Bhuj, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary & White Rann of Kutch Tour
Bhuj, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary & White Rann of Kutch Tour
Bhuj, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary & White Rann of Kutch Tour
4 Days Starting and ending in Bhuj, Gujarat, India
Visiting: Bhuj, નારાયણ સરોવર અભયારણ્ય, Hodka, Kutch
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AGORA567
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
0-99
Special diets catered:
Halal, Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Kosher, Jain
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$655
$626 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$29
NB: Prices correct on 14-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Bhuj, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary & White Rann of Kutch Tour" and immerse yourself in the cultural and natural treasures of Gujarat. Explore the vibrant city of Bhuj, visit historical landmarks, and indulge in local shopping. Discover the diverse wildlife at Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary and witness endangered species in their natural habitat. Experience the ethereal beauty of the White Rann of Kutch, marvel at the sunrise, and engage with local communities. This private tour offers a perfect blend of heritage, nature, and authentic experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Bhuj
Location: Bhuj
Accommodation: Hotel
On arrival at Bhuj airport assistance and transfer to hotel.
Later city tour visit The Aaina Mahal Palace built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century. However, what once stood proudly with glittering glasses, antique clocks and exotic tile works was shaken and dishevelled in the 2001 earthquake that hit Bhuj. The loss was tragic, but it has now been recovered and renovated for people to visit safely again. Be sure to explore the rest of the compound outside the palace, with its beautiful carved doorways, elaborate window boxes and balconies. Prag Mahal one of the architectural wonders in India, built-in the 19th century next to the popular Aina Mahal. The grand palace boasts of Gothic-style windows and Corinthian pillars around it. The opulent Mahal has the second tallest clock tower in the country which offers an amazing view from the top. A part of the palace has been converted into a museum with archives and personal items of the royal family on display. Imposing and beautiful in itself, the resplendent palace is made mostly out of red sandstone. There are intricate carvings done on the walls with beautiful art, and the most amazing thing is the jaali work on the jharokhas, those are exquisite in appearance. Shri Swaminarayan Temple initially built in the year 1822, it was the first of many Sampraday Swaminarayan temples. Located near the Hamirsar Lake completely white structure is an architectural masterpiece built of marble and is a stunning place to visit. Ramkund is a square stepwell, about 56 ft on one side, whose walls have carved miniature idols depicting the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu and sculptures of Lord Rama, Devi Sita, Lord Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman. The architecture of the stepwell is geometrical and leaves one in awe of the skill of that time. As you descend down the steps to reach the water, you are engulfed by a sudden coolness that is not to be found above the stepwell. While going deeper into the well, one can almost be transported to the ancient times when it was a place of water storage. Ramkund is located across the Kutch Museum and behind the Ram Dhun Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 : Bhuj - Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary - Hodka (125Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)
Location: નારાયણ સરોવર અભયારણ્ય, Hodka
Accommodation: Hotel, Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at hotel, drive to visit Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary. Narayan Sarovar is home to a wide array of wildlife, including many species of mammals, reptiles, and birds. The principle species here is the chinkara, an Indian gazelle. In this harsh landscape, only animals well-adapted to the desert climate can thrive, with extreme heat, high winds, and frequent storms. For this reason, many species can be seen here that are not easy to find elsewhere. Most of Narayan Sarovar is desert thorn forest and scrub forest, with some seasonal wetlands and dry savannah-type vegetation as well. Gorad and babul are the prevailing plant species; gorad in the east and babul in the west. Also found among the 252 species of flowering plants in the sanctuary are hermo, ber, pilu, thor, gugal, salai, ingorio, kerdo, carissa, and the invasive “gando baawal” (prosopsis juliflora), though less so than in other nearby areas.
The endangered chinkara is the only gazelle in the world with horns on both males and females. Of the roughly 7000 chinkaras known to exist, 80% of them live in Kutch, and since their primary habitat is the scrub and thorn forests so common here, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is crucial to their well-being. The sanctuary also houses many other mammals, from wildcats like the caracal (African or Persian Lynx) to desert foxes and the endangered Indian wolf, from spotted deer to wild boar. The ratel, or honey badger, renowned for its snake-killing ability and fierce self-defense against leopards, lions, poisonous snakes, and swarms of bees, earning it the title of “most fearless animal” in the Guinness Book of World Records, also lives here. Birds abound in the sanctuary, with no less than 184 distinct species to be found here. All three species of bustards (the Great Indian Bustard, the Houbara Bustard, and the Lesser Florican) live here, as well as the Black Partridge, 19 different birds of prey, and many species of waterfowl.
Also visit Koteshwar an ancient Shiv temple standing next to a marsh. It is believed the Lord visited this place, created the Lake and made it his home. The lake is considered just as scared as Mansarovar and it is one of the Panch Sarovar for pilgrimages in India. Mythology states that Ravana was granted a boon by Shiva and received a magical lingam that bestows immortality provided it was not dropped on the way to Lanka. However, Ravana was fooled into leaving the lingam at Koteshwar and it dispersed into tiny pieces.
After sightseeing drive to Hodka check in at resort. Dinner Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 : Hodka - White Rann Of Kutch
Location: Kutch
Accommodation: Hotel, Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today very early in the morning drive to White Rann of Kutch to see the sunrise. The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert. It is about 7500 km2 (2900 sq miles) in the area and is reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world. Return Hodka for breakfast and later visit a small Pathan community hamlet engaged in Embroidery. Visit Banni region of Kutch Nirona Village for Rogan arts on a piece of cloth. The word Rogan comes from Persian and means oil-based. The process of making the natural colors used in art gives it such a name. Castor oil is heated on a fire for about 12 hours and then cast into cold water to give a thick residue called the Rogan. This is then mixed with stone pigments to lend it different hues. Next, the artisan uses a six-inch metal stick to paint with a fine thread of Rogan on cloth. Seeing it live made us realize how delicately the Rogan thread has to be led with precision to give shape to one’s imagination. The Luhars in Nirona have been preserving the Copper Crafts making over seven generations. As a result you can see some heart-shaped wind chimes, a xylophone made of bells and even a few fauna inspired bell pieces. And Lacquer Works on wooden utensils. You will also visit Dhordo village, this area which has White Rann. You can see Mutwa Muslim Community here in Dhordo. Continue to Khavda to see Potters and Samma tribe. Later leave for Kala Dungar to view the beautiful sunset. DinnerOvernight at Hotel
Day 4 : Hodka - Bhuj (65Kms/ 1.3Hrs Approx)
Location: Bhuj
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at hotel transfer to Bhuj airport to board flight for onward destination.
What's Included
-
Bottled water
-
Deluxe Air-conditioned private vehicle with English speaking chauffeur as per tour program.
-
English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city).
-
Breakfast
-
Applicable GST (government taxes).
-
3 Night accommodation in selected category hotels or similar.
-
Accommodation
3 Nights accommodation in 4-Star hotels
-
Dinner
-
Monuments entrances of sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary.
What's Not Included
-
Main Meals, Lunch or dinner unless mentioned
-
Any air fare
-
Or anything not mentioned above.
-
Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
You have to apply for Indian Visa yourself. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
-
What currencies are required for this tour?
INR, USD, EURO, GBP, SGD, JPY, CNY, RMB, CAD,
-
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
We conduct our business fairly, with honesty, integrity and transparency. We deliver what we promise, and only promise what we can deliver.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Less than 10 person group only driver will be your companion. We use local government licenced tour guide in each cities for sightseeing tour.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We do not operate tour on sharing
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We are completely flexible in changing the travel dates, until we dont have to bourne any penalty levied by hotels/airline.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
5 Yeas
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Yes, you will support NGO and schooling for kids in villages.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We operate private tour/activity only for your group. Hence if you missed to join and tour departed, we can coordinate and you can join the tour from the nearest point.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Iitnerary and confirmation vouchers
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Face masks provided for travelers. Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff. Gear/equipment sanitized between use. Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized. Regular temperature checks for staff. Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Want a private tour?
Dates & Availability
tourhub Discount Available - Sign In
Friday - Monday
May 17, 2024 - May 20, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
May 18, 2024 - May 21, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
May 19, 2024 - May 22, 2024Monday - Thursday
May 20, 2024 - May 23, 2024Tuesday - Friday
May 21, 2024 - May 24, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
May 22, 2024 - May 25, 2024Thursday - Sunday
May 23, 2024 - May 26, 2024Friday - Monday
May 24, 2024 - May 27, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
May 25, 2024 - May 28, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
May 26, 2024 - May 29, 2024Monday - Thursday
May 27, 2024 - May 30, 2024Tuesday - Friday
May 28, 2024 - May 31, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
May 29, 2024 - Jun 01, 2024Thursday - Sunday
May 30, 2024 - Jun 02, 2024Friday - Monday
May 31, 2024 - Jun 03, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 04, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Jun 02, 2024 - Jun 05, 2024Monday - Thursday
Jun 03, 2024 - Jun 06, 2024Tuesday - Friday
Jun 04, 2024 - Jun 07, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Jun 05, 2024 - Jun 08, 2024Thursday - Sunday
Jun 06, 2024 - Jun 09, 2024Friday - Monday
Jun 07, 2024 - Jun 10, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 08, 2024 - Jun 11, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Jun 09, 2024 - Jun 12, 2024Monday - Thursday
Jun 10, 2024 - Jun 13, 2024Tuesday - Friday
Jun 11, 2024 - Jun 14, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Jun 12, 2024 - Jun 15, 2024Thursday - Sunday
Jun 13, 2024 - Jun 16, 2024Friday - Monday
Jun 14, 2024 - Jun 17, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 15, 2024 - Jun 18, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 19, 2024Monday - Thursday
Jun 17, 2024 - Jun 20, 2024Tuesday - Friday
Jun 18, 2024 - Jun 21, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Jun 19, 2024 - Jun 22, 2024Thursday - Sunday
Jun 20, 2024 - Jun 23, 2024Friday - Monday
Jun 21, 2024 - Jun 24, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 22, 2024 - Jun 25, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Jun 23, 2024 - Jun 26, 2024Monday - Thursday
Jun 24, 2024 - Jun 27, 2024Tuesday - Friday
Jun 25, 2024 - Jun 28, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Jun 26, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024Thursday - Sunday
Jun 27, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024Friday - Monday
Jun 28, 2024 - Jul 01, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Agora Voyages allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Agora Voyages allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform agora voyages, 30 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Agora Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 15 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of agora voyages charges.
Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Standard Operating Protocol issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI
Face masks provided for travelers.
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff.
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized.
Regular temperature checks for staff.
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons.
Gear/equipment sanitized between use.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."