Highlights of Gujarat

14 days
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Group Tour
A visit to Gujarat is off the well-trodden tourist tracks of northern India and yet it is still a state as richly endowed as its well-known neighbour Rajasthan. The Asiatic lion used to roam from east of the Indus River into central India and as far away as eastern Turkey, Iran and Mesopotamia. Today however the Gir National Park in Gujarat is the last re...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Search for the rare Asiatic Lion
    • Superb Jain, Hindu and Islamic architecture
    • Exquisite crafts on tribal village tour

What's this trip about?

    A visit to Gujarat is off the well-trodden tourist tracks of northern India and yet it is still a state as richly endowed as its well-known neighbour Rajasthan. The Asiatic lion used to roam from east of the Indus River into central India and as far away as eastern Turkey, Iran and Mesopotamia. Today however the Gir National Park in Gujarat is the last refuge of this endangered big cat.  Our trip includes two safaris in search of this distinct species of lion. We also open up the door to unique tribal villages in Bhuj, the unusual salt marshes of the Great Rann of Kutch, exploration of a marine national park with a naturalist and superb Jain, Hindu and Islamic architecture.    Superb Jain, Hindu and Islamic architecture, Asiatic lions and tribal villages

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityMumbai
End CityAhmedabad

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners included
    • All accommodation
    • Transfer for group flights

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London

Depart London

Day 2 Arrive Mumbai; sunset at Chowpatty Beach sampling local treats; drive to see Mumbai by night.

For those on our group flight we will arrive in Mumbai in the morning and transfer to our hotel. Later this afternoon we will take a drive to Chowpatty Beach, stroll along the promenade and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea.  The beach is a favourite...

Day 3 Mumbai city sightseeing; overnight train to Ahmedabad in Gujarat

After a leisurely breakfast we will start our city sightseeing visiting the Gateway of India and the Mani Bhawan.  This afternoon is free to explore the city independently and your tour leader will be on hand to suggest activities. In the evening we head to Mumbai...

Day 4 Arrive Ahmedabad and transfer to the hotel; Heritage walk; Mahatma Gandhi ashram 

This morning we arrive in Ahmedabad and transfer to the hotel.  Our rooms may not be ready however we can freshen up using the hotel lobby facilities and then have breakfast.  We will start our exploration of old Ahmedabad with a guided Heritage walk. This is a ci...

Day 5 Visit UNESCO World Heritage site of Rani-Ka-Vav and the Patola Heritage museum; drive to Bajana. 

After breakfast we leave Ahmedabad and drive (approx. 3.5 hours) to Patan where we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rani-Ka-Vav or the Queen’s step-well.  Built in the 11th century this is one of the largest step-wells in India and is an architectural marve...

Day 6 Leaving Bajana we drive to Bhuj 

Our drive to Bhuj takes around 5 hours and on arrival we will check into our hotel.  This afternoon we visit the Aina Mahal or the 'palace of mirrors'. Built in 1752 it was damaged during the earthquake of 2001 but has been extensively restored.  After our visit the rest of the day is free to explore the area and its market.  *Kutch Safari Lodge or similar *

Day 7 Full day excursion to Banni tribal villages to explore their cultures and crafts

A full day excursion takes us to the fascinating Banni tribal lands.  We will visit villages well-known for their traditional handicrafts. For the rural people these handicrafts are not only their livelihood but also a creative expression of each area's cultural i...

Day 8 Drive from Bhuj to historic Jamnagar; lake and bazaar walk

Today we will drive around 6 hours through the countryside to the historic town of Jamnagar.  On arrival we will check into our hotel and then stretch our legs with a leisurely late afternoon walk along the banks of Lakhota (also called Ranmal).  Here we will visi...

Day 9 Drive to Junagadh; evening stroll through old town; visit the Mahabat Maqbara 

Today we drive to the colonial town of Junagadh.  On route, depending on the time of low tide, we may visit the first national marine park in India in the Gulf of Kutch.  Accompanied by a local naturalist we walk over the exposed beach to explore rock pools and le...

Day 10 Drive to Gir National Park via Uperkot Fort; afternoon jeep safari 

Our day starts with a visit to the Uperkot Fort with its great views of the Girnar Hills.  Major attractions inside are the 15th century Jama Masjid, 2nd century pillared Buddhist caves and two beautifully carved 15th century step-wells.  From the fort we drive on...

Day 11 Early morning jeep safari; travel to the Island of Dui

An early start at 6am for our second jeep safari in the park.  We return to our resort at 9am in time for breakfast before our 2.5 hour drive to the small Island of Dui.  Once known as the 'Gibraltar of the East' the island was a flourishing Portuguese colony from...

Day 12 Optional early morning visit to Vanakbara fishing village; then drive to Bhavnagar

For those who would like a very local experience and don't mind an early start there is the option to visit Vanakbara fishing village to see the catch of the day fresh from the sea. If you prefer a leisurely start or maybe a morning swim you can stay at the hotel ...

Day 13 Drive to the World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh then overnight in Ahmedabad

After breakfast an early start for the drive (approx. 5 hours) to the World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh originally the seat of the Rajput Chauhan dynasty. In 1484 it was conquered by the Muslim ruler Mahmud Begada when he began a 23-year building program a...

Day 14 Trip ends after breakfast in Ahmedabad

Trip ends after breakfast with a transfer to the airport for those guests travelling on our group flight back to London.

Land Only

Day 1 Sunset at Chowpatty Beach sampling local treats; drive to see Mumbai by night.

For those on our group flight we will arrive in Mumbai in the morning and transfer to our hotel. Later this afternoon we will take a drive to Chowpatty Beach, stroll along the promenade and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea.  The beach is a favourite...

Day 2 Mumbai city sightseeing; overnight train to Ahmedabad in Gujarat

After a leisurely breakfast we will start our city sightseeing visiting the Gateway of India and the Mani Bhawan.  This afternoon is free to explore the city independently and your tour leader will be on hand to suggest activities. In the evening we head to Mumbai...

Day 3 Arrive Ahmedabad and transfer to the hotel; Heritage walk; Mahatma Gandhi ashram 

This morning we arrive in Ahmedabad and transfer to the hotel.  Our rooms may not be ready however we can freshen up using the hotel lobby facilities and then have breakfast.  We will start our exploration of old Ahmedabad with a guided Heritage walk. This is a ci...

Day 4 Visit UNESCO World Heritage site of Rani-Ka-Vav and the Patola Heritage museum; drive to Bajana. 

After breakfast we leave Ahmedabad and drive (approx. 3.5 hours) to Patan where we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rani-Ka-Vav or the Queen’s step-well.  Built in the 11th century this is one of the largest step-wells in India and is an architectural marve...

Day 5 Leaving Bajana we drive to Bhuj 

Our drive to Bhuj takes around 5 hours and on arrival we will check into our hotel.  This afternoon we visit the Aina Mahal or the 'palace of mirrors'. Built in 1752 it was damaged during the earthquake of 2001 but has been extensively restored.  After our visit the rest of the day is free to explore the area and its market.  *Kutch Safari Lodge or similar *

Day 6 Full day excursion to Banni tribal villages to explore their cultures and crafts

A full day excursion takes us to the fascinating Banni tribal lands.  We will visit villages well-known for their traditional handicrafts. For the rural people these handicrafts are not only their livelihood but also a creative expression of each area's cultural i...

Day 7 Drive from Bhuj to historic Jamnagar; lake and bazaar walk

Today we will drive around 6 hours through the countryside to the historic town of Jamnagar.  On arrival we will check into our hotel and then stretch our legs with a leisurely late afternoon walk along the banks of Lakhota (also called Ranmal).  Here we will visi...

Day 8 Drive to Junagadh; evening stroll through old town; visit the Mahabat Maqbara 

Today we drive to the colonial town of Junagadh.  On route, depending on the time of low tide, we may visit the first national marine park in India in the Gulf of Kutch.  Accompanied by a local naturalist we walk over the exposed beach to explore rock pools and le...

Day 9 Drive to Gir National Park via Uperkot Fort; afternoon jeep safari 

Our day starts with a visit to the Uperkot Fort with its great views of the Girnar Hills.  Major attractions inside are the 15th century Jama Masjid, 2nd century pillared Buddhist caves and two beautifully carved 15th century step-wells.  From the fort we drive on...

Day 10 Early morning jeep safari; travel to the Island of Dui

An early start at 6am for our second jeep safari in the park.  We return to our resort at 9am in time for breakfast before our 2.5 hour drive to the small Island of Dui.  Once known as the 'Gibraltar of the East' the island was a flourishing Portuguese colony from...

Day 11 Optional early morning visit to Vanakbara fishing village; then drive to Bhavnagar

For those who would like a very local experience and don't mind an early start there is the option to visit Vanakbara fishing village to see the catch of the day fresh from the sea. If you prefer a leisurely start or maybe a morning swim you can stay at the hotel ...

Day 12 Drive to the World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh then overnight in Ahmedabad

After breakfast an early start for the drive (approx. 5 hours) to the World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh originally the seat of the Rajput Chauhan dynasty. In 1484 it was conquered by the Muslim ruler Mahmud Begada when he began a 23-year building program a...

Day 13 Trip ends after breakfast in Ahmedabad

Trip ends after breakfast with a transfer to the airport for those guests travelling on our group flight back to London.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,449
Price per day$175
Last Updated: 7/13/2020

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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My go-to adventure travel company

Exodus are my go-to adventure travel company. They have to date always treated me as a valued customer. The trips I've done so far with them created treasured memori...

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Aug 2021

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Exodus Travels, excellent service

Exodus Travels have gone beyond for us when changing the dates due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, they have been so helpful finding the right time for us to travel. ...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

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Logistics

Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners are included in this trip. India is famous for its food and there is ample chance to try various curries and Gujarati snacks such as gathiya, pakodas, bhel and dhokla. If you are a vegetarian, India is a perfect destination for you. At least 90% of the population of Gujarat are vegetarians so most of the restaurants do not serve chicken, meat, fish or egg based dishes.  Hotels may sometimes cater for non-vegetarians and your leader will do their best to try and balance the choice of meals for everyone.  However please be prepared to try the numerous delicious vegetarian options on offer.  In more remote areas there are few if any suitable restaurants available and, in these cases,  dinner will be at the hotel. Please note that Gujarat is a 'dry state' which means the serving of alcohol is banned and you should not expect to see bars or liquor shops except on the island of Dui  which is a union territory and not subject to such limitations, so you will find bars here.  You cannot take alcohol into the state and there are heavy penalties is you are found carrying it at airports or railway stations. There is the option to purchase alcohol with a permit however this cannot be consumed in public or in the restaurants of hotels.  It can only be consumed in your room.  If you wish to arrange a permit and purchase alcohol your leader can assist you to do this.  There will be a quantity limit attached to the permit. You will need a photocopy of your passport and around 350-400 INR for the permit. This is valid for 10 days.  You should allow at least £10 - 15 (approx. US$12 - US$20) per day for lunch and dinner where meals are not included. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Please note that service in restaurants may be slow at times. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap.  Mineral water is widely available, but drinking water is provided in a large container on our bus in order to reduce our use of plastic, so please bring your own water bottle with you to refill.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 8 nights standard hotels, 3 nights lodges, 1 night sleeper train
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
  • Travel by air-conditioned bus and sleeper train
Trip ID
exodus-AIG

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