Royal Gujarat Retreat

Upon arriving in Udaipur, the enchanting ‘City of Lakes’, your captivating tour begins with a warm welcome by our friendly guide, who will then escort you to a luxurious hotel where you can grab some rest before embarking on an immersive sightseeing tour of this beautiful city.

In the afternoon, the first attraction you will be visiting is the Udaipur City Palace, which is a grand architectural masterpiece that was constructed over a span of more than four centuries by various rulers of the Mewar dynasty. Located on top of a hill, overlooking the Lake Pichola, the City Palace offers a breathtaking views of the city. This palace features a fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture is evident in its exquisite ivory doors, mirrored walls, and vibrant glass windows.

After this, you will take a short stroll to the ancient Jagdish Temple, which is the largest temple in Udaipur. This three-story temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and was built by Maharaja Jagat Singh in the 17th century.

After seeking the blessings of Lord Jagannath, you are free to explore the local markets on at your own pace. Some of the famous markets in Udaipur are the City Palace Market, Hathi Pol Bazaar, Bada Bazaar, and the Clock Tower Market. Here you can shop for souvenirs, handcrafted textiles, miniature paintings, traditional jewellery, and delectable sweets.

Later, return to your hotel in the evening to savour a delightful dinner and to grab a peaceful night’s sleep.

Today, wake up to another refreshing day in Udaipur, relish a hearty breakfast and then, you will continue your journey to explore Udaipur.

You will begin your sightseeing tour for the day with a visit to the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, which is a hilltop palace that was constructed by Maharaj Sajjan Singh in 1884 to monitor the monsoon clouds. As this palace is situated on a hill overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake, you will witness mesmerizing panoramic views of Udaipur’s lakes, palaces, and landscapes.

The next attraction you will be visiting is the enchanting Saheliyon ki Bari, which is a beautiful garden that was designed by Maharana Sangram Singh as a recreational haven for the royal women. This garden is adorned with lush greenery, lotus pools, and intricately carved fountains.

This will be followed by a visit to the Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum, which was established in 1952 by Padam Shri Late Devi Lal Samar for promoting folk arts, dance, and literature. The museum showcases ornate jewelry, folk art, unique puppets, and masks, offering a glimpse into the vibrant cultural heritage. Apart from that, the Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum also hosts various live performances of traditional folk arts, folk dances and puppet shows.

After this, you will head towards the picturesque Lake Pichola, which is a sprawling man-made lake adorned with four islands. Among them, Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and Jag Mandir are the most popular ones. Here, you will embark on a delightful boat ride to the Jag Mandir, which is a fascinating lake palace that is known for its garden courtyard, splendid architecture, peaceful surroundings, and a picturesque view of the Udaipur’s palaces and havelis situated on the other end of the Lake Pichola.

Later, return to your hotel for a scrumptious dinner, and to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.

We recommend you to begin your day by rising a bit early today, as you will be exploring some of the major attractions around Udaipur like the Maharana Pratap Museum in Haldighati, the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort, and the beautiful Ranakpur Jain Temple.

After having a delicious breakfast, you will bid adieu to Udaipur and would head towards Haldighati, which witnessed the Battle of Haldighati in 1576, fought between Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar and the Mughal forces led by Emperor Akbar’s General, Raja Man Singh of Amber. Although the Mughals emerged victorious in the battle, they were not able to capture Maharana Pratap or any of his close allies. Here, you will explore the Maharana Pratap Museum, which is known for its captivating antiques and a compelling light and sound show. After this, you will visit the Chetak Samadhi, to pay homage to Chetak, Maharana Pratap’s loyal horse, who was martyred during the Battle of Haldighatti. After this, you will visit the Rakht Talai, which is a lake that turned red with the blood of the valiant soldiers who laid their lives during the battle.

After this, you will depart from Haldighati and proceed to Kumbhalgarh to visit the Kumbalgarh Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was constructed by Raja Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. This fort is renowned for having a remarkable 36-kilometer wall, making it the second-largest fortified structure globally, the first being the Great Wall of China.

This will be followed by a visit to Ranakpur, to visit the Ranakpur Jain Temple. This temple was built in the 15^th century by Darna Shah, a devotee of Lord Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara. You will be captivated by the spiritual ambiance, intricate carvings, and beautiful marble architecture of the temple.

After immersing yourself in the spirituality of the Ranakpur Jain Temple, you will check into your hotel in Ranakpur to conclude your day with a sumptuous dinner and a rejuvenating night’s sleep.

Today wake up to a fresh new day, have an appetizing breakfast, and then you will head towards Mount Abu, a beautiful captivating hill station in Rajasthan that is historically revered as a retreat for ascetics and sages.

Upon your arrival in Mount Abu, you will check into your hotel to relax and freshen-up. After some time, you will be venturing into the enchanting sights of Mount Abu. The first destination you will be visiting today is the Dilwara Jain Temples, which are renowned all across the globe for their intricate marble carvings and architectural brilliance. These temples were built by Vastupal and Tejpal between the 11th and 13th centuries, and they stand as a testament to the exquisite artistry and unwavering devotion of the Jain community.

Next, you will head towards the Nakki Lake, which is also referred to as the ‘heart of Mount Abu’. This captivating lake is the only man-made lake situated at an altitude of 1200 metres above sea level. According to the legend, this lake was formed by the Gods using their nails, and hence it got it’s name ‘Nakki’, which translates to nails. The Gandhi Ghat on the lake is the place where a monument has been constructed to honour Mahatma Gandhi as his ashes were immersed at this spot. You can indulge in a mesmerizing boating experience on the tranquil waters of the Nakki Lake, but at your own expense.

After this, you will visit the Toad Rock, which is a picturesque rock formation that resembles a large toad about to jump into the water. This rock is situated adjacent to the Nakki Lake and provides the perfect backdrop for stunning selfies & photographs.

Later, you will conclude the sightseeing tour for the day by heading towards the Sunset Point. This spot not only offers stunning views of the rugged Aravalli ranges, but also provides the perfect backdrop for a spectacular sunset that paints the horizon in golden hues.

Later, return to your hotel for a delicious dinner and a tranquil night’s sleep.

Today, start your day with an appetizing breakfast at your hotel before setting out to discover the other popular attractions of Mount Abu like the Brahma Kumari Spiritual Ashram, Achalgarh Fort, Guru Shikhar, and the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary.

Your sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the Brahma Kumari Spiritual Ashram, which was founded by Dada Lekhraj Kripalani in the 1930s. This international spiritual organization is also known as ‘Madhuban’ or the Forest of Honey and is spread over almost 50 acres of land. You will be visiting the Brahma Kumari Museum here to gain insights into their beliefs, values, and spiritual teachings. You will also visit the Baba’s Kutiya, which is the hut where he meditated tirelessly day and night in pursuit of salvation.

After this, you will head towards the Achalgarh village, which is home to the Achalgarh Fort, that was constructed by the Paramara dynasty in the 14th century and was later renovated by Maharana Kumbha. Within the fort, you will visit the famous Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple and the picturesque Mandakini Lake.

Next, you will proceed towards the Guru Shikhar, which is the highest peak in the Aravalli Ranges at an altitude of 1722 meters above sea level. This peak has been named after Guru Dattatreya, a famous monk who once resided here in a cave, which has now been transformed into a temple. Apart from that, the peak also houses the Mount Abu Observatory, and you will see beautiful panoramic views of the Mount Abu city and its surrounding landscapes from this peak.

Finally, you will visit the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread across an area of roughly 288 sq. kilometres. This sanctuary was established in 1960 to preserve the region’s biodiversity and features various mountain peaks & igneous rocks with large cavities that were formed by natural weathering. Here, you will enjoy a serene nature walk amidst lush greenery, with the possibility of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.

Later, you will come back to your hotel for a delightful dinner and a restful night’s sleep.

Today, wake up to a fresh new day in Mount Abu, relish a delightful breakfast, and then you will proceed towards Ambaji, which is a small town in Gujarat that is nestled in the Aravali Range.

Upon reaching Ambaji, you will first visit the Ambaji Temple, which is an important temple that is dedicated to Goddess Amba, an incarnation of Goddess Bhagwati. This temple is considered among the 52 Shakti Peeths and it stands at the site where the heart of Goddess Sati fell.

Legend has it that Maharaja Daksh organized a ‘mahayagya’ (sacred ritual) and invited all the Gods, except Lord Shiva, his son-in-law. Goddess Sati, despite Lord Shiva’s absence attended the yagna and she was shocked by the harsh words of her father against her husband, Lord Shiva. Enraged by those words, Goddess Sati sacrificed herself by jumping into the burning pit. Soon, Lord Shiva reached there and upon discovering the lifeless body of his beloved wife, he was deeply struck by sorrow, which led him to begin the dance of destruction.

To prevent complete devastation of the world, Lord Vishnu used his ‘Sudarshana Chakra’ to cut Goddess Sati. The severed parts fell in 52 locations across the Indian Peninsula, with 42 Shakti Peeths in India, 4 in Bangladesh, 2 in Nepal, and 1 each in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Tibet.

After seeking blessings from Goddess Amba, you will proceed towards the Gabbar Hill, where spirituality intertwines with tranquillity and nature.

This will be followed by a visit to the Kumbhariya Jain Temple, which is a cluster of five Jain temples that were constructed by the Chaulukya dynasty between 1062 and 1231. Though there were originally 360 temples, most of them were destroyed by earthquakes and out of those, only five survived. These temples showcase captivating intricately carved architecture, making them the perfect examples of Chaulukyan architecture.

Next, you will visit the Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, which is a small ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is situated near Gaumukh, which is considered as the source of the vedic river, ‘Saraswati’. Here you will see water flowing into a small ‘kund’ (a spiritual bathing water body) from the mouth of a cow incised in rock.

After this, we will drop you at the local market, where you can freely explore vibrant stalls that offer authentic local cuisines, exquisite handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.

Later, check-in to your hotel for a delectable dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep.

Wake up, relish a hearty breakfast, and start your day early today, as today you will be exploring some exotic, spiritual and architectural marvels like the Rani ki Vav, the Panchasara Jain Temple, Patola Saree Making Unit, and the Modhera Sun Temple.

Enroute Ahmedabad, you will take a short break to visit the enchanting Rani ki Vav, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Patan. This architectural marvel features a network of intricately carved stairwells, sculptures, etc. The Rani ki Vav was constructed by Queen Udyamati in 1063, in memory of her late husband Maharaja Bhimdev I. This stepwell is the perfect example of groundwater resource utilization in the 10^th century, and it is also featured on the Indian 100 rupee note.

After this, you will head towards the Panchasara Jain Temple, which is an ancient Jain temple that was originally built by Vanraja Chavda in 746 and was later restored by the Chalukya dynasty. This temple is renowned not only for its historical and religious significance, but also for its intricate architecture and serene surroundings.

This will be followed by a visit to the Patola Saree Making Unit, where the traditional art of weaving Patola sarees comes to life. These patola sarees are globally acclaimed for their highly decorated designs and vibrant colours. Here, you may engage with skilled artisans, gain insights into this centuries-old craft, and explore the opportunity to acquire exquisite sarees.

After the Patola Saree Factory, you will leave Patan and continue your journey towards Ahmedabad. However, you will take a short detour at Modhera to visit the Sun Temple that was built in the 11th century during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty to commemorate his victory over Mahmud of Ghazni. The Modhera Sun Temple is dedicated to ‘Surya Dev’, the Sun God in the Hindu mythology. This temple is listed as the ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ and it is taken care of by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Following the exploration of the Modhera Sun Temple, you will head towards Ahmedabad, where you’ll check into your cozy hotel to relish a delicious dinner and grab a peaceful night’s sleep.

Today, wake up to a fresh new day in the Gujarat’s capital, savour a delightful breakfast, and get ready to discover the marvels of Ahmedabad.

You will begin your sightseeing in Ahmedabad with a visit to the Sabarmati Ashram, the residence of Mahatma Gandhi when he was not traveling across India. The Sabarmati Ashram was founded in 1917 and it stands as a living testament to Gandhi Ji’s principles of truth & non-violence. The ashram also served as the place where Gandhi Ji met other freedom fighters to discuss various strategies to attain India’s independence from British rule. You will also visit the Hridaya Kunj to gain deeper insights into Mahatma Gandhi’s history and lifestyle.

Following a visit to the Sabarmati Ashram, you will proceed to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Museum, which is dedicated to India’s ‘Iron Man.’ Here, you will discover various important historical artifacts, photographs, and documents that shed light on Patel ji’s role in India’s independence as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.

After this, you will head towards the Calico Museum of Textiles, which was established in 1949 to showcase India’s textile heritage. The Calico Museum boasts of an extensive collection of fabrics, garments, and artifacts. Here, you will learn about India’s rich textile traditions, craftsmanship, and historical evolution.

Next, you will be visiting the Hutheesing Jain Temple, which was constructed in 1848 by a rich local merchant named Seth Hutheesing Kesarisinh as a dedication to the 15th Jain Tirthankara, Shri Dharmanatha. Here, you will not only have a deeper spiritual connection with the divine, but will also have a chance to witness the artistic richness of the bygone era.

Finally, you will conclude today’s sightseeing tour at the Sabarmati Riverfront, which has been an integral part of Ahmedabad since its construction in 1411. The development of the Sabarmati Riverfront was proposed in the 1960s, but it was developed in 2005, making it one of the primary tourist attractions in Ahmedabad. Here, you will not only witness the sustainable design that redefines the city’s landscape, but will also see the venire where various cultural and recreational activities such as the Sabarmati Marathon, International Kite Festival, Airshows, etc. take place each year.

In the evening, after witnessing an enchanting sunset on the shimmering waters of the Sabarmati River, you should head towards the Atal Foot Over Bridge, which is a modern cable-styled bridge built over the Sabarmati River to honour our former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. The design of the bridge is inspired by kites and it was inaugurated in 2021. You will witness stunning views of the illuminated cityscape along the Sabarmati River, making it the perfect spot for capturing memorable moments.

Later, you will return to your cozy hotel to indulge in a delectable dinner and embrace a tranquil night’s sleep.

Today, start your day with a hearty breakfast and get ready to explore some of the other Ahmedabad’s major attractions like the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, the Kankaria Lake, Vintage Car Museum, the Adalaj Stepwell, and the Science City.

You will begin today’s sightseeing tour with a visit to the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, which is an ancient mosque that was constructed in 1573 in the Indo-Saracenic style. This mosque is renowned for its finely carved stone lattice screens, with the ‘Sidi Saiyyed ki Jaali’ standing out as a captivating piece of art, illustrating intertwined tree branches.

After visiting the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, you will head towards the Kankaria Lake, which is a scenic man-made lake constructed by Sultan Qutb-ud-din in 1451 to provide a dependable water source for the city’s residents. This lake was later reformed in the 20th century, and it is now a serene getaway featuring gardens, boat rides, and food stalls. Here, you can feel free to take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside or indulge in a boat ride, at your own expense.

Next, you will visit the Auto World Vintage Car Museum, which was founded by Pranlal Bhogilal to showcase a remarkable collection of vintage cars from the early to mid-20th century. You can capture some amazing pictures with the cars and witness the the evolution of the automotive industry.

This will be followed by a visit to the Adalaj Stepwell, which is a 5-storeyed architectural marvel that was built by Rani Rudadevi in memory of her beloved husband, Rana Veer Singh in 1498. This stepwell was built to fulfill the water requirements of the locals and, also to serve as a resting place to the weary travellers. Apart from that, it also held immense spiritual significance.

After this, you will be visiting the fascinating Science City, which is an engaging space established by the Government of Gujarat to bring the science to life. Here, you will explore interactive exhibits on cosmology, witness lifelike dinosaurs and robots, experience a 3D movie, and engage in thrilling adventure rides. The Science City also offers a diverse range of attractions, including India’s largest aquarium and simulations of natural calamities like earthquakes.

In the evening, you have the option to explore Law Garden, which is a vibrant marketplace known for traditional crafts, textiles, and street food.

After spending some time at the Law Garden, you will meet your friendly guide who will drop you at your chosen destination in Ahmedabad – whether it’s the ISBT, the Railway Station, or the Airport. If you wish to extend your stay for the night, you can do so by booking the tour at an additional expense. In case of an extension, we will drop you at your selected cozy hotel, allowing you to check-in and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.