Foundations of Gujarat Tour

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The 15th century saw the development of a provincial Indo-Saracenic style of architecture in Ahmedabad during the reign of Sultan Ahmed Shah. Take an afternoon tour of the Sarkhej mausoleum complex and the Vishala Village complex with its superb utensils museum and visit nearby mosques.

Visit the Calico Museum of Textiles, one of India’s leading specialised museums. The collections are vast and include textile swatches of Indian origin found at archaeological sites in Egypt, silk sarees from across India, royal wardrobes of Rajasthan and cloth paintings and manuscripts. Afterwards visit to the exquisitely carved 15th century Adalaj stepwell.

Enjoy a morning heritage walk to the old quarters of Ahmedabad that are lined with beautifully carved havelis facades from the 17^th to 19^th centuries. Continue on to Lothal for insights into Indus Valley Civilisation town planning. Later, travel 240 kms to Palitana/Bhavnagar.

This morning ascend the Shatrunjaya Hill near Palitana town to view the Jain temple complexes. Take in about 863 temples crowning two ridges of the summit. Afterwards descend and drive 170 kms to Gondal. This afternoon see the magnificent carvings and collections of the 1740s Naulakha Palace at Gondal.

The 17th to 19th century period saw much trade out of Gujarat’s ports. Take a day excursion to Junagadh to see the ancient Uparkot Fort, containing splendid Gothic palaces of the Nawabs and the flamboyant 19th century mausoleum complex. Return to Gondal, stopping en route to visit the 4th century Buddhist caves of Khambalida.

Drive from Gondal to Dasada, with a stop along the way to visit the Watson Museum in Rajkot. One of the largest museums in Gujarat, it houses collections of medieval sculpture, pottery and crafts, and exhibits of Indus Valley civilisation from various sites around the Saurashtra region. It also features an extensive collection of memorabilia of Colonial rule and influence.

Travel 180 kms to Balaram with significant stops at Modhera and Patan. Visit the 11th century Sun Temple of Modhera, one of western India’s finest examples of Hindu temple architecture. Continue on to Patan and the magnificently carved 11th century stepwell from the Salanki period. Proceed to Balaram via Sidhapur known for its mansions and princely Palanpur.

Drive 250 kms back to Ahmedabad via Taranga to view its wonderful complex of well-preserved 12th century Jain Temples surrounded by spectacular hills.  Also visit Vanagar with its many historic buildings, including the most important Siva temple in Gujarat, the impressive 17^th century Haktesvar Temple.

Travel 60 kms from Ahmedabad to Champaner. Visit Pavagadh Fort, which dominates the skyline and is visible for miles around; it rises in three stages – the ruined fort, the palace and middle fort, and the upper fort with Jain and Hindu temples. It contains magnificent works of 15^th century Indo-Saracenic architecture.  Also stop en route to visit some of the palaces of Vadodara. [Image: Suman Wadhwa].

Travel to Udaipur via Shamlaji or return to Ahmedabad/Vadodara for a domestic Indian or international flight.