West India
Goa - Pearl of the Orient
Goa - 05 Days / 04 Nights
Goa
Goa, also known as the 'Pearl of the Orient', is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. By day its sun, sea and surf and by night its fun, fish and feni (the local firewater). The Goan beaches are, however, only a part of the attraction - the magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have also made it a firm favourite with travelers, especially honeymooners, around the world. Walk hand-in-hand with your partner on the golden sands sipping on some fresh coconut water or soak up the sun and just laze on your hammocks and let the soothing music of the sea enchant you. While in your houseboat, enjoy the river breeze, lush greenery and scenic beauty as you relax in the comforts of this Paradise.
Day 01
Arrive Goa
Welcome to Goa, the Beach State of India. On arrival at Dabolim airport or Madgaon railway station, begin your tour of 'Goa - Pearl of the Orient'. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Hotel check-in time is 1400 hrs. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax in the hotel or explore and shop in the local market or just stroll on the beach, swim (weather permitting), or just laze around and chill out at the beach shacks.
Day 02
In Goa
The morning is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities within your hotel / resort. In the afternoon, proceed on a tour to Old Goa visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus wherein the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier lie; walk across to the magnificent Se Cathedral that houses the famous Golden Bell. Thereafter proceed to the temple of Mangeshi dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, drive to Panjim for a boat cruise on Mandovi River. Dance to the rhythm of Goan and Portuguese music on board.
Day 03
In Goa
The full day is at leisure. Go around and shop in the traditional markets of the Goan towns and villages. These markets are mirrors of Goa's ethnic culture & provide a glimpse of the typical Goan way of doing business.
Day 04
In Goa
The day is at leisure. Explore the less commercialized beaches or enjoy the in-house facilities of the hotel / resort.
Day 05
Depart Goa | Return home with happy memories
Goa
Goa, also known as the 'Pearl of the Orient', is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. By day its sun, sea and surf and by night its fun, fish and feni (the local firewater). The Goan beaches are, however, only a part of the attraction - the magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have also made it a firm favourite with travelers, especially honeymooners, around the world. Walk hand-in-hand with your partner on the golden sands sipping on some fresh coconut water or soak up the sun and just laze on your hammocks and let the soothing music of the sea enchant you. While in your houseboat, enjoy the river breeze, lush greenery and scenic beauty as you relax in the comforts of this Paradise.
Day 01
Arrive Goa
Welcome to Goa, the Beach State of India. On arrival at Dabolim airport or Madgaon railway station, begin your tour of 'Goa - Pearl of the Orient'. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Hotel check-in time is 1400 hrs. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax in the hotel or explore and shop in the local market or just stroll on the beach, swim (weather permitting), or just laze around and chill out at the beach shacks.
Day 02
In Goa
The morning is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities within your hotel / resort. In the afternoon, proceed on a tour to Old Goa visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus wherein the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier lie; walk across to the magnificent Se Cathedral that houses the famous Golden Bell. Thereafter proceed to the temple of Mangeshi dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, drive to Panjim for a boat cruise on Mandovi River. Dance to the rhythm of Goan and Portuguese music on board.
Day 03
In Goa
The full day is at leisure. Go around and shop in the traditional markets of the Goan towns and villages. These markets are mirrors of Goa's ethnic culture & provide a glimpse of the typical Goan way of doing business.
Day 04
In Goa
The day is at leisure. Explore the less commercialized beaches or enjoy the in-house facilities of the hotel / resort.
Day 05
Depart Goa | Return home with happy memories
Pune - 05 Days / 04 Nights
Pune | Shirdi | Shani Shingnapur | Aurangabad
The Great Land, as the name itself suggests, offers an abundant diversity of riches. Long standing bastion of the Maratha Empire and home to legendary Raja Shivaji, its history is testimony to its glorious past. The diversity and colourful cultures, festivals and miles of silver white beaches gives you a glimpse of this vibrant and beautiful land.
Day 01 Arrive Pune | On to Shirdi (90 kms / approx. 2 hour drive)
Welcome to Pune, one of the biggest industrial towns of Maharashtra. On arrival at Pune airport or Pune railway station, begin your tour of 'Maharashtrian Delight'. You will be met and transferred to Shirdi. On arrival, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the holy town of Shirdi on foot. Day 02 In Shirdi | Excursion to Shani Shingnapur (75 kms / approx. 2 hour drive)
Early in the morning, visit the holy Samadhi Mandir, the shrine of Sai Baba where his mortal remains were interred. Later in the afternoon, proceed on a half-day excursion to Shani Shingnapur, a shrine dedicated to Lord Shani. Return to Shirdi by late evening. Day 03 On to Aurangabad (125 kms / approx. 3 hour drive)
Today your journey continues to Aurangabad, where on arrival you will check into your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a half day city tour visiting the Panchakki (Water Wheel) followed by a visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara, built in black marble, which is considered to be an imitation of the Taj. Finally, visit the Ellora Caves and the Ghrishneshwar Temple - one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (Shrines of Lord Shiva) and the Devgiri Fort - an invincible fort built in 12th century by Bhillama the king of the Yadav Dynasty. Day 04 In Aurangabad | Excursion to Ajanta (103 kms / approx. 3 hour drive)
Today, you will proceed on a full day excursion to Ajanta - a world famous site where one can find the most beautiful paintings and sculptures. Enroute you can shop for the famous Himroo Shawls and Paithani Saris. Day 05 Depart Aurangabad | Return home with happy memories
Pune | Shirdi | Shani Shingnapur | Aurangabad
The Great Land, as the name itself suggests, offers an abundant diversity of riches. Long standing bastion of the Maratha Empire and home to legendary Raja Shivaji, its history is testimony to its glorious past. The diversity and colourful cultures, festivals and miles of silver white beaches gives you a glimpse of this vibrant and beautiful land.
Day 01 Arrive Pune | On to Shirdi (90 kms / approx. 2 hour drive)
Welcome to Pune, one of the biggest industrial towns of Maharashtra. On arrival at Pune airport or Pune railway station, begin your tour of 'Maharashtrian Delight'. You will be met and transferred to Shirdi. On arrival, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the holy town of Shirdi on foot. Day 02 In Shirdi | Excursion to Shani Shingnapur (75 kms / approx. 2 hour drive)
Early in the morning, visit the holy Samadhi Mandir, the shrine of Sai Baba where his mortal remains were interred. Later in the afternoon, proceed on a half-day excursion to Shani Shingnapur, a shrine dedicated to Lord Shani. Return to Shirdi by late evening. Day 03 On to Aurangabad (125 kms / approx. 3 hour drive)
Today your journey continues to Aurangabad, where on arrival you will check into your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a half day city tour visiting the Panchakki (Water Wheel) followed by a visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara, built in black marble, which is considered to be an imitation of the Taj. Finally, visit the Ellora Caves and the Ghrishneshwar Temple - one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (Shrines of Lord Shiva) and the Devgiri Fort - an invincible fort built in 12th century by Bhillama the king of the Yadav Dynasty. Day 04 In Aurangabad | Excursion to Ajanta (103 kms / approx. 3 hour drive)
Today, you will proceed on a full day excursion to Ajanta - a world famous site where one can find the most beautiful paintings and sculptures. Enroute you can shop for the famous Himroo Shawls and Paithani Saris. Day 05 Depart Aurangabad | Return home with happy memories
Temple Tour Of Gujarat
Ahmedabad - 08 Days / 07 Nights
Ahmedabad | Gondal | Somnath | Dwarka | Rajkot
Gujarat offers breathtaking locations and scenic landscapes. It is also a melting pot of several civilizations resulting in a vibrant culture and a rich heritage. Gujarat is home to several architectural marvels, witnesses of its glorious history and pilgrim centres for many faiths. Finally, it is also the land of several mythological & historical figures like the legendary Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence.
Day 01
Arrive Ahmedabad
Welcome to Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat. On arrival at Ahmedabad airport or Ahmedabad railway station, begin your tour of 'Temple Tour of Gujarat'. You will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will proceed on a half day city tour of Ahmedabad visiting Gandhi Ashram, Calico Museum, Utensils Museum, the Jami Mosque and finally Akshardham which is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.
Day 02
In Ahmedabad | Day excursion to Modhera Sun Temple & Patan
This morning proceed on an excursion to the Sun Temple at Modhera that dates back to the early 11th century. This temple has been designed in such a way that the Sun's rays illuminate the sanctum at dawn, during the time of the equinoxes. En route visit Patan that has over 100 Jain temples; the most important being the Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhandherwad with an exquisitely carved wooden dome and the other being the Rani ki Vav, an excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat.
Day 03
On to Gondal (265 kms / approx. 6 hour drive)
This morning, you will proceed on a drive to Gondal. On arrival, visit the Orchard Palace Retreat, the Virpur Jalaram Bapa Temple, Naulakha Palace, the Royal Palace and the Veri Lake that attracts cranes, pelicans, flamingos, spoonbills and the Glossy Ibises. Harriers roost here in winter and floricans nest during the monsoon. Later, you will check into your hotel.
Day 04
On to Somnath (155 kms / approx. 4 hour drive)
Today your journey takes you to Somnath located on the extreme southwest coast of Gujarat. On arrival, you will visit the temple of Somnath, which is established as one of the twelve Shiva Jyotirlingas. The temple has a tower over 165 feet high over the main sanctum. (Non Hindus are permitted to enter the temple). Later you will check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 05
On to Dwarka (230 kms / approx. 6 ½ hour drive)
This morning, you will drive to Dwarka. Enroute you will visit the Kirti Mandir at Porbander, hometown of Mahatma Gandhi. Continue on your drive to Dwarka where on arrival you will check in to your hotel.
Day 06
In Dwarka
Today, you will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour visiting the temples in Dwarka and Bet Dwarka. You will see the temple of Dwarkadheesh and the temple of Rukmini, Lord Krishna's wife. Later, take a ferry to Shankhoddar Island, also known as Bet Dwarka and visit the temple of Ranchhodrai and the Matsyavatar Temple. Your tour ends with a visit to the temple of Nageshwar Mahadev, one of the 12 jyotirlingas.
Day 07
On to Rajkot (235 kms / approx. 5 hour drive)
This morning, proceed to Rajkot. In the afternoon visit the temples, the Watson Museum, Kaba Gandhi No Delo - the ancestral house where Gandhiji grew up which now houses 'Gandhi Smriti' a memorial museum and the Bhomeshvar Temple. Later, you will check into your hotel. Enjoy shopping for the famous bandhani saris, patchwork materials and silk embroidered clothes.
Day 08
Depart Rajkot | Return home with happy memories
Today bid farewell to your 'Temple Tour of Gujarat', as you are transferred to the Rajkot airport or Rajkot railway station for your onward journey.
Ahmedabad | Gondal | Somnath | Dwarka | Rajkot
Gujarat offers breathtaking locations and scenic landscapes. It is also a melting pot of several civilizations resulting in a vibrant culture and a rich heritage. Gujarat is home to several architectural marvels, witnesses of its glorious history and pilgrim centres for many faiths. Finally, it is also the land of several mythological & historical figures like the legendary Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence.
Day 01
Arrive Ahmedabad
Welcome to Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat. On arrival at Ahmedabad airport or Ahmedabad railway station, begin your tour of 'Temple Tour of Gujarat'. You will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will proceed on a half day city tour of Ahmedabad visiting Gandhi Ashram, Calico Museum, Utensils Museum, the Jami Mosque and finally Akshardham which is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.
Day 02
In Ahmedabad | Day excursion to Modhera Sun Temple & Patan
This morning proceed on an excursion to the Sun Temple at Modhera that dates back to the early 11th century. This temple has been designed in such a way that the Sun's rays illuminate the sanctum at dawn, during the time of the equinoxes. En route visit Patan that has over 100 Jain temples; the most important being the Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhandherwad with an exquisitely carved wooden dome and the other being the Rani ki Vav, an excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat.
Day 03
On to Gondal (265 kms / approx. 6 hour drive)
This morning, you will proceed on a drive to Gondal. On arrival, visit the Orchard Palace Retreat, the Virpur Jalaram Bapa Temple, Naulakha Palace, the Royal Palace and the Veri Lake that attracts cranes, pelicans, flamingos, spoonbills and the Glossy Ibises. Harriers roost here in winter and floricans nest during the monsoon. Later, you will check into your hotel.
Day 04
On to Somnath (155 kms / approx. 4 hour drive)
Today your journey takes you to Somnath located on the extreme southwest coast of Gujarat. On arrival, you will visit the temple of Somnath, which is established as one of the twelve Shiva Jyotirlingas. The temple has a tower over 165 feet high over the main sanctum. (Non Hindus are permitted to enter the temple). Later you will check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 05
On to Dwarka (230 kms / approx. 6 ½ hour drive)
This morning, you will drive to Dwarka. Enroute you will visit the Kirti Mandir at Porbander, hometown of Mahatma Gandhi. Continue on your drive to Dwarka where on arrival you will check in to your hotel.
Day 06
In Dwarka
Today, you will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour visiting the temples in Dwarka and Bet Dwarka. You will see the temple of Dwarkadheesh and the temple of Rukmini, Lord Krishna's wife. Later, take a ferry to Shankhoddar Island, also known as Bet Dwarka and visit the temple of Ranchhodrai and the Matsyavatar Temple. Your tour ends with a visit to the temple of Nageshwar Mahadev, one of the 12 jyotirlingas.
Day 07
On to Rajkot (235 kms / approx. 5 hour drive)
This morning, proceed to Rajkot. In the afternoon visit the temples, the Watson Museum, Kaba Gandhi No Delo - the ancestral house where Gandhiji grew up which now houses 'Gandhi Smriti' a memorial museum and the Bhomeshvar Temple. Later, you will check into your hotel. Enjoy shopping for the famous bandhani saris, patchwork materials and silk embroidered clothes.
Day 08
Depart Rajkot | Return home with happy memories
Today bid farewell to your 'Temple Tour of Gujarat', as you are transferred to the Rajkot airport or Rajkot railway station for your onward journey.
The Colours Of Gujarat
Ahmedabad - 09 Days / 08 Nights
Ahmedabad | Bhavnagar | Sasan gir | Diu
Gujarat offers breathtaking locations and scenic landscapes. It is also a melting pot of several civilizations resulting in a vibrant culture and a rich heritage. Gujarat is home to several architectural marvels, witnesses of its glorious history and pilgrim centres for many faiths. Finally, it is also the land of several mythological & historical figures like the legendary Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence.
Day 01
Arrive Ahmedabad
Welcome to Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat. On arrival at Ahmedabad airport or Ahmedabad railway station, begin your tour of "The Colours of Gujarat". You will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will proceed on a half day city tour of Ahmedabad visiting Gandhi Ashram, Calico Museum, Utensils Museum, the Jami Mosque and finally Akshardham which is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.
Day 02
In Ahmedabad | Day Excursion to Modhera Sun Temple and Patan (102 kms / approx. 3 hour drive)
This morning proceed on an excursion to the Sun Temple at Modhera that dates back to the early 11th century. This temple has been designed in such a way that the Sun's rays illuminate the sanctum at dawn, during the time of the equinoxes. Enroute visit Patan that has over 100 Jain temples; the most important being the Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhandherwad with an exquisitely carved wooden dome and the other being the Rani ki Vav, an excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat.
Day 03
On to Bhavnagar via Lothal (235 kms / approx. 6 hour drive)
This morning, you will drive to Bhavnagar via Lothal visiting the Lothal Harappan archeological site. On arrival in Bhavnagar, you will check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the local bazaar.
Day 04
In Bhavnagar | Excursion to Palitana (60 kms / approx. 1 hour drive)
This morning you will visit the temples of Palitana located atop Shatrunjaya and crowned with over 900 temples, each rivaling the other for its beauty and magnificence and presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle to devotees and visitors. The peak is a 3 km climb of over 3500 steps from the town, while on each temple one can see detailed carvings, beautiful idols and images, jeweled statues and intricate toranas. The sunrise from behind the temples is a great sight.
Day 05
On to Sasangir (300 kms / approx. 7 hour drive)
This morning proceed to Sasangir, home to the Asiatic Lion. On arrival, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities within the hotel.
Day 06
In Sasangir
Today, you will visit the Gir Sanctuary - 11,412 sq km, a hilly tract of mixed dry deciduous and teak forests interspersed with grasslands and home to the Asiatic Lion. One can also spot leopards and other animals like the chital, sambar, nilgai, chausingha, grey langur, hyena and birds like the painted sandgrouse, peacocks and paradise flycatchers. The Kamleshwar Dam Reservoir is habitat to the crocodiles. (The park is closed from 15th June to 15th October).
Day 07
On to Diu (130 kms / approx. 3 hour drive)
Today your journey takes you to the beach town of Diu. Check into your hotel on arrival. The day is at leisure to laze and relax on the beach.
Day 08
In Diu
The morning is at leisure to enjoy the Nogoya Beach located in the Nagoa hamlet. The horseshoe beach is exceptionally beautiful and quiet and a wide variety of water sports facilities are available here (water sport activities on direct payment basis). Later, you will proceed on a city tour visiting St. Paul's Church, Diu Museum and the Diu Fort.
Day 09
On to Veraval (90 kms / approx. 2½ hour drive) | Return home with happy memories
Today bid farewell to 'The Colours of Gujarat' tour, as you are transferred to Veraval railway station for your onward journey.
Ahmedabad | Bhavnagar | Sasan gir | Diu
Gujarat offers breathtaking locations and scenic landscapes. It is also a melting pot of several civilizations resulting in a vibrant culture and a rich heritage. Gujarat is home to several architectural marvels, witnesses of its glorious history and pilgrim centres for many faiths. Finally, it is also the land of several mythological & historical figures like the legendary Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence.
Day 01
Arrive Ahmedabad
Welcome to Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat. On arrival at Ahmedabad airport or Ahmedabad railway station, begin your tour of "The Colours of Gujarat". You will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will proceed on a half day city tour of Ahmedabad visiting Gandhi Ashram, Calico Museum, Utensils Museum, the Jami Mosque and finally Akshardham which is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.
Day 02
In Ahmedabad | Day Excursion to Modhera Sun Temple and Patan (102 kms / approx. 3 hour drive)
This morning proceed on an excursion to the Sun Temple at Modhera that dates back to the early 11th century. This temple has been designed in such a way that the Sun's rays illuminate the sanctum at dawn, during the time of the equinoxes. Enroute visit Patan that has over 100 Jain temples; the most important being the Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhandherwad with an exquisitely carved wooden dome and the other being the Rani ki Vav, an excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat.
Day 03
On to Bhavnagar via Lothal (235 kms / approx. 6 hour drive)
This morning, you will drive to Bhavnagar via Lothal visiting the Lothal Harappan archeological site. On arrival in Bhavnagar, you will check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the local bazaar.
Day 04
In Bhavnagar | Excursion to Palitana (60 kms / approx. 1 hour drive)
This morning you will visit the temples of Palitana located atop Shatrunjaya and crowned with over 900 temples, each rivaling the other for its beauty and magnificence and presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle to devotees and visitors. The peak is a 3 km climb of over 3500 steps from the town, while on each temple one can see detailed carvings, beautiful idols and images, jeweled statues and intricate toranas. The sunrise from behind the temples is a great sight.
Day 05
On to Sasangir (300 kms / approx. 7 hour drive)
This morning proceed to Sasangir, home to the Asiatic Lion. On arrival, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities within the hotel.
Day 06
In Sasangir
Today, you will visit the Gir Sanctuary - 11,412 sq km, a hilly tract of mixed dry deciduous and teak forests interspersed with grasslands and home to the Asiatic Lion. One can also spot leopards and other animals like the chital, sambar, nilgai, chausingha, grey langur, hyena and birds like the painted sandgrouse, peacocks and paradise flycatchers. The Kamleshwar Dam Reservoir is habitat to the crocodiles. (The park is closed from 15th June to 15th October).
Day 07
On to Diu (130 kms / approx. 3 hour drive)
Today your journey takes you to the beach town of Diu. Check into your hotel on arrival. The day is at leisure to laze and relax on the beach.
Day 08
In Diu
The morning is at leisure to enjoy the Nogoya Beach located in the Nagoa hamlet. The horseshoe beach is exceptionally beautiful and quiet and a wide variety of water sports facilities are available here (water sport activities on direct payment basis). Later, you will proceed on a city tour visiting St. Paul's Church, Diu Museum and the Diu Fort.
Day 09
On to Veraval (90 kms / approx. 2½ hour drive) | Return home with happy memories
Today bid farewell to 'The Colours of Gujarat' tour, as you are transferred to Veraval railway station for your onward journey.
