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Best Kept Secret: Gujarat's Architectural Marvels & History
Product code 135633P512
From
From USD 1,423
Dates
Apr 1, 2023 to Sep 15, 2027
Travelers
Infant ages 0-4, Child ages 5-10, Adult ages 11-99
Options
Tour Price Without Hotels, Price Using 5 Star Hotel, Price Using 4 Star Hotel, Price with 3 star hotels
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
240 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant Then Manual
Pickup
Pickup details available
Time zone
Asia/Kolkata
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From USD 1,423
Best Kept Secret: Gujarat's Architectural Marvels & History





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Duration
240 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant Then Manual
Pickup
Pickup details available
Time zone
Asia/Kolkata
Why Travelers Love This
Embark on a captivating exploration of Gujarat's architectural wonders and historical treasures with the "Best Kept Secret: Gujarat's Architectural Marvels & History" tour. Begin your journey in Ahmedabad, unraveling the cultural tapestry at Hutheesing Jain Temple and Bhadra Fort. Venture to Dholavira, an archaeological gem dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, before immersing yourself in Bhuj's regal Aaina Mahal Palace and the splendid Prag Mahal. The tour continues to the vibrant White Rann, offering a surreal sunrise experience, and takes you through cultural odysseys in Mandvi and the artisanal villages of Kutch. Explore the Little Rann of Kutch's wildlife, historical landmarks, and charming villages, concluding the adventure with Ahmedabad's architectural marvels.
Overview
Embark on a captivating exploration of Gujarat's architectural wonders and historical treasures with the "Best Kept Secret: Gujarat's Architectural Marvels & History" tour. Begin your journey in Ahmedabad, unraveling the cultural tapestry at Hutheesing Jain Temple and Bhadra Fort. Venture to Dholavira, an archaeological gem dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, before immersing yourself in Bhuj's regal Aaina Mahal Palace and the splendid Prag Mahal. The tour continues to the vibrant White Rann, offering a surreal sunrise experience, and takes you through cultural odysseys in Mandvi and the artisanal villages of Kutch. Explore the Little Rann of Kutch's wildlife, historical landmarks, and charming villages, concluding the adventure with Ahmedabad's architectural marvels.
What's Included
Included
Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
Lunch
Government taxes.
Bottled drinking water in the car.
9 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category hotels.
Dinner
Breakfast
Monument entrances and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.
1 Time jeep safari in Little Rann of Kutch Wild Ass Sanctuary with a naturalist.
English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per the program
Assistance on arrival at the airport.
Not included
Any flight ticket.
Camera charges at monuments if any.
Meals other than mentioned in inclusions.
Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
Gratuities and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup details
Itinerary
Arrive Ahmedabad
2 hours
Arrive Ahmedabad
On arrival at Ahmedabad airport assistance and transfer to hotel check in. Rest time free and easy to relax.
Ahmedabad
1 hour
Ahmedabad
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Ahmedabad. Visit Hatheesing Jain Temple established in 1850 by Seth Hatheesing, who was a rich Jain merchant. This temple is dedicated to the 15th 'Jain Tirthankar', known as Dharamnath.
Ahmedabad
1 hourAdmission included
Ahmedabad
Bhadra fort a beautiful monument that is famous for its intricate carvings, pattern works and beautiful frescos suits. Arches at the entry gate, has some inscriptions that represents the history of the fort. Jama Mosque there are different entrances to the mosque. Near the eastern entrance, stands the tomb of the Sultan Ahmed Shah, which houses the graveyard of three great rulers, namely Ahmed Shah, his son, Mohammed Shah and his grandson, Qutub-Ud-Din Ahmed Shah.
Ahmedabad
1 hourAdmission included
Ahmedabad
Kite Museum the city of Ahmedabad is popular for the Kite Festival so it doesn’t come as a surprise if you find an entire museum dedicated to kites. The popular Kite Museum that houses some of the rarest kites in the world is a first of its kind in India and second in the world. Sabarmati Ashram on his return from South Africa, Gandhi’s first Ashram in India was established in the Kochrab area of Ahmedabad on 25 May 1915. The Ashram was then shifted on 17 June 1917 to a piece of open land on the banks of the river Sabarmati. Reasons for this shift included: he wanted to do some experiments in living eg farming, animal husbandry, cow breeding, Khadi and related constructive activities. Shaking Minarets one of the most unique monuments in Ahmedabad, located in Siddi Bashir's Mosque near the Sarangpur gate.
Ahmedabad - Dholavira (255kms/ 5hrs approx)
4 hours
Ahmedabad - Dholavira (255kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Dholavira check in at village resort. Dholavira is a real treat for historians, and one of Gujarat’s best-kept archaeological and historical sites dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. 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. Dinner
Dholavira - Bhuj (220kms/ 5hrs approx)
1 hourAdmission included
Dholavira - Bhuj (220kms/ 5hrs approx)
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.
Dholavira - Bhuj (220kms/ 5hrs approx)
30 minutesAdmission included
Dholavira - Bhuj (220kms/ 5hrs approx)
Prag Mahal one of the architectural wonders in India, built-in the 19th century next to the popular Aina Mahal. The grand palace boasts of Gothic-style windows and Corinthian pillars around it. The opulent Mahal has the second tallest clock tower in the country which offers an amazing view from the top. A part of the palace has been converted into a museum with archives and personal items of the royal family on display. Imposing and beautiful in itself, the resplendent palace is made mostly out of red sandstone. There are intricate carvings done on the walls with beautiful art, and the most amazing thing is the jaali work on the jharokhas, those are exquisite in appearance.
Dholavira - Bhuj (220kms/ 5hrs approx)
1 hour
Dholavira - Bhuj (220kms/ 5hrs approx)
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. Overnight at hotel.
Bhuj - Hodka (65kms/ 1.3hrs approx)
3 hours
Bhuj - Hodka (65kms/ 1.3hrs approx)
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. This is then mixed with stone pigments to lend it different hues. Next, the artisan uses a six-inch metal stick to paint with a fine thread of Rogan on cloth. Seeing it live made us realize how delicately the Rogan thread has to be led with precision to give shape to one’s imagination. 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.
Hodka - White Rann of Kutch
2 hours
Hodka - White Rann of Kutch
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 and overnight at Hodka.
Hodka - Mandvi (135kms/ 3hrs approx)
2 hours
Hodka - Mandvi (135kms/ 3hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mandvi en-route visit Sumarasar Village for Weaving of Shawl and Stole Weaving in Kutch a traditional profession and skills are passed on from father to son. After having an experience of Weaving drive to Bhuj to meet Abu Baker Wazirs, Museum of Quality Textiles for over 50 years. Being collectors of antique Indian textiles and embroideries for over 45 years. Continue to Mandvi check in at resort.
Hodka - Mandvi (135kms/ 3hrs approx)
1 hourAdmission included
Hodka - Mandvi (135kms/ 3hrs approx)
Later visit Vijay Vilas Palace built in 1929 by Rao Vijayrajji, this palace is very well-maintained, and often the scene of filming for Bollywood productions. It was built of red sandstone in the Rajput style, with a main central dome, Bengal domes at the sides, bastions at the corner, and colored glass windows. The balcony at the top affords a superb view of the surrounding area, and the king's tomb can also be seen.
Hodka - Mandvi (135kms/ 3hrs approx)
1 hour
Hodka - Mandvi (135kms/ 3hrs approx)
Mandvi Town known for its shipbuilding centre. The local carpenters still make ocean-going Dhows in much the same way that their ancestors had done a century ago. One can go and visit the men at work, shaping the great vessels with hand tools and coaxing the seasoned timber into shape. The carrying capacity of these boats can vary from 250 tons to 1000 tons. The predecessors of these very same ships had roamed the Indian Ocean and made Kutch a maritime power. Handmade models of these Dhows can also be procured from local artisans. Rest time free and easy to relax on the beach. Dinner
Mandvi - Mundra - Bhadreshwar - Little Rann Of Kutch (275kms/ 5hrs approx)
1 hour
Mandvi - Mundra - Bhadreshwar - Little Rann Of Kutch (275kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Little Rann Of Kutch via visiting Mundra & Bhadreshwar. In Mundra see some of the finest Batik workshops. The process starts with the removal of starch from the plain white fabric. The fabric is soaked in soda and with thorough rinsing; the starch from the fabric is removed. A work table is prepared by spreading river-bed sand on a long rectangular surface. The printer begins block-printing with wax once the plain fabric is laid out on the table.
Mandvi - Mundra - Bhadreshwar - Little Rann Of Kutch (275kms/ 5hrs approx)
1 hour
Mandvi - Mundra - Bhadreshwar - Little Rann Of Kutch (275kms/ 5hrs approx)
Next drive to visit Bhadreshwar Jain Temple perhaps one of the most under-appreciated sites of great significance in religious history. It is claim the city was founded in 516 BC, and first temple was built “2500 years ago, about 45 years after the death of Lord Mahavir,”. The main temple is strikingly beautiful in all white marble with majestic pillars. Around the central one are 52 smaller shrines, one of which reputedly holds the original Parshavanath idol from 500 BC.
Little Rann Of Kutch - Patan - Modhera - Ahmedabad (160kms/ 3hrs approx)
1 hourAdmission included
Little Rann Of Kutch - Patan - Modhera - Ahmedabad (160kms/ 3hrs approx)
Early morning Jeep Safari in Little Rann of Kutch to spot the Asiatic Wild Ass and other mammals, this area is also good for spotting migratory Birds. You can also do a village safari to see communities like Mir, Bharwad, Rabari, and Bajanias.
Little Rann Of Kutch - Patan - Modhera - Ahmedabad (160kms/ 3hrs approx)
1 hourAdmission included
Little Rann Of Kutch - Patan - Modhera - Ahmedabad (160kms/ 3hrs approx)
Return to camp for breakfast and drive to Ahmedabad with stop to visit Rani ki Vav & Panchasara Jain Temple at Patan & Modhera Sun Temple. Rani ki Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) - Is 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 - The king Vanraj Chavada built this jain temple 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).
Little Rann Of Kutch - Patan - Modhera - Ahmedabad (160kms/ 3hrs approx)
1 hour
Little Rann Of Kutch - Patan - Modhera - Ahmedabad (160kms/ 3hrs approx)
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.
Little Rann Of Kutch - Patan - Modhera - Ahmedabad (160kms/ 3hrs approx)
2 hours
Little Rann Of Kutch - Patan - Modhera - Ahmedabad (160kms/ 3hrs approx)
Continue drive to Ahmedabad check in at hotel.
Ahmedabad - Departure (flight)
2 hours
Ahmedabad - Departure (flight)
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
Additional Info
Infant Seats Available
Specialized infant seats are available
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Stroller Accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Policy type
Custom
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Experience may be cancelled for bad weather.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 6+ days before
Refund eligibility
50% refundable 2-6 days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-2 days before