Offers

Best of Gujarat with Kutch(8 Nights)

Ahmedabad, Diu, Sasan Gir, Dwarka, Jamnagar, Bhuj, Dasada, Ahmedabad

for Family Traveller

Holiday Overview

White Desert (Nivalink Trip Dated - 18 February 2014)
White Desert (Nivalink Trip Dated - 18 February 2014)
Lesser Flamingos in Kharagoda Lake
Wild Ass in Little Rann of Kutch
Arid Little Rann of Kutch
Swaminarayan Temple
Pelicans at Khijadiya
Lakhota Lake
Dwarkadheesh Temple
Nageshwar Mahadev Temple (Nivalink Trip Dated - 4 March 2013)
Enroute to Beyt Dwarka (Nivalink Trip Dated - 7 May 2004)
Rufus Treepie in Sasan Gir (Nivalink Trip Dated - 13 December 2014)
Jackal in Sasan Gir
Kamleshwar Dam Inside Gir Sanctuary (Nivalink Trip Dated - 13 December 2014)
Lioness In Gir
Diu Museum
Nagoa Beach

Best of Gujarat with Kutch combines best elements of Gujarat such as Beach getaway of Diu, Asiatic Lion Sanctuary of Sasan Gir, Pilgrimages of Somnath / Dwarka, Desert experience of Kutch, exquisite Jain Temples of Bhadreshwar and Mandvi and Bird watching destinations of Jamnagar and Dasada

Route

Diu(2) - Sasan Gir(1) - Dwarka(1) - Jamnagar(1) - Bhuj(2) - Dasada(1)

Summarised Itinerary
  • Day-1 Arrival at Ahmedabad and proceed to Diu
  • Day-2 Sightseeing and activities around Diu
  • Day-3 Travel to Sasan Gir via Somnath. Evening Safari in Sasan Gir.
  • Day-4 Morning Safari at Sasan Gir and proceed to Dwarka
  • Day-5 Visit Nageshwar Temple and Beyt Dwarka and depart for Jamnagar
  • Day-6 Travel to Bhuj via Mandvi
  • Day-7 Afternoon visit to White Desert / Dhordo village and Kalo Dungar etc.
  • Day-8 Travel to Dasada (Little Rann of Kutch). Evening Bird watching Safari
  • Day-9 Morning Departure for Ahmedabad
Sightseeing Summary

Bhuj - Chattardi (1.00 kms), Kutch Museum (1.00 kms), 72 Jinalaya (51.00 kms), Vijay Vilas Palace (55.00 kms), Mandvi Beach (60.00 kms), Kala Dungar (70.00 kms), Bhadreshwar Temple (70.00 kms), White Desert (80.00 kms), Bird Watching in Greater Rann of Kutch (80.00 kms)

Dasada - Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary (10.00 kms)

Diu - Diu Museum (2.00 kms), Diu Fort (3.00 kms), Nagoa Beach at Diu (4.00 kms), Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple (86.00 kms)

Dwarka - Dwarkadheesh Temple (0.50 kms), Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (17.00 kms), Beyt Dwarka (32.00 kms), Harsiddhi Mata Temple (60.00 kms)

Jamnagar - Khijadiya - Bird Watching (15.00 kms)

Sasan Gir - Wildlife and Bird watching at Gir (1.00 kms), Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple (42.00 kms)

Preferred Arrival /Departure Destination
Arrival - Ahmedabad Departure - Ahmedabad
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Popular Extensions to the Itinerary

Guests looking to visit pilgrimages or craft centres of Kutch may spend additional night at Bhuj. Guests leaving from Bhuj may do bird watching at Banni Grasslands in Nakhatrana instead of Dasada.

Distances
  • Ahmedabad to Diu -400 kms (7 hrs)
  • Diu to Sasan Gir -110 kms (2.5 hrs)
  • Sasan Gir to Dwarka -240 kms (5 hrs)
  • Dwarka to Jamnagar -133 kms (2.5 hrs)
  • Jamnagar to Bhuj -279 kms (5.5 hrs)
  • Bhuj to Dasada -309 kms (6.5 hrs)
  • Dasada to Ahmedabad -95 kms (1.5 hrs)
Route

Ahmedabad - Diu(2) - Sasan Gir(1) - Dwarka(1) - Jamnagar(1) - Bhuj(2) - Dasada(1) - Ahmedabad

Detailed Itinerary

Day-1 Arrival at Ahmedabad and proceed to Diu Arrival at Ahmedabad and proceed to Diu (400 kms - 7 hours)

Day-2 Sightseeing and activities around Diu Sightseeing around Diu includes Nagoa Beach, St. Pauls Church, Diu Museum, Diu Fort. Watersports include Para Sailing, water skiing, water scooter, Family boat and speedboats are on offer at Ahmadpur Mandvi beach.

Day-3 Travel to Sasan Gir via Somnath. Evening Safari in Sasan Gir. Proceed to Sasan Gir (120 kms - 3 hrs). Sasan Gir is only abode of Asiatic Lions and considered excellent for bird watching. The park checklist has 250 birds and about 50 other species (including the endangered lesser florican and the saras crane) are recorded in the grasslands along the perifery of the sanctuary. Evening Safari in Gir.

Day-4 Morning Safari at Sasan Gir and proceed to Dwarka Morning Safari at Sasan Gir and proceed to Dwarka (240 kms - 5 hours) via Porbandar. Enroute visit Mahatma Gandhi birth place at Porbandar and Harsiddhi Mata Temple. Evening Darshan at Dwarkadhish Temple.

Day-5 Visit Nageshwar Temple and Beyt Dwarka and depart for Jamnagar Early morning visit Nageshwar Temple and Beyt Dwarka (30 kms - requires a boat ride) in morning and depart for Jamnagar (150 kms - 3.5 hours). Reach by afternoon. Evening visit to Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary (17 kms).

Day-6 Travel to Bhuj via Mandvi Proceed to Bhuj Via Gandhidham and Mandvi (300 kms - 6 hours). Enroute visit Bhadreshwar Temple, 72 Jinalaya, Mandvi beach and Vijay Vilas Palace Museum. Reach Bhuj by evening

Day-7 Afternoon visit to White Desert / Dhordo village and Kalo Dungar etc. Visit to Kalo Dungar (must see the feeding of the jackals at sunset), India Bridge (last civilian point before the Pak border) and Dhordo Village (80 kms) in the evening for the White Desert (Desert festival is held here between Dec - Feb).

Day-8 Travel to Dasada (Little Rann of Kutch). Evening Bird watching Safari Travel to Dasada (Little Rann of Kutch) (275 kms - 5 hours). Dasada is a bird watching paradise, renowned for its big birds and raptors. Evening Bird watching Safari in lakes and marshland around Dasada.

Day-9 Morning Departure for Ahmedabad Morning Departure for Ahmedabad (100 kms - 2 hours) for onward journey

Detailed Sightseeing

Bhuj :

  • Chattardi - Chttardi is a cenotaph complex near Bhuj build of red stones, oldest being built in 1770 AD. This is a popular visit option for travellers.

  • Kutch Museum - Kutch Museum is the oldest museum in Gujarat, founded in 1877, it has the largest existing collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, dating to the 1st century AD, as well as examples of the extinct Kutchi script and an interesting collection of coins. A section of the museum is devoted to tribal cultures. The museum also has exhibits of embroidery, paintings, arms, musical instruments, sculpture and precious metalwork.

  • 72 Jinalaya - 72 Jinalaya is a Jain Pilgrimage at 11 kms from Mandvi and 51 kms from Bhuj and is home to 72 Deris of Lord Mahavir. It is situated on the Mundra-Mandvi Road spread over 80 acre of area.

  • Vijay Vilas Palace - Vijay Vilas Palace is a Palace estate at 5 kms from Mandvi town centre overlooking Mandvi beach at the distance and is visited for its impressive Vijay Vilas Palace. Vijay Vilas Palace interiors depict the heritage character and royal living. The rooftop offers excellent views of the estate and the Mandvi beach beyond.

  • Mandvi Beach - The Private beach of the Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandvi Beach is maintained by the tourism department and is one of the most pristine and idyllic beaches in India. It has been the location for many film shootings.

  • Kala Dungar - Kala dungar is a hill and the highest point in Kutch area which is home to a locally significant Lord Dattatreya temple. The hill offers excellent views of the desert around.

  • Bhadreshwar Temple - Bhadreshwar is renowned for its centuries old Jain temples known as Bhadreshwar Jain Temple. These temples are believed to be one of the oldest Jain temples in India and have been renovated and fully restored to a new complex

  • White Desert - The Great Rann of Kutch, is a seasonal salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat. Dhordo Village, 80 kms from Bhuj is now renowned as one visited for its desert with a white sheen, for being the the largest salt desert in the world. The White Sheen on the desert is unique and therefore attracts visitors in large numbers. Dhorodo village is also centre for Mutua embroidery (small mirrors, leather embroidery and silver jewellery). Guests can puchase handicrafts directly from the artisans here.

  • Bird Watching in Greater Rann of Kutch - Banni Grasslands bordering the Great Rann of Kutch, lies on one of Indias most important avian highways (both the birds flying from the southward in winter and the few species migrating eastward from the middle-east and Africa stopover in this area), this is a top site for birding with waterfowl congregations at Charri Fulay lake, grassland and scrubland birds, as also characteristic desert species seen in the vicinity. Lala Bustard Sanctuary here is One of 10 best sites in India for the Great Indian Bustard. Winter is the best time to visit the area.

Dasada :

  • Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary - The Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife sanctuary spreads over 4950 sq km in area comprising a range habitats from saline desert plains, arid grasslands, rocky and thorn scrub to lakes and marshes. The sanctuary is known for its herds of the Asiatic Wild ass (one of its kind) alongwith population of gazelle, blue bull, wolf, and Indian foxes, jackal, jungle cat, hare etc. However it is now a hugely popular bird watching site with a number of birding sights where one can see birds such as bustard, sandgrouse, partridge, bustard quails, larks, eagle, short toed eagle, vulture, falcon, flamingoes, pelicans, ducks, cranes and storks etc. Oct-April is best time to spot migratory birds. Nawa Talao and Kharagoda Lakes are popular for bird watching.

Diu :

  • Diu Museum - St. Thomas Church was converted into Diu museum. Diu Museum houses wooden carvings, statues, idols, shadow clocks and other important artifacts collected from various sites.

  • Diu Fort - Diu Fort is a very large and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. This fort was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD. The fort is surrounded by the sea on the three sides and a canal on the fourth side. The fort offers a magnificent view of sea. On the fort stands a giant structure which now houses a Light House and the Diu jail. The beam from the lighthouse reaches to about 32 kms. Several canons are still located on the top of the fort and peep out of the holes on the walls of this gigantic structure.

  • Nagoa Beach at Diu - Nagoa beach is a promenade and a popular beach front in Diu at a few kms from Airport and main jetty / town centre area. Evening would be best time to visit the beach for a walk.

  • Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple - Somnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shiva temples in India. This lies overlooking Arabian Sea and has one of the most scenic locations among all Jyotirlinga temples. Temple has a rich history and was built and razed down several times over the centuries and was finally restored to its current form after Indian independence.

Dwarka :

  • Dwarkadheesh Temple - Dwarkadish Temple is a shore temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and one of the major Krishna pilgrimages. Temple is 78.3 meters high and is built on 72 pillars. Vajranabha, Lord Krishnas grandson built the temple. The Jagat temple, which forms the sanctum of this temple, is believed to be at least 2500 years old.

  • Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple - Nageshwar Temple a few kms from Dwarka is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples and is well visited. The temple features a Massive Shiva statue right outside the Temple. Interestingly Jageshwar Temple in Almora and Nagnath temple in Aundha also are believed to the Nageshvara Jyotirlingas. Therefore guests visit them as well as Jyotirlingas along with Nageshwar Temple near Dwarka.

  • Beyt Dwarka - Dwarka Pilgrimage is not considered complete without a visit to Beyt Dwarka, It is believed that Lord Krishna resided here with his family. It takes about half-an hour to across a ferry ride to reach Beyt Dwarka off coast of Okha (30 kms from Dwarka).

  • Harsiddhi Mata Temple - Harsiddhi mata temple is located 45 kms from Porbandar on Dwarka road and is a renowned local pilgrim Centre. Guests on Somnath - Dwarka route make a stop. Temple location on a hilltop overlooking stunning arabian sea views makes it a popular stop.

Jamnagar :

  • Khijadiya - Bird Watching - Khijadiya is an area excellent for migratory bird watching in Winters. The best time to go is in the mornings in Winters and one can spot large amount of 300+ varieties of migratory birds. Its a must visit for all bird watchers.

Sasan Gir :

  • Wildlife and Bird watching at Gir - Sasan Gir is renowned for being the only place where Asiatic Lions are found in Wild. Sasan Gir is also renowned for its Leopards, Crocodiles (Kamleshwar Dam) and Migratory Bird watching (Winters). Guided Jeep safaris are conducted by the park authorities.

  • Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple - Somnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shiva temples in India. This lies overlooking Arabian Sea and has one of the most scenic locations among all Jyotirlinga temples. Temple has a rich history and was built and razed down several times over the centuries and was finally restored to its current form after Indian independence.

Destination Overview

Ahmedabad - Ahmedabad, Gujarat's commercial capital and is one of the major industrial cities in India. Ahmedabad has always been a centre for handicrafts having an old city character, temples, textile museum and heritage monuments that attract tourists.

Diu - Diu is visited for its secluded and peaceful beaches and a popular weekend getaway ex-Ahmedabad (400 km) or Bhavnagar (225 km) or Rajkot (300 km)

Sasan Gir - Sasan Gir is the only place where Asitic Lions are found in the wild. Sasan Gir is also a popular option for spotting migratory birds (in Winter) and Crocodiles.

Dwarka - Dwarka is one of the four most visited and revered Krishna Pilgrimages in India. Dwarka is set on the Arabian Sea and the Dwarkadhish temple is situated right next to the sea.

Jamnagar - Jamnagar lies at the northern end of Saurashtra and home to Reliance Petrochemical complex (20 km on the Dwarka road) and 150 kms from Dwarka. For Bird Watchers, Jamnagar has a number of areas around that are a must visit in Winter for migratory birds.

Bhuj - Bhuj is access point for visiting other areas of Kutchh, a region in North Gujarat known for its desert like arid landscape, bird watching, craft, pilgrimage and idyllic beaches.

Dasada - Dasada today has emerged as a major bird watching centre (Oct- March is the best season) and a popular getaway that is visited all round the year.

Access
Prefered Arrival : No ImageAhmedabadNo ImageAhmedabad
Prefered Departure : No ImageAhmedabadNo ImageAhmedabad
Distances
  • Ahmedabad to Diu -400 kms (7 hrs)
  • Diu to Sasan Gir -110 kms (2.5 hrs)
  • Sasan Gir to Dwarka -240 kms (5 hrs)
  • Dwarka to Jamnagar -133 kms (2.5 hrs)
  • Jamnagar to Bhuj -279 kms (5.5 hrs)
  • Bhuj to Dasada -309 kms (6.5 hrs)
  • Dasada to Ahmedabad -95 kms (1.5 hrs)

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Travel Ideas incorporated in the itinerary

Somnath Pilgrimage

Somnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shiva temples in India. This lies overlooking Arabian Sea and more

Diu Getaway

Union territory of Diu is a small beach getaway in Southern part of Saurashtra (Part of North West more

Dwarka Pilgrimage

Dwarka is a pilgrim town lies on the western edge of Gujarat overlooking the Arabian Sea. more

Lines indicate the best available driving routes.
Arrows indicate connectivity other than Road (e.g. Waterways or Air).
Please click on the markers for more detailed Information.

Distances
  • Ahmedabad to Diu -400 kms (7 hrs)
  • Diu to Sasan Gir -110 kms (2.5 hrs)
  • Sasan Gir to Dwarka -240 kms (5 hrs)
  • Dwarka to Jamnagar -133 kms (2.5 hrs)
  • Jamnagar to Bhuj -279 kms (5.5 hrs)
  • Bhuj to Dasada -309 kms (6.5 hrs)
  • Dasada to Ahmedabad -95 kms (1.5 hrs)

Expert Speak

Best of Gujarat, true to its name capture entire essense of Gujarat, suited for family travellers. Guests with specific pilgrimage or bird watching intent may opt for special interest itineraries of Gujarat specifically targetted towards Pilgrimage or bird watching.

Expert Connect

Nivalink has taken over 300 trips across India and select destinations overseas over last 10 years to verify hotels, evaluate destinations and understand its suitability with different profiles of customers across different seasons.

At Nivalink you are able to connect directly with experts who have travelled to these destinations and are able to offer novel ideas, honest perspectives and help you narrow down choices.

Email to expert@nivalink.co.in to connect with sector expert for specific ideas and recommendations.

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