Last updated: 2012-04-17

Day by Day

Day 1

Arrival in Mumbai, India's commercial centre and known for its huge film industry, Bollywood. Mumbai is the home to approximately 20 million habitants. You will have time to see some of this large metropolis.

Day 2-3

Flight to Bhavnagar, in the state of Gujarat. Every state in India has its own legislation. Gujarat is very traditional, with an alcohol ban and the food is strictly vegetarian. Bus to Palitana, one of the holiest places for Jains, a branch of the Hindu family, with strong influences from Zoroastrianism, it also bears similarities with Buddhism, like for instance vegetarianism, the conviction of non-violence and that nothing living must be hurt. At dawn you walk up the steps at Shatrunjaya Hill, at the top 863 marble temples shimmer in the early morning sun. You stay over night at a dharamsala (pilgrim shelter).

Day 4-5

Bus to the small island Diu, a former Portuguese colony. The island was returned to India in 1954 and the trails of the Portuguese are still very clear. The food and beach are other enticements.

Day 6

Auto-rickshaw, six-seater, back to the main land and then a narrow tracked, extremely slow train ride to Sasan Gir.

Day 7

You stay just outside Gir Forest National Park, one of the few places where the Asian lion still can be found. You will explore the dry forests and see a lot of animals, most likely even lions.

Day 8-10

Bus to Junagadh, a town founded 200 years BC. You might walk the 10000 steps up to the Girnar Temple. There are spectacular temples habituated by sadhus, holy men and incredible mosques. To stroll through the ancient alleys is an experience in it self. You stay at a monestary at local conditions.

Day 11-13

Bus to Bhuj in the Kachchh district. After the earthquake in 2001 a new town was built. Wide streets are mixed with a labyrinth of the original narrow alleys.

Day 14-16

Rann of Kutch begins north of Bhuj, an enormous area of plain, dried clay and salt. During the rain season large parts of the district are covered by water, but very dry during other parts of the year. The area is inhabited by a number of ethnic minorities and known for its handicrafts, especially embroideries. You travel by wagons pulled by dromedaries to villages where you stay with a family. You eat your meals with the family and sleep on the floor. Despite the area being very barren, it has a rich wildlife. Flamingoes and pelicans nest here during winter and wolves live here.

Day 17-19

Bus to Mandvi by the sea, an old seaport with narrow alleys. Here teak ships are still built with simple tools by hand. Visit the exquisite villages of the half nomadic rabaris. You can bathe at deserted beaches by the maharaja's summer palace.

Day 20

Bus to Bhuj and night train to Mumbai.

Day 21

The journey is finished.