A Cultural Journey through Rajasthan & Gujarat: Desert to Sea

Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Routing: Delhi – Jaipur – Udaipur – Mount Abu – Ahmedabad – Bhuj – Rann of Kutch – Dwarka – Somnath – Gir – Diu – Ahmedabad

Highlights

City Highlights
Delhi Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple
Delhi - Jaipur Arrival in Jaipur, City Palace, Jantar Mantar
Jaipur Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Local Markets
Jaipur - Udaipur Lake Pichola, Sunset Boat Ride
Udaipur City Palace, Jag Mandir, Saheliyon Ki Bari
Udaipur - Mount Abu Ranakpur Jain Temple (en route), Dilwara Temples, Sunset Point
Mount Abu - Ahmedabad Sabarmati Ashram, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Jama Masjid
Ahmedabad - Bhuj Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Swaminarayan Temple
Bhuj - Rann of Kutch White Rann, Cultural Performances, Local Handicrafts
Rann of Kutch - Dwarka Dwarkadeesh Temple, Rukmini Devi Temple, Gomti Ghat
Dwarka - Somnath Somnath Temple, Bhalka Tirth, Triveni Sangam
Somnath - Gir National Park Gir National Park (Jungle Safari - Asiatic Lions)
Gir - Diu Diu Fort, Naida Caves, St. Paul’s Church, Diu Beach
Diu - Ahmedabad Return to Ahmedabad, Local Sightseeing or Shopping
Ahmedabad Departure - End of tour

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi - Introduction to the Capital

Arrival in Delhi: Welcome to India’s vibrant capital! Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, transfer to your hotel for check-in and freshening up.
Sightseeing: Begin your spiritual journey with a visit to the Lotus Temple, a stunning Bahá’í House of Worship known for its unique flowerlike architecture and tranquil ambiance. Later, visit the grand Akshardham Temple, a magnificent complex showcasing India’s art, culture, and spirituality with intricate carvings, exhibitions, and musical fountain shows.
Evening: Enjoy leisure time or explore nearby markets for a gentle introduction to Delhi’s energy.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Delhi.

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Day 2: Delhi - Jaipur (Pink City)

Drive to Jaipur: After breakfast, embark on a scenic 5-hour drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, famously called the Pink City due to its distinctive architecture.
Arrival and Check-in: Check into your hotel and relax.
Evening sightseeing: Visit the majestic City Palace, a royal residence with exquisite courtyards, gardens, and museums showcasing Rajasthan’s regal heritage. Next, explore Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory with massive instruments used to study celestial positions.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Jaipur.

Day 3: Jaipur - Royal Heritage

Amber Fort: Begin your day with a visit to the imposing Amber Fort, perched on a hilltop. Explore its grand palaces, mirror work in the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), and panoramic views.
Hawa Mahal: Visit the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-story pink sandstone façade with 953 windows designed to allow royal ladies to observe street festivities without being seen.
Albert Hall Museum: Explore this beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture museum housing a rich collection of artifacts including paintings, jewelry, and textiles.
Local Markets: Spend the late afternoon wandering Jaipur’s vibrant bazaars such as Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, famous for handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and traditional Rajasthani souvenirs.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Jaipur.

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Day 4: Jaipur - Udaipur (City of Lakes)

Drive to Udaipur: After breakfast, take a scenic 7-hour drive to Udaipur, often called the City of Lakes for its stunning water bodies and romantic palaces.
Arrival and Check-in: Settle into your hotel.
Sunset boat ride: In the evening, enjoy a magical sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, offering breathtaking views of the City Palace, Jag Mandir Island, and surrounding hills as the sun sets.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Udaipur.

Day 5: Udaipur - Sightseeing

City Palace: Begin with a visit to the sprawling City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture featuring courtyards, balconies, and museums showcasing royal artifacts.
Jag Mandir: Visit the beautiful island palace on Lake Pichola, known for its lush gardens and ornate interiors.
Saheliyon Ki Bari: Stroll through the Garden of Maidens, a royal garden with fountains, lotus pools, and marble pavilions.
Jagdish Temple: Explore this 17th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, noted for its detailed carvings and spiritual atmosphere.
Evening leisure: Optional cultural show or explore local markets.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Udaipur.

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Day 6: Udaipur - Mount Abu (Hill Station)

Drive to Mount Abu: After breakfast, embark on a 3-hour drive to Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station located in the Aravalli Hills, known for its cool climate and natural beauty.
Dilwara Jain Temples: Visit the world-famous Dilwara Temples, masterpieces of Jain architecture with intricately carved marble interiors.
Nakki Lake: Enjoy a leisurely walk or boat ride at Nakki Lake, surrounded by hills and lush greenery.
Toad Rock: Visit the unique rock formation shaped like a toad offering panoramic views.
Sunset Point: End your day watching a spectacular sunset over the hills.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Mount Abu.

Day 7: Mount Abu - Ahmedabad

Drive to Ahmedabad: After breakfast, drive approximately 5 hours to Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage City.
Arrival and Check-in: Relax and freshen up at your hotel.
Sightseeing: Visit the historic Sabarmati Ashram, the home of Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle. Explore the exquisite Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, famous for its intricate stone lattice work (jaali), and the grand Jama Masjid, a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Evening: Enjoy leisure time or explore Ahmedabad’s vibrant markets.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Ahmedabad.

Day 8: Ahmedabad - Bhuj

Drive to Bhuj: After breakfast, embark on a scenic 6-hour drive to Bhuj, the gateway to the Kutch region, known for its rich culture, crafts, and history.
Arrival & Rest: Check into your hotel and unwind after the journey.
Sightseeing: In the afternoon, explore some of Bhuj’s architectural and spiritual landmarks:
Aina Mahal (Palace of Mirrors): A stunning 18th-century palace known for its intricate mirror work and royal artifacts.
Prag Mahal: Adjacent to Aina Mahal, this Gothic-style palace with a clock tower offers spectacular views of the city.
Swaminarayan Temple: A beautifully carved temple dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, showcasing traditional Hindu architecture.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Bhuj.

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Day 9: Bhuj - Rann of Kutch (Dhordo)

Drive to Rann of Kutch: Early morning drive toward the White Desert at Dhordo in the Rann of Kutch - a surreal landscape of vast salt flats.
Experience:
Walk across the glistening white salt plains, a unique natural wonder.
Enjoy vibrant cultural performances featuring folk music and traditional dance by local artists dressed in colorful attire.
Browse through local handicraft stalls showcasing exquisite embroidery, leatherwork, and pottery made by Kutch artisans.
Sunset: Witness a breathtaking sunset over the endless salt desert - a truly magical moment.
Accommodation: Stay overnight in a charming Dhordo resort or in a traditional Bhunga hut, built for the desert environment.

Day 10: Rann of Kutch - Dwarka

Drive to Dwarka: After breakfast, set off on a long drive of approximately 7 hours to Dwarka, an ancient city and one of the sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Arrival & Check-in: Relax and freshen up at your hotel.
Sightseeing:
Visit the Dwarkadeesh Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, an important pilgrimage site with beautiful carvings and spiritual ambiance.
Explore the Rukmini Devi Temple, devoted to Krishna’s wife, known for its unique architecture.
Stroll along Gomti Ghat, the sacred spot where the Gomti River meets the sea.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Dwarka.

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Day 11: Dwarka - Somnath

Drive to Somnath: After breakfast, drive approximately 5 hours to Somnath, home to one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Sightseeing:
Visit the majestic Somnath Temple, renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance.
Explore Bhalka Tirth, the site where Lord Krishna is believed to have left his earthly body.
Visit Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of three rivers near the temple.
Evening Aarti: Witness the powerful and devotional evening Aarti ceremony at Somnath Temple, a deeply moving spiritual experience.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Somnath.

Day 12: Somnath - Gir National Park

Drive to Gir: After breakfast, take a short drive (1-2 hours) to Gir National Park, the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion.
Jungle Safari: Enjoy an exciting safari ride through the park, spotting lions, leopards, deer, antelope, and a variety of bird species in their natural environment.
Experience: Learn about conservation efforts and local flora and fauna from expert guides.
Overnight stay: Resort or lodge near Gir National Park.

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Day 13: Gir - Diu (Union Territory)

Drive to Diu: After breakfast, drive approximately 2 hours to the coastal enclave of Diu, a former Portuguese colony known for its laid-back vibe and colonial architecture.
Sightseeing:
Explore the massive Diu Fort, offering views of the Arabian Sea.
Visit the Naida Caves, natural sea caves with scenic beauty.
See the historic Church of St. Paul, a stunning example of Portuguese architecture.
Relax at Diu Beach, famous for its calm waters and sandy shores.
Overnight stay: Hotel or beach resort in Diu.

Day 14: Diu - Ahmedabad

Return to Ahmedabad: After breakfast, begin your approximately 7-hour drive back to Ahmedabad.
Arrival & Rest: Check in to your hotel and unwind.
Free Time: Spend your evening at leisure for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Ahmedabad’s markets such as Law Garden or Manek Chowk.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Ahmedabad.

Day 15: Departure from Ahmedabad

Check-out: After breakfast, complete your check-out formalities.
Departure Transfer: You will be transferred to Ahmedabad airport or railway station for your onward journey.
End of Tour: Depart with cherished memories of a culturally rich and spiritually uplifting journey through Rajasthan and Gujarat.

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