20th - 31st January20th - 31st January

Glorious Gujarat Drive2021

Bhungas

Local People

A picture of vibrance that comes adorned in many sparkling colours and with immense cultural richness at hand - Gujarat is not to be missed for umpteen reasons. The land which gave the world Mahatma Gandhi - Father of the Nation, is not only blessed with amazingly varied topography but also offers artistic treasures that are celebrated globally for their intricate beauty. Adventures Overland flags off the 2021 calendar with a road trip through this fabulous state which includes visiting unique places like the Statue of Unity, the striking Little and Great Rann of Kutch, the Rann Utsav, stark vistas of the White Rann, Porbandar and the Shaivite shrine of Somnath. To cap it all, you will also get to observe the graceful Asiatic Lions of Gir. Now, isn’t this the perfect recipe for an adventure that will stay with you forever?

���������������We are welcomed into Gujarat in a spectacular fashion as we land in the capital city of Ahmedabad. Recognized by the UNESCO as India’s first World Heritage City in the year 2017, ‘Amdavad’ is a fine blend of modern improvements and vintage majesty. Offering a seamless blend of spectacular architecture of centuries-old mosques and contemporary avant-garde design, Gujarat's biggest city is a bustling cosmopolitan hub. Divided into two sections by the Sabarmati River, the eastern section boasts of old-world charm with ancient gates and colonial-era buildings dotting its landscape; the western region is marked by educational institutions, multiplexes and business districts. From the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel, where you will get to meet and greet your expedition leaders and fellow road trippers over dinner.

Overnight in Ahmedabad

Kankaria Lake

�������������������� ��������������������������Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast spread at the hotel. We begin our journey with a drive to the recently constructed Statue of Unity situated near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Kevadiya. With a height of 182 m, this colossal edifice is the tallest statue in the world and celebrates the contributions of freedom activist, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as ‘Iron Man of India’. The statue stands on the isle of Sadhu - Bet in Narmada River, with the majestic Vindhyachal and Satpuda Mountain Ranges in the backdrop, and one can see the statue from as far away as 8 km. The highlight of the visit will be the spectacular laser light & sound display which is projected upon the statue every evening.

Overnight in Kevadiya

Statue Of Unity

�������������������� ������������������������We begin today with a soothing drive to Dasada. This small yet bustling constituency acts as the gateway to the wondrous Little Rann of Kutch. Rann Riders, our humble abode for the night, is set among wetlands and agricultural fields. The resort has imaginatively designed cottages that blend with the surrounding countryside. They resemble like the Kooba houses of the Bajania community of Dasada and the Bhunga houses of the Rabaris of Kutch decorated with mirrors, mud-plaster work and embroideries. The hotel also serves as an ideal base to explore the famed culture, weaves and handicrafts of the Surendranagar district. A lively cultural program has been arranged at the hotel, post which you can tuck-in a delicious dinner and prepares for the exciting journey ahead.

Overnight in Dasada

Dasada

We begin today with a soothing drive to Dasada. This small yet bustling constituency acts as the gateway to the wondrous Little Rann of Kutch. Rann Riders, our humble abode for the night, is set among wetlands and agricultural fields. The resort has imaginatively designed cottages that blend with the surrounding countryside. They resemble like the Kooba houses of the Bajania community of Dasada and the Bhunga houses of the Rabaris of Kutch decorated with mirrors, mud-plaster work and embroideries. The hotel also serves as an ideal base to explore the famed culture, weaves and handicrafts of the Surendranagar district. A lively cultural program has been arranged at the hotel, post which you can tuck-in a delicious dinner and prepares for the exciting journey ahead.

Overnight in Dasada

�������������������� ����������������One of the most anticipated days of your road trip dawns, ripe with the promise of an unparalleled thrill. Today is the day we get to explore the austere yet immensely compelling vistas of the Little Rann of Kutch. This seemingly endless salt marsh hosts some rare species of wildlife; most notable of these being the Indian Wild Ass [Khur]. One of the leading destinations for bird watching in India, water bodies here turn pink in certain seasons as hordes of flamingos throng the area. Driving long hours through this boundless expanse can be an intensely surreal experience. We will cross the Little Rann of Kutch and make our way towards the port town of Mandvi, where gorgeous beaches and sunsets await us.

Overnight in Mandvi

Little Rann Of Kutch

Mandvi Beach

��������� ­� ����������������Today will be yours to spend in an unhurried exploration of the beach town of Mandvi. Let your morning be spent in walking upon the velvety sand and blue-water Mandvi beach of Gujarat. One of the principal ports of Kutch and Gujarat, Mandvi is a treasure trove of trade and sea voyage secrets. Situated about 58 km from Bhuj, it was established as a port town by the King of Kutch in 1574. Later in the day, we will head to the central part of the town to visit the shipbuilding yards along Rukmavati River to see wooden ships being built by hand. Its 400-year-old tradition of ship-making is unique, and the ships are called dhows, entirely made by hand till today.

Overnight in Mandvi

Day 6: (220 km / 5 hrs)Mandvi – Hodka viaKalo DungarWe leave Mandvi this morning to make way to Kalo Dungar (aka Black Hill), located near the Pakistan Border. North of the village of Khavda, the Black Hill marks Kutch’s highest point (462 m), with sweeping views of the Great Rann of Kutch for as far as the eye can see. From here, the entire northern horizon vanishes into the salt marshes, making the desert and sky often indistinguishable. Our convoy will also get to participate in the annual Rann Utsav here, which is a colourful spectacle that offers visitors the opportunity to attend varied folk performances and the chance to lay their hands on some genuine craftwork. We later drive on to the nearby village of Hodka to retire for the night.

Overnight in Hodka

Kalo Dungar

White Rann

��������� ­� ���������������������������������An appetizing breakfast will be followed by a visit to the incomparable White Rann for a full-day experience that is sure to leave you all awe-struck. A magnificent landscape of dazzling white salt that spans an area of 7505 sq. km. The surreal White Desert stretches all the way from Gujarat’s Kutch district to Pakistan’s Sindh province. You will literally be walking on salt and if you continue walking through the White Rann, will end up on the other side of the border. It has many guises too, salt crystals dazzle like diamonds under the scorching sun, and the still vastness almost appears eerie under the bluish glow of the full moon. It will be like nothing you have ever witnessed before.

Overnight in Hodka

We leave Mandvi this morning to make way to Kalo Dungar (aka Black Hill), located near the Pakistan Border. North of the village of Khavda, the Black Hill marks Kutch’s highest point (462 m), with sweeping views of the Great Rann of Kutch for as far as the eye can see. From here, the entire northern horizon vanishes into the salt marshes, making the desert and sky often indistinguishable. Our convoy will also get to participate in the annual Rann Utsav here, which is a colourful spectacle that offers visitors the opportunity to attend varied folk performances and the chance to lay their hands on some genuine craftwork. We later drive on to the nearby village of Hodka to retire for the night.

Overnight in Hodka

An appetizing breakfast will be followed by a visit to the incomparable White Rann for a full-day experience that is sure to leave you all awe-struck. A magnificent landscape of dazzling white salt that spans an area of 7505 sq. km. The surreal White Desert stretches all the way from Gujarat’s Kutch district to Pakistan’s Sindh province. You will literally be walking on salt and if you continue walking through the White Rann, will end up on the other side of the border. It has many guises too, salt crystals dazzle like diamonds under the scorching sun, and the still vastness almost appears eerie under the bluish glow of the full moon. It will be like nothing you have ever witnessed before.

Overnight in Hodka

Porbandar Port

��������������������� ����������� ����� We start early today, for this will be the longest driving day of your road trip. But there is nothing to worry about when you are driving through some of the best roads in the country! We will glide through the silky tarmacs and continue driving all day long towards the city of Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi - Father of the Nation. A bustling port city that was once a centre of maritime activities is also dotted with grand temples, historical monuments and serene beaches. It acts as the gatekeeper of the rich heritage of the region and will take you back to the pages of history. Upon reaching Porbandar, we check-in at our hotel and grab a delicious dinner before hitting the bed for some much-needed rest.

Overnight in Porbandar

Somnath Temple

�������������������� ���� ����� ���� ����������We will begin the day with a visit to possibly the most famous tourist spot of Porbandar, Kirti Mandir is the memorial temple built to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba Gandhi. It is now a museum which houses books written by Gandhiji and items used by him along with some old photographs. Our convoy will then drive to the Somnath Temple near Junagadh. Skirted by the Arabian Sea, the temple commands a spectacular view of the Saurashtra Peninsula. Believed to be the first of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, this is one of the most significant spiritual sites for devotees of Lord Shiva. After paying obeisance, we will continue our drive towards Gir. The long and exciting day draws to a close as we reach Gir by late evening.

Overnight in Gir

Gir National Park

Day 10: (Experience Day)GirA new day offers new scope for adventure. Post breakfast, we will head to Gir National Park, the last home of the Asiatic lions. Spread over an area of 1412 sq. km, the entire forest of the park is dry, deciduous and is an ideal habitat for the lion. Besides lions, leopards are the main attraction of the park. Moreover, the park invites birdwatchers for its more than 200 species of avifauna. Here, we will embark on an adventurous journey with a professional guide, for an incredible encounter with the mighty Asiatic lion in its natural habitat. After sighting the majestic beast along with the others from an open-roof jeep, which will surely be a thrilling experience, we return to the lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Gir

A new day offers new scope for adventure. Post breakfast, we will head to Gir National Park, the last home of the Asiatic lions. Spread over an area of 1412 sq. km, the entire forest of the park is dry, deciduous and is an ideal habitat for the lion. Besides lions, leopards are the main attraction of the park. Moreover, the park invites birdwatchers for its more than 200 species of avifauna. Here, we will embark on an adventurous journey with a professional guide, for an incredible encounter with the mighty Asiatic lion in its natural habitat. After sighting the majestic beast along with the others from an open-roof jeep, which will surely be a thrilling experience, we return to the lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Gir

Ahmedabad

��������������������� ���� ������������The feeling and memories of such trips are truly unforgettable. Gir provides you with the unique experience of visiting a place which almost singularly plays a crucial and defining role in the preservation and sustaining of a specific species. There’s an inspiration there for carnivore conservation around the world. The ultimate driving day is here for our group of road trippers as we drive back to Ahmedabad. The night of farewell will be one to cherish with dinner and making merry, albeit with a twinge of sadness at having to bid farewell to your companions in this astounding journey. Rest assured, you will create some beautiful memories with your travelling mates while uncovering the secrets of this wonderful world we call home.

Overnight in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad

�����������­� �� ������������Adventure travel is more than a vacation; it is freedom. It is intensified living, with maximum thrills per minute. The great joy of adventure is merely leaving all your luxuries and certainties at home and seeing everything you thought you knew in a different light and from a crooked angle. Gujarat offers a wide range of these diverse destinations and attractions, all of which are steeped in a certain charm and history. Time to head back to your chosen destination. We part ways in Ahmedabad with a promise to meet again soon! But don’t be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before we meet again. And meeting again after moments or lifetimes is certain for those who are friends.

INCLUSIONS

COST: INR 1,35,000/- Per Person

EXCLUSIONS• Accommodation on twin occupancy (02 Participants sharing 01 Room)

• Route Planning

• Activities And Visits To Make The Experience Truly Memorable

• Back Up Team With A Crew Vehicle Equipped With GPS, Emergency Food Supplies And First Aid Kit

• Road Book, Map, Wireless Radio Set For Every Vehicle

• Meal – Breakfast, Lunch, Tea And Dinner

• Local Guidance From Experts

• Limited Stock Of Chocolates, Snacks, Water And Soft Beverages For Every Vehicle

• Entry Fee

• Private Airport Transfers

• Your Domestic And International Flight Ticket

• Vehicle and Fuel

• Meals And Drinks Not Mentioned

• Alcoholic Beverages

• Insurance And Documentation Cost Such As Travel Insurance, Visa Applications Etc.

• Vehicle Servicing, Repairs, Toll Taxes, Traffic Fines

• Any Cost Arising Out Of Unforeseen Circumstances Like Ill-health, Vehicle Breakdown Or Repairs, Damage Accruing From Bad Weather, Etc.

• Additional Accommodation Charges Due To Unforeseen Delays In The Journey

• Any Charges For Carrying Video Camera Or Still Camera

• Any Hotel, Subsistence Or Other Cost Incurred Prior To The Official Start Date Of The Expedition And After The Official End Date Of The Expedition

• 5% GST

Kirti Mandir Ahmedabad

Dasada

PorbandarWhite Rann

Local FoodBird Watching

PRESS & SOCIAL MEDIA

This mother-son duo wenton a 50 day road-trip to watch the

cricket world cupJune 23rd 2019

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April 13th 2017

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Drive through 18 countries in49 days with Sanjay Madan and

Tushar Agarwal of AdventuresOverland as they take you on the

most epic journey of your life-a road trip from India to London

January 22nd 2019

Subscribers: 131,000Views: 10 Million +

Followers: 231,685Likes: 230,410

Followers: 21,000Adventure on The Great IndianWorld Trip

August 1st 2014

Guinness World Record for the longest journey in a foreign country: Tushar and Sanjay travelled 17,107 km in Australia alonein 28 days from November 25 - December 22, 2013

Satte Award 2020 - Recognized as the ‘Best Niche Tour Operator’ in India at South Asia’s leading B2B travelland tourism tradeexhibition

Honoured by the Government of UAE at the Dubai Travellers Festival for special contribution towards adventure travel aroundthe world

Represented India at the 2nd ASEAN-India Car Rally 2012, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India andConfederation of Indian Industry (CII)Featured in a 10 episode riveting series on a record breaking road trip - The Great Indian World Trip aired on TLC andDiscovery Science & Turbo. The series is streaming now on Discovery Plus

● The longest drive across most countries: Covered 90,151 km across 50 countries in six continents in 453 days

● The longest journey in South America: Covered 16,159 km across six countries in 75 days

● The longest journey in North America: Passed through nine Central and North American countries, covering 25,621 km

● The South-North drive across the America continents: Drove 27,382 km from the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia in Argentina to the northernmost city, Deadhorse in Alaska, USA

● The most European countries covered: Covered 11,197 km across 22 European countries in 21 days

● The longest journey in a single country: Covered 17,107 km in 28 days, driving in Australia

● First indian driving expedition to Icelandic glacier by a 25 member team which covered 1,302 km in seven days

● The longest Asian countries tour: Covered 8,209 km across five Asian countries in 26 days

● The West-East-West India round trip: First team to drive 7,566 km non-stop for seven days through seven states of India in a record time of 155 hours 50 minutes

● The fastest West-East India expedition: Drove 3,703 km from Koteshwar, Gujarat to Tezu, Arunachal Pradesh in a record time of 73 hours and 55 minutes

● Drive to the highest motorable road: First civilians to drive to the Mana Pass at 18,399 feet

● The fastest trans Himalayan challenge: Driven 5,500 km non-stop for 9 days 6 hours 15 minutes covering the entire Himalayan range in India, Bhutan & Nepal

● The Tata Nano Himalayan expedition: Successfully made it to the world’s highest motorable road at Khardung La (5,602 m) in a 626 cc Tata Nano

● Delhi-Kailash Mansarovar expedition: Driving from Delhi to Mansarovar and Mt. Kailash through Nepal, Tibet/China in eight days

ACHIEVEMENTS