Your Adventure Awaits
Grandiose Gujarat
A sojourn through Gujarat is a sensory adventure that begins in the "Living Heritage" of Ahmedabad, where the medieval past bridges with the evolving soul and energy of the city. The path then leads to the architectural marvel of Patan, home to the UNESCO-listed Rani ki Vav — an inverted temple-stepwell of staggering subterranean beauty and the legendary Patola weavers, whose double-ikat silks preserve a thousand years of royal tradition in every thread. This cultural deep-dive then gives way to the ethereal, sun-bleached savannas of Velavadar National Park, where the graceful, spiraled horns of the Blackbuck cut through the heat of the Bhal region against a backdrop of endless amber grasslands. The odyssey culminates in the rugged, teak-dappled ridges of Gir National Park, the final, hallowed sanctuary of the Asiatic Lions - the last remaining eden in Asia for the most exclusive predator in the world.
History & Culture
Nature & Wildlife
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When To Go?
Highlights
Accommodations
Experience the modern comfort of ITC Narmada in Gujarat's capital city, Ahmedabad styled with the inspiration of the ancient stepwells. Continue to the enticing Blackbuck Lodge in Velavadar National Park with an understated luxury safari atmosphere and finally, the Aramness Gir, combining the essence of a village style lodge with an opulent kothi
Experiences
Ancient stepwells, the heritage of the Gujaratis, legacies of Gandhi, the diversity of some of the richest bird life in India and finally, the symbiotic co-existence of the semi-nomadic Maldhari tribe and the Asiatic lions - amplifies the impetus for a journey through Gujarat. Still a less-trodden destination in every aspect, Gujarat has risen to prominence from its neighbors, Rajasthan.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive Ahmedabad
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On arrival at Ahmedabad Airport this evening, you will be escorted to the ITC Narmada, a Luxury Collection Hotel where you will enjoy the evening to rest and rejuvenate.
DAY 2: Ahmedabad (Heritage Walk & the Old City)
Refreshed this morning, we embark on a heritage walk through Ahmedabad's numerous "pols" - self-contained neighborhoods. Some of these pols are virtually small villages, traversed by narrow lanes, usually terminating in "chowks" - squares and many of these 'Pols' were protected by gates, cul-de-sacs and secret passages. Continuing on our exploration, we will witness significant religious places of worship including the 16th Century Sidi Sayed Mosque and the stunning Hutheesing Jain Temple, built in 1850 by a wealthy Jain merchant, entirely decorated in pure white marble and intricate carvings.
Later, we make a stop at the Gandhi Ashram, Mahatma Gandhi's headquarters during the long struggle for India's independence. From here, we continue to the Sarkhej Roza, a mosque and tomb complex in the village of Makarba, known as the acropolis of Ahmedabad, due to Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier's famous comparison of the mosque's design to the Acropolis of Athens. We will end the day with a visit to the Adalaj Vav Stepwell, built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai. Beautifully-preserved, witness the ornately-carved pillars and beams over four storeys descending underground.
DAY 3: Ahmedabad (Excursion to Modhera & Patan)
This morning, we will head to the 11th Century Modhera Sun Temple built by King Bhimdev I. Dedicated to the Sun God, it is the most significant and important in Gujarat with the finest example of Hindu architecture. One of the most striking features of the temple is that the first ray of the sun falls on the deity at the time of the equinoxes.
Thereafter, we continue shortly to Patan where we have the chance to gain insights into the art of Patola weaving, where silk threads are meticulously tie-dyed in both warp and weft to encode complex patterns before they ever meet the loom. This precise feat ensures Patan patola weaving revered status and symbolism as heirlooms of heritage. Finally, we then come face-to-face with the spectacular Rani Ki Vav Stepwell, built as a memorial to the 11th Century King Bhimdev I. Constructed entirely underground as an inverted temple with four pavilions on various levels, it highlights the sanctity of water. As you descend seven levels, you pass sculptural panels of the highest artistic quality, comprised of 500 principal sculptures and 1,000 minor ones. A masterpiece of architecture, construction, and adornment, it is the only stepwell to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
DAY 4: Ahmedabad / Nalsarovar / Velavadar National Park
We leave Ahmedabad this morning for a drive to Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, one of the largest wetland bird sanctuaries in India spanning over 120 square kilometres and home to over 250 species of migratory birds. Here, we embark on a boat ride, enjoying the privilege to marvel at the large congregation of greater and lesser flamingos, pelicans, herons, white storks and many more.
In the afternoon, we will continue our drive to Velavadar National Park, a 35 square kilometres of largely treeless Savannah grasslands and bushes - home to some of India's largest herds of blackbuck antelopes, which gets its name from the deep blackish brown color of the buck which stands out in graphic contrast to its white underparts. On our afternoon jeep safari, we head out to track these massive herds and during the rutting period, which typically occurs in October - November and February - March, the bucks attain a glossy sheen. They fight for territories, locking horns and butting heads to show dominance, and the winner takes centre-stage herding does into groups. Predators that are often seen in the park are the Striped hyenas, Indian Wolf who hunt in packs as well as smaller predators such as the Golden Jackal and Jungle Cat. Our abode is The Blackbuck Lodge, inspired by the eco safari lodges and wildlife resorts of Africa, boasting an elegant mix of charming rustic elegance and contemporary design. The layout of the eco-lodge is designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding environment and to conform to the principles of conservation, so guests get to experience the true natural beauty of Velavadar National Park’s untamed savannah.
DAY 5: Velavadar National Park / Gir National Park
We have another game drive this morning to track the fascinating wildlife of Velavadar National Park. Aside from the black bucks, Velavadar is also home to an incredible array of bird life including many species of vultures, falcons, eagles.
Later, we will proceed on a 5 hours' drive to Gir National Park, the only place in the world outside Africa, where the lions can be seen in its natural habitat. Gir's biodiversity rivals any National Park in India. The forest harbors a variety of smaller animals and birds. Other predators are panthers and hyenas, the Indian deer, sambar, spotted deer, blue bull, chinkara and the chowsingha (four horned antelope) are found here, along with the bear and the long tailed langur. Our home over the next 3 nights will be the Aramness, an 18-kothi luxury lodge located on the fringes of the park. Created as a dedicated resort to conservation, owner Jimmy Patel set up the property as an ode to Gujarat. The result is an experience entrenched in local culture that is designed with authenticity and luxury in equal measure.
DAY 6 & 7: Gir National Park
Over the next 2 days, you will have ample opportunities to track the Asiatic lions in their last remaining natural habitat in Asia. Through conservation efforts, the park is now home to over 400 individuals residing in the 560 square miles sanctuary. Also calling the park home are wildlife such as Leopard, Sambar deer, Chital Spotted deer, Nilgai antelope, Langur monkey, Spotted Hyena, Jackal, Chowsingha four-horned antelope and more.
Typical Game Drive timings:
Morning (0630hrs - 0900hrs)
Afternoon (1530hrs - 1730hrs)
DAY 8: Gir National Park / Departure Diu
After breakfast, we will depart Gir National Park for a 2 hours' drive to the former Portuguese colonial town of Diu, making our way to the airport where you may return to Ahmedabad or Mumbai as the international gateway return. Alternatively, consider a continued exploration of India.
Featured Hotels
Aramness, Gir National Park
Jimmy Patel's family trips to Sasan Gir National Park left an indelible mark and an insatiable thirst for the wild. His love for the wilderness and his dedication to conservation has culminated in a new jungle lodge on the periphery of that very Park. Aramness Gir is Jimmy’s vision for a lodge that encapsulates the essence of Gujarat. It’s the birth of a new Indian safari experience, a village style safari lodge in India entrenched in the local culture, designed with authenticity and luxury in equal measure and a wildlife experience that rewrites the script.
ITC Narmada, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Architecturally inspired by the stepwells of Gujarat and the traditional ‘toran’ gateways adorning its façade, ITC Narmada welcomes you with regal splendour. In keeping with the philosophy of ITC Hotels, ITC Narmada is a glowing celebration of the culture, arts and crafts of the region. A prime location and luxurious facilities make each stay memorable.
Privileges
Complimentary 60mins massage