ITINERARY OVERVIEW

10 DAYS / 09 NIGHTS

DAY 01 : BY AIR/TRAIN-ARRIVE VADODARA

Arrive Vadodara and transfer to your hotel.

Modern Baroda is a great and fitting memorial to its late ruler, Sayaji Rao Gaekwad Ill (1875-1939 AD). It was the dream of this able administrator to make Baroda an educational, industrial and commercial centre and he ensured that his dream would come true.

Baroda is situated on the banks of the river Vishwamitri (whose name is derived from the great saint Rishi Vishwamitra). The city was once called Chandravati, after its ruler Raja Chandan, then Viravati, the a bode of the brave, and t hen Vadpatra because of  the  abundance  of banyan trees on the banks of the Vishwamitri. From Vadpatra it derived its present name Baroda or Vadodara.

Baroda has a rich historical background. The ardent historian can trace Baroda’s history over 2000 years and more. However, the recent threads can be picked up when the Moghul rule over the city came to an end in 1732,when Pilaji brought the Maratha activities in Southern Gujarat to a head and captured it. Except for a short break, Baroda continued to be in the hands of the Gaekwads from 1734to 1949.

The greatest period in the Maratha rule of Baroda started with the accession of Maharaja Sayajirao Ill in 1875.It was an era of great progress and constructive achievements in all fields.

Maharaja Sayajirao was one of the foremost administrators and reformers of his times. He initiated a series of bold socio-economic reforms. He attached great importance to economic development and started a number of model industries to encourage initiative, and then handed back the working industries to private enterprise. He started model textile and tile factories. It is as a result of his policy of industrial development that Baroda is today one of the most important centres for textile, chemical and oil industries today. He introduced a number of social reforms. In no department of administration has the far-sighted policy of this wise ruler been more conspicuous than in education, and in none have the results been more real and tangible. He boldly introduced compulsory primary education and a library movement (the first of its kind in India) to augment his adult education scheme.

It was he who visu lised a general scheme of development in all branches of knowledge at different stages, with the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda at the apex. Modern Baroda owes its beauty, its educational institutions and its masterpieces of architecture to the insight and vision of this great ruler. There is a saying that nothing grows under the banyan tree, but this is not true of Baroda. Having witnessed the rise and fall of the empires and kingdoms of the Hindus, Pathans, Moghuls and Marathas, it now occupies a unique position on the educational cultural and industrial map of India. Yet, it has been fortunate enough to retain the beauty of its rich and varied past. And it is one of the few cities in India which is still influenced by the lost might of its ruling dynasties.

Overnight at hotel

DAY02:IN VADODARA

After breakfast visit Laxmi Vilas Palace & Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum.

Laxmivilas Palace :It was built by Shri Maharaja SayajiRao I ll. The first stone was laid by P.S. Melvill Esquire,CSI. Agent to the Governor General at Baroda, on the 12th Jan-1880 and and completed in 1890. It was built in the Indo­ saracenic tradition, with an eclentic mix of of India n, Islamic, and European Elements. It’s a residence of the royal family. Its, ornate Darbar Hall has an Italia n mosaic floor and walls with mosaic decorations. The Palace houses a remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble and terracotta.

Visiting Hours: 9.30 am to 5.00 pm, (Lunch time 1 pm to 1.30pm, Don’t go during Lunch time) Closed on :Monday & Public holidays

Note: Photography allowed from the outside of Palace.

Guide : They provide Mp3 Players with head phone to guide you during you r visit. There is a guide facility is also available for big groups.

Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum : The museum was established in 1961.The museum is ru n by a private trust. The museum is noted for is modern display.The collection includes a few copies of Greek, Roman and later Eu ropean sculpture and some Masterpieces of Eu ropean oil paintings, sculptures by Felic French furniture etc. The museum collections fall into many categories. However, it is noted for oil paintings by Ravi Varma, sculptures made of marble, Greeco-Rpman arts, Chinese and Japanese art etc. The oil paintings representing members of the then Gaekwad princely ruling family are striking.

Visiting Hours : 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Closed : Monday and important public holidays. Overnight at hotel

DAY 03:BYROAD-265 KMS /05.5 HRS-VADODARA TO BHAVNAGAR

After breakfast drive to Bhavnagar en route visit Lothal.

Lothal: A perfect place to get an insight of the Indus Valley civilization. The most dominating site at Lothal is the massive dockyard spanning an area of 37 meters by 22 meters perhaps the greatest work of Maritime Architecture. Lethal was also famous for its arterial streets, microbes of gold, ivory and coppersmiths’ workshops, potteries and underground sanitary drainage. It is located at a distance of78 kms from Ahmedabad. (Closed on Fridays).

Sarkhej Roza: Is about 8 kilometres away from the city, Sarkhej Roza comprises one of the most elegant architectural complexes of Ahmedabad. Grouped around a great stepped tank is the tomb of the saint Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh (1445), the mosque (1451), the tombs of Muhammad Shah Begada and his queen, the palace and pavilions.

Overnight at hotel

DAY04 : BY ROAD-200 KMS/04 HRS-BHAVNAGAR TO GONDAL

 Very early this morning you may wish to join the pilgrims and climb Palitana which is situated 50kms from Bhavnagar. The hills of Palitana are known as the ‘Abode of the Gods’ and are covered with 863Jain temples spanning a period of over 900 years. Their finely carved spires and towers glisten in the sunlight as pilgrims make the uphill journey on foot. The climb will take about two hours each way so do carry water and a sun hat with you.

Overnight at hotel

DAY05 : BY ROAD-65 KMS/01HR (ONEWAY)-GONDAL TO JUNAGADH

 After breakfast proceed for day excursion to Junagadh .

Today undertake visit to Junagadh which is located 60kms to the south west of Gondal Junagadh  is one of India’s most historic cities-ancient artefacts have been found on the hilltop citadel. Emperor Ashoka’s edicts were inscribed on rock here during the 3rd century BC and Buddhist caves all serve to ratify the antiq uity of the city. Formerly the capital of Gujarat under the Kshattrapa dynasty, the Chudasama Rajputs later ruled from the town from 875 AD onwards.

Once in Junagad h visit the Uparkot Citadel -expanded in 1472, 1683 and 1880 -which is on a small plateau to the east of the town and the Jama Masjid in its centre which was built from the remains of a Hindu palace. Also of interest is the 11thcentury Adi Chadi Vav step-well, or baol with its 172 steps and beautiful spiral staircase. After touring the fort, drive down to see the impressive mausoleum complex of the latter J u nagadh rulers -the Maq bara of Baha-ud­ din Bhar isflamboyant and features intricate carvings.

Gondal State was one of the eight first-class princely states of Kathiawar Agency, Bombay Presidency in British India. Ruled by a Hind u Rajput dynasty of the Jadeja clan, the capital of the state was Gondal town.

Visit Swaminarayan Temple, Naulakha Palace, Roya l Garage & Bhubneshwari Ayurveda Pharmacy. Later drive back to Gondal.

Overnight at hotel

DAY06:BYROAD-300KMS/06HRS-GONDAL TO DHOLAVIRA

After breakfast drive to Dholavira, arrive and transfer to your hotel.

Dholavira: Of all the Harappa n sites the site of Dholavira locally known as Kotada, in the Khadir island of Kutch, stands apart. It is remarkable for its magnificent planning and enormity of area and deposit. On the present showing, it is one of the two largest settlements in India and the fourth or fifth largest in the subcontinent. Dholavira presents Harappan city par excellence, measures about 600m on the north-south axis and 775m. on the east-west. Inside the general fortification, there are three distinct complexes-An acropolises, a middle town, and a lower town. I n addition, the acropolis and the middle town had been further furnished with their own apartment, defense-work, gateways, built-up areas, street-system, wells, and large open spaces. The city within the general fortification accounts for 48 hectares. Besides, there are extensive structure-bearing areas though outside yet intimately integral to the fortified settlement. If put together, the total area goes well beyond 100 hectares in expanse.

Overnight at hotel

DAY07:BYROAD-250KMS/05   HRS-DHOLAVIRA TO LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH

After breakfast drive to Little Rann of Kutch, arrive and transfer to your hotel

Jeep safari at Little Rann of Kutch Wild ass sanctuary The sanctuary is well known for its group of the stale joke brown Asiatic (Wild ass), which does not live elsewhere in Indian lowlands. We can see with Little Rann of Kutch blackbuck (Indian antelope), nilgai or blue bull (India’s largest antelope) and the graceful chinkara (Indian gazelle) are other mammals. The main carnivores of the Little Rann of Kutch are the endangered Indian wolf, desert fox, Indian fox, jackals, desert and jungle cats, and a few hyenas; also we can see du ring the visits flamingoes, pelicans, ducks, cranes and storks.

Salt Panes One has a chance here to see how salt is prepared out of saline sea water. On the peripherals of the Rann, there are ample salt panes, where salt manufacturers, Locally known as ‘Agarias’ withstand great difficulties of living on the edge of the Rann and prepare salt. This entire area is a major producer of salt in India.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 08: BY ROAD –75 KMSI 02 HRS- LITTLE RANNOF KUTCH TO MODHERA FOLLOWED BY ROAD- 40 KMS/01 HR-MODHERA TO PATAN FOLLOWED BY ROAD 130 KMS/03 HRS-PAYAN TOAHMEDABAD

After breakfast visit Modhera. Modhera: The Sun temple of Modhera is one of the finest examples of Indian architecture of its period. Built in 1026AD.the temple is dedicated to the Sun-God, Surya and stands high on a plinth overlooking a deep stone-steeped tank. Every inch of the edifice, both inside and outside is magnificently carved with Gods and Goddesses, birds, beasts, and flowers. Sun Temple of Modhera was built by King Bhimdev I (1026-27) and bears some resem blance to the later and far better known, Sun Temple of Kona rk in the state of Orissa, which it predates by some 200 years. Like that temple, itwas designed so that the dawn sun shone on the image of Surya, the sun God, at the time of the equinoxes. The main hall and shrine are reached through a pillared porch and the temple exterior is intricately and delicately carved. As with the temple of Somnath, this fine temple was ruined by Mohamed of Ghazni.

Later visit Patan is famous for its Patola weaving.

Patola Weaving – India has a rich and ancient heritage in fine textiles. (Double Ikkat) Patola from the area of Patan in the North Gujarat region of western India glorifies this heritage. It has unique gem like qualities -gorgeous colours, designs and durability. Its appearance lures the connoisseur of fine textiles. It has no reverse side. Both the sides have equal intensity of color and design. Historically, the art of Double Ikkat Patola weaving dates to centuries. Paintings in Ajanta caves resemble the tie-dye technique of Patola. Legend indicates that sometimes in the 12th century AC, King Kumarpal of Solanki dynasty, invited 700 families of Patola weavers from Jalna (South Maharashtra) to settle down in Patan in North Gujarat. Salvi family is one of them who continues this traditional art and has preserved it even today. This is our heritage art from four generations.

Also visit Rani ki Vav-stepwell in Patan- The Rani ki Vav, a stepwell in Patan is an excellent example of subterranean architecture in Gujarat and has steps that Lead down to the water level The Rani ki Vav was built by Rani Udayamti of the Solanki dynasty. This Vav represents the finest of the Indian sculptures and architecture and forms the link between a kunda and the classical step-well. I n addition to the straight staircase, it also has Lateral staircases, along with very broad, stepped corridors.

Later drive to Ahmedabad, arrive and transfer to your hotel. Ahmedabad is Located on the banks of the river Sabarmati the city was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411.Today it is one of the fastest growing cities of India and is an immense repository of tradition, history & culture. Its famous walled area is one of the finest examples of community living & the city thrived as the textile capital & was nicknamed u Manchester of the East’ in 1888. This multicultural city is home to some of the finest Indo-Sarcenic mosques & Jain temples.

The old city of Ahmedabad is dotted with labyrinthine by Lanes called ‘polls’. The exquisite carved wooden mansions and havelis are in no manner less than their stone counterparts in Rajasthan. The city also offers a rich architectural Legacy that blends Hind u and Muslim schools of architecture, stone and brick with arches, domes and vaults, carved pillars, trefoil designs besides the modern buildings designed by the famous French architect, Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn.

Overnight at hotel

DAY09: IN AHMEDABAD

 Morning visit Swaminarayan Temple: – A religious cult followed by Swami-Narayan followers. It is one of the sects of Hinduism & the devotee’s worship Lord Krishna by the name of Swaminarayan. This temple is built by Swaminarayan followers.  It stands as a good example of exquisite wood carving.

Followed by a walk through ‘Pols’ in old city {typical Gujarati adjoining houses colonies). A Pol is a small residential unit consisting of a single street with a group of houses, which is usually protected by a massive gate at the entrance. When the gate is closed, the entire street becomes one big house often inhabited by people of the same trade or even by relatives. A compact housing cluster with dead-end streets forms a distinctive residential pattern within a Pol.  In earlier days, the Pols were self-sustaining for a certain period of time since each house had its own underground storage for water, and food grains were stored in the safest part of the house. At times, two different Pols opened for ventilation at the same point and they also had a common service bay for drainage, water supply and garbage collection. These Pols formed a kind of micro-neighborhood, which developed further as population density increased in the city.”

Thereafter visit Jumma Masjid – 1423 A.D, the most beautiful mosque in east. Built in yellow sandstone, this Friday Mosque, is a best combination of Muslim & Hindu architectural style. It stands on 260 pillars that support 15 domes at varying elevations.

After this visit Siddi Saiyed Mosque – 1572 A.D.A part of the wall in the old citadel of the mosque, is renowned the world over for its exquisite stone window tracery – a superb & peerless example of delicate carving that transforms stone into filigree.

Later on visit ATMA House (LE CORBUISER): The present office building of ATMA is a modern monument and a landmark in architectural history. The building  is, at once, a symbol of the patronage  and modernistic aspirations of the Ahmedabad textile community as well as a refined example of the work of its Swiss-French architect – Charles Eduoard Jeanneret  (1887-1965), better known  as Le Corbusier.

In 1951, Jawaharlal Nehru invited Corbusier to India to plan and design the city of Chandigarh. During this visit, Corbusier was invited to Ahmedabad by Chinubhai Chimanbhai, the erstwhile mayor of Ahmedabad. Surottam Hatheesing, the then president of AMOA, com missioned Corbusier to build the Association’s new headquarters. Corbusier was commissioned a total of five buildings in Ahmedabad, two institutions and three residences, of which one was not built.

The Mill Owners’ Association Bu ilding, as it is known, was the first com mission to be completed in 1954.The building is located on Ash ram Road, in the western part of the city, overlooking the river Sabarmati. A ceremonial ramp makes for a grand approach into a triple height entrance hall, open to the wind. Arrival is on the first floor, where (as per the original design) the executives’ offices and board room are located. The ground floor houses the work-spaces of the clerks and a separate, single-story canteen at the rear. On the third floor is a high, top-lit auditorium with a roof canopy and a curved, enclosing wall in addition to a generous lobby. The east and west facades are in the form of sun breakers or brise-soleil one of Corbusier’s ma ny formal inventions, which, while avoiding harsh sun, permit visual connection and air movement. While the brise-soleil act as free facades made of rough shuttered concrete, the north and south sides, built in rough brickwork, are almost unbroken.

Indian Institute of Management (LOUIS KAHN): I n 1962, Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi invited Louis Kahn, one of the most influential architects of 20th century, to design the building for the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Ahmedabad. It was to comprise a main building with teaching areas, a library and faculty offices around the main courtyard, separate dormitory units for the students that were to be interconnected with a series of arched passages, and houses for the faculty and staff. Kahn’s presence in the 1960s signals a turning point in contemporary architecture in post-independent India. When designing the school Kahn put into question how and where people learn. Learning was not happening strictly in classrooms, but in the corridors and the spaces in between as well. Th rough his massive yet austere brick forms, Kah n offered architects a spiritual experience that made them believe they could effectively build the new nation and achieve a balance between modernity and tradition. Built between 1962 and 1964,the ll MA complex now sits on a 60-acre campus.

Sanskar Kendra – Ahmedabad City Museum (LE CORBUISER, 1951-59):The museum is a prism that rises from ground level on Pilotis level of an array of 7 x 7 meters, forming walkers fourteen feet wide spiral circulations generated within the building. It currently has ground floor to four floor levels, a roof (the deck is a concrete slab is covered with a layer of lightweight concrete, then a waterproof layer, then cover it for different layers of earth and gravel to fill all “vessels” with water) and a Hormgi6n (floors are concrete and the woodwork and doors are steel extrusions and riveted Laminated steel).

Overnight at hotel

DAY 10:BYAIR/TRAIN-DEPARTAHMEDABAD

In time transfer to Ahmedabad Airport/ Railway Station to board flight / train for your next destination.