India's Western Treasures: Palaces, Forts, Lions & Beaches
Location—(Mumbai-Daman-Vadodara-Ahmedabad-Modhera-Patan-Diu)
Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights
Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai
Arrive Mumbai. Assistance upon arrival. Transfer to Hotel.
Afternoon city tour of Mumbai Including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Victoria Terminus) from outside, Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya), Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai’s famous open-air laundry), Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, Hanging Gardens and Crawford Market.
Day 2: Mumbai – Daman (170 Kms / 05 Hrs)
Early morning drive to Elephanta Caves. An excursion across the Mumbai harbour to 1200-year old Elephanta Caves housing some of the most beautiful rock-cuts of the period. The famous Trimurti sculpture of three-faced Shiva depicting his three aspects as Creator, Preserver and Destroyer is powerfully portrayed in the massive sculpture. (Closed on Mondays and not available during the Monsoon).
Afternoon drive to Daman. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Daman
Breakfast at the Hotel. Along the Arabian Sea coast to Daman, a former Portuguese colony. Explore the colonial forts, historic churches, lighthouse, and sea-facing promenades. The town retains a charming Portuguese atmosphere reflected in its architecture, culture, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 4: Daman – Vadodara (300 Kms / 07 Hrs)
Continue to Vadodara, the cultural capital of Gujarat and former seat of the Gaekwad dynasty. Visit the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace, one of the grandest royal residences in India, showcasing an impressive blend of Indo-Saracenic and European architectural styles. Also visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, housing an outstanding collection of royal artefacts and artworks.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Vadodara – Champaner – Ahmedabad (160 Kms / 05 Hrs.)
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, one of India’s most significant archaeological and architectural treasures. Explore medieval mosques, stepwells, fortifications, palaces, and religious monuments reflecting a remarkable fusion of Hindu and Islamic traditions. Continue to Ahmedabad. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Ahmedabad
Discover the Historic City of Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. Explore the fascinating old city pols, intricately carved wooden havelis, the celebrated Sidi Saiyyed Mosque with its famous stone latticework, and the Adalaj Stepwell. Experience the city’s rich blend of Islamic, Jain, Hindu, and colonial influences while strolling through its vibrant heritage quarters.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Ahmedabad – Modhera – Patan – Little Rann of Kutch (260 Kms / 07 Hrs.)
Travel to Modhera to visit the magnificent Sun Temple, one of the finest masterpieces of Solanki-era architecture in India, renowned for its exquisite carvings and sacred stepped tank. Continue to Patan to explore Rani Ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated as one of the most spectacular stepwells in the world, featuring extraordinary sculptural decoration and engineering. Continue to the Little Rann of Kutch. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Little Rann of Kutch
Enjoy jeep safaris through the unique saline wilderness of the Little Rann of Kutch, home to the endangered Indian Wild Ass.
The region also supports flamingos, pelicans, cranes, foxes, and a variety of desert wildlife. Visit local artisan settlements and learn about traditional embroidery, weaving, and handicraft techniques. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09: Little Rann of Kutch – Bhuj (280 Kms / 06 Hrs.)
Drive to Bhuj, the cultural heart of Kutch. Visit the ornate Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal palaces, displaying a fascinating blend of local craftsmanship and European influence. Explore bustling bazaars and discover the region’s celebrated textile and handicraft traditions.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: Bhuj – Great Rann of Kutch (white Rann) (80 Kms)
After breakfast transfer to the spectacular Great Rann of Kutch, an immense white salt desert stretching to the horizon. Visit traditional villages renowned for embroidery, weaving, and handicrafts. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes and unforgettable sunset over the vast salt flats.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Great Rann of Kutch – Gondal (300 Kms / 07 Hrs.)
Travel to Gondal, one of the most charming princely towns of the Kathiawar region. Visit the Riverside Palace and the remarkable royal vintage car collection. The town preserves much of its regal atmosphere and architectural heritage. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: Gondal – Junagadh – Gir   (170 Kms / 05 Hrs.)
Visit Junagadh, an ancient city known for its rich architectural legacy. Explore the historic Uparkot Fort, ancient Buddhist caves, and the extraordinary Mahabat Maqbara, famous for its intricate Indo-Islamic architecture and spiral minarets. Continue to Gir National Park.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13: Gir National Park
Morning and afternoon safaris in Gir National Park, the last natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion. The park is also home to leopards, crocodiles, hyenas, deer species, and an abundance of birdlife, making it one of India’s premier wildlife destinations. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14: Gir – Palitana – Bhavnagar (200 Kms / 05 Hrs.)
Proceed to Palitana and visit the spectacular Shatrunjaya Jain Temples, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of Jainism and among the most extraordinary temple complexes in the world. Hundreds of intricately carved marble temples crown the hilltop, creating an unforgettable architectural masterpiece.
Note: The visit involves climbing approximately 3,500 steps. Doli (palanquin) services are available locally for guests requiring assistance.
Later continue to Bhavnagar. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15: Bhavnagar – Diu (200 Kms / 03 Hrs.)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Diu, a picturesque former Portuguese settlement located on the Arabian Sea. Visit the impressive Diu Fort, one of the finest Portuguese coastal fortifications in India, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Continue to St. Paul’s Church, renowned for its magnificent Baroque façade and intricate wood carvings. Explore the colonial-era streets, Old Portuguese mansions and the historic waterfront.
The journey concludes with leisure time on Diu’s tranquil beaches, providing a relaxing finale to an extraordinary exploration of Western India. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16: Diu
Breakfast at the Hotel. Full day free for leisure activities on your own.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 17: Diu – Mumbai by Flight
Breakfast at the Hotel. In time transfer to the Airport to board the flight for Mumbai.
Upon arrival in Mumbai, remain in transit for your onward international flight.
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Tour Highlights
âś“ Historic City of Ahmedabad (UNESCO World Heritage City)
âś“ Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
âś“ Rani Ki Vav, Patan (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
âś“ Sun Temple, Modhera
âś“ Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara
âś“ Shatrunjaya Jain Temples, Palitana
âś“ Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Safaris
âś“ Great Rann of Kutch White Salt Desert
âś“ Asiatic Lion Safaris in Gir National Park
âś“ Royal Heritage of Bhuj and Gondal
âś“ Portuguese Heritage of Daman and Diu
âś“ Traditional Kutchi Arts, Crafts and Village Culture