This morning you will be met by your local English-speaking representative at your Mumbai hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur, you will be met by another local English-speaking representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure.
The origins of Udaipur are based on a legend which tells of a holy sage that Maharaja Udai Singh encountered while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range in Mewar. The sage told the King to build a palace in that exact spot and it would be well protected, and so with this advice Maharaja Udai Singh built his residence there. At the time, Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar state. However in 1568 Chittorgarh was attacked by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, and so Maharaja Udai Singh moved the capital to Udaipur. Today, the City Palace of Udaipur is still home to Maharaja Udai Singh’s descendants who remain rulers of this independent state.
This morning, begin your exploration of Udaipur with a visit to the massive City Palace which overlooks Lake Pichola. The City Palace, built in 1725, comprises of 11 palaces including the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna, all of which are ornately decorated. Afterwards, tour the Sahelion Ki Bari Garden (Garden for the Maids of Honour). This delightful 18th-century retreat in the north of the city was built for the Queen of Udaipur, whose dowry included 48 maids. Following this, you will get a chance to see the Folk Museum of Udaipur.
This afternoon you enjoy a cruise on the 4km long Lake Pichola, fringed with hills, palaces, havelis, ghats and temples. While on the cruise you will see the Lake Palace, formally known as Jag Niwas, built between 1734 and 1751. It was once a Royal summer retreat and is now one of the world's greatest hotels. It is also a popular location for film shoots, including James Bond's Octopussy.
Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
Drive approx. 1.5 hours (103.2km) to Dungarpur, a city in the south of the Rajasthan state. Here you will visit the Juna Mahal, a 13th-century fortress, as well as Gahib Sagar Lake, a bird watchers paradise.
Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
Drive approx. 3 hours (174.3km) to Ahmedabad visiting the Gandhinagar Akshardham Temple en route. Upon arrival, visit the Gandhi Ashram, Jumma Mosque and a local market.
Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
Visit the Calico Museum, known for its unique textiles (pending ticket allocation). This afternoon drive to Bhavnagar and visit the archaeological site of Lothal en route. The drive will take approx. 3 hours (173.4km).
Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
Early this morning before sunrise, travel to the base of the Palitana temples. Climb 3,500 steps to the top of Shatrunjaya Hills and explore the temples on each level during your ascent. Walk down to the base and drive to Gondal. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes today as you will be doing a lot of walking. A good level of fitness is required to attempt this climb.
Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
Visit the 17th-century Navlakha Palace. Travel to Bhuj and tour the local vegetable market and the small Kutch Museum. The drive to Bhui will take approx. 4.5 hours (272.3km).
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Travel to the Banni villages, well-known for their ethnic art. Later, enjoy a tour of the White Rann desert landscape.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Depart for Dasada, visiting the Dhamadka and Bhujodi villages en route. Enjoy an evening jeep safari in the Little Rann of Kutch Wild Ass Sanctuary. Here you will see Wild Ass, flamingos, pelicans, cranes and enjoy the sunset.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Rise early for a morning jeep safari of the Little Rann of Kutch. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Ahmedabad airport where your arrangements end. The drive to Ahmedabad airport will take approx. 2-3 hours (100km).
Meal: Breakfast
09 night’s accommodation in base category rooms, private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary from arrival Till departure, Boat cruise at lake Pichola, Two jeep safaris in Dasada- Little Rann of Kutch, Local English speaking guide in Udaipur & Dungarpur, Accompanied English speaking from Ahmedabad to Ahmedabad, Monument entrance fees (not camera), 9 breakfasts and 3 lunches and 8 dinners as per itinerary.
Any item of personal nature such as Mini bar, table drinks, Laundry, Telephone calls.
Camera fees (Still/video) at any monuments.
Any tipping, gratuities or porterage anywhere.
Any International or domestic airfare & Visa Fees.
Excess Baggage charges.
Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary.
Insurance of any kind.
Early Check-in & late check-out.
Hotels Used OR Similar
Udaipur - Udai Kothi (Deluxe room)
Dungarpur - Udai Bilas palace (Standard room)
Ahmedabad - Fortune Landmark (Standard room)
Bhavnagar - Nilambagh palace (Deluxe room)
Gondal - Orchard palace (Palace room)
Bhuj - Kutch Safari lodge (Standard room)
Dasada - Rann riders (Deluxe cottage)