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India: Colours of Gujarat
Private Travel
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General interest
13 Days & 11 Nights
Lead-in price: £3445
Explore the vivid colours, architecture and landscapes of little known Gujarat. From ancient Bhuj and Lothal to the tribal villages of the Kutch, rich in the traditions of needlework and textile arts, this journey encompasses fortified cities, magnificent Jain temples, impressive stepwells and the stunning sun temple at Modhera.
The Cox & Kings signature experiences
- Visit the Banni villages and salt flats of Bhuj
- Tour impressive Junagadh fort
- Seek out asiatic lions in Sasan Gir National Park
- See the exquisite Jain temples at Shatrunjaya
- Gaze at the sun temple at Modhera
Tour variations
Superior Private Tour in brief
Day 1: Fly to Bhuj via Mumbai (Bombay)(N)
Day 2: BhujArrive and transfer to Hotel Prince for 3 nights. (D)
Day 3: BhujVisit the walled city of Bhuj where highlights include a visit to the Aina Mahal Palace (the Palace of Mirrors). The tower, which featured in the Bollywood film ‘Lagaan’ can be seen from the outside but cannot be climbed as the building was damaged in a 2001 earthquake. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Banni villagesTake a full-day tour of the Banni villages and the salt flats to gain an insight into the daily life of the artisans whose work is integral to the culture of the region. Traditions such as needlework and textile arts are preserved by almost every community in the region. (B, L, D)
Day 5: GondalDrive to the small royal town of Gondal, located on the banks of the River Gondali in Gujarat. Stay at the Orchard Palace hotel for 2 nights. (B, L, D)
Day 6: JunagadhTake a full-day tour of the magnificent Junagadh fort which lies at the foot of the Girnar Hill. The main feature is the Uparkot fort (upper fort), a sombre fortress that rises from a hill with old palaces, Buddhist caves, stepwells, moats and huge battlemented walls. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Sasan Gir National ParkTravel to Sasan Gir National Park and spend 2 nights at the Lion Safari Camp. The Park is made up of mostly forest area with rocky hills and deep valleys with numerous rivers and streams. It is also Asia’s last natural home of the Asiatic lion (panthera leo lersica). (B, L, D)
Day 8: Sasan Gir National ParkExplore Sasan Gir National Park in the morning and afternoon. The chances of spotting the Asiatic Lion are very good and the park is also home to a large Leopard population. Spotted gazelles, wild boar, wolves, hyenas and an array of birdlife also reside here. (B, L, D)
Day 9: BhavnagarDrive to Bhavnagar which is still an important trading post for cotton goods manufactured in Gujaratand. Stay at the large heritage Nilambagh Palace hotel for 2 nights (B, L, D)
Day 10: Shatrunjaya temple complexVisit to the Jain temple complex of Palitana, set among the Shatrunjaya hills, which consists of 863 intricately carved marble shrines. Palitana is widely considered to be one of the most sacred sights for Jains and was once the capital of the princely state of the Gohil Rajput clan. (B, L, D)
Day 11: AhmedabadDrive to Ahmedabad and stay 2 nights at the House of MG. In the evening walk around the historic city founded by the then King of Gujarat. It is still possible to see the gates and walls of the original fortifications, and some striking examples of Indian Islamic architecture. (B)
Day 12: ModheraVisit the sun temple at Modhera where the exterior is intricately carved and the building designed so that the sun’s rays illuminate the sanctum at dawn during the time of the equinoxes. In front of the temple is a colossal tank, which was once known as Surya Kund or Rama Kund. (B)
Day 13: Fly home via Mumbai(N)
Meal basisAs per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Important information Superior tour:This tour is based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.
Single supplementAvailable on request.
Tailor-made travel:For a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
Superior private tour accommodation
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The House of MG
The House of M.G. is a 20th century mansion that has been carefully converted into a boutique hotel. It is conveniently located with easy access to the old walled city and the markets. Every inch of the hotel is different and the architecture is a confluence of different styles influenced in part by traditional Gujarati design. The rooms are striking and the personalised touches in each of the rooms make them unique. The Agashiye Restaurant is very popular for fine Gujarati dining. Other facilities include an indoor swimming pool, health club and a coffee bar.
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Nilambag Palace
Set among 40,000 feet of luxuriant lawn, groves and gardens, the Nilambagh Palace was built in 1895/6 by William Emerson, whose other popular works in India are Bhavnagar's Takht Singh ji Hospital, Allahabad's All Saints' Cathedral, Muir College, Mumbai's (Bombay) Crawford Market and Kolkata's (Calcutta) Victoria Memorial. The entrance is a pillared porch with Gothic arches and an austere period piece reception counter that opens onto a lobby of sofas, exotically coloured carpets, life-size portraits, antique furniture, stuffed leopards and mounted trophies. The 26 double bedrooms are furnished with period furniture. The dining hall is on a grand scale with heavy Burma teak banquet tables, carved chairs, Belgian mirrors, antique furniture and crystal chandeliers. In summer it is more pleasant to dine on the lawns where there are wrought iron lawn tables, garden chairs and swings. The Nilambagh Palace does not serve alcohol.
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Lion Safari Camp
Lion Safari Camp is a jungle safari camp at Sasan Gir National Park. It is located in the natural setting of a private mango orchard overlooking the Hiran River. Accommodation consists of 21 tents each of which has a large bedroom and a well-appointed en-suite bathroom with bathtub, shower and hot/cold running water. The public area of camp consists of an open-air, river-facing restaurant.
Dates & prices
GUJ2022
Guideline Prices
Low season from £3445 per person
High season from £3585 per person
Vaccination Travel Policy
All clients must be fully vaccinated before travelling with us on a Cox & Kings (C&K)
group tour. This means that a customer must have received their full two doses of the
COVID‑19 vaccination at least 14 days before travelling with us. This does not apply
to our private tours or tailor-made travel. If you have any questions please call us
or visit our FAQs page on our website here
Flexible Prices & Itineraries
For a quote based on alternative accommodation standards or flight options, or to tailor this
itinerary, please call 020 7873 5000
or
send an email enquiry
Guaranteed Departures Where a tour date has ‘yes’ listed, this tour is guaranteed to run.
For all other departure dates, once the minimum number of people booked has been reached, this tour is also guaranteed to run. Our sales consultants will be able to advise how many people are booked for your chosen date at the time of enquiry, giving you the confidence to book safe in the knowledge your tour will go ahead.
Terms & Conditions Guaranteed departures will run except in the circumstances where travel to the destination is advised against by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or entry restrictions relating to COVID-19 preclude travel.
Additional InformationPlease call 020 7873 5000 for more information or to make a booking.
Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£), based on two people sharing a twin-room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication, may be subject to change, particularly as a result of variable flight costs. You will be informed of any such changes prior to booking.
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- • International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
• UK departure and overseas airport taxes
• Accommodation, itinerary & meal basis as described
• Local Transfers in a private chauffeur-driven vehicle
• The support (if required) of an English speaking local representative
• Local guides and entrance fees where applicable
Destinations on this tour
© Cox & Kings 2021