Arrive Vadodara by noon/afternoon, the city is named after Vad (banyan) trees due to abandance of Banyan tree plantation in the city. You will be picked up from Vadodara Airport with group and proceed to the hotel. Check in to the hotel at Vadodara and evening is free at your leisure to explore the grace and charm of history hidden behind the facade of a modern city and indulge in shopping of Gujrati arts and crafts. Enjoy good sleep post dinner at hotel.

Today post breakfast, we shall visit majestic Laxmi Vilas Palace, built by Maharaja Sayajirao III and still private residence of Vadodara's royal family. Built over 500 acres, the palace with expansive domes, minarets and arches and elaborate interiors of mosaics, chandeliers and artworks is an outstanding example of Italian grandeur merged with Indian aesthetics and four times the size of Buckingham Palace.

We shall proceed to 'Statue of Unity', sculpture of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel . The statue is wearing the crown of the world's tallest statue and symbolizes the unity in diversity. Standing at 182 metres overlooking Narmada river, the statue is a tribute given to the Iron Man who post independence in 1947, played a pivotal role in bringing all disjointed princely states into the Union of India. We shall return back to hotel in Vadodara.

Post breakfast, we shall proceed to Rajkot, which was a princely state before independence and Mahatma Gandhi's father was the chief 'Dewan' of this state. Check-in to the hotel at Rajkot and enjoy evening at leisure till dinner at hotel.

Note: If you are opting for 'Ex Rajkot: Without SOU and Vadodara' option of the tour, then today, you shall be picked up from Rajkot Airport and dropped at the hotel at Rajkot. Your Vadodara stay and meals for Day 1, 2 are not included in ex-Rajkot package. For Day 3 - only dinner is included in ex-Rajkot package.

Post breakfast, we will proceed to a scenic ride all the way to the ancient city of Dwarka. It is one of the sacred cities in India located at the tip of Kathiawar peninsula. Dwarka's archaeological and historical background is still concealed in mystery. Dwarka - or Dvaravati as it is known in Sanskrit was the site chosen by Garuda, the Divine Eagle, who brought Krishna here when he departed Mathura. Krishna moved to this coastal town to set up a capital and lived here until he died. Upon reaching Dwarka check in to the hotel.

Go for darshan and evening aarti at Dwarkadhish temple that transforms the environment into a space of inner silence and unity with the divine. Return to the hotel to enjoy a delicious supper.

The streets of Dwarka gets active and lively in the early morning. Join Mangala aarti at Dwarkadhish temple - known as Jagat Mandir, originally believed to be built by Vajranabh, the great grandson of Lord Krishna, more than 2500 years ago. Admire the grandeur of the temple, a glorious structure apparently rising from the Arabian Sea. Spend afternoon at leisure and watch sunset at the Arabian Sea.

Visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga temple, one of the 12 swayambhu (self-existent) jyothirlingas in the world. Step aboard a local boat and venture out onto the sea, to explore Bet Dwarka, an island off the coast of Okha port. The atmosphere here is humble yet jovial. The temple of Lord Vishnu is decorated with bright modern mural of Matsya, Radha, Lakshmi, Satyabhama, Jambuvanti and Devaki.

After soaking in the spiritual aura at Bet Dwarka we will drive back to Dwarka. Evening is free for leisure and shopping before dinner.

Post breakfast gear up to excite your soul at Somnath. On the way we will cover Porbandar which is a picturesque old sea port situated on the western coast of Gujarat. This place was the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi. We will visit Kirti Mandir in which Mahatma Gandhi was born.

After paying homage to 'Father of the Nation', we will continue our drive towards Somnath, one of the twelve most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and a Jyotirlinga. According to the legend this temple was built originally in gold by Somraj, the moon god. Somnath was rebuilt and destroyed seven times till 1706 A.D when it was raided by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The present splendid structure was rebuilt about five decades ago, at the exact spot where the original shrine was located. The iron man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, was instrumental in the construction of the present temple. After checking in the hotel we will visit Somnath temple to attend evening aarti and spectacular light and sound show at the sea front. Relish your evening supper and later you can spend some time with your own self.

Once morning sun peaks over the horizon, admire the shining spires of the Somnath temple and have the pleasure to attend the morning aarti. Venture outward and onward, away from the sparkle of cities and into the wilderness for the quintessential Gir Safari Experience. Gir is the most famous lion sanctuary in India, the only place in Indian subcontinent where Asiatic lions are found in their natural habitat. The sanctuary was created in 1913 to provide protection to the largest surviving group of Asiatic lions.

Upon reaching the jungle, set out in a safari vehicle with naturalist guide to explore the far corners of the jungle. You will quickly run into a wide variety of ungulates grazing in the grass. Keep your eye out for the majestic chinkara and spotted dear. Building your excitement, you will soon follow signs of your favourite species, Lions.

As the morning sun announces arrival of new day, post breakfast, we shall drive to Junagarh. We shall visit Mahabbat Maqbara, famous for its splendid arches, many domes, and towering minarets. While the layout has a resemblance to the Taj Mahal - but a glorious mix of Euro-Indo-Islamic architecture, French windows and Gothic columns, make it a lavish sight to behold. Proceed to rajkot for an overnight stay and enjoy dinner at hotel

Today morning, post breakfast, proceed to Ahmedabad, capital of Gujarat, be welcomed by the alluring city swirling up and around you, from the riverbanks of Sabarmati and into the horizon, within the temple spires and rising into the sky. The city never fails to charm with its gorgeous architecture, delicious culinary and modern culture.

Our next destination is stupendous architecture wonder Adalaj Step-well. The step well or Vav as addressed in Gujarati dialect is richly carved, every pillar and wall surface is covered with leaves and flowers, birds and fishes and friezes of ornamental designs. The well was built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai.

It is said that one who wins without problem it is just a victory but when one wins with lots of problems then its history. It's time to know the history of 'Father of the Nation' at the Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram. On a quiet peaceful stretch of the Sabarmati River, Mahatma Gandhi had set up a simple retreat in 1915. This was his Satyagrah Ashram and for many years it was the nerve center of India's freedom movement. From this place in 1930, Mahatma began his Dandi March to the sea to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. Hridaya Kunj, the simple cottage where he lived, is now a national monument and preserved as it was during the Mahatma's life-time. The Ashram is presently involved in a number of activities which aims to both preserve the history of Gandhi and the freedom struggle and also to promote and educate people in the great philosophies, values and teachings of Gandhi.

We shall check-in to the hotel at Ahmedabad and enjoy dinner.

Today morning post breakfast, we will proceed to Sun Temple at Modhera which is one of the few shrines that are dedicated to the Sun God. Situated on the banks of Pushpavati River in Modhera, the temple was built by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty (believed to be the descendants of the lineage of Sun God). This ancient temple revives the reminiscences of Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa. Turning in the pages of history, one can notice the mention of Modhera in the scriptures like Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana. The surrounding area of Modhera used to be known as Dharmaranya (forest of righteousness) and the place was blessed by Lord Rama.

Visit a spectacular piece of architecture, Rani Ki Vav or the Queen's Step Well, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reflects the superb sculpting skills of the artisans of the Solanki era. The step well, which was constructed by Queen Udayamati (AD 1022-63) in the loving memory of her husband King Bhimdev I of Solanki dynasty, is one of the finest step wells in India and a popular legacies of Patan.

As the morning birds wish us to stay blessed with a new day, we will relish delicious breakfast and will checkout from the hotel. Proceed towards the Ahmedabad airport/railway station to return back home carrying good memories of this journey in your hearts.