Gujarat Double Adventure

Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later we will be transferred to hotel. Afternoon start Delhi sightseeing. We proceed to Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Old Delhi built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Later go for an exciting cycle rickshaw ride through lively thoroughfares and bustling alleyways of Old Delhi market rarely visited by typical tourists. Arrive at Khari Baoli and see Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. Our exploration continues as we drive past historic colonial landmarks, such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, and India Gate—a poignant memorial dedicated to soldiers of the First World War.
(Meals-NIL)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Rajkot. assistance on arrival at Rajkot airport and later drive to Gondal (45mins – 1hr drive). Upon arrival we will check into the hotel. Gondal, once the capital of the princely state ruled by the Jadeja Rajputs, is a small town with a string of palaces and a gentle river flowing though. The small scale and relative tranquility make an overnight stay here worthwhile. Later in the day we proceed for a guided tour of the Naulakha Palace Museum – the former living quarters of the palace that have been converted into a private museum exhibiting textiles, brassware, royal wardrobes, library, silver, trophies won by the Gondal princes, and a collection of toys. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we check our bikes for last moment adjustments, followed by a briefing session by the tour leader. We start cycling through the country roads and pass small hamlets where we see people going about their daily life. Today we cycle for around 40kms and after that board the accompanying vehicle for the remaining distance to reach our destination Junagadh. Upon arrival we check into the hotel. The ancient fortified city of Junagadh has history dating back 2300 years. Its modern incarnation is fun to explore, with loud markets, glorious architecture, interesting sights and people who extend a very warm welcome. (Cycling distance: Around 40 kms / Meals: Breakfast)

In the morning we explore the old town of Junagadh. We visit the stunning Mahabat Maqbara, a mausoleum of Nawab Mahabat Khan II, and one of the best examples of Euro-Indo-Islamic architecture, with French windows and Gothic columns and topped by its silver inner doors. Next we visit the Uparkot Fort, an ancient fort believed to have been built in 319 BC by the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta, though it has been extended many times. The fort offers superb view of the entire city and Girnar Hill. The fort complex houses a magnificent former mosque, a set of millennia-old Buddhist caves and two step-wells. After the visit we drive for around 1.5 – 2hours to Devaliya and start to cycle from here. Initially we ride along the border of the Gir National Park and then through the countryside to reach Somnath, an ancient city and the site of holy Somnath temple. Upon arrival we check into the hotel. (Cycling distance: Around 40 kms / Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we visit the holy Somnath Temple – the intricately carved honey-colored temple located on the bank of the Arabian Sea. The temple is believed to be the place where the first of the 12 holy jyotirlingas emerged in India – a spot where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. After the visit we start to cycle along the rural back-roads and then along the border of the Gir National Park to Sasan Gir. Upon arrival we check into the hotel. (Cycling distance: Around 40 kms / Meals: Breakfast& Dinner)

Early morning we leave for a jeep safari in the Gir National Park to catch a glimpse of the Asiatic Lions roaming in the jungle. Gir National Park is one of India’s oldest sanctuaries, and is synonymous with the majestic Asiatic lion. The only place in India to spot the Lion, the park played a significant role in saving the endangered species which was at the threshold of extinction at the start of the twenty-first century, by providing a more secured habitat. After the safari we return to the hotel for some rest and breakfast. We then cycle for around 40kms, initially alongside the border of the national park and later passing by small villages and countryside. We then board the accompanying vehicle and will drive to our next destination of Rajkot (2 – 2.5hrs drive). Upon arrival we check into the hotel. (Cycling distance: Around 40 kms / Meals: Breakfast)

After early breakfast we start for our last leg of the cycling trip. We will ride through the countryside roads for around 40kms. Later we drive to Ahmedabad (3.5 – 4.5hrs drive). Upon arrival we check-in to hotel and relax. Late afternoon we will visit to Sabarmati Ashram – the peaceful ashram built by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of River Sabarmati and which served as his place of residence for nearly 13 years. (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for onward international flight back to home country.