Gujarat Architectural Highlights
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Begin and end in Ahmedabad on this ten day journey through Kutch – a lively mix of heritage, crafts and desert scenery. You’ll visit Ahmedabad’s temples and mosques, the Kite Museum and Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram before heading to Dholavira to uncover Indus Valley ruins and ancient reservoirs. In Bhuj, explore restored palaces. Expect sunrise on the White Rann, sunset from Kala Dungar and encounters with artisans – Rogan painters, copper bell makers, potters and embroiderers. Unwind in Mandvi with its beach, shipyards and Vijay Vilas Palace. Safari in the Little Rann for Asiatic wild ass, then see Patan’s Rani ki Vav and Modhera Sun Temple.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
AhmedabadEnds
AhmedabadMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
$2,685.00
$1,497.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
Ahmedabad
Dholavira
Bhuj
Bhavnagar
Hodka
Hodka Village
Rajkot
Mandvi
Mundra
Bhadreshwar
Patan
Modhera
Kutch
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Ahmedabad
On arrival at Ahmedabad airport, we’ll meet you for assistance and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure – you can relax and settle in. Overnight in Ahmedabad.
Day 2 - Exploring Ahmedabad
After breakfast, we explore Ahmedabad on a city tour. We begin at the Hatheesing Jain Temple, founded in 1850 by the Jain merchant Seth Hatheesing and dedicated to the 15th Jain Tirthankar, Dharamnath. We continue to Bhadra Fort – noted for intricate carvings, patterned stonework and frescoes – where the entry arches carry inscriptions that reflect the fort’s history. At Jama Mosque, we see the eastern entrance and the nearby tomb of Sultan Ahmed Shah, which houses the graves of Ahmed Shah, his son Mohammed Shah and his grandson Qutub Ud Din Ahmed Shah. We then visit the Kite Museum – the first of its kind in India and second in the world – showcasing rare kites linked to the city’s famous Kite Festival. At Sabarmati Ashram, established in 1915 and moved to the riverbank in 1917, we learn about Gandhi’s experiments in farming, animal husbandry, cow breeding, Khadi and related activities. We finish at the Shaking Minarets at Siddi Bashir’s Mosque near Sarangpur Gate – one of the city’s most unusual monuments. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Ahmedabad to Dholavira
After breakfast, we drive 255 km – around 5 hours – from Ahmedabad to Dholavira and check in at a village resort. We then explore one of Gujarat’s key Indus Valley Civilisation sites, viewing seals with animal figures, funerary structures, examples of the Indus script, stone sculptures, painted pottery, terracotta ornaments, signboards and other excavated remains. The ancient, well-preserved water reservoirs are a particular highlight. Dinner and overnight at the resort.
Day 4 - Exploring Bhuj
Dholavira to Bhuj (220 km – around 5 hours). After breakfast we drive to Bhuj and check in at the hotel. Later we explore the city, beginning with Aina Mahal, built in the mid 18th century during the rule of Lakhpatji and carefully restored after the 2001 earthquake – its carved doorways, window boxes and balconies showcase fine local craftsmanship. We then visit neighbouring Prag Mahal, a 19th century palace with Gothic windows and Corinthian pillars; part of the complex houses a museum of royal archives and personal artefacts, and the red sandstone exterior features intricate carving and jaali work on the jharokhas. We continue to the Shri Swaminarayan Temple, founded in 1822 near Hamirsar Lake and noted for its white marble architecture. We also stop at Ramkund, a square stepwell about 56 feet a side, with carvings of the ten avatars of Vishnu and sculptures of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman – it sits across from the Kutch Museum, behind the Ram Dhun Temple. Overnight in Bhuj.
Day 5 - Bhuj to Hodka
Bhuj to Hodka (65 km – 1.3 hours approx). After breakfast, we drive into the Banni region to visit Nirona village, known for Rogan painting on cloth. Rogan – from the Persian for oil – is mixed with stone pigments to create different colours, then drawn from a small metal rod as a fine thread to form intricate freehand designs. We also meet the Luhar community, custodians of copper craft over seven generations, and see pieces such as heart-shaped wind chimes, bell xylophones and fauna-inspired bells, along with lacquer work on wooden utensils. We continue to Hodka to check in at the resort and have lunch. In the evening, we take a short drive for views across the White Rann.
Day 6 - White Rann of Kutch Sunrise
Hodka – White Rann of Kutch – Kala Dungar. We set out very early, driving from Hodka to the White Rann of Kutch to watch the sunrise. The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert, covering about 7,500 sq km (2,900 sq miles) and is among the largest salt deserts in the world. After sunrise, we visit Dhordo village on the edge of the White Rann to see the Mutwa Muslim community. We return to Hodka for breakfast, then visit a small Pathan community hamlet engaged in embroidery. We continue to Khavda to meet local potters and members of the Samma tribe. Later, we head to Kala Dungar for sunset. Dinner and overnight in Hodka.
Day 7 - Hodka to Mandvi
Hodka to Mandvi – 135 km – about 3 hours. After breakfast we drive to Mandvi, stopping at Sumarasar village to see traditional shawl and stole weaving – a craft passed from father to son. We then continue to Bhuj to meet Abu Baker Wazirs at the Museum of Quality Textiles, a presence for over 50 years and collectors of antique Indian textiles and embroideries for over 45 years. On arrival in Mandvi we check in at the beach resort, then visit Vijay Vilas Palace, built in 1929 by Rao Vijayrajji in red sandstone with Rajput‑style features, Bengal domes and coloured glass – often used as a location for Bollywood films. The upper balcony offers wide views and the king’s tomb can also be seen. We also explore Mandvi’s shipbuilding yards, where carpenters still handcraft ocean going dhows with carrying capacities from about 250 to 1000 tons; handmade models can be procured from local artisans. The rest of the day is free – you can relax on the beach. Dinner and overnight at the beach resort.
Day 8 - Mundra, Bhadreshwar & Little Rann of Kutch
After breakfast, we leave Mandvi for the Little Rann of Kutch – a journey of about 275 km taking roughly five hours – with visits en route to Mundra and Bhadreshwar. In Mundra, we visit batik workshops to see the process first-hand, from removing starch in a soda soak and thorough rinsing, to preparing a sand-topped printing table and block-printing wax onto laid-out cloth. We then continue to Bhadreshwar to explore the Jain temple complex, noted for its white marble pillars and 52 surrounding shrines. It is claimed the town was founded in 516 BC and that the first temple was built around 2,500 years ago, about 45 years after the death of Lord Mahavir; one shrine is reputed to house a Parshvanath idol from around 500 BC. We then continue to the Little Rann of Kutch and check in at our resort or camp for the night.
Day 9 - Patan & Modhera
Little Rann of Kutch – Patan – Modhera – Ahmedabad (160 km – approx 3 hrs)We set out early for a jeep safari in the Little Rann of Kutch to look for the Asiatic wild ass and other mammals – the area is also excellent for spotting migratory birds. If you wish, you can join an optional village visit to meet communities such as the Mir, Bharwad, Rabari and Bajanias. We return to camp for breakfast, then drive to Ahmedabad via Patan and Modhera – around 3 hours of driving, not including sightseeing stops.
At Patan, we visit Rani ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Saraswati River. This 11th century Solanki‑era stepwell, designed as an inverted temple, descends through seven levels of steps with intricately carved panels – more than 500 principal sculptures and over a thousand minor figures. We also see the Panchasara Jain Temple, attributed to King Vanraj Chavada around VS 802 and surrounded by 51 smaller shrines; it is said the main idol of Lord Parshwanath predates Vikram Samvat 802. At Modhera, we explore the Sun Temple, built after 1026–27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. No worship is offered today – the complex, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, comprises the Gudhamandapa shrine hall, the Sabhamandapa assembly hall and the stepped Kunda reservoir, all noted for their fine carvings. We then continue to Ahmedabad and check in at the hotel for the night.
Day 10 - Ahmedabad
After breakfast at the hotel, we arrange your transfer to Ahmedabad airport in line with your flight schedule, ensuring you arrive in good time to board your onward flight.
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Tour Reviews
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Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
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Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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