Classic GujaratBY PRIVATE CARAhmedabad, Modhera, Patan,Bhavnagar, Gondal, Sasangir& Rajkot10 Days / 9 Nights ❖ Daily ArrivalsTOUR INCLUDES• 9 Nights hotels (Hotels are basic but considered“best available” in the area.)• Buffet Breakfast Daily, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners• Sightseeing per Itinerary by air-conditioned Private Car with PrivateEnglish-Speaking Guide• All Transfers upon Arrival & Departure(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) DinnerACCOMMODATIONSCity Nights HotelAhmedabad 3 The Gateway Hotel Ummed AhmedabadBhavnagar 1 Nilambagh PalaceGondal 2 Riverside PalaceSasangir 2 Lion Safari CampRajkot 1 Silver Palace<strong>India</strong>•PatanModhera••AhmedabadRajkot •• Gondal• BhavnagarSasangir •Arabian SeaIdeal for first-timers and repeat travelers alike, Gujarat is a dazzlinglyand diverse <strong>India</strong>n state too <strong>of</strong>ten overshadowed by Rajasthan, itsbetter known neighbor. Discover its rich cultural and historic legacy<strong>of</strong> princely palaces, Rajput forts, temples and archaeological sitesshowcasing unique blends <strong>of</strong> Hindu, Jain and Islamic influences.Retrace the humble steps <strong>of</strong> Mahatma Ghandi, father <strong>of</strong> Modern <strong>India</strong>.Explore vibrant markets and browse for traditional tie-and-dye fabrics,gold and silver jewelry; visit the excellent Calico Museum – one <strong>of</strong>the world’s best textile museums. Learn about the unique customs<strong>of</strong> ancient Nomadic tribes and immerse in the stark, timeless beauty <strong>of</strong>Sasangir National Park where the elusive, almost extinct Asian Lionhas found refuge. A journey through Gujarat is also acquaintingyourself with a complex, layered cuisine influenced by centuries <strong>of</strong>overseas trades and foreign invasions, and meetings with its charming,smart, highly successful modern inhabitants.26 DISCOVERY TOURSSwaminarayan Temple, Gujarat
ITINERARYDAY 1 | Arrive AhmedabadArrive in Ahmedabad, a wealthy city that blends ancient heritage witha vibrant present; meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel.Balance <strong>of</strong> the day at leisure.DAY 2 | AhmedabadFull day tour includes Sabarmati Ashram (also Satyagrah Ashram),home to Mahatma Gandhi until 1930 and instrumental in <strong>India</strong>'sIndependence struggle. Continue to the Calico Museum with itstextile collection, known as the world’s best, and Bhadra Fort. Stopat Teen Darwaza, one <strong>of</strong> the city’s most imposing gateways. In theafternoon, visit the intricate Hathee Singh, a Jain temple, andthe massive Akshardham Temple which honors the SwaminarayanHindu sect. (B)DAY 3 | Ahmedabad / Modhera / Patan / AhmedabadFull day excursion to Modhera and Patan. Stop at Modhera’s 11thCentury Sun Temple complex, the Solanki dynasty's highestarchitectural achievement. Twice a year, during the equinox, the rays<strong>of</strong> the rising sun illuminate Surya (Sun God) in his innermostsanctum (temple accessible only during the equinox). Continue toPatan, Gujarat’s old capital. Explore the ruins <strong>of</strong> this formerprosperous fortified town including Hindu and Jain temples, fortsand step wells. Evening return to Ahmedabad. (B)DAY 4 | Ahmedabad / BhavnagarMorning drive to Gujarat’s cultural capital, Bhavnagar, where artistsand literary figures have contributed immensely to the city’s success.An afternoon tour takes you to the Barton Library and GandhiSmriti with its vast collection <strong>of</strong> memorabilia an the Father <strong>of</strong>Nation and the <strong>India</strong>n Independence struggle. End the day with avisit to the Takhteshwar temple, a local landmark <strong>of</strong>fering sweepingcity views. (B)DAY 5 | Bhavnagar / GondalEarly morning departure for Gondal, former princely state <strong>of</strong>Kathiawar, founded in 1634 and known for historic palaces,monuments and intricate crafts. En route visit Palitana the Jaincommunity’s most sacred pilgrimage center (tirtha). This sprawlingcomplex includes over 1300 temples exquisitely carved in marble andbuilt over 900 years. Overnight in Gondal. (B)NOTE: The main temple is located on a hill and any visit entails aclimb <strong>of</strong> over 3000 stairs. The climb is not recommended for travelerswith difficulty in walking/climbing.DAY 6 | GondalVisit this morning is highlighted by Darbargadh, a fortified palacewith skillfully carved gates and turrets and the Royal Garages with aworld famous collection <strong>of</strong> vintage and classic cars. Also browseMandvi Chowk, a riot <strong>of</strong> colors, merchandise and vendors and theBhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic pharmacy which makes herbal remediesaccording to ancient traditional principles. Conclude at theBhuvaneshwari Stud Farm were Gir cattle, unique local livestock andKathiawadi horses are bred. (B)DAY 7 | Gondal / SasangirMorning drive to Sasangir, a lion sanctuary, the only place in theworld to spot the Asiatic Lion in its natural habitat. En route visitJetpur, a well known center for block and screen printings and yarndyeingand Junagadh. Ruled by numerous dynasties over two and ahalf millennia, Junagadh <strong>of</strong>fers magnificent buildings inspired byHinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Continue to Sasangir;check into your comfortable lodge amid a private mango orchardoverlooking the Hiran River. (B.D)DAY 8 | SasangirVisit Gir National Park, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>India</strong>’s best preserved naturesanctuaries, set amid dry deciduous jungle, teak forests and grasslands.Wildlife includes majestic lions and felines (leopards and panthers) aswell as deer and antelopes, wild boars, hyenas and jackals and over300 species <strong>of</strong> birds. A large reptile population, including a junglecrocodile farm is also present. (B.L.D)DAY 9 | Sasangir / RajkotMorning drive to Rajkot, former capital <strong>of</strong> the princely state <strong>of</strong>Saurashtra and later British government headquarters where MahatmaGandhi spent his early life. Today Rajkot, a peaceful riverside town,<strong>of</strong>fers museums, temples and churches and well-landscaped gardens.Afternoon visit to the Jubilee Gardens’ Watson Museum and Libraryshowcasing 13th Century carvings, temple statues and naturalhistory and tribal exhibits. (B)DAY 10 | Depart RajkotDepart Rajkot Airport for flight to your next destination. (B)LAND PRICES PER PERSON | IGMValid: Apr 16’11-Jun 14’12 Twin SingleApr 16-Jun 14’11 $1745 $3355Oct 16-Dec 19’11, Jan 11-Apr 15’12 2055 3925Apr 16-Jun 14’12 1895 3655* INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED. PLEASE ASK ABOUT OUR INTERNATIONALECONOMY OR BUSINESS CLASS AIRFARE SPECIALS FROM THE U.S.Note: Gir National Park is closed from mid-June to mid-October.Rates for Dec 20’11-Jan 10’12 upon request.Surcharge applies for Christmas/New Year period; please inquire.* VISA REQUIRED FOR INDIA & NEPAL (Please see details on page 54)DISCOVERY TOURS27
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