Day Tour

The journey begins with pickup from the guest’s preferred location within Ahmedabad city. Enjoy a scenic drive through the rural heartland of Gujarat, passing through farming villages and countryside landscapes en route to Modhera.

Arrive in the quiet village of Modhera, home to one of India’s most architecturally remarkable temple complexes – the Modhera Sun Temple, built in 1026 AD by King Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and is considered a masterpiece of Solanki architecture.

Explore the following key features of the temple:

• Surya Kund: A grand stepped tank in front of the temple, surrounded by miniature shrines. The geometrical layout of the steps and the symmetry is breathtaking.
• Sabha Mandap (Assembly Hall): This pillared hall features intricately carved pillars depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and everyday life.
• Guda Mandap (Sanctum Sanctorum): Though no longer active for worship, the sanctum once housed the idol of the Sun God. The entire temple is built so that the first rays of the sun illuminate the sanctum on equinox days.

The carvings, placement, and astronomical orientation showcase the advanced scientific understanding and architectural finesse of ancient Gujarat.

In Patan, explore the magnificent Rani Ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered one of the finest and most ornate stepwells in India. Built in the 11th century by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband King Bhimdev I, this stepwell is not just a water structure but a subterranean temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Highlights of Rani Ki Vav include:

• Seven levels of carved steps leading down to the water source.
• Over 800 intricately carved sculptures depicting Hindu gods and goddesses, celestial nymphs, sages, apsaras in various poses, and scenes from mythology.
• The lowest level has a sculpture of Sheshashayi Vishnu, resting on the serpent Ananta, symbolizing the cosmic balance of life.

The symmetry, iconography, and craftsmanship make it one of the greatest architectural legacies of Gujarat.

After sightseeing, enjoy a traditional Gujarati lunch at a local restaurant in Patan, featuring delicacies like bhakri, sabzi, dal, kadhi, khichdi, and local sweets.

After lunch, visit the Patola House / Patan Patola Heritage Museum, a private initiative by the Salvi family that has preserved and promoted the dying art of double ikat Patola weaving for generations. Learn about:

• The complex and time-intensive technique of Patola weaving, where both warp and weft threads are dyed before weaving.
• View original Patola saris, some of which take 6 months to a year to complete.
• Explore exhibits on the cultural history and legacy of the Patola tradition, once worn exclusively by royals and aristocrats.

Guests also have the opportunity to interact with artisans and shop for authentic handcrafted Patola products.

After a culturally rich day of temple architecture, heritage crafts, and stepwell wonders, begin your comfortable return drive to Ahmedabad.

Reach Ahmedabad and get dropped off at your preferred location. The tour concludes with beautiful memories of Gujarat’s golden age of art, devotion, and design.