Destination - Gir National Park

About the Park

The Gir Forests- the largest compact tract of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India is the last abode of the big and regal predator, Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), an endangered animal species. The sanctuary is internationally acclaimed for successfully saving this precious species from the brink of extinction. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965. Subsequently out of the 1153.42 sq. km area of the sanctuary, an area of 258.71 sq. km. was declared a National Park.

Gir Forests has a topography made up of successive rugged ridges, isolated hills, plateaus and valleys. Besides, being the last abode of Asiatic lions, Gir Forests forms a unique habitat for many mammals, reptiles, birds and insect species along with a rich variety of flora

The overwhelming presence of the omnipotent big cat diverts the attention of the common man from the remarkable bird population that the sanctuary has. However, the birds of Gir sanctuary did attract the great ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali who believed that, had the Asiatic lions not been there, the area would have been one of the most fascinating bird sanctuaries of the country.

People mostly link Gir with "Maldharis" who have survived through the ages by having symbiotic relationship with the lion. They are religious pastoral communities living in Gir. Their settlements are called "nesses".

At present, Gir forests of Gujarat (India) is the only place where this race of lions i.e. Asiatic lion is found in its natural habitat.At present, Gir forests of Gujarat (India) is the only place where this race of lions i.e. Asiatic lion is found in its natural habitat.

Brief History: The sanctuary was set up in 1965, and a 259-sq-km core area was declared as a national park in 1975. Since the late 1960s, lion numbers have increased from less than 200 to 674 (Census 2020).

Destination - Mandvi Beach

About the location: The Mandvi beach is a golden-brown sprawl of sand along the southern tip of Kutch district in Gujarat. It lies south of Bhuj, the main junction. The beach lies along the namesake town that was once a thriving port for India. The fort wall of the erstwhile trading hub still runs along the old part of town. The calm beach is a refreshing addition for travelers to the town. Evenings are particularly great with the sunset and the bustle of snack stalls and balloon sellers.

Brief History: Mandvi city was founded in 1580 by the Rao of Kutch, Khengarji. Being an integral part, the skill of the Gujarati sailors was valued by many at that time. Even Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who discovered the Europe-to-India sea route in 1497, was accompanied by a Gujarati sailor.

Destination - Somnath Temple

 

About Place: The intricately carved honey-coloured Somnath temple on the western edge of the state is believed to be the place where the first of the twelve holy jyotirlingas emerged in India – a spot where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. The temples lies at the meeting of Kapila, Hiran and Sarasvati rivers and the waves of the Arabian Sea ebb and flow touching the shore on which it is constructed. The ancient temple’s timeline can be traced from 649 BC but is believed to be older than that. The present form was reconstructed in 1951. Colourful dioramas of the Shiva story line the north side of the temple garden, though it’s hard to see them through the hazy glass. A one-hour sound-and-light show in Amitabh Bachchan’s baritone highlights the temple nightly at 7.45pm.

Brief History: It’s said that Somraj (the moon god) first built a temple in Somnath, made of gold; this was rebuilt by Ravana in silver, by Krishna in wood and by Bhimdev in stone. The current serene, symmetrical structure was built to traditional designs on the original coastal site: it’s painted a creamy colour and boasts a little fine sculpture. The large, black Shiva lingam at its heart is one of the 12 most sacred Shiva shrines, known as jyotirlinga.

A description of the temple by Al-Biruni, an Arab traveller, was so glowing that it prompted a visit in 1024 by a most unwelcome tourist – the legendary looter Mahmud of Ghazni from Afghanistan. At that time, the temple was so wealthy that it had 300 musicians, 500 dancing girls and even 300 barbers. Mahmud of Ghazni took the town and temple after a two-day battle in which it’s said 70,000 defenders died. Having stripped the temple of its fabulous wealth, Mahmud destroyed it. So began a pattern of destruction and rebuilding that continued forcenturies. The temple was again razed in 1297, 1394 and finally in 1706 by Aurangzeb, the Mughal ruler. After that, the temple wasn’t rebuilt until 1950.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Somnath Temple is in the cooler months of October to February, though the site is open all through the year. Shivratri (usually in February or March) and Kartik Purnima (close to Diwali) are celebrated with great enthusiasm here.

Destination - Rann Of Kutch

 Kutch, also written as ‘Kachchh’ finds its roots in a fable that its map, if turned upside down, resembles ‘kachchh’, the Sanskrit word for tortoise. The villages of Kutch, despite being amid arid lands and harsh climate, have always remained fertile with diverse culture and artistry.

The Indo-Pak border lends Kutch a demography that is an eclectic mix of refugees from across the border, tribes from different regions, and religions, which reflects in its homes, food, art, social traditions and landmarks that include Jain temples, mosques, Swaminarayan Temple, museums, to name a few.

 history of Kutch is studded with legacy of artistry passed on through ages and its villages are living examples of its resilience to brave the fatal 2001 earthquake. The geographical location makes Kutch a unique destination where you can find beach, mountains and White Desert. Come and explore Kutch, the land of infinite horizons that narrate stories.

KUTCHI CRAFT

                               Each village at Kutch has its                             unique craft that has                                        been mastered over                                           centuries by the                                                people of this land                                           of heer artistry. The                                         variety of crafts range                                         from weaving,                                                 patchwork, block                                              printing, bandhani, tie-                                  and-dye, Rogan-art and                                  other ethnic styles of                                             embroidery, to                                              pottery, wood-carving,                                metal-     crafts and shell-                       work.

KUTCHI FOOD

KUTCHI FOOD

Destination - Statue Of Unity

Brief History: The statue has been built as an ode to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister of independent India. He was responsible for uniting all 562 princely states of the country to build the Republic of India.

About Place: October 31st, 2018, marked the inauguration of the world’s tallest statue – the Statue of Unity, against the backdrop of the dramatic Satpura and Vindhyachal hills in Kevadia, Gujarat. The 182-metre (600 feet aprox.) statue is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of independent India. The colossal monument towers over River Narmada, a tribute to India ‘from the people of Gujarat’ to the leader who placed people’s welfare first. The Statue of Unity overlooks the vast surrounds and the river basin of the Narmada River and the sprawling Sardar Sarovar dam. It stands on the Sadhu Bet hillock, connected by a 300-metre bridge, which offers access from the mainland to the statue.

Laser Light and Sound Show: A Light and Sound show using laser technology projected on the Statue of Unity takes place every evening except Monday. The colourful laser lighting system is accompanied by an excellent narration of the history and life of Sardar Patel, his contribution to the Independence Movement and the unification of India as one nation.