Experience the time travel of the classic civilization in the old city of Rajkot, east of the newer centre, still has plenty of character, with narrow streets, markets, and farmers still selling ghee on street corners. Rajkot was founded in 1612 by Jadeja Rajputs, and in colonial times it became the headquarters of the Western India States Agency, Britain’s administrative centre for some 400 princely states in Saurashtra, Kachchh and northern Gujarat. After Independence Rajkot was capital of the short-lived state of Saurashtra.
Spend some majestic time with the majesty in Gir, whose history has a strong and long connection to the antiquity. Be in the dwelling of the Gir lions, once which stretched west, across Asia, as far as Greece. These were the lions that Anthropolis and Deniel faced, the lions of ancient Greece and Bible. These were the same lions that the Romans set up on the Christians in the coliseum. Grab your chance to visit the very last of this ancient race, still living in Gir.
Baffle your senses to discover the mystic connection between the local people and the beast around. Although, the lions are here since time immemorial, and so did the African populace, the Siddis – possibly arrived in the 18th century with an East African princes, who married the Nawab of Junagarh, the local Indian rulers. Perhaps Gir is the last place left in Asia, where the semi-nomadic community of distinctively dressed Maldhari, has been here, amidst the ancient beasts, living on easy harmony with the large predators, as all their ancestors once did. Know how these people are living here for centuries, grazing their herds beneath the nose of the large feline neighbours.
Behold, as the famous, phoenix-like temple of Somnath will stand gazes at you in neat gardens above the beach, 6km southeast of Veraval. The sea below gives it a wistful charm of the endless time. Somnath celebrates Kartik Purnima, marking Shiva’s killing of the demon Tripurasura, with a large colourful fair, a spectacle worth witnessing. Legend had it that the moon God Somraja first erected Somnath, a temple made of gold. This was rebuilt by Ravana in silver, by Krishna Vasideva in wood, and by Bhimdev in stone; all bedecking the Phallic Stone, the heart of the temple, one of the 12 most sacred Shiva shrines, known as jyotirlinga.
Witness the self-illuminating temple in the coastal serenity that even prompted the most unwelcoming visit of the infamous looter Mahmud of Ghazni from Afghanistan. Gazni was baffled with the wealth of the temple, which also included 300 musicians, 500 dancing girls and even 300 barbers. It took two days to take the temple town, where 70,000 Hindu defenders were slaughtered. So began a pattern of Muslim destruction and Hindu rebuilding that continued for centuries. The temple was again razed in 1297, 1394 and finally in 1706 by Aurangzeb, the notorious Mughal ruler. After that, the temple wasn’t rebuilt until 1950.
Close to Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar is an excited, sprawling industrial centre with a colourful old core that makes a base for journeys to nearby Shatrunjaya and Blackbuck National Park. Visitors make it a point to be amidst the beauty of the nature of the National Park.
Day 1 : Arrival at Rajkot and travel to Gir (160 kms - 3 hours).
Arrival at Rajkot and proceed to Sasan Gir (160 kms - 3 hours), abode of Asiatic Lions and considered excellent for bird watching. The park checklist has 250 birds and about 50 other species (including the endangered lesser florican and the saras crane) are recorded in the grasslands along the perifery of the sanctuary. Evening Safari in Gir. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2 : Morning and Evening Safari at Sasan Gir
Sasan Gir has number of areas / wetlands that offer excellent Bird watching opportuniteis. Undertake safaris (morning and evening) for exploring different areas of the park. Kamleshwar Dams are home to Crocodiles. Lion sighting is generally good all through the year. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3 : Travel to Diu via Somnath
After breakfast proceed to Diu (150 kms - 3.5 hrs) Via Somnath (Jyotirlinga Shiva Temple and a renowned pilgrimage destination offering excellent views of the Arabian Sea). Diu, an erstwhile Portuguese Colony and now a popular beach getaway. Evening visit to the Nagoa beach. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 4 : Sightseeing and activities around Diu
After breakfast sightseeing around Diu includes Nagoa Beach, St. Pauls Church, Diu Museum, Diu Fort. Watersports include Para Sailing, water skiing, water scooter, Family boat and speedboats are on offer at Ahmadpur Mandvi beach. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 5 : Departure
After breakfast travel to Bhavnagar (225 kms) and depart for onward journey.
Inclusions
Exclusions
|
HOTEL DETAILS |
|||
|
CATEGORY |
STANDARD |
DELUXE |
LUXURY |
|
Sasan Gir |
Hotel Aditya or similar |
Asiatic Lion Lodge or similar |
The Fern Gir Forest Resort or similar |
|
Diu |
The Hoka Resort or similar |
Hotel Apaar or similar |
Radhika Beach Resort or similar |
COST DETAILS FOR PACKAGE (Rates Valid from 1st July to 30th Sep, 2015)
Per Person Price
|
CATEGORY |
STANDARD |
DELUXE |
LUXURY |
|
Min. 2 Pax |
15499 |
17399 |
21999 |
COST DETAILS FOR PACKAGE (Rates Valid from 1st Oct to 31th Mar, 2015)
Per Person Price
|
CATEGORY |
STANDARD |
DELUXE |
LUXURY |
|
Min. 2 Pax |
16250 |
19500 |
24900 |
Terms & Conditions:
Note:
In Case of exceptional circumstances where we are not in position to provide Hotels mentioned, shall offer similar Hotels
All tourists are advised to take comprehensive Insurance of their own
The timings given in itinerary and program may change without notice, keeping in mind local development
Visit to all Museums in program are subject to their remaining open on day of visit as per rules of competent authority
All Cost quoted are in Indian National Rupee
All expenses which are not included in the cost of package shall be paid directly by tourist at the time of checkout
The festival dates in India are based on Hindu system of astrology which is subject to the movement of moon in relation to earth. Therefore, there may be change in dates of festival by one day. We may alter the program by one or another to visit the festivals
All wildlife national parks remain closed from July till September due to monsoon
Supplements will be charged extra during festivals or fairs
Standard check-in time is 1400 hrs & check-out time is 1200 noon
Any hike in Govt. Taxes, Fuel etc., will attract a surcharge, to be paid prior to the departure date
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