This fascinating journey will bring in a variety of historical imprints and spaces to enjoy natural heritage. The journey will begin on the island of Diu. The Portuguese occupied Diu until 1961. On landing in Diu in mid-afternoon the participants will check-in and be taken for a tour of the Diu Fort and a Portuguese church. The next day will be free to spend on the beach. After lunch, the group will leave for the Gir Forest. (Stay @Azarro Resort in Diu)
Day 2: 19th April
Early morning on the beach. Evening drive at 4 pm to the Gir Forest. We will be staying at the Taj Gateway Forest Resort. The narrative on the Asiatic lions will not merely be about their biological existence, but also the importance of the Lion in Indian rituals, beliefs and as part of the geographical history of India.
Day 3: 20th April
Morning Safari to see the Asiatic Lions. We will drive to Bhavnagar at about 10 am and go to Alang to see the world’s largest ship-breaking dockyard.
Day 4: 21st April
A full day in Palitana Jain temple. The narrative will be about detailing the rituals and beliefs of the Jain Swetambari school.
A former Portuguese colony, Diu, came under Indian control in 1961 after the successful Operation Vijay by the Indian Armed Forces. Diu was a pivotal port linking the Indian coast to the busy trading route running through the Red Sea into Europe till the early 18th century and, had the infamous Battle of Diu fought between Portugal and a combined force of Turkey, Egypt, Venice, and the Sultan of Gujarat. The old Portuguese Fort and the beaches on Diu Island are the well worth a visit during your time in this quaint town.
The Portuguese were allowed to build a fort when the Sultan asked for their help in stopping the advances of the Mughal emperor Humayun. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the fort offers bespoke views of the surrounding areas.
Home to the Asiatic Lions, Gir National Park is one of Asia's most important wildlife sanctuaries. Proactive measures by the State Government and wildlife activists has resulted in the protection of this delicate ecosystem. The lion breeding program has bred about 180 lions till date.
Bhavnagar is one of the first cities in Gujarat to have an airport. The city is also easily accessible via rail and road. We'll stop here briefly before heading to Alang.
Palitana has one of the largest clusters of Jain temples with 863 in total on Shatrunjaya Hill. Believed to be constructed in a span of almost ten centuries, the temples have undergone 16 extensive renovations during the same period.
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