6 Days – Divine Shakti Trails-TSD – 59

Arrive in Ahmedabad and check in at the hotel. Later, proceed for a sightseeing tour visiting Gandhi Ashram on the Sabarmati River, a peaceful retreat established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 and the starting point of the historic Dandi March. Continue to the Hutheesingh Jain Temple, built in 1850 and renowned for its ornate carvings, followed by the Adalaj Stepwell, a beautifully crafted example of ancient rainwater harvesting. End the tour with a visit to the Vaishno Devi Temple on S.G. Road, a popular replica of the Jammu shrine. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.

Ambaji – Ambaji Temple contains no idol, but an inscribed Yantra in the niche. Ambaji is essentially a temple town with a temple dedicated to Goddess Ambaji at the centre. The Ambaji Temple and the front court ‘Chachar no Chowk’ are aligned on the same axis of the cave at Gabbar, the original abode of Goddess Ambaji. Twenty-two km from Danta is one of the major Shakti-piths of India, situated in the Arasur hills. The present temple was constructed a few years ago, maintaining the original architectural style. Millions of pilgrims visit the temple every year-especially during Navratri, to seek the blessing of Goddess Ambaji. Later, drive back to Ahmedabad.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.

PAVAGADH: Most of the Hindus in India have faith in goddess Mahakali, particularly from the western region covering the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan & Maharashtra. The famous and the oldest temple of Mahakali is situated at Pavagadh, near Vadodara, one of the main cities of Gujarat. The temple has become the place of pilgrimage for almost all Hindus in India. This temple is among the three main Shaktipeeths in Gujarat. It has been said in the Hindu Shastras that after the famous Tandava dance of Lord Shiva, the various parts of the body of Sati fell at many places. These places are called Shakti peeths. It is said that the left breast of the Sati had fallen here at Pavagadh. As the name suggests, the temple is located on a mountain, near Champaner town. Later, drive back to Ahmedabad.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight stay at Ahmedabad.

After breakfast, drive to Chotila, a town on the Ahmedabad–Rajkot highway situated at the base of Chamunda Hill, crowned by the temple of Goddess Chamunda at 1173 feet. Once held by the Sodha Parmar clan, Chotila was conquered in 1566 AD from Jagasio Parmar by the Khachar Kathi rulers, who divided it into four parts (char tilas), giving the village its name. According to legend, Jagasio Parmar of nearby Muli was murdered by the Kathis of Khachar Kuman and Vala clans, who then took possession of Chotila. Later, proceed to Rajkot, a pleasant provincial town where Mahatma Gandhi spent part of his early life as his father was the Dewan (Chief Minister) of the then small princely State. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, visit Kaba Gandhi No Delo (“Kaba Gandhi’s house”), where Gandhi spent his childhood, now exhibiting his personal items, followed by Rajkumar College, the institution where Gandhi completed his secondary education. Overnight stay at Rajkot.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight stay at Rajkot.

After breakfast, drive to Junagadh with an en route visit to Girnar Hills, a major spiritual and natural attraction. Rising to 1100m, Mount Girnar features a series of ancient Jain temples, including those dedicated to Tirthankara Neminath and Mallinath, as well as shrines for Dattatreya, Amba Mata, Gorakhnath, and Kalika. Pilgrims climb 5,500 steps to reach the summit, so an early start is recommended. After the visit, continue to Junagadh, check into your hotel, and relax.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight stay at Junagadh.

After breakfast, drive back to Ahmedabad. Arrive Ahmedabad and in time transfer to Airport /Railway Station to board your flight/train for onward journey to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast