3 to 4 sites per day
Gujarat Tour with Lion Safari
Your Journey
Overview & Highlights
Take wildlife safaris in Gir National Park.
Search for Asiatic lions on private Gir safaris.
Discover Ahmedabad’s old-city heritage and stepwell architecture.
Travel through Bhavnagar, Dwarka and Gir National Park on one route.
Day by Day
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Rajkot Airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel by an Alkof Holidays representative. After some time to rest and relax, visit the Watson Museum and Kaba Gandhi No Delo, the former home of Mahatma Gandhi. You can also explore several local temples before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Dwarka, a revered pilgrimage site known as both one of the four Char Dham and one of the Sapta Puris in Hinduism. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and take some time to relax. Later, visit the famous Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, and explore the Dwarakadhish Temple Museum to gain insight into its history and artifacts. Continue your visits to the Rukmini Devi Temple, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Gomati Ghat Temples, and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, which houses one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, begin your journey to Somnath, stopping en route at Porbandar to explore some key attractions. Visit Kirti Mandir, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, Bharat Mandir, and the sacred Sudama Temple, honoring Lord Krishna’s childhood friend. You’ll also have a chance to visit the Nehru Planetarium for a touch of astronomy. Afterward, continue to Somnath. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Somnath Temple, a site of immense spiritual significance and one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple, with its stunning coastal backdrop and intricate architecture, holds a deep connection to India's religious heritage. It has been rebuilt multiple times throughout history, symbolizing resilience and devotion. Feel the serene atmosphere as pilgrims gather for prayers and rituals. The temple's location along the Arabian Sea adds to its mystical charm, making it a must-visit for both spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts.
Afterward, explore Shri Bhidbhanjan Mahadev Mandir, one of Somnath’s oldest temples, located near the picturesque seashore. In the afternoon, depart for Gir National Park, the only sanctuary of the endangered Asiatic lions. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and unwind for an overnight stay.
Experience the thrill of both morning and evening game drives at Gir National Park, the only home to the majestic Asiatic lions. This renowned protected area boasts an impressive range of exotic flora and fauna, with its dry and deciduous forests sheltering over 500 lions and 300 leopards. Gir is a haven for the cat family, including the native Indian leopard. In addition to these big cats, you can spot jackals, hyenas, Indian foxes, and sambar deer. The park is uniquely home to the Chowsingha, or four-horned antelope, the only place in the world where this rare species resides. Other inhabitants include chinkara, wild boar, nilgai, chital, mongoose, honey badger, desert cats, rusty-spotted cats, porcupines, and hares. Gir also supports a significant population of marsh crocodiles, among the 40 species of reptiles and amphibians recorded here. Bird watchers will delight in Gir's rich avian diversity, with over 250 bird species. This biodiversity hotspot attracts wildlife enthusiasts year-round. Enjoy an unforgettable wildlife experience with an overnight stay at the resort.
After an early breakfast, depart from Gir and head towards Palitana, a major pilgrimage site for Jains. On arrival, visit the renowned Palitana Temples, a stunning complex of over 800 intricately carved temples situated on Shatrunjaya Hill. These temples, considered the most sacred by the Jain community, offer breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere after a climb. After exploring the spiritual beauty of Palitana, continue your drive to Bhavnagar. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax for the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel in Bhavnagar.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the stunning Takhteshwar Temple, perched on a hilltop and showcasing the finest of Gujarat’s architectural style. This temple offers not only spiritual significance but also panoramic views of Bhavnagar. Later, set off for Ahmedabad. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and unwind. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Ahmedabad, a city founded by the Sultan of Gujarat. Explore remnants of the original fortifications, including ancient gates, and admire remarkable examples of Indian Islamic architecture. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, start your day with a visit to the Hutheesing Jain Temple, an elegant white marble shrine dedicated to the 15th Tirthankar, Dharmanath. Admire its intricate carvings and serene ambiance. Next, head to the Sabarmati Ashram, the historic site where Mahatma Gandhi began the iconic Dandi March, and gain insight into his pivotal role in India’s independence movement.
In the afternoon, visit the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, renowned for its exquisite stone latticework, including the famous Tree of Life jali. Continue to the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and marvel at its grand architecture. Proceed to the Adalaj Stepwell, an architectural marvel built in 1498 by Queen Rudadevi in memory of her husband, Rana Veer Singh. This five-story structure showcases intricate carvings and provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient engineering and design. Return to the hotel in the evening to relax and unwind after a day of cultural and historical exploration. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Ahmedabad Airport for your flight to your home or onward destination.
Personalize Your Itinerary
Share your preferred dates, hotel level, and travel interests. Our experts will refine your itinerary and create the right plan for your trip.
What is Included in This Tour
Explore what is included and what is not included in this tour.
- 8 nights accommodation in 3 star deluxe hotels on twin or double sharing basis.
- Breakfast only at the hotels.
- All meals at the resort in Gir National Park (B, L, D - Buffet / Fixed Menu).
- Wildlife naturalist at Gir National Park during safari.
- 2 private jeep safaris at Gir National Park.
- English speaking local destination guides during sightseeing.
- Airport pick-up / drop-off, all sightseeing and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary.
- 1-2 persons - by comfortable sedan car such as Toyota Etios or Suzuki Dzire or similar.
- 3 persons - by comfortable MUV car such as Toyota Innova Crysta or similar.
- 4 or more persons - by comfortable mini-van such as Tempo Traveller / Tourist Bus or similar.
- Personal assistance during arrival and departure.
- 1 mineral water bottle per person per day.
- All applicable taxes.
- Any International or domestic flights are not included.
- It is advisable that you buy a comprehensive medical/travel insurance in advance from your country before traveling to India.
- Please Note: Tour guides for specific languages, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and Dutch, are also available on request basis at an additional cost.
- Visa fee (if applicable).
- Any monument entrance fee, camera fee.
- Any kind of tips, personal expenses, laundry, or telephone charges.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Where You Stay
Accommodation
Deluxe Hotel
Rajkot, India
Deluxe Hotel
Dwarka, India
Deluxe Hotel
Somnath, IndiaImportant Information
Know Before You Go
Important Information
- If rooms are not available at the mentioned hotels, we will provide alternate hotels of a similar category. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability.
- Safari are subject to availability. To secure your preferred safari bookings, we recommend booking your tours at least 90 days in advance. To book your safari, we require a clear photo of the traveler's passport, as mandated by the forest department.
- Once safaris are confirmed, the safari fees are non-refundable. Please carry your original valid passport or ID proof to present at the entry gate for safaris.
- Gir National Park is closed for safaris every Wednesday. Plan accordingly!
- For easy communication on the go, consider downloading WhatsApp, as it is widely used in India.
- Transportation is provided according to the itinerary only and is not available on a disposal or point-to-point basis.
- Tipping in India is not compulsory, it is optional but appreciated. A small gratuity is expected in some cases; tip generously for exceptional service. The amount can range from $2, $5, $10 per day, or more, depending on satisfaction and the quality of service received.
- Any costs arising from natural calamities such as landslides, road blockages, political disturbances (e.g., strikes), etc., are to be borne by the client. We will not be held liable for any refunds or compensation claims resulting from these circumstances.
- India VISA: Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa to enter India. However, all other foreign nationals must obtain a visa to enter India. For more information, please check https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
Booking Information
Payment Terms
Payment Terms
A deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 90 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 90 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash.
Important Information
Cancellation
Cancellation
If you cancel at least 90 days before the scheduled departure date, a 10% cancellation fee will apply to the total cost of the tour. Kindly read complete details at Cancellation Policy.
Traveler Stories
Customer Testimonials
Firsthand accounts from guests who explored India with our local team.
Judith Goodson
Australia
My husband and I have just returned from this amazing private tour with Alkof Holidays. Communication before and during the trip was excellent.My husband and I have just returned from this amazing private tour with Alkof Holidays. Communication before and during the trip was excellent. Having WhatsApp and an eSIM was very helpful, and any questions we had were answered quickly. Internal flights, boarding passes, and transfers were all clearly organized. Our focus was wildlife, but we were also very happy with the accommodation throughout the trip. We stayed at Kavish Gir Lion Resort and Aranyak Resorts near Kanha and Bandhavgarh. The rooms were spacious, the food was excellent, and the staff were always welcoming. Be prepared for some long road journeys and flights, but they are all part of the adventure. We appreciated arriving at the national park gates early each morning, as the cooler hours provided the best wildlife viewing opportunities. The wildlife sightings exceeded all expectations. At Gir National Park, we saw an incredible 26 Asiatic lions, including cubs, along with jackals, mongoose, wild boar, and many beautiful bird species. At Bandhavgarh, we were fortunate to spot six tigers, as well as Indian gaur, owls, hornbills, eagles, and vultures. One of the most memorable moments was watching a magnificent tiger slowly cross the road directly in front of our safari vehicle. Alkof Holidays and India made this trip truly unforgettable. We highly recommend Alkof Holidays to wildlife lovers and would happily travel with them again. A few tips for future travelers: bring binoculars, a good camera, and some extra tissues or toilet paper. We were also advised that mobile phones are not permitted during safaris in India's national parks, which was not an issue for us as keen photographers.
