About the Tour
Tour Name : Gujarat Fort & Palaces with Sasan Gir National Park
Duration ; 14 Nights / 15 Days
About the tour:
Gujarat, India's westernmost state has varied terrain and numerous sacred sites. A culturally rich destination which attracted million to witness the beauty of historical, cultural and architectural treasures. The state abounds with a host of architectural feats, historical places and pilgrimage destinations. Visit the land of diverse culture and enjoy your vacation to collect lasting impressions, lifelong learning and spellbound memories.
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
Outline Itinerary
DAY 01; ARRIVE DELHI
DAY 02: DELHI – AHMEDABAD (FLIGHT)
DAY 03: AHMEDABAD – CHAMPANER (160KMS/ 3HRS APPROX)
DAY 04: CHAMPANER – VADODARA (50KMS/ 1HRS APPROX)
DAY 05: VADODARA – BHAVNAGAR (200KMS/ 4HRS APPROX)
DAY 06: BHAVNAGAR
DAY 07: BHAVNAGAR – DIU (200KMS/ 4HRS APPROX)
DAY 08: DIU - SASAN GIR (66KMS/ 1HRS APPROX)
DAY 09: SASAN GIR
DAY 10: SASAN GIR – JUNAGADH – GONDAL (120KMS/ 3HRS APPROX)
DAY 11: GONDAL
DAY 12: GONDAL – WANKANER (85KMS/ 2HRS APPROX)
DAY 13: WANKANER – RAJKOT (53KMS/ 1HRS APPROX)
DAY 14: RAJKOT – DELHI (FLIGHT)
DAY 15: DELHI - DEPARTURE
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
Price details:
Price using 4 star hotels valid from 1st October 2018 till 31st March 2019
(7% Summer discount available from 1st April till travel being completed before 30th September 2018 on 4star hotels price) Per person price sharing DOUBLE/ Per person price sharing TRIPLE (room Per person price staying in SINGLE Particular TWIN rooms with extra bed) rooms rooms
Currency INR Euro USD INR Euro USD INR Euro USD
1 person N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A ₹314,771 € 3,935 $4,918
2 person ₹181,961 € 2,275 $2,843 N/A N/A N/A ₹233,399 € 2,917 $3,647
3 person ₹161,242 € 2,016 $2,519 ₹156,514 € 1,956 $2,446 ₹212,680 € 2,658 $3,323
4 person ₹157,827 € 1,973 $2,466 ₹153,099 € 1,914 $2,392 ₹209,265 € 2,616 $3,270
5 person ₹146,379 € 1,830 $2,287 ₹141,651 € 1,771 $2,213 ₹197,817 € 2,473 $3,091
6 person ₹141,453 € 1,768 $2,210 ₹136,725 € 1,709 $2,136 ₹192,891 € 2,411 $3,014
7 person ₹135,615 € 1,695 $2,119 ₹130,888 € 1,636 $2,045 ₹187,053 € 2,338 $2,923
8 person ₹132,119 € 1,651 $2,064 ₹127,392 € 1,592 $1,990 ₹183,557 € 2,294 $2,868
9 person ₹128,616 € 1,608 $2,010 ₹123,888 € 1,549 $1,936 ₹180,054 € 2,251 $2,813
10 person ₹125,813 € 1,573 $1,966 ₹121,085 € 1,514 $1,892 ₹177,251 € 2,216 $2,770
Child with bed With Extra bed in parents room ₹86,405 / € 1,080 / $1,350
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
Child below 5yrs Free sharing parents bed
Optional service Dinner at hotel per person ₹23,399 / € 292 / $366
Additional night in Delhi ₹4,902 € 61 $77 ₹9,804 € 123 $153 ₹12,418 € 155 $194
Price using 5 star hotels valid from 1st October 2018 till 31st March 2019
(10% Summer discount available from 1st April till travel being completed before 30th September 2018 on 5star hotels price) Per person price sharing DOUBLE/ Per person price sharing TRIPLE (room Per person price staying in SINGLE Particular TWIN rooms with extra bed) rooms rooms
Currency INR Euro USD INR Euro USD INR Euro USD
1 person N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A ₹335,294 € 4,191 $5,239
2 person ₹204,314 € 2,554 $3,192 N/A N/A N/A ₹263,529 € 3,294 $4,118
3 person ₹173,987 € 2,175 $2,719 ₹167,407 € 2,093 $2,616 ₹233,203 € 2,915 $3,644
4 person ₹170,572 € 2,132 $2,665 ₹163,992 € 2,050 $2,562 ₹229,788 € 2,872 $3,590
5 person ₹159,124 € 1,989 $2,486 ₹152,545 € 1,907 $2,384 ₹218,340 € 2,729 $3,412
6 person ₹154,198 € 1,927 $2,409 ₹147,619 € 1,845 $2,307 ₹213,414 € 2,668 $3,335
7 person ₹148,360 € 1,855 $2,318 ₹141,781 € 1,772 $2,215 ₹207,576 € 2,595 $3,243
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
8 person ₹144,864 € 1,811 $2,264 ₹138,285 € 1,729 $2,161 ₹204,080 € 2,551 $3,189
9 person ₹141,361 € 1,767 $2,209 ₹134,781 € 1,685 $2,106 ₹200,577 € 2,507 $3,134
10 person ₹138,558 € 1,732 $2,165 ₹131,979 € 1,650 $2,062 ₹197,774 € 2,472 $3,090
Child with bed With Extra bed in parents room ₹93,595 / € 1,170 / $1,462
Child below 5yrs Free sharing parents bed
Optional service Dinner at hotel per person ₹28,105 / € 351 / $439
Additional night in Delhi ₹8,497 € 106 $133 ₹16,993 € 212 $266 ₹6,972 € 87 $109
Note: Euro & USD prices are subject to change in case of any fluctuation in currency exchange rate. Please check the currency exchange rate of the day for exact price in your currency. In any case our INR price will remain unchanged and shall be treated as final price.
Delhi – Ahmedabad & Rajkot – Delhi flight cost is not included in above price. Supplement for same will be approx. ₹8,000 / €100 / $125. Offered flight fare is subject to change best available fare will be advised at the time of booking.
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
Included in price:
Garland welcome and assistance of our office representative at airport 14 nights/ 15 days accommodation in below mentioned hotels or similar Daily breakfast at hotel. Full board accommodation in Sasan Gir National Park Bottled drinking water in car Private English speaking guide in each cities on sightseeing days. Private Chauffer driven air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfers, sightseeing & excursion as per program. 01 Time monument entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary. Cycle rickshaw ride in Delhi Chandni Chowk bazaar in Delhi Two time private Jeep Safari in Sasan Gir National Park with entrance fee to National park & forest department Naturalist. Safari in Velavadar National Park with entrance fee & permit Accompanied English Speaking guide in Gujarat Applicable GST (Government taxes)
Not Included in price:
Any flight ticket (international/ domestic) Any insurance Main meal e.g. lunch & dinner unless mentioned in price includes OR supplement for same is opted. Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone, internet, etc. Anything else not mentioned in the itinerary or under "Includes"
Hotels used or similar in above price
Day City 4* Hotels & Heritage Palaces 5* Hotels & Heritage Palaces
The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite 1 Delhi Saket Le Meridien/ The Grand Hotel
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
Lemon Tree Premier/ Aloft Ahmedabad 2 Ahmedabad SG Road House of MG/ Hyatt Ahmedabad
3 Champaner Heritage Resort Heritage Resort
4 Vadodara WelcomHotel Hotel WelcomHotel Hotel
Nilambagh Palace/ Lemon Tree Wild 5 Bhavnagar Life Resort Nilambagh Palace/ Lemon Tree Wild Life Resort
Nilambagh Palace/ Lemon Tree Wild 6 Bhavnagar Life Resort Nilambagh Palace/ Lemon Tree Wild Life Resort
7 Diu Radhika Beach Resort Radhika Beach Resort
Lion Safari Camp/ Gir Jungle Lodge 8 Sasan gir Resort Lion Safari Camp/ Gir Jungle Lodge Resort
Lion Safari Camp/ Gir Jungle Lodge 9 Sasan gir Resort Lion Safari Camp/ Gir Jungle Lodge Resort
10 Gondal Heritage Gondal Palace Heritage Gondal Palace
11 Gondal Heritage Gondal Palace Heritage Gondal Palace
12 Wankaner Wankaner Heritage Wankaner Heritage
Heritage Khirasara Palace/ Fortune Park Heritage Khirasara Palace/ Fortune Park JPS 13 Rajkot JPS Grand Grand
The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite 14 Delhi Saket Le Meridien/ The Grand Hotel
15 Departure
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 01; ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi international airport by flight. Meet with our office representative assistance and transfer to hotel. (Hotel check in/ out time 1200hrs afternoon early check in subject to room availability).
City tour of Delhi visit Red Fort the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years, until 1857. Cycle rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk Bazar. Visit Jama Masjid (Mosque) opposite the fort one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan. Raj Gath: The memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. India Gate: The 42m high stone "Arch of Triumph", erected in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in the First World War; Drive through Rajpath "Kingsway" a VVIP area of Delhi including Rashtrapati Bhawan. Humayun’s Tomb: Build by wife of Humayun, the second Mughal King. It is an early example of Mughal architecture. Qutub Minar: The building complex dated back on the onset of Muslim rule in India and are fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple: In the heart of New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionizing the concept of worship. [Red Fort & Lotus Temple remain closed on Monday's].
DAY 02: DELHI – AHMEDABAD (FLIGHT)
Breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board flight for Ahmedabad. On arrival at Ahmedabad airport meet our office representative assistance and transferred to hotel.
Ahmadabad founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411AD and graced with splendid monuments, mosques, pavilions and mausoleums, marking the beginning of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Ahmedabad is the largest city and a leading industrial centre in Gujarat popularly known as the Manchester of the East. Ahmedabad boasts of the largest denim production in the world. It is also home to several
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
interesting museums. Many of Ahmedabad buildings bear the signatures of world-renowned architects like Le Corbusier, Louis Khan, Doshi and Correa.
Proceed for city tour and visit Shaking minarets - are two minarets located at the Siddhi Bashir mosque. They are uniquely designed in a way that when one minaret is shaken the other one shakes too. Sabarmati Ashram - on a quiet stretch of the river Sabarmati, 7kms north of the city, Mahatma Gandhi set up a simple retreat in 1915. This was his first Satyagraha Ashram and for many it was the nerve canter of India's freedom movement. Hridaya Kunj, the cottage where he lived is preserved as it was in the Mahatma's lifetime. The Gandhi Ashram has a memorial centre, library and a sound and light spectacle to offer its visitors. Vishala Vichar museum - is a restaurant with traditional Gujarati food in village surroundings. It has Vichar Utensil Museum worth visiting. The museum houses a unique collection of utensils. Kite museum - houses a wonderful variety of kites that depict their colourful history and regional flavours. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 03: AHMEDABAD – CHAMPANER (160KMS/ 3HRS APPROX)
After breakfast drive to Chmpaner check in at hotel.
Later half day sightseeing visit The Jami Masjid; a large, richly ornamented mosque modelled on the Friday Mosque at Ahmedabad. This mosque is one of the finest examples of the Sultanate architecture of Gujarat. It is an imposing structure on a high plinth with two tall minarets of 30 meter height, 172 pillars and seven mihrabs. There are interesting Gujarati features such as oriel windows. This mosque belongs to 1513 and took 125 years to build and has a wonderful carved entrance and imposing courtyard. Inside, the ruler's prayer hall is divided from the main space by jalis. Behind the building is an octagonal kund (lake), Hauz-i-Vazu, used for washing before prayer.
Champaner Fort; the lower fortification is the citadel or the Champaner fort. The Champaner Fort was the royal enclosure of Muhammad Begara. It is a perfect rectangle enclosed by the massive walls with huge bastions and entrance gates with carved balconies projecting from top. On the north-west of the citadel is the huge lake - Vada Talav and ruins of Sultan's Palace.
Machi; The ruins of Khapra Zaveri Palace are located on the way from the base to Machi. From its terrace, one can have a fabulous view of the origin of Vishwamitri River. Atak gate is one of the nine gates that leads to the hilltop. It has two catapult stands for hurling stones at the enemies. Other monuments from Machi to hilltop are Makai Kothar - a granary with the fort, Kalika Temple and a shrine of Muslim Saint Sadanshah are located. Overnight at hotel.
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
DAY 04: CHAMPANER – VADODARA (50KMS/ 1HRS APPROX)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Vadodara. En route visit Pavagadh.
Pavagadh; means a quarter of the hill and was believed to have been part of the Himalaya carried off by the monkey god Hanuman. The Pavagadh Fort is situated 4 kms southwest of the city. The Pavagadh fort dominates the syline and is visible for miles around. It occupies a large area and rises in three stages: first the ruined fort, then the palace and middle fort and finally the upper fort with Jain and Hindu temples. The parts of the massive walls still stand. The ascent is steep and passes several ruins including the Buria Darwaza, the Champavati Mahal, a three storey summer pavilion. The temple at the summit had its spires removed by Kali Temple, Pavagadh the Muslims and a shrine of Sadan Shah, a Muslim saint
On arrival check in at hotel. Later half day guided sightseeing. Visit Laxmi Vilas Palace; built by R.H. Chisholm. This palace was built in full throttle 19th century Indo-Saracenic style for Rs.6 million. The after early designs by the military engineer Mant, the facade of this extraordinary building is 150 m wide. The palace is faced in red Agra sandstone with dressings of blue trapstone from Pune and Rajasthani marble. The approach to the palace is very pleasant and the interior is spectacular. The Durbar Hall has walls and floor in Venetian mosaic and marble is used extensively throughout, as is stained glass from London.
The Tambekar Wada; a wooden multi-storeyed townhouse. This typical Maratha mansion was once the residence of Bhau Tambekar, Diwan of Baroda. Inside are some beautiful 19th century murals.
Sayaji Bagh; within this shady, pleasant park is the Baroda Museum, which houses some good Asian statues and carvings, mangy zoology exhibits and an Egyptian room. The gallery has lovely Mughal miniatures and a motley crew of European masters. The Nazar Bagh Palace has a Sheesh Mahal
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
(Mirror Palace), a collection of the embroidered cloth and the jewel 'Star of the south'. The solid gold and silver guns, each barrel 127 kgs. in weight were kept here which on ceremonial occasions, were drawn by the teams of milk-white bullocks. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 05: VADODARA – BHAVNAGAR (200KMS/ 4HRS APPROX)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Bhavnagar. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Bhavnagar lies in the southeast corner of the peninsular region of Gujarat known as Kathiawad or Saurashtra. Once the capital of a princely state, Bhavnagar is home to several lakes and temples. For the tourist, Bhavnagar serves as a convenient base to visit the Jain temples at Palitana on the Shatrunjaya hills and the Velvadar Sanctuary, the home of the famous Indian Black buck.
Founded in 1743 A.D., by Bhavsinhji Gohil, on the site of a small village of Vadva, near the creek, Bhavnagar was once a flourishing port. Today, however the only activities related to the sea near Bhavnagar take place at the port of Ghogha and at Alang, which is also, Asia's largest ship breaking facility.
The Nilambagh Palace was built in 1859 AD as the Yuvraj Bungalow (residence of the crown prince- of the Gohil Rajput clan). The Nilambagh palace is set in 40,000 sq.ft. of lawn and garden. The pillared portico, stepped arches, pleasant centre courtyard, turning marble staircase, the dining hall furnished with European chandeliers and the historic library are some highlights of the property. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 06: BHAVNAGAR
After breakfast, proceed for a full day excursion to Velvadar Black Buck Sanctuary. Overnight at the hotel.
Velavadar Black buck sanctuary; is the home of the Indian black buck. Velavadar in the Bhal region of Saurashtra is a unique grassland ecosystem that has attracted fame for the successful conservation of the black buck - the fastest of the Indian antelopes, the wolf and the lesser florican.
DAY 07: BHAVNAGAR – DIU (200KMS/ 4HRS APPROX)
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Diu, en route visit Palitana.
Palitana - is a 'must visit' destination for all those who would like to witness what the subtle combination of human enterprise, architectural skills, philanthropy and channelized religious fervor can achieve. The entire summit of majestic mount Shatrunjaya is crowned with about 900 temples, each rivaling the other for beauty and magnificence, presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle to devotees and visitors. There are many temples at Palitana, which are revered by Hindus and some are prominent Jain pilgrim centers.
Continue drive to Diu On arrival, check in at hotel.
Later visit Diu Fort a very large and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. This fort was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD after the treaty signed between the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese. The fort is surrounded by the sea on the three sides and a canal on the fourth side. The fort offers a magnificent view of sea. On the fort stands a giant structure which now houses a Light House and the Diu jail. The beam from the lighthouse reaches to about 32kms. Several canons are still located on the top of the fort and peep out of the holes on the walls of this gigantic structure.
Fortress of Panikota is a magnificent stone structure in the sea, built right at the mouth of the creek. This fortress can be reached only by a canoe or a motor launch. This fortress has a light house and small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. The fortress offers a very beautiful view whether seen from the jetty, from the Fort, from the village of Ghoghla or from Diu proper.
Old Town has a few old mansions belonging to rich Portuguese and Indian merchants. The colourful three-storey Nagar Sheth Haveli has porticoes, carved balconies, stone-made lions and intricate arches in European and Indian styles
DAY 08: DIU - SASAN GIR (66KMS/ 1HRS APPROX)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Sasan Gir. On arrival, check in at the resort/ jungle lodge.
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary; Sprawling in an area of 1424 sq. kms, Gir with its dry deciduous forest is a luxuriantly rich ecosystem- endowed with floral and faunal plentitude. Thirty species of mammals, twenty species of reptiles, several species of insects and birds are found here. The forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The number of lions in Gir had dwindled to a mere 15 by the turn of the century, due to extensive trophy
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
hunting. The forest also harbors a number of smaller birds and animals. Other predators are the panther and the hyena. The largest Indian deer, Sambhar, Chital (spotted deer), Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara and the unique Chowsingha (four horned antelope) are found here along with the bear and the long tailed langur.
Few people know that Gir is also one of the finest bird sanctuaries in India. Some of the typical birds of Gir are the crested serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle, brown fish owl, king vulture, jungle quail, paradise flycatcher, pygmy woodpecker, hard headed oriole etc. Adholia, Valadera, Ratanghuna and Pilipat are rewarding places for bird watching. Another attraction is a crocodile farm developed in the forest. Overnight at resort/ jungle lodge.
DAY 09: SASAN GIR
Breakfast at hotel, morning and evening safari in the national park. Rest time free for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at resort/ jungle lodge.
DAY 10: SASAN GIR – JUNAGADH – GONDAL (120KMS/ 3HRS APPROX)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Junagarh visit Junagarh an ancient fortified city rich in myth and legend, Junagadh lies at the foot of the temple-studded Girnar Hill. It derives its name from the 'old fort', which circles the medieval town. The Girnar Hills that landscape Junagadh are a holy sanctuary to the Jains. The history of Mount Girnar dates back to the awesome empire of Ashoka, one of India's greatest emperors. Ashoka inscribed 14 edicts on a huge boulder en-route to Mt. Girnar peak. Junagadh's main feature is the Uperkot fort (upper fort), a somber and inaccessible fortress.
Ashoka's Rock Edicts; On the way to Girnar, there is a huge boulder, housed in a small roadside building, on which are fourteen Rock Edicts inscribed by Emperor Ashoka. As was the tradition of Kings of yore, in his quest to expand his empire, Ashoka fought fierce wars. After one of his most ferocious battles, a victorious Ashoka visited the battlefield of Kalinga. But the sight of mass slaughter of human beings had a catalytic effect on his mind. Remorse-stricken, he turned to Buddhism for absolution. He devoted rest of his life for the propagation and practice of Buddha's teachings.
The inscriptions carry Brahmi script in Pali language and date back to 250 B.C. The fourteen edicts of Emperor Ashoka are moral lectures. These edicts, preserved in the Girnar hills, bear testimony to the benevolent attitude and activities of the Emperor. On the same rock are inscriptions in
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Sanskrit added around 150 A.D. by Rudradama and in about 450 A.D. by Skandagupta, the last emperor of the Mauryas.
Uperkot Fort; is believed to have been constructed by the Yadavas (the clan to which Lord Krishna belonged) when they came to settle in Dwarka. Famous in bygone times for its virtual inaccessibility, the Uperkot or upper fort is girdled by a wall that is, in some places, over 20m. high. An ornate entrance gateway leads to the ruins. The fort has many interesting exhibits like the two guns placed on the western wall and believed to have been cast in Egypt. The bigger one is called the Nilamtope and the other one is known as Kadanal. In and around the fort one can find several Buddhist caves belonging to the 200 B.C. to 200 A.D era.
In the Uperkot is a two storied cave said to belong to the first century which is believed to be a Buddhist Chaitya cave. There are also Buddhist caves at Bava Pyara Math found below the Southern walls of Uperkot arranged in three rows. Scholars believe that they are Buddhist caves possibly belonging to the period between 200 B.C to 200 A.D.
Continue drive to Gondal, on arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 11: GONDAL
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Gondal; the capital of the former princely state of Gondal, was ruled by the Jadeja Rajput clan, till the independence of India. Present day Gondal is a testimony to the great visionary ruler Sir Bhagwatsinhji, who introduced social reforms, planned the development of Gondal town and created a model state of Saurashtra in late 19th and early 20th century. Sir Bhagwatsinhji's high education and extensive tours to Europe enhanced his aesthetic tastes, which can be seen in the architecture and planning of public buildings, parks, bazaars and palaces built during his regime.
Navlakha Palace; One of the oldest and most beautiful of Gondal palaces, the Navlakha Palace complex, is situated on a riverbank, on a grand masonry base, rising to the monumental scale of at least 30 meters, above the riverbed. The palace is approached by the high gateway with the clock tower from the town side. The grand Darbar Hall, with a series of huge windows opening onto a long balcony supported by intricately carved brackets, overlooks the river. Darbar Hall has large chandeliers, stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture and antique Belgian mirrors. The private palace museum displays artifacts, gifts and messages received by Sir Bhagwatsinhji, on his 50th
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
birthday.
Riverside Palace; the riverside palace is located at the edge of the Gondali River; built in colonial style of architecture, amidst a garden with huge trees. The living room is decorated in European taste, while the Indian room has brassware, beadwork and paintings in typical Indian style. The series of galleries and terraces of the palace building bring nature close to the visitors of this heritage hotel. Orchard Palace; The Orchard Palace was originally a State guesthouse, built in colonial style with an arcade of semi-circular arches, set in the midst of fruit orchards. The garden in the front, a beautiful fountain with lily pond and marble statues en chances the beauty of the palace. The main sitting room has a collection of paintings, antique furniture, bird eggs and many interesting art objects.
Vintage Car Collection; The rulers of Gondal were great lovers of automobiles and one can see several vintage and classic cars in the royal garage. Two rail saloons of the Gondal State were renovated, keeping the original décor and are available for accommodation in the Orchard Garden Palace. The stay at saloons provides a unique experience: a nostalgia of the great days of the Indian railways combined with royal grandeur. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 12: GONDAL – WANKANER (85KMS/ 2HRS APPROX)
Breakfast at hotel, proceed to Wankaner. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later visit Ranjit Vilas Palace and the step wells.
Wankaner derives its name from the geographical feature related to the location of the town: 'Wanka' means a bend and 'ner' means water stream in Gujarati. Wankaner literally means a bend on the stream and it is located on the bend of the Machchhu River. Wankaner was among the first few royal families of India to convert their palaces into Heritage Hotels, which have guestrooms, maintained in the original royal style.
Ranjit Vilas Palace; Amarsinhji built the Ranjit Vilas Palace on a hill, overlooking Wankaner town. It took seven years to complete and was designed by Amarsinhji himself. It was inaugurated by and named after his dear friend Jam Ranjitsinjhi of Jamnagar. The ground of the palace extends to two hundred and twenty five acres. The state guesthouse, Chandra Bhavan is also located in the same campus in the vicinity of the Ranjit Vilas Palace.
Step Well - Wankaner also has a step well, the last one to be built in Gujarat. In the Royal Oasis complex, the 3-storeyed step well, has 2 underground floors with cool subterranean marble rooms, fine sculptures and a fountain.
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
DAY 13: WANKANER – RAJKOT (53KMS/ 1HRS APPROX)
After breakfast check out and proceed to Rajkot on arrival check in at hotel.
Afternoon city tour covering Kaba Gandhi Delo – Gandhiji’s ancestral home, Watson Museum & library located in the pleasant Jubilee garden, Lal Pari Lake & Randerda – a picturesque picnic spot. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 14: RAJKOT – DELHI (FLIGHT)
Breakfast at hotel as per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax in the hotel or visit any place of your interest with your driver. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 15: DELHI - DEPARTURE
Breakfast at hotel day free and easy for personal activities relax. Later as per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for your home country.
Payment Policy:
Deposit of 25% of the package cost at the time of booking. Deposit of 50% of the package cost, 30 days prior to arrival date Deposit of 100% of the package cost, 7 days prior to arrival date
Cancellation policy:
Note: Written cancellation will accept on all working days, except Sunday, Any cancellation sent on Sunday's will be considered on next working day (Monday).
For the X-mas and new year period from 20 Dec to 05 Jan the payment is non-refundable.
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
In case you cancel the trip after commencement, refund would be restricted to a limited amount only which too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers/ contractors we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation & missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.
Cancelation before 90 days – no cancelation fees only bank charges. Cancelation before 89 - 60 days – 10% of the invoice plus bank charges. Cancelation before 59 – 45 days - 25% of the invoice plus bank charges. Cancelation before 44 – 28 days - 50% of the invoice plus bank charges. Cancelation before 27 – 7 days - 75% of the invoice plus bank charges. Cancelation before 7 days – Now show 100% of the invoice.
Our Liabilities & Limitations:
Please note that after the finalization of the Tour/ service Cost, if there are any Hike in entrance fees of monuments / museums, Taxes, fuel cost or guide charges – by Govt of India, the same would be charged as extra.
Agora Voyages act only in the capacity of agent for the hotels, airlines, transporters, railways & contractors providing other services & all exchange orders, receipts, contracts & tickets issued by us are issued subject to terms & conditions under which these services are provided by them.
All itineraries are sample itineraries, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before the tour or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of the trip participants' safety, comfort & general well being.
Our rates are based on the prevailing rates as negotiated by us with the hotels, airlines etc. Hotels and Airlines retain the right to modify the rates without notice. In case of such changes the rates quoted before the modification, can be changed by us according to the modifications by hotels or airlines. All hotel bookings are based on usual check in and check out time of the hotels until unless indicated in the itinerary.
We shall not be responsible for any delays & alterations in the program or expenses incurred – directly or indirectly – due to natural hazards, flight cancellations, accident, breakdown of machinery or equipment’s, breakdown of transport, weather, sickness, landslides, political closures or any untoward incidents.
We shall not be responsible for any loss, injury or damage to person, property, or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or other services, resulting – directly or indirectly – from any act of GOD, dangers, fire, accident, breakdown in machinery or equipment,
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com
breakdown of transport, wars, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferages, epidemics, medical or custom department regulations, defaults, or any other causes beyond our control.
We do not have any insurance policy covering the expenses for accident, sickness, loss due to theft, or any other reasons. Visitors are advised to seek such insurance arrangements in their home country. All baggage’s & personal property/s at all times are at the client's risk.
We will not be responsible for any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
Tipping
Tipping is not included in our price. Tipping is optional, and at times expected in travel trade. Obviously there is no limit to how much you can tip and some guests who enjoy and appreciate the services of Guides, driver and other crew will and have tipped much more than our average tipping guideline of about $10-15 per day.
Trip Comments
When you return from your trip, please share your experience with us. Any photos, suggestions will be appreciated. Although we try our best, Tourism is a trade, which cannot be perfect and there will always remain a room for improvement. Your comments (both criticism and compliments) are invaluable to us and we look forward to hearing from you, upon your return.
House No. 1/18, Top Floor, DDA Flats, Madangir, New Delhi 110062 Mob +91-9810491508 | Email- [email protected] | Web- www.agoravoyages.com