Our 14 days tour into Saurashtra and Kutch takes us through a region little known and off the beaten tourist path. A voyage of discovery that gives us a glimpse of a 4000 year old port city of Lothal and Gir National Park -last remaining population of the Asiatic Lion. In the bleak landscape of the little Rann of Kutch we will encounter the critically endangered wild ass, while the luxuriant grasslands of Velavadar National Park is home to the magestic blackbuck.
Day 01 : Mumbai :
Arrive Mumbai from your home country by midnight. Garland welcome, assistance and transfer to hotel. O/n Hotel.
Day 02 : Mumbai -Ahmedabad :
Morning transfer to airport to board flight to Ahmedabad by 9W 480 at 09.55- 10.55hrs (except Sunday's). Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit the walled city of Ahmedabad. This visit will take you to the exquisitely carved Jain and Hindu Temples, ornate wooden havelis where you will be introduced to the traditional lifestyle of the dwellers of the old quarters including the bird -feeders. You will also visit the 15th century Jumma Mosque and the mausoleum complexes of the Sultans and Begums of medieval Ahmedabad. O/n Hotel.
Day 03 : Ahmedabad -Little Rann of Kutch :
After breakfast drive to the Little Rann of Kutch (about 175kms/03hrs). Check into the comfortable hut type accommodation Rann Riders before enjoying a jeep safari in the afternoon.
Day 04 : Little Rann of Kutch :
Morning drive to the bets, elevated patches in the Rann covered with scrub and grass. In winter, this is a likely area for Mackqueen's bustard. Long legged, common and white-eyed buzzard, booted eagle and Bonneli's eagle are often seen during the drive. Evening visit to Nawa Talao, a lake where demmossile and common cranes gather in large flocks during the winter months. Greater and lesser flamingo are seen in large numbers, as are great white pelican with spotbilled and dalmatian. Back to our hut to relax and overnight.
Day 05 : Little Rann of Kutch :
An early morning jeep safari before visiting some of the local villages and pastoral tribal settlements. Kachch is a cultural melting pot of Sindhi, Gujarati, Muslim and Rajasthani cultures. Meet Bharwad shepherds, the Rabari camel and cattle herders, Maldhars who keep buffaloes, and Samra and Sindi Muslim cameleers. Overnight in simple hut.
Day 06 : Little Rann of Kutch -Gondal :Lion - Sasangir National Park
Morning jeep safari before driving to Gondal (about 185kms/04hrs), a beautiful and fortified town and capital of the princely State of Gondal. On arrival stay at the River Side Palace, a magnificent mansion, set amidst a garden of huge trees, beside the Gondali river. Rest of the day free to relax. Oln Hotel.
Day 07 : Gondal -Sasan Gir :
This morning drive a further three hours (about 115kms) to Sasan Gir visiting the textile town of Jetpur along the way well known for its screen-printing, block printing and yarn dyeing workshops. Continue to the Gir National Park and overnight at Jungie Lodge.
Day 08 : Sasan Gir :
Morning and afternoon jungle excursions by jeep into the Park with a visit to the interpretation centre during the day. Overnight Jungle Lodge.
Day 09 : Sasan Gir :
Further morning and afternoon excursions by jeep into the park Birdwatching and nature walks and visits to local Maldharis community villages. Overnight Jungle Lodge.
Day 10 : Sasan Gir -Bhavnagar :
This morning drive six hours to Bhavnagar (about 260kms), visiting the shaking minarets at Dhalwara en route. Overnight at Palace Hotel.
Day 11 : Bhavnagar -Velvadar National Park :
Wake up early for a morning excursion to Velvedar Sanctuary with a packed breakfast in the jeep.
Day 12 : Bhavnagar -Utelia :
After a short jungle drive continue to Utelia (about 120kms/03hrs) and the comfortable Palace Utelia, still occupied by the family of Utelia. In the evening visit Lothal, the earliest known urban archaeological ruins in India dating from 2400 BC with its citadel, dockyard, acropolis, bead factory and a site museum. If time permits take a walk into the village of Utelia. O/n Palace Hotel.
Day 13 : Utelia-Ahmedabad-Mumbai :
A drive of two hours to the Nal Sarover Bird Sanctuary, well known for its winter migrants and sarus cranes, (a picnic lunch will be provided). Later in the afternoon drive to Ahmedabad airport for your evening flight to Mumbai at 20.30 - 21.35hrs. On arrival transfer to the hotel for wash, change and dinner. After dinner transfer to the International airport for your flight back.
Day 14 : Mumbai departure :
Early morning flight to your home country.
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