Location Ideas
Note: These are meant to be location suggestions only and are not planned itineraries. All distances are calculated from Ahmedabad (India). However, you may begin your journey from anywhere in India by incurring a small cost for transport of the van ex Ahmedabad basis.
2D/ 1N
THOL BIRD SANCTUARY
Trip Kilometres: 300 - 350 kms Thol: One of the most popular birding hotspots of Gujarat, most travellers come to Thol to see thousands of flamingoes in the winters, covering the landscape in pink. Sun Temple: This exclusively carved temple complex and the magnificently sculpted kund are jewels in the art of masonry of the Solanki period- apparently known as the Golden Age of Gujarat. Nalsarovar Lake: The largest wetland sanctuary in the state and one of the biggest in the country as well. The sanctuary has flocks of indigenous and migratory birds, with as many as 250 species passing through in the winters.
MODHERA SUN TEMPLE - RANI NI WAV
Trip Kilometres: 300 - 350 kmsSun Temple: This exclusively carved temple complex and the magnificently sculpted kund are jewels in the art of masonry of the Solanki period- apparently known as the Golden Age of Gujarat. Rani Ki Vav: This is one of the oldest and finest stepwells in Gujarat and is remarkably preserved. Steps lead down through multiple levels with lines of carved pillars and more than 800 sculptures, mostly on Vishnu-avatar themes, as well as striking geometric patterns.
LOTHAL - UTELIA
Trip Kilometres 200 - 250 kms Lothal: The city that stood at this archaeological site 4500 years ago was one of the most important of the Indus Valley civilisation. An entire township with markets and ship dock has been unearthed here, with artefacts like jewellery, pottery, seals, on display.Utelia: This town houses a majestic palace exhibiting architectural splendor in its greatly designed premises. It has been lately converted into a Heritage hotel.
POLO AND VIJAYNAGAR FORESTS
Trip Kilometres: 400 - 450 kms Tucked away in a forest, there are secrets to be revealed. An ancient city, a gateway to Rajasthan. A hiding place for rulers, concealed from enemies, citizens, angry wives, even from the sun, tucked between sacred hills on the east and west. And the mystery of abandonment, decay.
3D/ 2N
STATUE OF UNITY - ZARWANI WATERFALLS - SHOOLPANESHWAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Trip Kilometres: 500 - 600 kmsSOU: The world’s tallest statue modelled upon the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands against the backdrop of the dramatic Satpura and Vindhyachal hills in Kevadia. Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary: Established in 1982, the sanctuary is made up of a mixed forest of teak, riverine forest and deciduous dry jungles that are inhabited by leopards, sloth bears, pangolins, barking deer and a number of birds and reptiles.Zarwani Waterfall: This waterfall situated inside the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary drops from a craggy rock face into a deep gorge. Ideal for day picnics or treks organised by the forest department.
UDAIPUR
Trip Kilometres: 600 - 700 kmsState: RajasthanOften referred to as the 'Venice of the East', the city of lakes Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. The beautiful City Palace and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California.
KUMBHALGARH
Trip Kilometres: 800 - 850 kmsState: RajasthanCradled in the Aravali Ranges, this fort was built in the 15th century AD by Rana Kumbha. The inaccessibility and hostility of the topography lends a semblance of invincibility to the fort. The fort's massive wall stretches some 36 kms with a width enough to take eight horses abreast, and offers a superb bird’s eye view of the surroundings
GIR FOREST NATIONAL PARK AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - DIU ISLAND
Trip Kilometres: 750 - 800 kmsGir: This forested, hilly, 1412-sq-km sanctuary is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion. Taking a safari through the thick, undisturbed forests is a joy – even without the added excitement of spotting lions, other wildlife and myriad bird species. Diu: A beautiful island located nearby the coast of Kathiyawad region at Veraval port. Diu is more popular as a tourist place because of the natural beaches and its Portuguese colonial history.
4D/ 3N
SOMNATH - MADHAVPUR BEACH - DWARKA - SHIVRAJPUR BEACH
Trip Kilometres: 1400 - 1500 kmsState: GujaratSomnath: Kapila, Hiran and Sarasvati rivers alongwith the waves of the Arabian Sea ebb and flow on the shores here .The intricately carved honey-coloured Somnath temple is among the major attractions.Madhavpur beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Gujarat. An amalgam of azure blue waters, clean sand, and coconut palms, it is home to a two-decade-long conservation project of Green Sea and Olive Ridley turtles.Dwarka: A sacred Hindu pilgrimage town, is renowned for the Dwarkadheesh temple, among other notable historical and religious sites. Lord Krishna is said to have come to Dwarka from Mathura to build his new kingdom where he later spent a significant part of his life.
RANN OF KUTCH - MANDVI - BHUJ
Trip Kilometres: 1000 - 1200 kmsState: GujaratRann of Kutch: This massive expanse of cracked earth, inland from the sea, promises to take your breath away. The nothingness for miles is both nerve wracking and stunning with small oasis of water bodies and shrub forests doubling up as homes for pink flamingoes and wild asses.Mandvi: The city was founded in 1580 by the Rao of Kutch, Khengarji. One of India’s historically thriving ports, the beach here is a golden-brown sprawl of sand. Bhuj: A famous destination for observing the historic craftsmanship of the Kutch region, including the textile crafts of bandhni (tie-dye), embroidery, and leatherwork.
SAPUTARA - DANG - DON HILL STATION
Trip Kilometres: 1000 - 1100 kmsSaputara: The focal point of this hill resort is its lake, known for boating and its green and colorful gardens on either side. Dang & Don: Nestled in the Sahyadri range, at an altitude of about 1000 m, this Dangi enclave derives its name from the Snake God revered by the tribals and translates as ‘the abode of serpents’, Saputara. In spite of being the only hill station of Gujarat, it is minimally commercialized, still unspoiled.
JAISALMER
Trip Kilometres: 1200 - 1300 kmsState: RajasthanIf geology interests you, then Jaisalmer is where you need to journey. Here, one can discover and trace geologic tragedies that occurred in the Thar Desert 180 million years ago. The city’s most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). Unlike most other forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort is not just a tourist attraction. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live.
7D/ 6N
HERITAGE OF INDIA
Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Kishangarh - Ajmer - ChittorgarhTrip Kilometres: 1700 - 1800 kmsUdaipur: The 'Venice of the East', Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and hemmed in by the Aravalli hills. The famous Lake Palace, City Palace and Sajjangarh add to the architectural beauty of the city. The solar observatory here is the only island-based observatory in India.Jodhpur: The Blue City has a clearly befitting name as most of the architecture here is built in vivid shades of blue. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh and the rare Marwari breed of horses found here are sights to behold.Bikaner: The city boasts sand dunes scattered throughout the district as well as some of the world’s best riding camels. It is also home to one of the world’s largest camel research and breeding farms; as well as being known for having its own unique temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnok, called the Rats Temple.Kishangarh: The city is widely famous for its marble and ancient miniature painting art known as Bani Thani which is carved on one of the postal stamps by the Indian Government. Ajmer: This city is the perfect representation of the diversity Indian culture and ethics, as it displays a perfect blend of religion, community, culture, etc., coexisting and flourishing in harmony. Chittorgarh: Named after its most imposing structure, the 700 acres Chittorgarh Fort, this city resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion.
SOU - BLACKBUCK NATIONAL PARK - GIR NATIONAL PARK - MADHAVPUR BEACH - SHIVRAJPUR BEACH
Trip Kilometres: 1500 - 1650 kmsState: GujaratSOU: The world’s tallest statue modelled upon the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands against the backdrop of the dramatic Satpura and Vindhyachal hills in Kevadia. Blackbuck National Park: This beautiful, 34-sq-km park encompasses large areas of pale, custard-coloured grassland stretching between two seasonal rivers and is famous for its blackbucks – beautiful, fast antelope that sport elegant spiraling horns as long as 65cm in mature males.Gir: This forested, hilly, 1412-sq-km sanctuary is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion. Taking a safari through the thick, undisturbed forests is a joy – even without the added excitement of spotting lions, other wildlife and myriad bird species. Madhavpur Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Gujarat. An amalgam of azure blue waters, clean sand, and coconut palms, it is home to a two-decade-long conservation project of Green Sea and Olive Ridley turtles.Shivrajpur Beach: This long, pristine beach stretches between a lighthouse and a rocky shoreline, and the white sand makes it perfect for a long walk. It is one of the only 8 Blue Flag certified beaches in India.
INDIAN SPLENDOUR
Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur Trip Kilometres: 2000 - 2100 kmRanthambore: Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. The park is majorly famous for its tigers, and is one of the best locations in India to spot them hunting and taking care of their young ones.Jaipur: Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its pink that colours the city, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. Bikaner: The city boasts sand dunes scattered throughout the district as well as some of the world’s best riding camels. It is also home to one of the world’s largest camel research and breeding farms; as well as being known for having its own unique temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnok, called the Rats Temple.Jodhpur: The Blue City has a clearly befitting name as most of the architecture here is built in vivid shades of blue. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh and the rare Marwari breed of horses found here are sights to behold.Udaipur: The 'Venice of the East', Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and hemmed in by the Aravalli hills. The famous Lake Palace, City Palace and Sajjangarh add to the architectural beauty of the city. The solar observatory here is the only island-based observatory in India.
LONAVALA - MAHABALESHWAR - NASHIK
Trip Kilometres: 1800 - 2000 kmsState: MaharashtraLonavla: Often called the ‘Jewel of Sahyadri’ and the ‘City of Caves’, this hill station boasts of a spectacular setting that includes lush green valleys, stunning waterfalls, serene lakes and remarkable caves.Mahabaleshwar: Embark on a jungle ride in the beautiful hamlet of Tapola, explore the mystical Pratapgad Fort or bask in the charm of nature at Lingamala Falls. Not to forget its popular strawberries which will leave your taste buds mesmerized with its sweetness.Nashik: This small city near Maharashtra is a treasure-trove of experiences for the traveler who likes to have a little taste of everything. The Sula Vineyards located here are renowned for their grape wines such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Zinfandel.
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