Late morning flight to Vadodara. Our representative will warmly welcome you at the airport.

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Lunch in Vadodara followed by a visit to the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, an opulent testament to the grandeur of the Gaekwad dynasty.

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Built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, this vast palace complex spans approximately 700 acres and is reputed to be one of the largest private residences in the world, approximately four times the size of Buckingham Palace. The palace is a magnificent example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. This style harmonizes elements of Hindu, Mughal, and Gothic architecture, creating a unique aesthetic.

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Then depart for Jambughoda. Check into the small palace of the same name.

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The state of Jambughoda was founded in the late 14th century by the Parmar Rajputs, descendants of the famous Raja Bhoj of Malwa. The current residence was built about 250 years ago and has been the home of the royal family ever since.

Today we will travel to Chhota Udaipur to discover the Rathwa tribal culture. The Rathwas are one of the many ethnic groups of Gujarat.

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Perhaps the most emblematic aspect of the Rathwa culture is their ancestral artistic tradition of pithora paintings. These are not simply decorative pieces, but sacred murals created on the walls of their homes as an offering and a token of gratitude to their main deity, Pithora Baba.

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You will stroll through a haat (market) in the city, visiting its tribal museum and sacred shrines, as well as old houses adorned with pithora paintings.

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You will also have lunch with a Rathwa family.

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Return to your little palace in Jambughoda

Drive to Palitana, known for its Jain temple complex.

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Located atop Shatrunjaya Hill, the Jain temples are considered one of the most sacred pilgrimages for the Jain community. There are over 863 temples, true masterpieces carved from white marble. Construction of the temples spanned a period of 900 years, beginning in the 11th century.

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Upon arrival, settle in at the small Vijay Vilas Palace

Built in 1906 by Prince Vijay Sinhji of Palitana, a member of the Rajput Gohil clan, the Vijay Vilas Palace served as a rural retreat for the royal family of Palitana, a branch of the Maharajas of Bhavnagar. The descendants of this royal family still live in this residence and will have the opportunity to share their stories with you.

Early in the morning, to avoid the heat, you will set off to climb Shatrunjaya Hill. The pilgrimage involves climbing the 3,750 stone steps that lead to the top of the hill where the temple complex is located.

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Return to the palace and rest.

Heading toJunagadh, a city rich in history and culture, located at the foot of the Girnar Hills. With a history dating back to the Mauryan Empire, Junagadh was ruled by various dynasties, including the Chudasam Rajputs, the Muslim Sultans of Gujarat, and the Babi Nawabs, before joining the Indian Union in 1948. This diversity of rulers left a unique architectural and cultural imprint on the city.

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Check-in at a Rajput family's guesthouse

Today, city tour:

• Uparkot Fort: This ancient fortress, whose foundations are believed to date back to the 3rd century BC, is the historic heart of Junagadh. It houses impressive stepwells (Adi Chadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo), mosques, ruined palaces, and historic cannons, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Mausoleums of the Babi Nawabs: These magnificent structures bear witness to the reign of the Nawabs. The Mahabat Maqbara, with its unique Indo-Islamic architecture and spiral minarets, is particularly noteworthy.
• Mount Girnar: An important pilgrimage site for Jains and Hindus, Mount Girnar rises to over 1,000 meters and is home to numerous ancient temples. The climb, although challenging with its 9,999 steps, is considered sacred. However, you will need to take cabins to reach the summit.

Process to Gondal, a former princely state founded in 1634 by the Rajput Jadeja dynasty.

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Check-in at one of Gondal's palaces (Orchard Palace or River Side Palace)

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Then visit Naulakha Palace:This is the oldest palace in Gondal. Dating from the 17th century, it features intricate stone carvings, jharokhas (corbelled balconies), and a spiral staircase. A museum inside displays royal artifacts.

Heading to Muli, the only former princely state in Saurashtra belonging to the Parmar clan, descendants of the illustrious rulers Vikramaditya and Raja Bhoj.

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Check-in at the small Ambika Niwas Palace, restored by the current Thakur Saheb of Muli to offer a unique heritage experience.

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Then in the afternoon, visit the monuments around Muli:

• Visit the Ambika Nivas (Raj Mahel) Palace complex
• Mandavrai ji Sun Temple
• Visit the second oldest Swaminarayan temple in the world
• Jhombai Ma Temple
• Raatba-ni-vav ancestral well

Today, for a half-day, you will embark on a journey through the "history of cotton," from the cotton plantations to the ginning process, through spinning, and finally, weaving. Visit farms, processing units, weavers, and artisans to learn about the history of cotton.

Heading to Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad, is the first city in India to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The heart of the old city is indeed historic; it is a veritable labyrinth of alleys leading to micro-neighborhoods called pols, lined with traditional houses and closed by gates.

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Settle into a small palace, the Diwan Bungalow, a residence built in the mid-19th century by the minister (Diwan) at the court of the Nawab of Radhanpur. Its architecture is largely The Indo-Gothic section also features some Gujarati elements, such as a large wooden jharokha.

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Then the tours begin:

• The Adalaj Stepwell (Rudabai Stepwell)
• Gandhi Ashram

Avant le petit-déjeuner, balade du patrimoine privée de 2h dans la vieille ville avec un guide culturel.

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Petit-déjeuner à l'hôtel

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Puis continuation des visites, entre autres :

• Le Musée Calico, un des plus musées du textile au monde
• Temple jaïne d’Hutheesingh

 

Heading to Palanpur, the former capital of the princely state of Palanpur ruled by the Lohani (Jalori) dynasty of Pashtun origin.

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En route, stop in Modhera for its Sun Temple, Patan for its stepwell, and Siddhpur for its Bohra havelis.

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Check-in at a small palace: Balaram Palace. Built between 1922 and 1936, it served as a hunting lodge for the Lohani Nawabs. It elegantly embodies neoclassical and baroque architectural styles.

And we're saving the best for last: Poshina, our absolute favorite in Gujarat.

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Upon arrival, check in at the Poshina Darbargadh, an ancient fort-palace that has belonged to the same family for eight generations. Parts of the architecture are over 450 years old, reflecting the region's diverse styles and history. The rulers of Poshina were descendants of the Chalukyas, who held significant power in Gujarat and Central India in the 12th century.

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Then, visit the village of Poshina: its bustling market with Garasia women, its artisans, and its Jain temples.    

In the morning, you will visit the fascinating terracotta horse shrines. These horses are votive offerings made by the adivasis (indigenous people). People offer them in anticipation of a wish being granted or as a token of gratitude after a desire has been fulfilled.

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Lunch at the palace, then you will meet the semi-nomadic Rabari Raikas.  

Departure for Udaipur Airport (Rajasthan) and end of the trip, unless you continue with us to Rajasthan! Namaskaram!