Explore Gujarat's spiritual and cultural traditions through this sacred trip. Begin at Dwarka, one of the Char Dham locations, where Lord Krishna is worshipped at Dwarkadhish Temple and Bet Dwarka and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga are explored. See Porbandar, Mahatma Gandhi's birthplace, and then go to Somnath, where proudly stands the famous temple of Jyotirlinga amidst Arabian Sea views. Feel the sacred environment at Bhalka Tirth and Triveni Ghat. Thereafter, move to Diu to savor architecture and forts from Portugal and lovely beaches. Finish at Bhavnagar with historical sites and return to Ahmedabad with timeless spiritual and culture memories.
Arrival at Bhuj, meet & greet transfer to hotel after fresh-up, evening visit local market. O/n stay at Bhuj.
Morning after breakfast visit Prag Mahal was constructed by Rao Pragmalji II (1838-76 AD). Rao Pragmalji appointed a famous architect, Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins to design Prag Mahal, who had earlier designed Deccan College, Sasoon Hospital, Ohel David Synagogue. Prag Mahal took about 10 years to get built at the cost of 20 lakh rupees.
Aaina Mahal Palace - Aina Mahal Palace was built by Rao Lakhpatji in 1750 AD. Aina Mahal is a part of a large palace complex. It is a two storey building with Darbar Hall, hall of mirrors, and suites for royal family. In the 18th century, the Rao Lakhpatji sent a local craftsman Ramsingh Malam to Europe to perfect his skills in glassmaking, enamelling, tile making and iron founding. After he returned back, he constructed the Aina Mahal with the hall of mirrors of Venetian glass. The Hall of mirror has white marble walls which are covered with mirrors and gilded ornaments and the floor is lined with tiles. The design and decoration of the Aina Mahal was due to the efficiency of Ramsingh Malam. The platform above the floor is surrounded by a series of fountains operated by an elaborated system of pumps below a Venetian chandelier. Aina Mahal is a unique example of an Indian palace built in the mid-eighteenth century with European influence. Aaina Mahal remains closed on Thursdays & public holidays. ( Remain Closed on Thursday & National Holidays )
The Kutch Museum – Formerly known as the Fergusson Museum, was founded by Maharao Khengarji III in 1877 AD. Its the oldest museum in Gujarat. Constructed in the Italian style, the museum is located in picturesque surroundings on the bank of Hamirsar Lake. The museum has been a center of attraction for scholars due to its large collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, curious archaeoligical objects, fine collection of arms & specimens of various crafts of Kutch region. Other places of interest at Bhuj are-Cenotaphs of Kutch rulers, Snake Temple at Bhujiyo Hill Fort, Swaminarayan temple, Vegetable market, Hatkeshwar temple & Alfred High School. (Remain Closed on Wednesday & 02ND, 04TH Saturday).
Morning after breakfast drive to Mandvi. Mandvi revolve around the water. A visit to the beach, exploring the shipbuilding area, a walk along the river; all these are indispensable. But the town is also easily explored on foot, and it is well worth wandering the narrow streets to check out the mix of old architecture. Many wealthy barons during the city's heyday had flamboyant houses built, with lots of European influence; it is not uncommon to see carved angels, or stained- glass windows. The many bazaars, where all kinds of goods can be found, frombandhani textiles to tasty fresh produce, should not be missed. Specific points of interest are as follows, visit Vijay Vilas palace was built by Rao Vijayrajji, and is maintained in excellent condition today. The British Political Agent based in Bhuj had summer quarters at Mandvi, and the British cemetery attests to the extended presence of the British in the area.
Later visit 72 Jinalaya Jain Temple This is an important holy place for the Jains which is almost 51 kms away from Bhuj. It has 72 Deris of Lord Mahavir. People always come to see this beautiful and attractive place. Bounter Jinalaya is also known as Adiswar Bounter Jinalaya Mahatirth. Return back to Bhuj. O/n stay at Bhuj.
Morning proceed to Banni Village enroute take permit (Please all client to need to obtain the permit). to see various people like Jat, Harijan, Meghawal and Mutva etc in various villages like Hodka, Ludiya and Dhordo. Banni means “a cluster of village”. InBanni area of Kutch the Meghwal-Harijans who migrated from Rajasthan use Khambira, Kharek, Kudi Stiches in their embroidery. Also outline and satin stitch embroidery of the area and very minute mirror designs similar to the famous Mutwa embroidery of the area. They make wall hangings, waistcoats and pouches in Kharek Stich and do 'Moti Bharat' or beadwork on handheld fans, bracelets, toys and belts. After visit HODKA village – Hodka derives from the Gujarati word ‘Hodi’which means ‘boat’. Since, thevillages here are called jheels, where potable water is available. Hodka is famous for its beautiful embroidery and mud work as much as Leather craft. Both men and women are actively involved in developing the art and craft tradition of the region.
Visit LUDIYA village- Harijans and Muslims are main communities in this village. The main occupations are: monsoon farming, cattle rearing, intricate wood carving, intricate embroidery work, mud-work and wall painting for decorating homes. Harijan men are involved with wood carving, the women take up embroidery and wall- decoration. Visits to DHORDO to see beautiful traditional mud houses (Bhungas) with mirror work and its fine Mutwa embroidery with tiny mirrors. Visit Kalo Dungar (Black Hills).
Evening enjoy Rann Utsav Festival Gujarat, Kutch is at its colorful and exotic best. People celebrated all evenings of Rann Utsav Desert Festival Kutch with crafts, music concert, folk dance, and lots of hastkala and handicrafts items over there.
Kutch Festival 2014 provides an exclusive opportunity to witness the creative initiative of the artisans and craftspeople. Nearly 32 cultural troupes from various districts of Gujarat participate in the Dance and Musical Carnival. The various locales withinKutch take one around the natural grandiose while introducing the visitor to the indigenous cultural and ethnical flavor of the people. Enjoy these cultural programmes performed in the midst of the White Salt Desert spread over miles. Overnight stay at Dhordo.
Morning after breakfast proceeds to Rajkot, visit Watson museum & Kaba Gandhi no delo. O/n stay at Rajkot.
Morning after breakfast proceeds to Diu, evening enjoy at Beach. O/n stay at Diu.
Morning after breakfast visit St. Paul’s church, Diu Fort & markets.
St.Paul's church - St. Paul's church is dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The construction of the church was started in 1601 and was completed in the year 1610. The main facade of the church is perhaps the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India. The façade has been illuminated by flood lights. The church adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell - like motifs and the magnificent wood carving is considered to be the most elaborate of all the Portuguese churches in India. St. Paul Church, built in 1691 is consecrated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. In architectural style it resembles Bom Jesus Church at Goa. The dominant features are, no doubt, Gothic. The wood - paneling of the church is rated one of the best in church craftsmanship Diu Fort: It is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. The fort commands a magnificent view of sea. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD. The fort is skirted by the Sea on the three sides. On the fort stands a giant Light House. Several canons still stare menacingly from top. The main front wall is having five huge windows with stone galleries. The Fort has been creatively lit, which creates a breath taking views at night. Rugged yet gentle, fierce yet loving. The majestic structure stands on the coast of DIU as a sentinel. Once inside, you are overwhelmed by the gaunt majesty of the ancient stone work which transports you to a bygone era of gallant soldiers where time stands still. O/n stay at Diu.
Morning after breakfast transfer to airport / railway station for onward journey.
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