Gujarat is a many-splendoured land. In the north-west you have the arid region of Kutch with its wild desolate beauty. Travel to Saurashtra in the west of Gujarat and it is a different land with different cultures. Central and South Gujarat are greener and quite different to what you will find in the drier north-western parts. Take a tour of central and southern Gujarat starting from Baroda to explore the land and people.
Vadodara
Arrive in Baroda, or Vadodara as it is known, by air, by train or by road and set off on your Gujarat Darshan Tour by hiring a car from a car rental agency in Gujarat with some local sightseeing. Baroda, as opposed to Ahmedabad which is commercial in nature, is a princely city, the seat of power of the Gaekwads represented in its Palaces. The Laxmi Vilas Palace is the most fabulous built along Indo-Saracenic lines. There is a Museum filled with plenty of artifacts to admire and, once done, you can take a walk to the nearby Motibaugh Palace. There is another Palace complex, Sayaji Bauer that is must visit for its zoo, museum, toy train and wonderful garden. It will take all of one day to visit and you can rest in your hotel, ready for your trip to South Gujarat the next day.
Champaner, Pavagadh and Jambughoda
Drive just 90 kilometres to the East and you will arrive at Champaner, a World Heritage Site. Champaner has quite a few monuments, some dilapidated and some well preserved, attesting to its glorious past. The fort and mosque are next to a hillock. Climbing the hillock is a journey in itself rewarded by a darshan of Kali mata at the temple on top of the hillock known as Pavagadh. Walking down is a bit easier. Set off for Jambughoda, a nature park just about an hour’s driven away. The forests of Jambughoda are home to a variety of wildlife and you can rest for the night in the guest house inside the preserve. Go for an early morning walk skirting the lake here. The peace and charms of nature here can be quite soothing, a getaway from crowds, and hustle and bustle of the city. Drive on the next day.
Shoolpaneshwar
Drive on towards Rajpipla on your way to Shoolpaneshwar Nature Park. It is about 80 km away. Rajpipla is another not so well known princely city. On the way you can stop at Chanod on the confluence of Narmada, Saraswati and Orsang rivers, a holy place where rites for the dead are performed. The Shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary is not far from Rajpipla but before you go there take a look around Rajpipla and visit the Rajavant palace here, now a heritage hotel where one can enjoy typical royal dishes. The royal family may be in residence and you could get to talk with them during your tour of the Vijayraj palace complex that dates back to 1915. Proceed to Shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary, a haven for nature lovers and stay here for at least a day or two. The forest is full of teak trees and it is home to flying squirrels, sloth bears, chousingha, and pangolins and, if you are lucky, you might get to see a tiger or two. Take a walk to the Zarwani waterfall and enjoy the serenity of the place. Be warned that it is deep inside and you may have to walk for some time. Proceed to Dediapada region and you will come across the beautiful 90 metre high Ninai waterfalls, a popular picnic spot and it also has campsites. You may choose to stay in the camp and enjoy Nature to the fullest or just drive on and return to Vadodara or, if you like, drive on to Surat and then proceed to Daman, about 113 km away. By the way the Fort at Surat is worth a visit. Surat, it must be remembered, was home to the East India Company and a thriving ancient port so spend some time here before going to Daman.
Daman
Daman is actually Union Territory but you may consider it a part of South Gujarat region for tourism purpose. After all the arduous travels you need to let down your hair and relax with a couple of beers on the Devka beach. Gujarat is dry and you will not find liquor anywhere so Daman is your watering hole. Go for a swim or just enjoy the breeze with a beer in your hand. Take a walk to the Mirasol Lake Garden or go on to Jampore beach for a change. The fort St Jerome is worth a visit as is the Catholic Church here. It has remnants of Portuguese occupation and reminds you of Goa.
Return to Surat and catch an onward flight back home or proceed to other destinations in Gujarat.