Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Ahmedabad - Bandhavgarh - Gir - Zainabad - Delhi or Mumbai
Day 1. Delhi - Ahmedabad
Fly to Ahmedabad and upon arrival; check in at the hotel and lunch. After
lunch, proceed to visit one of the finest textile museums of the world.
Later on visit the Gandhi Ashram. Late evening, return to the Hotel Dinner
and Overnight. Ahmedabad, the sixth largest city in India, is located in
the state of Gujarat, in the western part of India. It lies along the Sabarmati
River. Ahmedabad is 440 km north of Mumbai. Ahmedabad is known for its rich
past and its association with Mahatma Gandhi. Ahmedabad is India's textile
city as it has numerous cotton and textile mills. Ahmedabad is a mix of
ancient and modern culture with a large no. of factories, mosques, temples
and high-rise offices. The city offers a unique style of architecture, which
is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles (Indo-Saracenic style of architecture).
Ahmedabad became the base camp for the Indian freedom struggle. Gandhiji
built the Sabarmati Ashram on the outskirts of the city. From here, he guided
India to freedom. During the freedom movement, this city of textiles became
the nerve centre of the struggle. Ahmedabad is the industrial capital of
the State of Gujarat. Ahmedabad boasts of the largest denim production in
the world. It is also home to several interesting museums. Many of Ahmedabad's
buildings bear the signatures of world-renowned architects like Le Corbusier,
Louis Khan , Doshi and Correa. Ahmedabad is famous for its Makar Sankranti,
which is celebrated in the month of January with kite flying, folk music
and dance. It is one of the most liveliest cities in India.
Day 2. Ahmedabad - Bandhavgarh
After morning breakfast at hotel drive to Bandhavgarh enroute visiting Veladadar
sanctuary for Black bucks. Overnight at Bandhavgarh. Bandhavgarh is spread
at vindhya hills in Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh consists of a core area
of 105 sq km and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq km of topography
varies between steep ridges, undulating, forest and open meadows. Bandhavgarh
is known for the Royal Bengal Tigers The density of the Tiger population
at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India Bandhavgarh National Park was
the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa and at present is a
famous natural hub for White Tigers. White Tigers, now a major attraction
around the world's zoos, were first discovered in Rewa, not far from here.
The terrain is broken, with rocky hill ranges, running roughly east west,
interspersed with grassy swamps and forested valleys.
Day 3. Bandhavgarh - Gir
After morning breakfast at hotel drive to Gir and evening excursion into
the Park. Overnight at Gir.
Gir sanctuary: In the southwest of the peninsular state of Gujarat,
lies the 116 square-mile Gir sanctuary created to protect the last wild
population of Lion outside the African regions. Since 1913 when the Lion
population over here fell drastically to just 20 animals, the numbers have
increased to around 300. The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African
cousin is and its mane is also smaller.In India the Lion population is spread
across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh
and Madhya Pradesh. But Gir is not just about Lions, the second most commonly
found predator in the Gir is Leopard. Infact, Gir national park is also
home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, and
especially in the hotter season they can sometimes be seen at night close
to the lodges.
Day 4. Gir
Morning and afternoon Jungle excursion in the Park. Overnight in Gir
Day 5. Gir
Morning and afternoon Jungle excursion in the Park. Overnight at Gir
Day 6. Gir - Zainabad
After morning breakfast at hotel drive to Zainabad in the Little Rann of
Kutch , Evening excursion to the Rann of Kutch. Overnight at Zainabad. Zainabad,
located on the periphery of the Little Rann of Kutch is 100 Kms from Ahmedabad.
It is the perfect entrance to the Little Rann of Kutch. The culture of Zainabad
has a blend of both Saurashtra and Kutch, making it very unique. This is
reflected in the architecture, arts and crafts of this region. The hospitality
of the people of Zainabad is sure to touch your heart. The little town of
Zainabad is an ideal base to explore the nearby Wild Ass Sanctuary. The
ruling family of this place came here from Multan around the mid-13th century
to settle down in Dasada. It was only around 1912 that the capital was shifted
to a village called Kerala, which was later renamed Zainabad.
Day 7. Zainabad
Morning: After breakfast take safari in little rann of Kutch to see the
asiatic wild asses and around 275 various species of birds. You also have
opportunity to experience Bajana tribes and some cattle breeders . At 12.30,
return to the camp and have lunch. At 15.30, second drive to the little
rann of Kutch. Late evening return to the camp, dinner and Overnight. An
unusual marshland known as the Rann of Kutch (8,750sq km) separates the
state of Gujarat from Sind in Pakistan. The dry season dries out the marshland,
leaving isolated salt islands on a vast plain. As the summer heat intensifies,
the salt in the blistered earth is transformed into a radiant dazzling whiteness.
With the onset of the monsoon, the marshland floods and is transformed into
a vast inland sea.
Day 8. Zainabad - Ahmedabad - Delhi or Mumbai
After morning breakfast at hotel drive back to Ahmedabad and after arrival
transfer to the airport to take fight for Delhi or Mumbai for onward destination.