Architectural Archaeological Tour Of Gujarat

Summary of Architectural Archaeological Tour Of Gujarat

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Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
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Highlights of Architectural Archaeological Tour Of Gujarat

For four millennia & even more that it, Gujarat has been a civilization’s hub in India. From 2700 to 1600 BC the ancient Civilizations like Indus Valley or Harappan flourished in Gujarat at the places known as Dholavira and Lothal. The various cities of Harappan civilization were greatly known due to their intricate township planning. Starting from 03rd of century BC to 07th of century BC, Gujarat was a thriving Buddhism centre in India. During 11th & 12th of centuries when Solanki Rajputs ruling the Gujarat they built terrific Jain & Hindu temples – this period was the Golden era of the architecture in Gujarat. During the rule of Solanki Rajput dynasty, the notable achievement was the formation of the water-preserving arrangements as the artificial lakes, many step-wells and the amazing stepped tanks. These structures are decorated like unfathomable palaces having actually superb carvings on the walls. One more salient feature of the architecture of Gujarat is the temple complexes belonging to Jainism located on the peaks at Shatrunjaya Mountain close to Palitana & near Junagadh on Mountain Girnar.

At the time of 15th of century, Indo-Saracenic architecture developed by Sultan Ahmed Shah in Gujarat. Sultan Ahmed Shah was the Ahmedabad’s founder and he built many remarkable mosques and mausoleums those have the mixture of Islamic & Hindu architectural. During the 17th-19th of centuries there was very much trade at the ports of Gujarat. The business men of Gujarat at this time specially made significant mansions famous for its delicate carving on the wood.

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Itinerary Details

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Day 01 – Ahmedabad or Vadodara-Arrival

Ahmedabad or Vadodara-Arrival

On arrival at Ahmedabad or Vadodara airport, you would be received and transferred to the hotel in Vadodara. In the afternoon, take a tour of Lakshmi Villas Palace – one of the best palaces in Gujarat and a sprawling building built in Indo-Saracenic architecture. Here see the exquisite paintings displayed in the art gallery of this palace. Lakshmi Vilas Palace of Vadodara built by Maratha ruler Sayajirao Gaekwad in 1890 AD.
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Day 02 – Vadodara

Vadodara

Post breakfast, take an excursion to Champaner-Pavagadh, this is an archaeological park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Champaner-Pavagadh archaeological park is having splendid Indo-Saracenic architecture works. Here visit the stunning monuments like Jami Mosque and Sahar Ki Masjid. Champaner was once the capital of ancient Gujarat for a small duration and quite an ancient city. The minarets and domes of historical Jama Masjid are just magnificent, built-in 1513 by Ruler Mahmud Begada in Mughal architecture. Return back to Vadodara for overnight stay.
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Day 03 – Vadodara-Lothal-Palitana (272 KMS/ 05 HRS Drive)

Vadodara-Lothal-Palitana (272 KMS/ 05 HRS Drive)

Today depart Vadodara for Palitana stopping en-route at Lothal to visit the museum out here and the archaeological place giving an opportunity to see the planning of the cities during the Indus Valley Civilization.

Finally arrive at Palitana and check in to the hotel.
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Day 04 – Palitana

Palitana

In the morning take trek to the Shatrunjaya Hill located close to Palitana to visit the enormous compound of approximately 863 Jain temples. Visit the temples and then climb down and arrive at the hotel. Rest for the afternoon after a strenuous climbing.
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Day 05 – Palitana-Gondal (155 KMS/ 03 HRS Drive)

Palitana-Gondal (155 KMS/ 03 HRS Drive)

Today drive further to historical place Gondal. Arrive at Gondal, check in to the hotel.

Post lunch take a sightseeing tour of 1740 AD Naulakha Palace to see the superb collection & carvings. Naulakha Palace is the pride of Gondal. Stay overnight at the heritage hotel in Gondal.
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Day 06 – Gondal-Junagarh-Gondal (03 HRS Both ways)

Gondal-Junagarh-Gondal (03 HRS Both ways)

After having leisurely breakfast take a day return excursion of Junagadh to visit the historical Uparkot Fort. Uparkot Fort is a magnificent Gothic palace built by the Nawabs . Also visit Mahabat Maqbara Complex to visit Tomb of Mahabat Khan and and Tomb of Bahauddin.

Later return back to Gondal on the way visiting Buddhist caves at Khambalida. These Buddhist caves of Khambalida are of 04th century.
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Day 07 – Gondal-Dholavira (06½ HRS Drive)

Gondal-Dholavira (06½ HRS Drive)

After breakfast leave Gondal for Dholavira. On arrival, check-in to the village resort here. Dholavira was an important port city during Indus Valley Civilization. Later, visit the archaeological museum in Dholavira, which has various artifacts and many remains from this important Harrapan site.
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Day 08 – Dholavira-Dasada (05 HRS Drive)

Dholavira-Dasada (05 HRS Drive)

In the morning visit archaeological site where ancient Dholavira a Harrapan city was located. Here visit East Gate, North Gate, remains of the fort, the water reservoirs and The ancient Well.

Walk through the streets of ancient city – which will take you back into the era of Indus Valley Civilization.
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Day 09 – Dasada-Modhera-Patan-Balaram (157 KMS/ 03½ HRS Drive)

Dasada-Modhera-Patan-Balaram (157 KMS/ 03½ HRS Drive)

Today depart Dasada for Balaram, first stop to visit 11^th century Sun Temple at Modhera. Modhera Sun Temple is one of the excellent examples of Hindu temple architecture in western India.

Further stop at Patan to view the beautifully carved step-well built by a queen in 11^th century and your last stop will be the old town of Siddhpur – very popular for its Havelis.

Finally arrive at Balaram and relax at the resort.
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Day 10 – Balaram-Taranga-Vadnagar-Ahmedabad (207 KMS/ 05 HRS Drive)

Balaram-Taranga-Vadnagar-Ahmedabad (207 KMS/ 05 HRS Drive)

In the morning check out from Balaram and transfer to Ahmedabad en-route visiting 12th century Jain Temples at Taranga and at Vadnagar to see the excavation of ancient Buddhist Monastery, old gates and remains of the old citadel. Also visit elegantly carved 15th century’s Adalaj step-well.

Finally arrive at Ahmedabad and check in to the hotel to retire for the day.
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Day 11 – Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad

In the morning take a heritage walk of Ahmedabad city. This heritage walk gives the opportunity to view the Ahmedabad’s old quarters which are lined with the wonderfully carved wooden frontage of the Havelis.

During the day take a tour of architectural delight Hutheesing Jain Temple built by a wealthy trader family in 1848, the temple is a double storied building. In the temple complex also visit the magnificent Glory Tower. Further, visit the Sidi Sayed Mosque popularly called Jali Masjid built-in 1573 known for its excellent architecture.

You will also visit 15^th century tomb complex and a Sufi mosque of Sarkhej Roza.

Finally end your day with a spiritual visit to Gandhi Ashram located on River Sabarmati–the Ashram was a major place during the freedom struggle of India under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi
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Day 12 – Ahmedabad-Departure

Ahmedabad-Departure

At appropriate time transfer with assistance to Ahmedabad international airport to embark the flight back to the onward destination either directly or via Delhi or Mumbai. The tour ends.