Educational Fam Tour - Gujarat FAM Tour

On arrival at Ahmedabad transfer to a hotel for overnight stay.

After Breakfast proceeds to visit The Heritage Walk - The Heritage Walk of Ahmedabad is a guided walk of two and a half hours. The walk begins from the picturesque Swaminarayan Mandir in Kalupur and ends in the most glorious architectural legacies the Jumma Masjid, covering in between the numerous pols, havelis, ornamental facades, workplaces of artisans and number of magnificent Hindu and Jain temples.

Shreyas Folk Museum: Shreyas Folk Museum is an educational museum exhibiting folk arts and crafts of Gujarat. It is located 2.5km west of Sabarmati in the suburbs of Ahmedabad district. The exhibits include art, craft, textile and clothing, coins, weapons, toys, costumes, masks, puppets and musical instruments. One highlight is a complete elephant skeleton (3.19m high). Photography is not allowed.

Gandhi Ashram: On a quiet peaceful stretch of the Sabarmati river, Mahatma Gandhi set up a simple retreat in 1915. This was his Satyagraha Ashram and for many years it was the nerve centre of Indias freedom movement. It was from here, in 1930, that Mahatma began his famous Dandi March to the sea to protest against the Salt Tax. Hridaya Kunj, the simple cottage where he lived, is now a national monument preserved as it was during the Mahatmas life-time.

Hutheesing Jain Temple: Built outside the Delhi Gate in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant, the Hutheesing Temple is the best known of Ahmedabads many ornate Jain temples.

Adalaj Step-well: It is situated 17kms north of Ahmedabad. Adalaj Vav is richly carved, every pillar and wall surface covered with leaves and flowers, birds and fishes and friezes of ornamental designs.

Later we visited the beautiful handicraft market at Law Garden. Overnight at Ahmedabad.

After breakfast, depart for Bajana enroute visiting Patan - Rani kiVav (Step well). It was built by Queen Udaymati the wife of Bhimdev during 11-12th Century. It is the most magnificent and spectacular step well and the best example of such architecture for water wells. The Vav measures about 64 mts. The stepwell has a long stepped corridor descending down to the underground tank, it has four pillars. The pillars which support the roof have a square base decorated with GhatPallavas.

Later visit Patan Patola of weaving. Patan is famous for patola weaving; the Salvi family has preserved this traditional art. Patola silk is often termed the queen of all silk. The handmade patola uses a special technique for weaving from raw silk to completion of the fabric. Traditionally woven in sari lengths, the range now includes tablecloths, borders, scarves and handkerchiefs.

Modhera Sun Temple: Modhera Sun Temple dates back to the early 11th century CE and was built by King Bhimdev I in 1026 CE. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is the finest example of Hindu architecture in Gujarat. One striking feature is that the first ray of the sun falls on the deity at the time of the equinoxes. In front of the temple is a colossal tank, once known as Surya Kund or Rama Kund, with carved steps leading to the bottom.

Then continue drive to Bajana. Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning safari at Wild Ass Sanctuary, also known as the Little Rann of Kutch, a wildlife reserve in Gujarat spread over 4,953 square kilometers. The sanctuary is home to the last remaining population of Indian Wild Ass, a critically endangered species, and various bird species such as Greater Flamingos, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, and Demoiselle Crane. The barren salt desert landscape adds to the uniqueness. Later drive to Bhuj. On arrival check in at hotel.

Full day excursion to Banni Villages. Amidst the desert land are quaint villages near the India-Pakistan border where you encounter master craft people preserving traditional arts. Return to Bhuj for an overnight stay.

Early morning proceed to Mandvi to see the shipbuilding yard, Mandvi Fort & Beach. Later return to Bhuj and visit Prag Mahal - constructed by Rao Pragmalji II (1838-76 AD) and designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins. Aaina Mahal Palace - built by Rao Lakhpatji in 1750 AD, with a Darbar Hall and hall of mirrors. Kutch Museum - founded by Maharao Khengarji III in 1877 AD, the oldest museum in Gujarat with a large collection of inscriptions, archaeological objects, arms and craft specimens.

Evening enjoy the Aarti at Swaminarayan Temple. Overnight stay at hotel. Overnight at Bhuj.

Morning breakfast and transfer to airport to catch the flight for onwards journey.