Glorious Tour of Gujarat

Transcription

1 Glorious Tour of Gujarat 08 Nights / 09 Days Please Note: - We have mentioned few places which you may pick and choose. As per your liking we will take you these places depending upon the time available. Day 01: Ahmedabad Gandhinagar Ahmedabad (21/09/2017) In morning on arrival at Ahmedabad Airport our representative will receive you and drive straight towards hotel (Check in time after 12 noon). After freshen up we will drive towards Gandhinagar (40 kms 1hr 10 mins drive). Enroute we will visit the following places: Gandhi Ashram: Set up in the year 1915, Sabarmati ashram was the central point from where the struggle for India's Independence was started. Till the year 1930, the ashram at Sabarmati was the home of Mahatma Gandhi. Bordered by shady trees, the atmosphere over here is very tranquil and peaceful. During the Indian struggle for independence, it was also referred to as the Satyagrah Ashram. Read further to know more about Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat The ashram houses a museum, library, auditorium and photo galleries. The museum exhibits the life of Mahatma Gandhi. There is an archive of letters written by Gandhiji. Also, the museum contains the manuscripts of his articles; several films composed on the life of Gandhiji & India's freedom struggle etc. There are plenty of books in the library that will give you a valuable insight into the life history of Mahatma Gandhi. Anyone can come and visit the Gandhi ashram located alongside the Sabarmati River. It is open from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm every day. Amidst the mad rush of the city, Sabarmati ashram serves as a great retreat. Sabarmati Ashram of Ahmedabad has a lot of significance for people of India, as our great freedom fighter Gandhiji lived here for quite a long time from 1917 to1930. For people interested in knowing about the freedom struggle of India, this is just the perfect place. Infact, it is a storehouse of useful piece of information.

2 Adalaj stepwells: It is one of the most beautiful step-wells found in Gujarat. Situated in Adalaj village some 18 kms away from Ahmedabad, the structure derives its name from its patron, Ruda, wife of the Vaghela chief, Virsinh; who built it in The 'Vav', laid out in the north-south direction, the step well with the well in the north and the entrance in the south, has a total length of 75.3 meters. The carving inside the well depicts intricate motifs of flowers and birds. It was built for the dual purpose of providing water and cool chambers in the hot summer days. On reaching at Gandhinagar we will visit the Akshardham temple. Akshardham temple: A specimen of fine craftsmanship, the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is one of the largest and most prominent temples in the entire state of Gujarat. Located in Gandhinagar city, the famous Akshardham temple is a place, which consists of a number of things under one roof like art, education, architecture, exhibitions and research. It is truly an architectural masterpiece. Foundation of this temple at Gandhinagar was laid by Bochasanwasi Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). Visited by around 2 million of devotees every year, this temple is one of the most popular attractions of the city. The temple dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, reflects the wealth of Gujarati architecture. This architectural masterpiece is the symbol of humanity in Gujarat and celebrates the commandments of Swaminarayan faith. Made using 6,000 tonnes of pink sandstones, this 10 storied temple comprises 93 sculpted pillars. The edifice is 240 ft in length, 131 feet in width and 108 feet in height. The main highlight of the architecture is that the entire structure of sandstone is standing erect without the use of iron rod. The temple complex houses herbal garden, lake and a waterfall. Moreover, ultramodern Akshardham Centre for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH) is also located within the temple complex. Double-walled and air-cooled halls are also located in the temple complex. In these halls, exhibitions that are themed around Indian Culture are displayed. Hall 1 is called Sahajanand and is dedicated to the life of Lord Swaminarayan.

3 Hall 2 is called Mystic India and the short movie of 45 minutes played in this hall that helps the visitors rediscover India. Known as Nityanand, Hall 3 displays the messages of Upanishads, Ramayan and Mahabharat. Time: From Tuesday to Sunday (Closed every Monday) Mandir: Daily 9:30a.m. To 7:30p.m. Exhibitions: Daily 10:00a.m. To 6:00p.m. Rides & Games: 12:00 noon to 8:00p.m. Restaurant: 10:00a.m. To 8:00p.m. Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show: The Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show reveals India s ancient secret of inner light through an Upanishadic story of Nachiketa, a nine year old boy, who bravely confronts Yamraaj, the God of Death, and receives from him the knowledge that has made India, a land of enlightenment. Duration: 45 Minutes - Timings: After sunset Afterwards we will drive back to Ahmedabad. In evening we will witness Garba (Gujarati folk Dance) Overnight stay at Ahmedabad Day 02: Ahmedabad Mothera Patan Ahmedabad (22/09/2017) After breakfast we will drive towards Modhera (125 kms 2 hrs drive) At Modhera we will visit The Sun Temple. The Sun Temple: Timings - Opening: 9.00 AM PM All Days The Sun Temple: Sun temple at Modhera is an architectural land mark being the earliest Solanki temple of Gujarat datable to A.D It was constructed during the reign of King Bhimadeva I ( A.D.). All the three elements i.e. the (1) Garbhagriha with ambulatory and attached octagonal gudhamandapa, (2) Detached sabha mandapa with a torana in front and (3) A large flagged tank are decorated with numerous miniature shrines, while the gudhamandapa is embellished with niched images of twelve adityas, the sabhamandapa is a diagonally

4 arranged octagonal hall with a magnificent set of pillars carrying torana arches in alternate triangular and semi- circular designs. This temple and the Konark Sun temple in Orissa are very similar. This similarity is that this temple was also designed in such a way so as to let the dawn sun shine on the image of Surya, at the time of equinoxes. After visiting The Sun Temple we will drive towards Patan (55 kms 01 hr drive) where we will see the following places:- Patan: A dusty, little visited town, but its narrow streets are lined by the elaborate, faded wooden houses and more than 100 Jain temples, which are worth exploring. Rani ki Vav: It is an excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat. This magnificent step well is said to been constructed by Queen Udayamati wife of King Bhimadeva I (A.D ). This is the highest watermark of Solanki architecture. It is 64 m long and 20 m wide. It was originally constructed of seven stories of which only five are now preserved. The shaft of this step well is 27 m deep. The step is oriented in eastwest directions. The step well has long stepped corridor descending down to the underground tank, it is having four compartmental multi-storeyed pillared pavilions with circular draw well at rear end. The corridor walls, pillared pavilions and inner side of well are embellished with fine sculptures. Nearly 400 sculptures have survived out of the original estimated 800 sculptures, which comprise of Hindu gods and goddesses, apsaras and miscellaneous themes. Time: 0800 a.m. to 06 p.m. Patola Silk: The place associated with Patola is Patan. Patola silk is often termed as the queen of all silks. Patola sarees of Gujarat are one of the finest hand-woven sarees produced in India today. Here, exquisite patterns are woven on sarees with great precision. Here you need to spend couple of hours understanding the work each artisan are doing. Afterwards we will drive back to Ahmedabad. Overnight stay at Ahmedabad Day 03: Ahmedabad Bhuj (23/09/2017) After breakfast we will drive towards Bhuj (350 kms 6 hrs Drive) On reaching at Bhuj after check in to the hotel we will visit the following places-

5 Aaina Mahal: Aaina Mahal is one of the most exquisite monuments in Bhuj, located in the fort complex along with the Parag Mahal. The Palace is a sheer work of art and a must watch for all. The architecture of the Mahal is greatly influenced by the European style. Aaina Mahal was converted from a dream to reality by the master architect Ramsinh Malam. He undertook training in Holland to make Aaina Mahal an architectural marvel it is today. The palace is a two storied building with Darbar Hall, hall of mirrors, and suites for royal family. It stands adorned with mirror work, tile work and fountains. Prag Mahal: Prag Mahal was designed by the famous architect Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins. It took 10 years to build the monument, at an astounding cost of rupees 20 lakh. The palace serves as a fine example of Italian Gothic style, combined with some European style elements. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a Hindu temple in the city of Bhuj that was constructed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in This temple was reconstructed due to the destruction caused by the earthquake in The new temple complex was opened in 2010 and is made using only marble and gold. The temple has been dedicated to Nar Narayan and Swaminarayan. The temple also houses the idols of Radha Krishna, Ghanshyam, Sukh Shaiya and many other deities. On the pillars and ceilings of this temple complex numerous carvings have been made. There is an idol of Narnarayan Dev in the temple also which was established by Swaminarayan. Evening we will visit the Garba (Gujarati Folk Dance). Overnight stay at Bhuj Day 04: Bhuj Banni Village Bhuj (24/09/2017) After breakfast we will drive to visit the following Banni Vilages: Sumrasar: Sumrasar to visit Kala Raksha, the non profit organization that works with a number of communities, mainly that Rabaris, in developing unique handicraft designs (mostly embroidery) and marketing them to help sustain the communities. There is a shop located on the campus that sells a variety of these products. Zura & Nirona: Nirona is a dusty village off the road linking Bhuj to Khawda. Over the years it has achieved a status of being termed a craft village. Nirona is blessed with having a variety of master craftsmen practicing their trade and honing it to an art form.

6 Visit Husenbhai, who will lead you through the wide dusty alleys to his living cum work space. Husen is a metallurgist, a traditional maker of cow bells. Iron bells enameled in copper and bronze, so many shapes and sizes, emitting melodies which are soft yet carry sonorously through the desert air. Bell making as a craft form is still practiced not only in Nirona but in Zura. The entire family is involved in the craft process with the male members performing the critical tasks of shaping the bell and selling the sound with the aid of an instrument known as the ekalavai. The sound that emanates from each bell essentially depends on three factors: the shape of the wooden strip hanging with the bell; and the form and curvature of the bottom rim of the bell. The bells may be made in 14 sizes that vary in height from 2 cm to over 30 cm or as a combination of bells in a jhumar, single frame; this range of products caters to the indigenous pastoral communities of Kachchh. We will then visit the Vadhas, whose skill lies in coating wooden implements and toys with lacquer in a psychedelic variation of hues. This semi nomadic community harvests the lac resin from the trees, mixing it with different kinds of minerals and pigments to generate a vast array of colorful shades. These are then meticulously applied to a mixed batch of kitchen implements, toys and small utility items. The craftsmen use hand operated lathes to shape the wood, slash in indentations and the artistically application of colored lacquer in zigzag patterns defying geometric parameters. A simple triangulation from the bell maker s house to the houses of lac would bring us within the realm of Roghan. Here we will visit Abdul Gafur Khatri, who belongs to the last remaining family of Rogan artisans. Roghan is a traditional textile art form involving painting on fabric. The art of Roghan originated in Syria and is practiced through Peshawar, Lahore, Sindh and Kutch. The color and paste used in Roghan painting is a gelatinous extract of safflower and castor oil blended with pigments rolled into a ball and preserved in earthen bowls of water to maintain consistency. The color making process itself is time consuming and involves great skill. A snake like sliver of color paste is rolled on to a stylus and hand applied to dyed cotton fabric making intricate patterns. Nirona is a classic example of an ideal crafts village wherein each community is an integral part of the whole. Afterwards we will drive back to Bhuj Overnight stay at Bhuj

7 Day 05: Bhuj Rajkot (25/09/2017) After breakfast we will drive towards Rajkot (250 kms 4hrs drive) On reaching at Rajkot after check in to the Hotel we will visit the following places as per your interest and availability of time - Kaba Gandhi's Gate: Gandhiji's ancestral home (1880) which now houses the 'Gandhi Smriti'- a memorial museum containing photographs and personal effects. Watson Museum and Library: Located in the Jubilee Gardens, the Museum commemorating Colonel John Watson is a good introduction to Saurashtra's cultural heritage. Important exhibits are copies of artifacts from Mohenjodaro, 13th century carvings, silverware, natural history exhibits and textiles. A huge 19th century marble statue of Queen Victoria is fascinating. There are many splendid portraits and photographs of royal princes of Saurashtra and European dignitaries, handicrafts, pottery and princely relics. Open from 9 to pm nd 2.30 to 5 pm. Jagat Mandir: Jagat Mandir is the beautiful carved temple of Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. It is made of red stones. Rotary Dolls Museum: This unique Museum gives an overview to the culture and traditions of the world at large through a medium of dolls. The Rotary Clubs across the world have generously donated these Dolls to the Rotary Club of Rajkot Midtown. This vision was conceived in 2001 by the Rotarian Mr. Deepak Agrawal. To view in detail the path from conception to the birth on this Rotary Dolls Museum, While the vision has been to create a Dolls Museum where children and adults both gain from, the mission has been yet noble and simple, Love, Care and Concern for Humanity. In evening we will witness Garba (Gujarati Folk Dance) Overnight stay at Rajkot Day 06: Rajkot Gondal Junagadh (26/09/2017) After breakfast we will drive towards Gondal (55 kms 1hr 30mins drive)

8 Naulakha Palace: The palace is built in various styles, beautifully lies in the riverside. The palace has striking ornamentations. A museum is reside inside the palace that houses rare artifacts of royal era. The best one are the scales that used to weigh the maharajah in 1934 and his weight in silver was distributed to the poor. Car Museum: The car museum is located inside the Orchard Palace and open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. The museum preserves some of the rarest vintage cars. It has around 50 impressive vehicles including a car from A must see place for car lovers. Shri Bhuvaneshwari Aushadhashram Ayurvedic Pharmacy - The age old ayurvedic pharmacy center was established by royal physician. You will see rare and wierd machineries involved in the pharmacy. You can also buy the medicines from here for treating various diseases such as vertigo, hair loss, insomnia etc. The Swaminaryan Temple: The temple is owned by Swami Narayan sect, is a white, 19th century building built on land donated by the maharajah, with an attached farm. Other two Royal Palaces- the Riverside Palace and Orchard Palace are converted into heritage hotels. The Riverside Palace is located at the edge of the Gondali River. You may enjoy your lunch at one of these hotels. Afterwards we will drive towards Junagadh (80 kms 1hr 30 mins drive) Evening we will visit the Garba (Gujarati Folk Dance). Overnight stay at Junagadh Day 07: Junagadh Bhavnagar (27/09/2017) After breakfast we will visit the following places as per your interest and availability of time - Upperkot: Upperkot is a remarkable fort situated in the middle of the town. It was originally built in 319 BC and was rediscovered in 976 AD. The fort was attacked a number of times. The citadel has a huge gate and it is enclosed within fort walls that are around 20 m high. One can also see the mammoth Jama Masjid inside the complex. There are also a number of Buddhist caves situated in the complex of Upperkot. Narsinh Mehta Choro: It is said that Narsinh Mehta Choro is the place where the poetsaint and reformer Narsinh Mehta conducted his assemblies in the 15th century.

9 Mahabat Muqbara: This impressive mausoleum (Maqbara) has splendid arches, many domes, and towering minarets. The architecture is detailed and opulently done. It has finely carved silver doors. There is a mosque next to it. It is located on Mahatma Gandhi Road, near the railway station and opposite the court. The Maqbara embodies the tomb of Nawab Mahabatkhanji I Ashoka's Major Rock Edict: At the foothills of Girnar Mountain, there is uneven rock with a circumference of seven meters by ten meters. It bears inscriptions in Brahma s script, etched with an iron pen. Afterwards we will drive towards Bhavnagar (235 kms 4hrs 30 mins drive) Evening we will visit the Garba (Gujarati Folk Dance). Overnight stay at Bhavnagar Day 08: Bhavnagar Vadodara (28/09/2017) After breakfast we will drive towards Vadodara (215 kms 5 hrs drive) On reaching at Vadodara after check in to the Hotel we will visit the following places as per the availability of time Sayajibaug: Sayaji Baug (the famous park) is situated on river Vishwamitri and was built by Sayajirao III in Sprawling over 113 acres, it also includes an excellent zoo, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, the Museum of Health and Hygiene and the Sardar Patel Planetarium. Kirti Mandir: Kirti Mandir is situated on the north of the statue of Prince Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad near the Vishwamitri Bridge. With a cluster of shiva temples it was built to commemorate the cremation of the members of the Gaekwad family. This "E" shaped large magnificent stone building with domes, terraces, balconies and central sikhara rising to about 33 metres. According to Sayajirao Gaekwad it was built to commemorate the benefactors of his state irrespective of their race, caste or creed. Built by Maharaja Sayajirao at the cost of Rs.50, 000, it preserves in its various rooms the statues and photographs of the members of the royal family. The interior of this elegant structure is marble finished and on the walls of the central hall are the murals Gangavataran, battle of Mahabharat, Life of Meera and Natir Pooja-executed by the famous Bengali artist Nandalal Bose. Open: between 9 & 12 in the morning and 2.30 & 5.30 in the evening. In evening we will witness Garba (Gujarati Folk Dance)

10 Overnight stay at Vadodara Day 09: Vadodara Ahmedabad (29/09/2017) After breakfast we will visit the following places - Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum: This is the royal collection of art treasures of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo as well as modern western and Indian painting, Graeco-Roman exhibits, Chinese and Japanese art and a large collection of contemporary Indian art. Laxmi Vilas Palace: The Royal Family's residence is an extravagant building in Indo- Saracenic style. The palace built by Maharaja Sayajirao in 1890 is till date the residence of the royal family. Its ornate Darbar Hall has an Italian mosaic floor and walls with mosaic decorations. The palace houses a remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble & terracotta. Baroda Museum & Gallery: Considered as one of the most famous museums of the country it was built in The picture gallery which offers an excellent collection of originals by famous British painters Turner and constable and many others attract tourists from every part of the country. The Egyptian mummy and skeleton of a blue whale are major attractions for those who visit the museum. Other treasure includes the famous Akota bronzes dating the 5th Century A.D., A collection of Mughal miniatures, a fully-fledged gallory of Tibetan Art and oils by several European masters. Open: Afterwards we will drive towards Ahmedabad (110 kms 2hrs 15 mins drive) On reaching at Ahmedabad in the evening we will drop you at Ahmedabad Airport/Railway Station to board a flight/train for your hometown. Tours End With Sweet Memories

11 Standard Package Sr. No. Place 3*/Standard Hotels OR SIMILAR No. Nights Of Meal Plan 1. Ahmedabad Hotel Riverview Two CP Breakfast 2. Bhuj Grand 3D Two CP - Breakfast 3. Rajkot The Grand Regency One CP Breakfast 4. Junagadh Leo Resort One CP Breakfast 5. Bhavnagar Hotel Generation X One CP Breakfast 6. Vadodara Hotel Rivera Lords Inn One CP - Breakfast 02 Pax AC Etios or Similar 01 Double Rooms Rs. 64, is the Total Cost for a minimum of 02 pax 04 Pax AC Innova or Similar 02 Double Rooms Rs. 1,04, is the Total Cost for a minimum of 04 pax 06 Pax AC Innova or Similar 03 Double Rooms Rs. 1,36, is the Total Cost for a minimum of 06 pax Deluxe Package Sr. No. Place 3*/4* Hotels OR SIMILAR No. Of Nights Meal Plan

12 1. Ahmedabad Hotel The Fern Two CP Breakfast 2. Bhuj Regenta Resort Two CP - Breakfast 3. Rajkot The Fern Residency One CP Breakfast 4. Junagadh Leo Resort One CP Breakfast 5. Bhavnagar Hotel The Fern One CP Breakfast 6. Vadodara Hotel Regenta One CP - Breakfast TOTAL PACKAGE COST AS PER ABOVE DETAILS No. Of Pax Vehicle Category OR SIMILAR Room Package Cost (Net to JN Rao Tours) (Indian/For eign National) 02 Pax AC Etios or Similar 01 Double Rooms Rs. 79, is the Total Cost for a minimum of 02 pax 04 Pax AC Innova or Similar 02 Double Rooms Rs. 1,34, is the Total Cost for a minimum of 04 pax 06 Pax AC Innova or Similar 03 Double Rooms Rs. 1,81, is the Total Cost for a minimum of 06 pax

13 ***Kindly note the above quote is subject to availability Above Rates are NOT VALID during the peak season of Janmashtami, Diwali, Christmas & New Year, & Long Weekend. Kids below 05 years are complimentary. INCLUDING: AC Accommodations at Hotel AC Vehicle for Transfer and Sightseeing Toll Tax, Inter State Road Tax, Vehicle Permit Fees, Parking, Vehicle Entry/Exit Fees, Driver s Allowances, Border Tax, etc. GST 5%. EXCLUDES: Local Guide /Tour Escort / Coolie / Porter Charges Rest all meals you need to pay across the counter at restaurants of your choice. Any type of meals. All Location: Animal Rides, Camera s Fees, Rope way Charges, Boat Charges, Doli Charges, etc Entrance Fees at all the locations e.g. Temples, National Parks, Forts, Palaces, Heritage Properties, Monuments, Museums, Zoo, Safari Charges, Jeep Charges, etc. Porterage, laundry, dry cleaning, telephone calls, fax, internet charges, tips, drinks or any other expenses of personal nature such as room services, etc. Extended stay or travelling due to any reason. Any Tickets (Rail / Air / Bus) International Air Fares, Indian Visa Fees, Insurance, any kind of Gratuity, etc. Anything not mentioned under The Cost includes Special Request: As per the govt. directive, Foreign Nationals are requested to produce their passport as photo identity proof. Indian Nationals need to produce any govt. approved photo identity such as Driving License/Pan Card/Voter ID card/passport at the point of check-in at the hotel, and Safari entry time. [Sasan Gir Safari, White Desert, etc ] PLEASE NOTE: Reservations not booked at present. Booking / Rooms subject to availability at the time of booking. Kindly confirm with us rates before booking. Tour Package Rates are subject to availability.

14 In case of non-availability of the mentioned hotels, similar hotel will be provided, which can change the above tour package costing. Rates are not valid for Special Festive Dates and Long Weekends. No Refund for any unutilized rooms, service or sightseeing. For written confirmation, we need the Full Payment 15 Days prior to the Tour Departure, out of which 50% has to be paid at the time of booking. All prices are in Indian Rupees and rates are only for Indian/Foreign National only. Above itinerary intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before the tour or while on the trail. JNR Globetrotters Pvt. Ltd. and/or associated companies give notice that all tickets issued by them and all arrangements for transport, accommodations and meals, are made by them as agents for the tour participant upon the express condition that they shall not be held liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect of any vehicle or through the acts of any company or person engaged in conveying the passengers herewith, or of any hotel/ship proprietor or employees. The right is reserved to decline, accept or retain any person as a member of the tour. Guest speakers are subject to professional commitments. JNR Globetrotters Pvt. Ltd. and/or associated companies accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delays or changes in schedules, sickness, weather, strikes, war, quarantine or other causes. We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of the trip participants' safety, comfort & general well be. We have no control over airline seating or actual delivery of special meals ordered, change in flight times or delays. The responsibility for this upon the airline alone. Days of departure and return are included in the number of days of the tour. It is important to arrange insurance from your end for the entire tour period. Cost is based on a minimum of 02/04/06 persons. The programme is subject to availability and liable to change as per the then conditions. Rates are based as per the itinerary hence the sector should not be changed. If the Fuel Costs increases during the time of travel the Quoted Rates will also increase accordingly. E. & O. E. Cancellation charges per person After confirmation and full payment on the booking, cancellation charges applicable would be as mentioned below:- REFUND RULES per person

15 76 days & above : 50% of the total amount 61 days 75 days: 75% of the total amount 46 days 60 days: 90% of the total amount 00 days 45 days: No Refund ONCE YOU DECIDE AND CONFIRM YOU NEED TO INFORM YOUR BANKERS TO TRANSFER FUNDS AS FOLLOWS: Bank Details: Account Name: JNR Globetrotters Pvt Ltd Account No.: Bank: HDFC NEFT IFSC/RTGS Code: HDFC Address: Bopal Branch, Samarpan Complex, 200 ft. Ring Road, Bopal Junction, Ahmedabad

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