West India Travel
The
name 'Gujarat' is said to have been derived from the Prakrit Gujjar Ratta or
Gujjar Rashtra - the land of Gujjars - a tribe that entered India with the Huns
in ancient time and wandering through Punjab and Rajasthan, settled in western
India.
Even before the advent of the Aryans, Gujarat had trade links with the
ancient civilisation of Sumer, Babylon, Assyria and Egypt. The pre-Arayan Harappan
culture survived here for over five centures after it was destroyed in Sind
and Punjab. The ancient port of Lothal excavated recently has been identified
as one of the most important centres of the 4500 years old Indus Valley Civilisation.
Gujarat is a complete destination in itself. Imposing buildings, ancient
monuments, mosques, temples attract a large number of tourists to Ahemdabad.

The
most fasincating Palitana Temples at Shetrunjay Hills, dominating the landscape
for miles is one of the most sacred places for Jains. Ancient temple of Somnathpur
near Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, Union Territory of Diu with its Portuguese characteristics;
the house of majestic Lion at Sasangir and imposing forts at Junagardh are some
of the highlights of visit to South of Gujarat. The west is dominated by Runn
of Kutchh, the breeding ground of Flamingo, Pelican and the heart of Gujarat's
handicrafts buisiness flourishing for many centuries. The tribal belt at Bhuj
- The Rabaris can be seen all around in their traditional dresses, busy in the
fields of art and culture.
Maharashtra, India's third largest state in area and population is one
of the foremost state in agricultural and industrial production. Marathi is
the predominant language of the state. The deep sense of nationality and unity
among the Maharashtrians, whose ancestors defied the mighty Mughals under the
leadership of their great hero and king, Chhatrapati Shivaji.
The pride city of Maharashtra, the commercial capital of India, Bombay
famous for Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves and many other imposing
buildings, museums is also the gateway point for tours to South

India and Goa. The other most important tourist town of Aurangabad,named for
the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb, is most famous for Buddhist Cave paintings at
Ajanta and rock cut Kailash Temple at Ellora.
Pune, another fast grown industrial town with pleasant climate year around
is also an institutional centre of Maharashtra, 170 kms from Bombay. Besides,
Maharashtra's Ghat areas near the Konkan coastal houses several small hill stations.
The closes to Bombay is Matheran, Mahabaleshwar and Lonavla. Karla and Bhaja
Caves are 12 km from Lonavla
States of West India
» Gujarat
» Maharashtra
» Goa
Itineraries Which Includes the Above Mentioned States of West India.
» UI 04 - Ajanta
Duration : 5 Nights ( for the whole year )
Destinations : Aurangabad - Ellora - Ajanta Caves
» UI 04A - Forts
& Palaces
Duration : 8 Nights ( for the whole year )
Destinations : Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Samode - Jaipur
- Agra - Delhi (Extension to UI 04)
» UI 05 - Gujarat Introduction
Duration : 3 Nights ( for the whole year )
Destinations : Ahemdabad - Bhavnagar - Palitana - Ahemdabad
» UI 05A. - Tribes
& Wild
Duration : 7 Nights ( for the whole year )
Destinations : Ahmedpur - Mandvi - Somnath - Sasangir - Junagadh - Gondal
- Wankaner - Bhuj - Zainabad - Ahemdabad (Extension to UI 04)
West India Tourism, Reservation Form