotspot for discovering the celebrated Bengal tiger in its native habitat! Head out into thick foliage on morning and afternoon safaris, which are the best times for the big cats to reveal themselves. Safari routes are selected using a government-run lottery system, so it is the luck of the draw as to which path you take, however all of them provide a fascinating variety of native wildlife and bird life for you to witness. (2 safaris per day, Morning and late afternoon . Shared Activity & Transfer, Travel time to Activity: 30 mins, Duration: each safari 3.5 hrs , Fitness level: Easy; please wear comfortable walking shoes and light colored clothing. Please note that each jeep will accommodate 6 people in total. Please carry your water bottles along if required )

Personalized Tour of Taj Mahal and Classic Agra Attractions
Discover the majesty of Mughal architecture during your tour of Agra’s most famous monuments. Set off for the red sandstone ramparts of Agra Fort that sits on the banks of the River Yamuna. Explore exquisitely designed palaces, mosques, and audience halls that still stand witness to the grandeur of Mughal craftsmanship. Feel the longing of the imprisoned emperor, Shah Jahan, as you gaze across the river to the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum of his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Witness next the fabled beauty of this marble homage to love that inevitably figures on any list of the World’s Wonders. Take in the breathtaking beauty of its dimensions, the intricacy of its engineering, and the ornate wall carvings that were once inlaid with precious stones. Finally, make your way to the delicately laid out Mehtab Bagh which offers one of the most scenic vantage points for the iconic Taj. (Taj Mahal closed on Fridays; Private Activity & Transfer; Duration: 3 hrs; Fitness level: Easy)

Highlights of Delhi
Whether you want a whirlwind tour or wish to enjoy an in-depth experience of Delhi’s numerous sights, the choice is yours on this full day tour! Discover the Old Town with its bustling markets, including Chandni Chowk, once the grandest Indian market. Head to the imposing Red Fort and onto India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, beautifully decorated with paintings, inlaid stones, carvings and glazed tiles. Feast at the colorful, open-air food and craft bazaar of Dilli Haat. Visit Laxminarayan Temple, built in honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth, and its beautiful gardens. Discover the UNESCO World heritage site Humayun’s Tomb, a monumental landmark in Indo-Islamic architecture with its perfect synthesis of Persian architecture and Indian traditions. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Red Fort closed on Mondays)