Royal Gujarat Tour

Arrival in Ahmedabad – a World Heritage City. Proceed towards Bhuj (350 kms/7 hours). Visit LLDC Museum in Ajrakhpur on the way to feel the vibrancy of the colourful handicrafts of Kutch District. LLDC stands for ‘Living and Learning Design Centre’. The LLDC museum hosts glorious heritage of Kutch and it is a tribute to the brilliant artisans of Kutch. The museum has three galleries, studios and a library. Kutch is home to 12 tribes such as Ahir, Rabari, Maghwal, etc., that are indigenous communities of Kutch. The motive of the LLDC museum is to train, educate, support and promote the traditional crafts and communities of Kutch region. The biggest attraction of the museum is the textile and different embroidery styles of the locals, which is revered by the world. Tourists can see the different art and craft artefacts and also learn how they are created here. Also, a few more galleries are slated to be opened here featuring pottery, metal, wood and stone crafts. ‘The Living Embroideries of Kutch’ – the first show by the LLDC museum – had been seen by more than 30,000 people in just first couple of years. There are also craft shops where people can purchase the indigenous craft articles and there is also a café where the tourists can experience the local cuisine. The museum also hosts amazing sculptures and installations such as the metal installation created in the artificial pond. Reach Bhuj – a city which rose from the ashes after the 2001 devastating Earthquake. Visit Swaminarayan Temple in Bhuj and overnight at Bhuj.

Today morning, visit: White Desert: The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat, India. It is about 7500 km (2900 sq miles) in area and is reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world.The Great Rann of Kutch, along with the Little Rann of Kutch and the Banni grasslands on its southern edge, is situated in the district of Kutch and comprises some 30,000 square kilometres (10,000 sq mi) between the Gulf of Kutch and the mouth of the Indus River in southern Pakistan. The marsh can be accessed from the village of Kharaghoda in Surendranagar District. The Great Rann of Kutch together with the Little Rann of Kutch is called Rann of Kutch. In India's summer monsoon, the flat desert of salty clay and mudflats, which average 15 meters above sea level, fills with standing water. In very wet years, the wetland extends from the Gulf of Kutch on the west through to the Gulf of Cambay on the east. Every Year, in the vicinity of the White Desert, Gujarat Tourism celebrates the Rannutsav or the White Desert festival highlighting the white Desert and the colourful handicrafts of the district of Kutch which attracts thousands of people in the desert. Black Hills: Kalo Dungar or Black Hills stands as the highest point (462 m) in Kutch and is famous for its 400-year-old Dattatreya Temple. This is probably the only place from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the white desert. The sunset from the Black hills is a treat to watch. Every day, at 12 in the noon, the jackals are served with food and then the holy Prasad is given to the people and this sight is recommended for the visitors to see. Return back to Bhuj and overnight at Bhuj.

Today morning, after breakfast, Visit: Prag Mahal: The gigantic Prag Mahal reflecting an unmistakable Gothic architecture at first sight doesn't seem to blend in with other structures in the surroundings. A commission or order for constructing a grand palace mirroring the Italian Gothic architectural style was given by King Pragmalji in 1865 and it was Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins who designed the layout for Prag Mahal. Artisans and craftsmen were indentured from Italy especially to help in the construction of this structure. Labourers received gold coins as remuneration for offering their services and it is alleged that more than 3.1 million rupees were invested for building this mansion. The palace has been constructed out of two materials-red sandstone and Italian marble. The sandstone was procured from Rajasthan. Upon entering the main or central hall, you'll see stuffed skins of different animals hung up on the walls, some of which have decayed considerably. You'll also stare in amazement at the grandiose chandeliers hanging from the ceilings and at the various statuettes placed in prominent corners around the palace. European flora and fauna done in 'Jali' style are going to impress you as well. Perhaps the feature or facet that'll appeal to you the most is the turret or bell tower plastered with a giant clock, going up to a height of 45 feet. Scaling to the top of the tower offers you breathtaking vistas of the entire city of Bhuj. A courtyard at the back of the Prag Mahal within which a tiny shrine having intricate stone engravings, can be seen. Aina Mahal: The Aina Mahal was built under the supervision of Maharao Lakhpatji in the year 1761. The palace was converted into a museum by the last ruler of the Jadeja dynasty Maharao Madan Sinhji. Although this 18thcentury fortification is in an advanced state of decay, one can still see the magnificence of the structure by taking a detailed tour of its inner premises. You get to see the fortified wall constructed out of marble and ornamented with gold lacings and glass beads. There are large Venetian glass panels plastered on the walls layered with gilded ornaments. The palace suffered heavy damage owing to the earthquake that rocked Bhuj in 2001. The architecture of the Aina Mahal reflects a blend of Indo and European styles. The Swadeshi philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi also had a profound influence on the master craftsman whose effects are mirrored in the museum. The fountains, glasswork, and mirrors were specially designed by the architect. You should not miss exploring the quadrangle leading to the palace that looks marvelous because of the arched doorways, intricately carved balconies, and elaborate boxed-type windows. Proceed to Mandvi – an ancient port city (60 kms/ 1 Hour) and visit: Vijay Vilas Palace: Situated on the outskirts of Mandvi, a municipality falling under Gujarat's Kutch district is the township's prime attraction-the Vijay Vilas Palace. This magnificen

Today morning, check out and proceed towards Ahmedabad (350 kms/7 hours). Reach Ahmedabad and visit: Swaminarayan Akshardham: One of the two Akshardham of the Bochasanwasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), Akshardham in Gandhinagar was the first to be constructed and completed in 1991. Built in Pink Sandstone, this magnificent structure is a sight to behold. Thousands of people visit it every day for its beauty and also the exhibition halls and the first Spiritual Light and Sound Show in the world ‘Sat-chit-anand’. This famous temple was attacked by the terrorists in 2002 where around 30 people lost their lives. The main deity of the temple is Lord Swaminarayan who is considered as an incarnation of Lord Krishna and have a ardent following in the state of Gujarat. Overnight at Ahmedabad.

Today morning, proceed towards SOU (200 kms/4 Hours). Check into the Tent City and visit: Statue of Unity: The Statue of Unity is the statue of freedom fighter and the first Home Minister of the independent India – Bharat Ratna Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, looking at the majestic Sardar Sarovar Dam. With the 182 metres height, it is the tallest statue in the world. It is 89 metres taller than the Statue of Liberty. The design of the Statue of Unity was created by veteran sculptor Padma Shri Ram Suthar. In the year 2013 – 14, a campaign was launched across India for donating Iron and Soil to be used in the creation of statue. 134.25 metric tonnes of Iron was collected from different states and used in the foundation of the statue. The statue was created in just 46 months of time it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the 143rd birth anniversary of Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on 31 October 2018. The statue is a tribute to the ‘Iron Man’ of India, who was responsible for the unification of 562 different princely states and creation of the United India. And it has become one of the major tourist spots in the country now. The statue offers scenic view of the Satpuda and Vindhyachal hills, the Sardar Sarovar Dam and Narmada river from its viewing galleries at the height of 135 Metres. The laser show in the evening is a treat to watch depicting the story of Sardar Patel and the building of the Statue. Enjoy the cultural activities at the Tent City and Overnight at the Statue of Unity.

Laxmi Vilas Palace: One of the biggest residence palaces of the country, the Laxmi Vilas Palace is the official residence of the Princely Gaikwads of Vadodara. Constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad III in 1890 under the supervision of the chief Architect Major Charles Mant, the Laxmi Vilas Palace is 4 times bigger than the Buckingham Palace of England and a sum of GBP 1,80,000 were spent to build this super-imposing structure. The windows of the palace are inlaid with stained Belgium glass, and the walls have complex mosaic ornamentation. Archived within the palace are priceless collections of bronze sculptures, armory items as well as terracotta and marble artworks designed by Fellici. Emerging out of the Durbar, one steps into a quadrangle that has been made in an Italian fashion with water fountains and channels. Landscaping of the palace grounds was done by William Goldring and appears like a green, velvety carpet. The edifice even at the time of its construction in the late 19th century had facilities like elevators and resembles a European manor or country house. The royal descendants of the Gaekwad dynasty still use the premises as their private residence who's Durbar Hall has a floor built out of Venetian mosaic tiles. Sayaji Baug: Sayaji Baug, an immensely sprawling garden located in Vadodara with the Vishwamitra River flowing beside the patch is easily one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Also called Kamati Baug, it is the biggest garden in the western part of India with a total land area exceeding 113 acres. The prime attractions of the garden are the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery, Sayaji Baug Zoo and Aquarium, Sardar Patel Planetarium, floral clock, and the toy train. The garden is also home to a rich variety of flora comprising of 98 tree species. There are a total of three gates that allow visitors access to the garden. The first gate is situated in close proximity to the railway station and the new bus terminal is also not very far away either. Countless visitors comprising residents of Vadodara as well as tourists and travelers make a trip to the verdant garden for whose upkeep the Vadodara Municipal Corporation is responsible. Overnight at Vadodara.

Today morning, check out and visit: Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park: Champaner – Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a UNSECO World Heritage Site near Vadodara on the foothills of the Pavagadh Hill. It is located around the historical city of Champaner, a city which was founded by Vanraj Chavda, the most prominent king of the Chavda Dynasty, in the 8th century. He named it after the name of his friend and general Champa, also known later as Champaraj. In the 15th Century, it was conquered by the Sultan Mahumud Begada and became the Capital of Gujarat for a brief time. The heritage site is studded with forts with bastions starting from the hills of Pavagadh, and extending into the city of Champaner. The park's landscape includes archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage monuments such as chalcolithic sites, a hill fortress of an early Hindu capital, and remains of the 16th-century capital of the state of Gujarat. There are palaces, entrance gates and arches, mosques, tombs and temples, residential complexes, agricultural structures and water installations such as stepwells and tanks, dating from the 8th to the 14th centuries. It was inscribed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, a first in Gujarat State. Proceed towards Ahmedabad (150 kms/3 Hours) and drop as per schedule.