Gujarat Grand Circuit: Beyond the Salt & Lions - 19 Nights / 20 Days

4N Ahmedabad 2N Poshina 1N Dasada 1N Bhuj 1N Banni 1N Mandvi 1N Morbi 1N Gondal 1N Sasan Gir 1N Gir 1N Diu 1N Palitana 1N Velavadar 1N Vadodara 2N Jambughoda

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
Sightseeing
Transfers
Wi-Fi

Overview

This tour is a comprehensive 22- day expedition designed for curious travellers from the UK, Europe, USA and Australia who want to uncover Gujarat’s layered heritage, crafts and contrasting landscapes.

From the bustling textile ateliers of Ahmedabad to the surreal white plains of the Great Rann of Kutch, this itinerary balances immersive cultural encounters, wildlife safaris, archaeological wonders and relaxing coastal interludes.

Begin in Ahmedabad, absorbing its textile history at the Calico Museum and the living heritage of its old city pols, then move into tribal Gujarat with a homestay experience in Poshina to meet Garasia and Bhil communities.

The itinerary threads through historic towns, Siddhpur, Patan with its impeccable Rani ki Vav, and Modhera’s solar temple, before heading into the salt-marsh ecosystem around Dasada and the Little Rann of Kutch, where jeep safaris reveal wild asses and migratory birds.

Bhuj and the Banni villages introduce resilient craft communities: embroidery, woodwork and leather arts that thrive in arid conditions. After restorative beach time in Mandvi, explore Morbi’s clock-makers and Gondal’s princely palaces, then head southwest to Junagadh and the Gir National Park for the Asiatic lion safaris, Gujarat’s conservation jewel.

The journey continues to Diu’s island charm and Palitana’s dramatic Shatrunjaya hill, an unparalleled Jain pilgrimage of temples and steps.

Further highlights include Velavadar’s grassland safaris where blackbuck roam freely, the ancient port ruins of Lothal, Vadodara’s Laxmi Vilas Palace, and the living archaeological site of Champaner near Jambughoda.

Throughout, you’ll meet artisans, enter household workshops, sample regional cuisine, and be hosted in handpicked lodges that reflect local character. This circuit offers a balanced tempo of activity and leisure, making it ideal for culturally focused travellers who value authenticity, storytelling and slow discovery.

Itinerary

This tour will help you meet the lesser-known Gujarat, beyond the beaches. You will visit and explore cities like Lothal, Bhuj, Banni, Siddhpur and discover the ruins of Harappan civilizations with breathtaking history of Gujarat.

Day 1: Ahmedabad−

When you arrive at Ahmedabad airport you will be met & received by our representatives in Gujarat; later you will be transferred to your hotel in Ahmedabad.

Depending on your arrival time you may relax at the hotel or, after a brief break, visit Vishalla Restaurant in the evening to enjoy a delicious Gujarati dinner and an excellent introduction to the cuisine.

You will also be able to visit the interesting utensil museum located on the same campus (museum closed on Mondays).

Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.

Day 2: Ahmedabad+

This morning you will visit the Calico Museum which houses one of the finest collections of fabrics from Gujarat and across India: archaeological textile swatches, silk sarees, double-ikat Patan sarongs, chintz, colonial curtains, floral embroidery, Kashmir shawls, 18th-century tie-and-dye, Pichwais, Kalamkaris and more.

As a contrast to the textile world, the army-style museum will offer a different perspective on the city. Later visit significant monuments such as Rani Rupvati’s Mosque, Rani no Hajiro, Siddi Saiyyed Mosque and the impressive Hutheesing Jain Temple, an excellent introduction to Jain architecture in Gujarat.

In the evening visit Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram where Gandhi spent much of his time in Ahmedabad; the site functions as a museum preserving his legacy.

Stay in Ahmedabad.

Day 3: Ahmedabad+

Around 07:30 join a guided heritage walk in Ahmedabad’s old city beginning at the Swaminarayan Temple. Walk through narrow streets and traditional pols to observe daily life up close, finishing at the Jama Masjid.

Later travel to Gandhinagar to visit Akshardham Temple (closed on Mondays) and the Adalaj stepwell. In the afternoon visit Sarkhej Roza, a vast mosque and palace complex with tombs and mausoleums; stroll the ruins and the adjacent museum.

In the evening explore Ahmedabad’s colorful roadside night markets for arts and crafts from across Gujarat.

Stay in Ahmedabad.

Day 4: Poshina+

This morning drive approximately 120 km (about 3.5 hours) to the village of Poshina, known for its Garasia and Bhil tribes. You will stay at Darbargarh Poshina Royal Estate, a simple homestay run by the royal family, offering exclusive access to local communities.

Visit tribal shrines surrounded by thousands of terracotta horses offered to tribal gods, Parshvanath and Neminath temples, and royal cenotaphs. Explore the Poshina village market and observe terracotta making, arrow crafting and silver ornament skills.

Stay in Poshina.

Day 5: Poshina - Siddhpur - Patan - Modhera - Dasada (210kms, 5 hours)+

Drive towards Dasada with stops en route. Visit Siddhpur’s remarkable haveli-style buildings and colorful market, plus the ruins of Rudra Mahalaya temple.

Proceed to Patan to see Rani ki Vav (Queen’s Stepwell) with its 800 sculptures, an intricate late-medieval marvel. Meet Patan’s Patola saree weavers, one of the last families preserving this complex double-ikat technique.

Later visit Modhera’s Sun Temple, a UNESCO - worthy complex with a grand kund-style stepwell and exquisite carvings from the 11th century. Continue to Dasada for the night.

Day 6: Dasada+

This morning take a jeep safari in the Little Rann of Kutch, a vast salt marsh home to the Indian wild ass (khur) and many bird species including cranes and flamingos.

Visit nearby Rabari semi-nomadic villages to observe their craft traditions, embroidery, leatherwork and camel-rearing, and meet local craftspeople. In the afternoon take another jeep safari in the LRK to further explore wildlife and saline landscapes.

Stay in Dasada.

Day 7: Dasada - Bhuj+

Today you will take a long drive to Bhuj (approx. 6 hours). On arrival explore Bhuj, a city rebuilt after the devastating 2001 earthquake and now vibrant with life.

Key sites include Prag Mahal Palace, Aina Mahal ruins, Kutch Museum and the Swaminarayan Temple. Walk the colorful vegetable market and visit the scenic Hamirsar Lake.

Overnight stay at Prince Hotel.

Day 8: Banni Villages+

Spend these days exploring the Greater Rann/Banni region (special permit required). The harsh landscape of scrub and thorn hosts scattered villages of camel and goat herders.

Meet communities whose survival produced unique crafts: intricate embroidery, painting, leatherwork, wood carving and mud work. Experience rural life and glimpse the White Desert of the Greater Rann of Kutch, a massive salt marsh along the Pakistan border.

Day 9: Mandvi+

From the Banni region travel to Mandvi’s peaceful beaches, an ideal break to relax and recharge. Visit Vijay Vilas Palace and its museum; the palace and surrounding woods make a sublime spot for reflection and meditation.

Explore the traditional shipbuilding yards where vessels are still made in the old artisanal way. Enjoy beach time and local seafood.

Stay in Mandvi.

Day 10: Mandvi - Morbi+

This morning drive about five hours to Morbi, a planned town on the Machhu River. Explore the Green Chowk (town square), visit clockmakers’ workshops and wander the bustling market to understand local life.

Stay in Morbi.

Day 11: Gondal+

Drive to Gondal, stopping at the Watson Museum in Rajkot to view textiles, paintings and regional artifacts. In Gondal stay at Orchard Palace, partly occupied by the royal family, and visit its vintage car museum.

Explore Navlakha Palace, now a museum with toy cars, brassware, books and silver crafts of the royal household. Allow several hours to fully explore this expansive complex.

Stay in Gondal.

Day 12: Sasan Gir (120kms, 2.5 hours)+

Travel to Gir National Park, en route visiting Junagadh with its rich Indo-Islamic monuments, cave temples, stepwells and Ashokan rock edicts. Key Junagadh sites include Uparkot Fort, Jama Masjid, Darbar Hall Museum and Mahabat Maqbara. After exploring Junagadh continue to Gir for the night.

Day 13: Gir+

Spend the day on morning and afternoon safaris in Gir’s dry forests, the only home of the Asiatic lion. Beyond lions, expect spotted deer, nilgai, leopards, jackals and many bird species. Lion sightings are special and not guaranteed, keep expectations realistic.

Stay in Gir.

Day 14: Diu+

Drive towards Somnath to visit the important Somnath Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage center. Continue to the island of Diu, a small union territory with a relaxed vibe. Visit Diu Fort, the old churches, and enjoy the island’s laid-back atmosphere, popular with Gujaratis for weekend getaways.

Stay in Diu.

Day 15: Palitana (200kms, 4.5 hours)+

Travel via Talaja, birthplace of poet Narsinh Mehta, and explore its Buddhist caves and the Ebhala Mandapa. Visit ancient Buddhist carvings and the hill temple complex housing Hindu, Jain and Buddhist sites. Continue to Palitana and prepare for tomorrow’s climb.

Overnight in Palitana.

Day 16: Palitana - Velavadar+

Rise early to climb Shatrunjaya hill (approx. 3,500 steps) , the supreme Jain pilgrimage with over 900 temples. The ascent is demanding but spiritually and architecturally rewarding. Porters (dholis) are available for hire if preferred. After descending, proceed to Velavadar for the night.

Day 17: Velavadar - Vadodara+

Start with an early walk around the lodge to observe blackbuck, spotted deer and nilgai in the sanctuary. Later visit the archaeological site of Lothal, an Indus Valley port with deep historical importance.

Continue to Vadodara (Baroda) for overnight stay.

Day 18: Vadodara - Champaner - Jambughoda+

In Vadodara visit Kamatibaug Park (home to Baroda Museum & Art Gallery), and the grand Laxmi Vilas Palace, residence of the Gaekwad dynasty with museums and remarkable interiors.

In the afternoon drive to Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, known for birds, panthers, blue bulls and local Rathwa & Nayak tribes. Activities may include cycle rides, nature walks, horse riding or visits to tribal homes.

Stay in Jambughoda.

Day 19: Jambughoda - Champaner - Jambughoda+

Today take an excursion to Champaner, a World Heritage Site with ruins of grand mosques, palaces, waterworks and stepwells. Excavations are ongoing; choose a half-day or full-day exploration depending on interest. Return to Jambughoda and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 20: Departure from Ahmedabad+

As per your international flight schedule, begin the return journey to Ahmedabad (approx. 4.5 hours) for your onward flight. You will be transferred to the airport.

FAQs on Gujarat Grand Circuit Tour

When is the best time to travel this Gujarat circuit?

The optimum months are October to March when temperatures are pleasant across Gujarat, cooler in the hills and comfortable in the Rann and coastal areas. Monsoon months (June-September) bring heavy rains in parts of the state, while extreme summer (April-June) can be hot, especially on the plains and salt marshes.

Do I need permits to visit the Banni/Greater Rann of Kutch?

Yes, special permits are often required to enter restricted areas around the Greater Rann and certain border-adjacent villages. We arrange necessary permits in advance for escorted visits. Permit rules can change, so prior arrangement through the tour operator ensures a hassle-free experience.

How likely is it to see Asiatic lions in Gir National Park?

Gir hosts around 300-400 Asiatic lions and diverse wildlife, but sightings depend on timing, luck and animal movement. Dedicated morning and afternoon safaris increase chances; however sightings are not guaranteed. Expect other wildlife like deer, nilgai, jackal and varied birdlife as part of the safari experience.

What should travellers pack and wear for this trip?

Pack light breathable clothing for daytime, warmer layers for early mornings and evenings (especially in Palitana and Velavadar lodges), sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, a hat and a reusable water bottle. Modest clothing is advised at temples; for tribal village visits, avoid overly flashy items and ask before photographing individuals.

Is this itinerary suitable for travellers interested in crafts and cultural interactions?

Absolutely. The route focuses heavily on living crafts, tribal encounters, weaving communities (Patan, Bhuj), and palace collections. You will meet artisans, visit home workshops, and have market time to support local crafts. The pace balances exploration and meaningful community interaction, ideal for culturally curious travellers.