Gujarat – Divine Shakti Trails

Morning:

• Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
• Drive to Ambaji: Proceed for a day excursion to the Ambaji Temple, located about 180 km from Ahmedabad. The drive will take you through the scenic landscapes of Gujarat.

Ambaji Temple:

• Temple Overview: The Ambaji Temple is a significant Shakti Peeth and is renowned for its unique worship practices. Unlike many temples, it does not house an idol but features an inscribed Yantra, which is a sacred geometric diagram used for worship.
• Historical Significance: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ambaji and is a central pilgrimage site in the Arasur hills. The temple complex includes the main shrine, ‘Chachar no Chowk,’ and is aligned with the cave at Gabbar Hill, which is believed to be the original abode of Goddess Ambaji.
• Features: The current temple, constructed in recent years, adheres to traditional architectural styles. The temple attracts millions of pilgrims annually, especially during Navratri, for its spiritual significance and the blessings of Goddess Ambaji.

Post-Visit:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch either at a local restaurant or packed from the hotel, depending on your preference and time available.
• Drive Back to Ahmedabad: After your visit to Ambaji, drive back to Ahmedabad. The journey will take approximately 4-5 hours, giving you ample time to relax and reflect on your visit.

Evening:

• Return to Hotel: Arrive back in Ahmedabad and check into your hotel.
• Leisure Time: Relax at the hotel or explore the local area if time permits.

Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Ahmedabad, ready for the next day's activities.

Morning:

• Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at the hotel.
• Drive to Pavagadh: Depart for a day trip to Pavagadh, located approximately 50 km from Ahmedabad. The journey will take you through scenic landscapes and offer a glimpse into Gujarat's rich cultural and religious heritage.

Pavagadh:

• Overview: Pavagadh is renowned for the Mahakali Temple, situated on the Pavagadh Hill, near Vadodara. The temple is a major pilgrimage site and one of the three significant Shakti Peeths in Gujarat.
• Historical and Religious Significance: According to Hindu scriptures, Pavagadh is associated with the legend of Sati, whose body parts fell at various locations across India. The left breast of Sati is said to have fallen at Pavagadh, making it a revered Shakti Peeth.
• Temple Features: The Mahakali Temple on Pavagadh Hill is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali. The temple is situated on a mountain and can be reached via a cable car or a steep climb. It attracts pilgrims from across India, especially during religious festivals.

Post-Visit:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or pack a meal from the hotel for convenience during your excursion.
• Drive Back to Ahmedabad: Return to Ahmedabad after your visit to Pavagadh. The drive back will take around 1-2 hours.

Evening:

• Return to Hotel: Arrive back in Ahmedabad and check into your hotel.
• Leisure Time: You may choose to relax at the hotel or explore the local area based on your interest and energy levels.

Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Ahmedabad, preparing for the next day’s activities or departure.

Morning:

• Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Ahmedabad.
• Drive to Chotila: Begin your journey to Chotila, located approximately 225 km from Ahmedabad. The drive will take around 4-5 hours, passing through scenic landscapes and rural Gujarat.

Chotila:

• Chamunda Temple: Upon arrival in Chotila, visit the Chamunda Temple located at the summit of Chamunda Hill, standing at 1173 feet. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda and is a significant pilgrimage site.
  • Historical Background: The hill and temple have historical importance. Originally held by the Sodha Parmar clan, Chotila was conquered by the Khachar Kathis in 1566 AD. The name "Chotila" is derived from the legend involving the Kathis' division of the village into four parts.
  • Legend and Significance: According to local legend, the village was named after the Kathis, who divided the land into "char tilas" (four parts). This historical and religious site is revered for its spiritual significance.

Post-Visit:

• Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant or pack a meal for convenience during your trip.
• Drive to Rajkot: Continue your journey to Rajkot, which is approximately 90 km from Chotila. The drive will take about 2-3 hours.

Rajkot:

• Kaba Gandhi No Delo: Visit Kaba Gandhi No Delo, the ancestral home of Mahatma Gandhi. This house is now a museum showcasing items and exhibits related to Gandhi’s early life and his connection to Rajkot. The house offers a glimpse into the formative years of the Mahatma.
• Rajkumar College: Proceed to Rajkumar College, where Mahatma Gandhi completed his secondary education. The college holds historical significance due to its association with Gandhi’s early academic life.

Evening:

• Return to Hotel: Arrive at your hotel in Rajkot and check-in.
• Leisure Time: Enjoy the evening at leisure. You may explore the local markets or relax at the hotel.

Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Rajkot, preparing for the next day’s activities or departure.

Morning:

• Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Rajkot.
• Drive to Girnar Hills: Depart from Rajkot and head towards Girnar Hills, which are approximately 100 km away. The drive will take about 2-3 hours.

Girnar Hills:

• Mount Girnar Overview: Girnar Mountain, an extinct volcano standing about 1100 meters (3630 feet) high, is a significant pilgrimage site and a major tourist attraction near Junagadh.
  • Historical and Spiritual Significance: The mountain has a rich spiritual and historical heritage. It is believed that Girnar was once a flying mountain. The plateau about 180 meters (600 feet) from the top is home to a group of exquisitely carved Jain temples built between 1128 and 1500 AD.
  • Temples and Attractions:
    • Neminath Temple: Dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, who is said to have lived and died on Mount Girnar. The temple features a special marble statue of Neminath.
    • Mallinath Temple: Built in 1177, this is one of the most impressive temples on Girnar.
    • Vishnu Temple: Situated at the top of the hill, dedicated to Dattatreya.
    • Amba Mata Temple: A 12th-century temple dedicated to the goddess Amba Mata, believed to ensure a happy marriage.
    • Other Peaks: Gorakhnath Peak at 1100 meters, with footprints of the rishi Gorakhnath, and another peak with footprints of Neminath. Also, a shrine dedicated to goddess Kalika.
• Climbing the Hill: To visit these temples, you must climb approximately 5,500 steps. This is a challenging two-hour climb, so it’s best to start early (before 7 AM). Bring your own bottled water, as there are stalls selling only cold drinks along the way.

Midday:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch either at a local restaurant near Girnar Hills or pack a meal for convenience during your visit.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Junagadh: After exploring Girnar Hills, drive to Junagadh, which is approximately 4 km away from Girnar Hills. The drive will take about 30 minutes.
• Check-in at Hotel: Arrive in Junagadh and check in to your hotel.

Evening:

• Relax at Hotel: Spend the evening at leisure, relaxing at your hotel or exploring the local area if time permits.

Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Junagadh, preparing for the next day’s activities.

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.