Wilderness of Gujarat

Gujarat Tour Package 15

Day 1 :Bhuj

Arrive at Bhuj. Meet and Greet and Transfer to hotel, rest of the day at hotel. In Evening visit Local Market area. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Bhuj.

Day 2 : Bhuj - Nakhatrana

Early morning proceed for Narayan Sarovar. Narayan Sarovar is home to a wide array of wildlife, including many species (15 of which are considered threatened) of mammals, reptiles, and birds. The principle species here is the chinkara, an Indian gazelle. In this harsh landscape, only animals well-adapted to the desert climate can thrive, with extreme heat, high winds, and frequent storms. For this reason, many species can be seen here that are not easy to find elsewhere.Most of Narayan Sarovar is desert thorn forest and scrub forest, with some seasonal wetlands and dry savannah-type vegetation as well. Gorad and babul are the prevailing plant species; gorad in the east and babul in the west. Also found among the 252 species of flowering plants in the sanctuary are hermo, ber, pilu, thor, gugal, salai, ingorio, kerdo, carissa, and the invasive “gando baawal” (prosopsis juliflora), though less so than in other nearby areas.The endangered chinkara is the only gazelle in the world with horns on both males and females. Of the roughly 7000 chinkaras known to exist, 80% of them live in Kutch and since their primary habitat is the scrub and thorn forests so common here. October to March is the time to visit.Overnight stay will be at hotel in Nakhatrana.

Day 3 :Nakhatrana

Morning visit Indian Bustard Sanctuary. The Kutch Bustard Sanctuary is one of the great wonders of wildlife in Gujrat. Kutch Bustard Sanctuary is located in proximity to Naliya which is under the district of Kutch. In Rainy season to the end of winters is the best time to enjoy this wondrous sanctuary. The most ideal way to enjoy this retreat is, taking a walk around the natures cradle while befriending various species of the Bustard family. Look around for the Black and Gray Francolin, the Spotted and Indian Sangrouse, Quails, Larks, Shrikes, Coursers and Plovers. And if you are lucky, you might catch fluttering glimpses of rare species of Stolicska’s Bushchat and White-naped Tit. If you keep walking northwards towards the coastal area of Jakhau during winters, you might get greeted by large flocks of flamingos, Herons, Egrets, Sandpipers and other birds dwelling in the salt-reservoirs and the creek.A climb up the watchtower and vigilance will surprise you with flocks of Indian Gazelle and wolfs spotting the entire landscape, while a drive around the sanctuary will acquaint you to the friendly nilgais.Overnight stay will be at hotel in Bhuj.

Day 4 : Bhuj – Jamnagar

Morning visit local sightseeing of Bhuj.Later drive to Jamnagar.Overnight stay will be at hotel in Jamnagar.

Day 5 : Jamnagar

Early morning proceed for Marine National Park - Gujarat has the distinction of creating the country’s first Marine National Park spread over an area of nearly 458 sq.kms in the Gulf of Kutch, 30 km from Jamnagar. Here corals create fantasies in stone and are the master builders of the Park. Their limestone fortresses – those found near the Pirotan Islands and the rich moist deciduous forests like those found in the dense forests of the Danes. One of the most threatened birds, the great Indian bustard finds a refuge in certain pockets of protected areas. The world’s only four-horned antelope, the chowsingha is found here in healthy numbers. One of the largest herds of blackjacks grace the grasslands of Velavadar and till recently Gujrat was the place where flamingos nested in huge numbers. Dugong, a marine mammal which resembles a seal, along with the rare Borolo species have found home in the protected areas of the Marine National Park. Here you will find plants that look like animals and animals that look like plants. Turtles, shrimp, sponge, eels, sea urchin lurk among the corals and huge schools of fish create a brilliance of colors that are unknown, unseen and unimaginable to us. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Jamnagar.

Day 6 :Jamnagar

Khijadia Bird Sanctuary is a unique wetland area with sea water on one side and fresh water on one side. This area which is about 12 km from Jamnagar (Gujarat, was declared as a Sanctuary on 6th November 1982. Before independence, a check dam had been built for storing the waters of the Ruparen river just near the sea, so gradually over the years with fresh water of the rain and river on one side and salt water of the sea on the other side, a unique area came up where both varieties of vegetation came up, gradually, birds and animals also started flocking and roosting here. The area of this Sanctuary is 605 Hectares. Some of the notable birds found here are Black Ibis, Black-winged Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Great Thick-knee, Common Greenshank, Grey Francolin, Imperial Eagle, Indian Pond Heron, Little Tern, Black-tailed Godwit, Comb Duck, Common Crane, Common Teal, Dunlin, Garganey, Marsh Harrier, Northern Pintail, Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Pale Harrier, Demoiselle Crane, Sanderling and Darters. The other wild life found here are Blue Bulls, Jackal, Wolf, Jungle Cat, Mongoose, Rabbits, Cobra, etc. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Jamnagar.

Day 7 : Jamnagar – Porbandar

After taking breakfast proceed for Porbandar. Check into hotel, rest of the leisure time. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Porbandar.

Day 8:Porbandar – Gir

Early morning proceeds for sightseeing of Porbandar Bird Sanctuary – It is located amid the city of Porbandar flaunting the co-existence of man and nature. Spread over an area of 1 square kilometre this unique water dwelling, surrounded by trees and plants was affirmed as a sanctuary in the year 1988. Varied species of birds in all shapes and sizes fly in every year enlivening the area with varied colours; patterns and making this zone a home and their nesting ground. Water birds are often seen splashing in the freshwater lake while the sky touching flights of certain birds bedecks the firmament.Flamingos, Grebes, Pelicans, Ducks and geese, Avocets, Coots, Cormorants, Herons, Egrets, Bittern, Storks, Ibis, Spoonbill, Cranes, Whistling Teals, Gulls, Terns, Jacanas, Ruff, Red shanks, Indian roller and many other varieties of winged creatures are seen in this area. Later drive to Gir. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Gir.

Day 9: Gir

Sasan Gir Lion sanctuary is home of some 300 Asiatic Lions. Sasan Gir is only place in world outside African continent where lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Gir WildlifeSanctuary is the last refuge of Asiatic lions in India and the lion population residing in the park is a little over 300. The whole coverage area of Gir Sanctuary is about 560-square-mile (1,450-sq-kms). Gir is not just about Lions, the second most commonly found predator in the Gir is Leopard. In fact, 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. In Gir Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai Antelope, Chowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers, Flamingo etc. can easily be seen. About 10, 000 years ago lions spanned vast sections of the globe, but as the human population started to increase, trees were cut and forests were cleared to make more land for people to live in. Now lions are only in small fractions in some parts of the world. And Asiatic lions, a subspecies that split from African lions perhaps 100,000 years ago, are only found in the Gir wildlife Sanctaury. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Gir.

Day 10: Gir – Bhavnagar

After Breakfast, proceed for morning safari at Gir National Sanctuary. Later drive to Bhavnagar.Overnight stay will be at hotel in Bhavnagar.

Day 11: Bhavnagar – Velavadar – Bhavnagar

Morning proceed for Velavadar. Velavadar National Park, also known as Velavadar Black Buck Sanctuary is situated in the Bhal region of Saurashtra,is a unique grassland ecosystem that has attracted fame for the successful conservation of the blackbuck, the wolf and the lesser florican. Velavadar's history dates back to the pre independence period when the place was a part of the princely state of Bhavnagar and the park used as a grazing ground for the Maharaja's cattle. After independence, the population of blackbuck started to decrease and came down to a meagre 200 in 1966. It was then that the area of 8.9 sq. km was converted into a sanctuary. In 1972, the area was increased to around 34 sq. km and was accorded the status of a national park under the Wildlife Protection Act. A unique feature of the park is that it is the only tropical grassland in India to be given the status of a national park. The park is home to over 187 species of birds including residents and migratory birds such as Harrier, Partridge, Pelican, Duck, Crane, Stork, Eagle, Sand Grouse, Lark and Lesser Florican. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Bhavnagar.

Day 12: Bhavnagar – Velavadar – Dasada

Morning Safari at Velavadar National Park. Continue drive to Dasada (Little Rann of Kutch) .The Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife sanctuary can be from Dasada, 93 kms from Ahmedabad. This is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, spanning some 4950 sq ft in area, and comprising a range habitat from saline desert plains, arid grasslands, rocky and thorn scrub to lakes and marshes. Checkin to hotel, rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Dasada.

Day 13: Dasada

Enjoy morning safari at Little Rann Of Kutch viewing rarest wild asses.

Wild ass sanctuary

The sanctuary is well known for its group of the stale joke brown Asiatic (Wild ass), which does not live elsewhere in Indian lowlands. We can see with Little Rann of Kutch blackbuck (Indian antelope), nilgai or blue bull (India’s largest antelope) and the graceful chinkara (Indian gazelle) are other mammals. The main carnivores of the Little Rann of Kutch are the endangered Indian wolf, desert fox, Indian fox, jackals, desert and jungle cats, and a few hyenas; also we can see during the visits flamingoes, pelicans, ducks, cranes and storks.Overnight stay will be at hotel in Dasada.

Day 14: Dasada –Modhera- Balaram

After Breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed towards Balaram.

Modhera

Built in 1026 ad during the reign of the solanki king bhima -1, modhera Surya mandir marks the peak of revolution in Indo-AryanHindu temple form Typology. It is positioned in such a manner that the rising sun rays illuminate the deity in the inner most sanctum sanctorum through the main Entrance at the time of equinox only. With its grandeur, elegance and Clarity it only rivals it contemporaries at konark and khajuraho but arguably surpasses them in it symbolic overtones and spiritual setting with Placement of the water kund integral to the complex. This temple is Dedicated to the sun God,it stands high on an elevated plinth overlooking a Deep stepped tank,both the interiors and the exteriors have exquisitely Caved. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Balaram.

Day 15: Balaram (Jessor Sloth Bear Sanctuary)

Morning proceed for Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is situated in the Banaskantha district, 45 kms from Palanpur , Declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in May 1978, this 180.66 sq.km forest tract of Jessore hill and adjoining areas is endowed with several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The forests of the sanctuary play an important role in conservation of depleting Aravali ecosystem. This area acts as a buffer and separates the desert ecosystem from the dry deciduous type of ecosystem. The tree clad terrain helps in arresting the process of desertification and advancement of Thar Desert. The sanctuary is known more for the endangered Sloth Bear. The other important faunal species are leopards, Rhesus macaque, Indian civet cat, porcupine, fox, striped, hyena, wild boar etc.Overnight stay will be at hotel in Balaram.

Day 16: Balaram – Ahmedabad

Proceed for Ahmedabad. Visit Local Market area. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Ahmedabad.

Day 17: Ahmedabad

Early morning drive to visit Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary. It is 50 Kms from Ahmedabad.These migrant birds visit Nalsarovar every year from November to February. During these four months water is plentiful and fish, insects and aquatic plants abound in the lake - an ideal environment for the birds. Nalsarovar at this time is a birdwatcher's delight. The lake - Nalsarovar - and the wetlands around it were declared a bird sanctuary in 1969. Spread over 120 sq.kms, the lake and the extensive reed beds and marshes are an ideal habitat for aquatic plants and animals. The lake attracts a large variety of birds like plovers, sandpipers and stints.Transfer to airport and railway station with the sweet memories of Gujarat.

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Inclusions

•  Assistance on arrival by Trained executive or Driver
•  Accommodation on Double/Twin sharing basis
•  Daily Breakfast (Buffet or Set Menu)
•  Transport as per itinerary (Commercial/Union Approved) with all expenses paid for first visit
•  Driver Allowance
•  Toll Taxes and Parking for First Visit
•  State taxes
•  Fuel
•  All the currently applicable taxes
•  Duty Manager available on mob 24 hrs during tour duration for emergency
•  Assurance of best holiday experience
•  All Transport Taxes, Driver Allowances, Hotel Taxes and Misc. Taxes

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Exclusions

•  Any expenses incurred due to Exigencies.
•  Travel Insurance
•  Monument / Camera fees/ Entry Fee / Activity Charges
•  Any personal expenses like laundry, shopping, tips etc.
•  Air & Train fair
•  Heater charges per night
•  Any adventure activities

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Remarks

•  All taxes, hotel rates, transport rates, etc are as applicable on date. Any future hike on same would be charged extra.
•  The above rates are valid till 31 March 17 (Apart from Long weekend & festive period (Diwali, Holi, X-Mas, New Year / Dussehra etc).
•  The above is only an offer and not confirmation of your bookings.
•  We shall proceed with your booking once we receive the payment from you & if we are not able to get the original hotels, shall provide equivalent / alternative hotels.
•  hotel check in / Check out time 1400 / 1000hrs

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• ^*Based on min. 06 Travellers.
• ^*on travel on regular dates.