Exploring Gujarat’s natural, cultural, religious and princely heritage, visiting the last refuge of the Asiatic Lion and the Little Rann of Kutch
Flight - 1 night
Vadodara - 2 nights
Bajana - 2 nights
Ahmedabad - 3 nights
Velavadar - 2 nights
Diu - 2 nights
Sasan Gir - 2 nights
Mumbai - 1 night
Flight - 1 night
India continues to astonish, with each region revealing more amazing discoveries. Gujarat had as many Maharajas as its northern neighbour, Rajasthan, but to the south the Arabian Sea brought influences from Arab to Portuguese, creating a unique heritage with palaces, religions and architectural styles.
Visit Gir National Park, last refuge of the Asiatic Lion in the wild! Chance to spot the rare Blackbuck (Indian antelope) in Blackbuck National Park and wild asses at Little Rann of Kutch. The varied birdlife provides a further great point of interest.
As Gandhi’s home region, Gujarat favours vegetarian food and restricts alcohol consumption except in coastal Diu a former Portuguese enclave, although you can bring alcohol with you or purchase it by special license!
The countless Jain temples of Palitana, exquisitely carved in marble on the Shatrunjaya hills are surely one of the great wonders of India, well worth the climb up. Equally Gujarat’s impressive stepwells rival Rajasthan and are worth the climb down!
Culture & Wildlife
Jules Verne Sightseeing
Safaris by Jeep
9 Lunches and 10 Dinners
Local Expert Guides
Group Size: 4 - 18
Visit four princely palaces with lunch included at three: Jambughoda Palace (lunch), Laxmi Vilas Palace (tour), Vijay Vilas Palace (lunch) and Orchard Palace (lunch).
Day 1 Fly overnight from Heathrow via Dubai to Ahmedabad.
Day 2 Transfer to the 4-star Gateway Hotel in Vadodara for a two-nights. Afternoon free. (D)
Day 3 Visit Champaner Fort and mosques. Lunch at Jambughoda Palace. View the Pithora paintings at a tribal village. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Visit Laxmi Vilas Palace and Baroda Museum. Continue to Bajana (5 hrs) for two nights at the 4-star Royal Safari Camp. (B, D)
Day 5 Morning jeep safari in the Little Rann of Kutch. Afternoon village safari. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Visit the Modhera Sun Temple and Rani ki Vav stepwell at Patan. At Sidhpur, visit the colourful havelis. Continue to Ahmedabad via Adalaj stepwell for three nights at the 4-star Hyatt Regency. (B, L)
Day 7 Full-day tour of Ahmedabad visiting Sidi Saiyad Mosque, Hatheesing Temple, Gandhi Ashram, Dada Hari stepwell and Shreyas Folk Museum. Thali dinner at the historic House of MG. (B, D)
Day 8 Morning heritage walk. Visit Mangaldas ki haveli, Manek Chowk, the city museum and Sarkhej Roza. (B)
Day 9 Travel to Velavadar (3 hrs) for two nights at the 4-star Blackbuck Lodge. Evening bush dinner in the grounds of the lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Morning game drive in Blackbuck National Park. Optional afternoon game drive (£75, pre-bookable). (B, L, D)
Day 11 Morning visit to the Jain Temple complex at Palitana – 3,800 steps to the top (temple visit can take up to 5 hrs). ‘Dohli’ carriers may be hired for most of the climb or wait at Vijay Vilas for lunch at the palace. Travel to Diu (5 hrs). Two nights at 3-star Radhika Beach Resort. (B, L)
Day 12 Walking tour of Diu visiting the fish market, Diu Fort, and Nagar Seth Haveli. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 13 Visit Somnath Temple. Continue to Sasan Gir for two nights at the 4-star Gateway Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Morning game drive in Sasan Gir National Park. Optional afternoon game drive (£75, pre-bookable). (B, L, D)
Day 15 At royal Gondal, visit the palace, the prince’s vintage car collection and Swaminarayan Temple. Lunch at Riverside Palace. Fly from Rajkot to Mumbai for overnight at the 5-star Trident Hotel (sea view rooms). Farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 16 Optional tour of Mumbai including Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Dhobi Ghat, Prince of Wales Museum and take a walk around the Kala Ghoda area (£55, pre-bookable). Return overnight flight. (B)
Day 17 Arrive London Heathrow.
Notes
This is a full itinerary with visits on foot and some uneven surfaces and inclines.
Palitana visit (Day 11) is a gradual but long climb!
Spread over in around 18 acres of land, the 4-star Royal Safari Camp is constructed by the skilful local artisans, built using red stones, which gives it an ancient and heritage look. Restaurants, an outdoor pool and 21 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, satellite TV, WiFi (free) and tea/coffee making facilities.
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A central 4-star hotel with restaurants, coffee shop, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 210 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
The 4-star Blackbuck Lodge sits comfortably amid the Savannah, nestled along the Velavadar National Park and set in several acres of plains. Restaurant, lounge, gym and WiFi (chargeable). 14 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, sitting area, deck, outdoor shower, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 3-star hotel located in the very picturesque seaside town of Diu, an island off the south coast of Gujarat's Kathiawar peninsula, separated from the mainland only by a tidal creek. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 42 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 4-star hotel located just opposite the Hiran River at the fringe of the dense Gir Forest. Restaurant, pool, spa, gym and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, river view and tea/coffee making facilities.
The best view of Mumbai, the Marine Drive, a 3km long beautiful promenade that rings a natural bay, greets guests at the 4-star Trident, Nariman Point. Restaurants, bar, gym, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 555 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, safe, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
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A 4-star central hotel with restaurants, pool, spa, gym and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Time to relax or see even more of India!
No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time in India by choosing further experiences?
We invite you to customise your tour by adding one or more extensions from our great range shown on the following pages. Relax in a resort or discover more of India with our specialist guides.
Also please consider adding extra nights before the tour if you would like to draw breath after the flight to India or stay on to reflect, relax or explore independently. Extra nights can also be added to most extensions. Please talk to one of our knowledgeable Personal Travel Experts to let us know what you are looking for and they will work out the best way. Sometimes extra transfers, internal flights and nights are recommended or needed, and sometimes two extensions can be combined into a more logical sequence.
2020
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
Emirates from Heathrow
2021
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
Emirates from Heathrow
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
Emirates from Heathrow
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
Emirates from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Double for sole use £695 (Apr £595)
Flight Options
London-Ahmedabad/Mumbai-London
Emirates Business Class from £1895
Optional Excursions
Blackbuck National Park
Game Drive £75
Sasan Gir National Park
Game Drive £75
Half Day Mumbai Tour £55
Extension Options
We offer a wide variety of pre- and post-tour extensions, click here for more information.
Pre/post tour extra nights and transfers are available.
Privately Guided
2 guests - £795 per person
3-4 guests - £395 per person
5-9 guests - £175 per person
10+ guests - No extra charge
Independent Arrival
Save £600
Arrival transfer included with group
Departure transfer add £24
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 14 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 9 lunches and 10 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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