From the most ancient archaeological sites to the holy hills, from Muslim cities to National Parks, from remote historical to ancient monuments Buddhist caves, all travel experiences in India are here in one. This year we have added the Pre Moghul Muslim city of Champaner, protected by UNESCO. For the simplicity of the hotel structures, the length of the transfers and the exclusively local cuisine, often only vegetarian, you can define this trip as an adventure trip.
Ahmedabad- the capital of Gujarat, the home of large section of business community and a lot of historic Persian influenced architecture. Ahmedabad consists of a range of sights to explore including Sidi Syed's mosque, the shaking minarets and the Jami Masjid. Ahmedabad also offers a fascinating view into India’s textile heritage by the Calico textile museum set up by the Sarabhai family. It also showcases the history of India with the ashram made in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi on<
Vadodara, Gujarat's third largest city, is considered the state's cultural capital. Pavagadh Hill, graced with a combination of Hindu and Jain shrines, towers over Champaner, the 15th c. pre-Mughal Islamic fort
Bhavnagar is a city in the Bhavnagar district of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, a state of India. It was founded in 1724 by Bhavsinhji Gohil. It was the capital of Bhavnagar State, which was a princely state before it was merged into the Indian Union in 1948.
This forested, hilly, 1412-sq-km sanctuary about halfway between Veraval and Junagadh is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leopersica). Taking a safari through the thick, undisturbed forests is a joy - even without the added excitement of spotting lions, other wildlife and myriad bird species.
The former capital of the princely state of Saurashtra, Rajkot was founded in the 16th c. by the Jadeja Rajputs. The city proudly boasts of its association with Gandhiji, who spent his early years in Rajkot while his father was a Diwan to the local ruler. The house where he lived is now a museum.
Bhuj is a city in the state of Gujarat, western India. It’s known for its centuries-old buildings, many of which were damaged in a 2001 earthquake. Close to Harmirsar Lake, the 18th-century Aina Mahal palace is elaborately decorated with chandeliers, mirrors and semi-precious stones. Nearby, the Italian Gothic–style Prag Mahal palace has a bell tower that overlooks the city, and a courtyard containing a Hindu temple. The historic city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar, a hill, overlooking the present day Bhuj town. Bhuj is a typical example of a desert town located between two geographical features - Bhujiyo Dungar on the east & Hamirsar Lake on the west. Bhuj, the major town of Kutch, is an old city established in 1510. With its surrounding wall, the atmospheric bazaar area, crenelated gateways, old palaces and striking temples the town still retains a medieval character.
Dasada is one of the 182 Legislative Assembly constituencies of Gujarat state in India. It is part of Surendranagar district and is reserved for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes.
Departure from your country with flight to Ahmedabad. Meals on board. Arrival in Ahmedabad late at night. Transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Enjoy your leisurely morning to recover from jet lag. We have planned half day walking tour of the old city: the complex of the Sarkhej Roza, the Great Mosque in ancient times Islamic bazaar (Jama Masjid). In the evening return to the hotel for overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel. Later, in the morning, visit the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi where the famous “Salt march” took place and Adalaj Vav, one of the most beautiful steps wells in Gujarat. In the afternoon, departure for Baroda. Upon reaching, visit to the palace-museum of Maharaja Fateh Singh. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Departure for the ancient city of Champaner, site now protected by Unesco. Some mosques in exquisite Gujarati style are witnesses of the only Islamic city dating back to the era preceding the advent of Mughal. In the afternoon, visit of the charming village of Sankera populated by ancient people houses with refined wood inlays. Overnight.
In the morning, visit of the imposing Laxmi Vilas Palace. Afternoon departure for Bhavnagar. Overnight.
Full day excursion to Palitana, an important Jain pilgrimage destination with its eight hundred temples located on the sacred hill of Satrunjaya. Overnight.
Departure in the morning for Diu, once a Portuguese outpost in India. Visit of the island, a former Portuguese colony, important port on the Arabian sea: the lively market of the fish of Vanakbara, the suggestive and powerful Portuguese fort, the Church of San Paolo (still in business), the Church of San Tommaso with its bizarre collection of sixteenth-century European statues. Continuation in the late afternoon for the Sasan Gir Park. Overnight.
Morning safari in the National Gir Park, which is home to the now very rare species of Asiatic lion. Departure for Junagarh. Visit of the imposing fort that houses the ancient wells dug in rock of Naughan and Adi Chadi; the Buddhist caves with the Ashoka and the Mahabat Maqbara Mausoleum. Continue to Rajkot. Overnight.
Transfer to Bhuj. In the afternoon, visit the Aina Mahal Museum and if time available for walks in its beautiful bazaar. Overnight.
In the morning, obtain the permit to the desert area of Rann of kutch, which marks the border between India and Pakistan. Visit of the last tribal villages dedicated to valuable crafts activities such as processing of metal with ancient methods, of the lacquered wood and the very fine embroideries on cloth. Sighting (in the period in which it is formed) of the “White desert” towards the Pakistani border. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Transfer to Dasada. In the afternoon, jeep excursion to the spectacular salt desert of the little Rann of Kutch, where the last specimens of wild ass live and, in certain periods of the year, paradise of many species of large migratory birds. Overnight stay at the hotel.
In the morning departure for Modhera where there is Temple of the Sun, dating back to 1026, one of the most interesting examples of Hindu architecture. It was designed so that the sun's rays could go through the arcades and surround the entire building with light. Continue to Patan with its magnificent well-palace and finally with a short stop in Sidhpur, famous for the ancient houses of Muslim merchants. In the evening, transfer to airport. Boarding.
In the very early hours of the morning (night between penultimate and last day) departure for the airport of origin. Arrival at destination and end of our services.
On the bank of Sabarmati, overlooking the riverfront, lounges this plush and stylish hotel, enhanced by landscaped greens and a serene water body. The hotel is designed to attract the millennium traveler with its 63 spacious and well appointed rooms and suites, a 24x7 multi-cuisine coffee shop– Citrus Café, with an interactive kitchen, and The Riverfront Grill, a picturesque alfresco grill and barbeque restaurant, which directly overlooks the Sabarmati river; besides a fully equipped gym and the largest indoor swimming pool in the city.
Inspired by the centuries old step wells of Gujarat, Welcomhotel Vadodara is built around its swimming pool, with its rippling waters reflecting the blue sky above. This hotel is located in the heart of the city’s business and entertainment district and is rightfully acknowledged as one the city’s leading hotels. It offers the finest standards of global hospitality, infused by the warmth of an Indian welcome.
The city of Bhavnagar is located in the Saurashtra Region of Gujarat. In the heart of this bustling urban city is the beautiful Nilambag Palace Hotel. In the year 1879, Maharaja Saheb Takhatsinhji of Bhavnagar commissioned the German architect, Simms to design the Nilambag Palace that for generations has remained the home of the erstwhile royal family of Bhavnagar. An imposing Rajula stone structure, the Palace was constructed with influences of Colonial architecture. Nilambag is a unique amalgamation of regal grandeur and functional magnificence. This glorious relic of the opulent times of Maharajas and Maharanis was home to the Gohil clan. When India became independent in 1947, Maharaja Krishna Kumar Singhji became the first Indian ruler to hand over his kingdom and join sovereign India. In the year 1984 the palace was converted into a heritage hotel, in order to maintain and also share a historic monument.
The LION SAFARI CAMP at Gir National Park A Luxury Wildlife Camp is owned and managed by Camps of India. It is located in a private mango orchard overlooking the Hiran River.The location presently has around 900 Mango Trees with only 2% of the entire land area being built so that the natural setting is maintained. This eco-friendly camp has 21 AC Luxury Tents each with large well furnished bedrooms and an attached en-suite bathrooms. All the tents are beautifully furnished with natural materials and open out to an extended deck - An ideal place to sit and relax amongst nature.
The Imperial Palace hotel Rajkot is a masterpiece of simplicity, comfort and elegance, offering the ultimate in luxury, with the most spacious rooms among Rajkot hotels. Each one of the hotel's opulent guest rooms is comfortable, stylish and equipped with advanced technology for the convenience of hotel guests - underlined, of course, by the extremely professional and sincere service by the Imperial staff which makes it stand out from other Rajkot hotels. Housing all facilities including a business centre, beauty parlor, health club, gym, saloon, boutique, internet cafe, pastry shop, travel desk & money exchange, the Imperial Palace hotel gives you full value for your money. Business travelers and pleasure seekers both are drawn back to the Imperial Palace Hotel experience time and time again.
On the outskirts of Bhuj, in the Rann of Kutch lies The Kutch Safari Lodge, it is an ideal home base, for excursions into the deeper landscape of the white desert, and to experience the unique lifestyle and beautiful traditional Banni Villages known for their handicrafts. Kutch Safari Lodge transports you into a different home away from home. The resort is located 14 km from Bhuj on the Khavada road, by the Rudramata Dam. It has a serene view overlooking the large water body and a giving a chance to connect with nature.
Rann Riders is an enchantingly ethnic destination resort, set among wetlands and agricultural fields. The resort has imaginatively designed cottages that blend with the surrounding countryside. Located near Dasada village, it serves as an ideal base to explore the famed culture, weaves and handicrafts of the Surendranagar district. Rann Riders offers jeep, horse and camel safaris in the Little Rann of Kutch, habitat of Asiatic Wild Ass and a birdwatching paradise.
Journey to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
