India has long been known for its exotic culture and tradition. For a traveller, India offers a variety of experiences that can vary from the most uproarious to the very exquisite. From one corner to the other, India is replete with attractions that can leave you in awe of their beauty and amazed as to how they were ever constructed. No matter whether you are a wildlife lover, a history buff, a pilgrim, a cultural enthusiast, an art connoisseur or a hard-core adventurer, India has to offer you a lot and that too in smash-hit proportions.

Meet and assistance on arrival by TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS representative at the arrival lounge holding plaque card and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and stay overnight at Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, the city of Sultan Ahmed Shah (Medieval ruler of Gujarat), is known for its rich past and its association with the Mahatma (Great Soul) also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Sultan Ahmed Shah graced his kingdom with a number of outstanding monuments, mosques, pavilions and mausoleums and started the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture which he employed in the various monuments that he built. Today, Ahmedabad is a hustling and bustling city with a flourishing textile industry and is often termed as the ‘Manchester of the East’. It is also the land where the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi fought for India’s freedom based on the principle of non violence. Proceed for city sightseeing and visit the Calico Museum; constructed in 1949 it is regarded as one of the best textile museum’s in the world and houses some of the finest fabrics spun, woven, printed and painted in different parts of India after independence, Gandhi Ashram; founded in 1915 it lies on the banks of the Sabarmati river in the most serene ambience. It was from here that Gandhiji set out for the famous Dandi March and Adalaj step-well; built during the reign of Queen Rudabai a Muslim ruler, though now dry, the four level well is dug directly into the water table exposing fresh water that rose and fell according to the season and provided water to weary travellers and pilgrims. Enjoy an elaborate traditional dinner at the Vishala Restaurant with a chance to see the Museum of Utensils and stay overnight at Ahmedabad. (B, D).

Travel to the World Heritage Site of Champaner to see the vast complex of mosques built by Mahmud Begada. Spread over six square kilometres, it is a medieval and ancient town full of ruin and the site is considered a complete and unchanged Islamic pre-Mughal city. The historical monuments at Champaner consist of a series of fortifications some of which originate ont he hill top and end on the plains. They consist of massive sandstones with intermediate bastions and beautiful balconies. Continue to the Jambughoda Palace, a simple royal mansion in the midst of mature gardens - a beautiful retreat for nature lovers. Stay overnight at Jambughoda. (B, D)

Have a leisurely breakfast and visit the local tribal villages of Rathwas and Nayaks. Remaining of the day at leisure with overnight at Jambughoda. (B, D)

Travel to Bhavnagar, visiting the 4,000 years old Harappan ruins at Lothal, which were stumbled upon by archaeologists only in the second half of the twentieth century, it enjoyed immense importance as a port town during the Harappan era. The remains that can be traced back to the period between 2440 and 1900 BC are an indicator to the flourishing Harappan culture. As in other cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, Lothal too had excellent architecture and town planning. The unique lock gated dockyard is perhaps the greatest maritime architecture from the ancient world. Lothal was an active business center and had business links with Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia. Also the advanced and modernized drainage system is something to marvel at. Lothal was on the banks of the mythical river Saraswati which has since dried up. Stay overnight at Bhavnagar. (B, D)

Visit the hilltop temple complex at Palitana next morning, reached by a steep flight of stairs or optionally use palanquins. The sacred hill rises in a crescendo of magnificent temples that soar in marble splendour to the top of the hill. The temples were built over an impressive span of 900 years with each generation of pilgrim’s makings its contribution to the shrines. Amongst all the Jain temples, Palitana temples are considered to be the most sacred. No one is allowed to stay overnight including the priest, as the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods. Every devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his lifetime, because of its sanctity. The multitude of temples, half palaces, half fortresses made of splendid marble, with their spires aiming the skies present a spectacle unmatched for its scale and magnitude. Stay overnight at Bhavnagar. (B, D)

Travel to Sasangir famous for Gir national Park and only Asiatic lion’s reserve. Gir National Park is a dry, rugged area of thorn forest or scrub with scattered patches of dry deciduous woodland. Part of the erstwhile estate of Junagarh in Gujarat, this forest was brought under the protection by the Nawab, whose initial efforts kick-started the government’s campaign to protect the last remaining Asiatic lions. The Gir National Park is the only place outside Africa where you can see wild lions. Afternoon at leisure with overnight at Sasangir. (B, D)

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drive to spot the Asiatic lion and other wildlife species. Besides the king of the jungle, Sasangir is also a natural habitat for some of the exotic flora and fauna of the peninsular region. he Park has many attractive geographical features that include hilly tracts interrupted by rivers and lakes. Stay overnight at Sasangir. (B, D)

Travel to Junagarh an ancient fortified city in myth and legend and visit the Ashokan Edicts and the Junagadh Fort. A veritable treasure trove of ancient temples, museums, palaces and caves, every monument reminds one of the grandeur of the Nawabs who once ruled here. Junagarh was an important trade centre as testified by the Ashokan Edicts dating from 250 BC. The present city has many archaeological sites and historical monuments that reflect the rich history of the place. Remaining if the day free with overnight stay at Gondal. (B, D)

Gondal still carries remnants of its splendid past. It was once a princely stated that boasted of rich history and tradition, however Sri Bhagwatsinghji the farsighted ruler of Gondal infused the city with its present modern spirit. It is said that his rich educational background and regular trips to Europe blessed him with fresh and innovative ideas that in turn paved the way for the development of the city. This picturesque town with a number of heritage buildings with graceful architecture are a visual delight not only to the eyes but to the soul as well. Enjoy leisurely breakfast and explore the fine collection of classic and vintage cars and nearby villages. Stay overnight at Gondal. (B, D)

Have a breakfast before starting a long drive to Ahmedabad to board your onwards flight. (B)

Private Car Guided Tour

Starts in: Ahmedabad Ends in: Ahmedabad Grade: Easy Paced Tour

• Accommodation with private facilities
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with Chauffeur
• Private local English-speaking guide
• Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Wildlife safari
• Entry fee/Monument charges
• Assistance and Transfers

• Departs daily
• Overland travel by private car
• Order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions
• Itinerary can be customised to suit your requirements
• Ask for pre and post accommodation
• Departs daily

• Any meals other than specified, drinks, laundry, Mineral water, telephone calls or other expenses of a personal nature.
• Camera fees (Video or still) at the monuments
• Tips/gratuity