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Tirthadhiraj Shri Shetrunjay – "Palitana".

Palitana is one of the most important pilgrim spots for Jains. The Shetrunjaya hill, with it’s 863 temple covered mountain summit, 600 meters over the town is considered by many Jains to be more important then the temple covered hills of Bihar, Gwalior, Mt Abu and Girnar. Palitana was the capital of a princely state of the Gohil Rajput clan, was known for it’s Kathiawadi horses, and has a number of palatial buildings. It is also one of the greatest tourist attractions in Gujarat for foreign tourists.

Temple city on a mountain.

THE PATH winds through 3950 steps for a trying 3.5 km up the scrub-covered Shetrunjaya Hills. Much of the track is unshaded and the higher you climb the more the heat haze skimmers across the plains for below. And then, after two hours and a quarter, Palitana spreads white and crenellated above you. Camelot must have been like this, rising above the plains, wrapped in its own mystique.

Some of the 863 temples of Palitana were built in the 11th century. Construction activity, however, spanned 900 years. As successive worshippers of the non-violent and trading Jain community designed their own temples, they cleared the crest of the hill, levelled it into terraces, walled and fortified most of them.

The massed towers and domes of Palitana, many of them in bone-white marble, thus seem to sit on a number of giant and haphazard steps, surrealistic with striated light and shade, threaded through with the bright weaving patterns of pilgrims. And over it all is the resonance of constantly tolling bells and the sonorous chant of worshippers.

Young people, preferably the little and lissom, wriggle under the raised foreleg of an equestrian statue. Those who can make it, apparently, have a reasonable assurance of salvation: though not everyone believes this.

From Palitana rise the hills of Shatrunjaya dedicated to the Jain faith. Over 600 metres high, Shatrunjaya river flows at the foot of the hills and the setting is memorable in beauty. There are 863 shrines on the hill, the most notable being the temple of Shri Adishwara, the first Tirthankara or Apostle of the Jains. Glistening in the sunlight, these exquisite temples, built over a period of 900 years are architectural wonders and look like a carefully arranged group of ivory and stone miniatures. The most sacred temple on the hill is of Shri Adishwara. The temple ceremonies are worth seeing. Other important temples are the temples of Kumarpal, Vimalsha, Sampriti- Raja and Charmukh. The Charmukh or four-faced shrine was built in the early 17th century. It houses a quadruple image of Adinath looking simultaneously in four directions Other temples at the foot of the hill are Agam Mandir,Babu's temple and the Temple of Mirrors so called because of its dome carved with multi-coloured mirrors. The approach to these temples is by means of a flight of steps which takes about one and a half hour to climb and about an hour to descend. Dolis or sling chairs are also available at the foot of the hills. Distance from the foot of the hills to the temples is approximately 4 km.

The temple covered Shetrunjaya hill, 2000 ft over Palitana town, believed to span 863 shrines in all has some really exquisite marble temples of great religious and artistic importance, containing arches, carved pillars and bejeweled idols. The temples date from 11th to the 20th century. The summit is the most revered of Jain temple complexes, surpassing those of Mt Abu, Gwalior, Girnar and Bihar. Palitana town is a good place to shop for textile related handicrafts and has a Jain kala sansta with ancient paintings and manuscripts.

SHETRUNJAYA HILL

The peak is a 3 ½ km climb of over 3500 steps from the town. The cluster of over 800 temples are divided into tuks.The largest and highest tuk is the Khartavasi tuk, with the 16th century Adinatha temple with images of the tirthankars, the 19th century Vallabhi temple with it’s finely clustered spires and the massive 1836 AD Motisah temple. Other important temples are the 16th century Adiswara temple in the Vimlavasi tuk, the Ramaji Gadhariya temple and the 18th century Bhulavani. Other important temples can be seen in the Sakara Premchand Tuk, Ujambi Hemabhai tuk, Sheth Hemabhai Vakatachand tuk and other enclosures. Throughout the cluster you can see detailed carvings, beautiful idols and images, jeweled statues and intricate toranas. Sunrise behind the temples is a great sight. You can enjoy views from the summit of the hills and the river Shetrunjaya. On a clear day, the Gulf of Cambay sea coast can be seen. The summit can be visited from 7-19 hrs.

Jain tirthas are of two types:

1. Places where someone had attained Nirvana. These include

o Where Tirthankaras have obtained Moksha (e.g. Sammed Shikhara, Girnar, Pava)

o Sites connected with non-tirthankaras (e.g. Shatrunjaya)

2. Places which are famous for other reasons. These can be places of historical, archaeological or spiritual significance (e.g. Shravanabelgola, Mahavirji, Mt. Abu).

There are perhaps a couple of hundred major and minor tirthas. Many, like Shatrunjaya-Palitana, are "temple-cities".Shatrunjaya enclosure is spread over nine hill tops and about 20 acres. How many temple are at Shatrunjaya? Depends on how you count. Some say 108, the "Lonely Planet" Guide mentions 863, others say about 3500. There are many "chauvisis" (set of 24 small identical shrines). Actually there are 108 large temples and 872 small shrines with about 7000 images total. The main temple is dedicated to lord Rishabha.

Shatrunjaya is assocoated with the Nirvana of Pundarika, son of Bharata (the Chakravarti, after whom India is named Bhaarat) and grandson and Ganadhar of Rishabh, the first Jina (also called Adi-nath). The main sources of the tradition associated with the mountain are "Saravali" (perhaps written in 11th century) and Vividha-tirtha-kalpa (14^th cent.) etc. The tirtha has been rebuilt many times. According to VTK, the 14th rebuilding (uddhaar) was done by Vagbhatta, a Minister of King Kumarpal in VS 1220, however according to Shatrunjaya Rasa, the 14^th rebuilding was by BahaDade Munhate, son of a minister of Kumarpal. In both accounts, the builder was the son of Udayan of Shrimal jnyati. It was destroyed in VS 1369 by Allauddin Khilji. Later rebuldings occurred in VS 1371, 1587 and 1649. In 16th century, Hiravijaya Suri of Tapa-Gachchha met Akbar and obtained the grant of the hill. The main shrine of Adi-nath by Tejpal Soni was built in VS 1649 under the direction of Hiravijaya Suri. This gave the impetus to proliferation of shrines on the hill. In 1656 AD the village Palitana was granted to Shantidas Jhaveri, leader of the Jain community by Muradbaksh, the governer of Gujrat. In 1730 AD, the management was assigned to Anadji Kalyanji trust.

Archaeology: The oldest available object on the hill is an idol of Pundarika (he was not a Tirthankar, but since he obtained moksha, he can be worshiped) installed in 1006 AD. Since it is mentioned in the Shvetambara canonical books, it was already a famous tirtha by the fifth century.

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Commanding a special place on the Gujarat travelers' map, Palitana is a must visit' destination for the Jains and all those who would like to witness what the subtle combination of human enterprise, architectural skills, philanthropy and channelised religious fervour can achieve. The entire summit of majestic mount Shatrunjaya is crowned with about 900 temples, each rivaling the other for beauty and magnificence, presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle to devotees and visitors.

The town was an imperial Thana during the Mughal era, which grew into the capital of Palitana State of the princely Kathiawad. The feuds and the rivalries culminating into the battles during the reign of Rajput king Unadji reminds us of the sacrificial chivalry of that age. Taking advantage of the occupation of Bhavnagar army with Maratha forces, Unadji had attacked Sihor. In retaliation Gohil Wakhatsinhji, the then ruler of Bhavnagar, laid siege on Palitana. Unadji's stubborn resistance, which compelled the Bhavnagar forces to retire, is even today, many generations later remembered by the residents of this temple town.

The mount Shatrunjaya lies hardly a kilometer away from the town, the way, which is now thronged on both the sides by sarais and minor temples, including Kala Bhandars (museums). The mountain is associated with Rishabhdev, the first tirthankar, also known as Adinath. It is believed that all the tirthankars, except Neminath, attained nirvan here; imparting sacredness and earning an epithet of Siddhakshetra. The summit is divided into two peaks, but the valley between has been partly built with masonry by a wealthy Jain merchant Motishah. The entire summit is covered with temples among which the most famous are those of Adinath, Kumarpal, Vimalshah, Samprati Raja and the Chomukh, which is the highest and can be distinguished from a distance. The multitude of temples, half palaces, half fortresses and made of splendid marble, with their spires aiming the skies present a spectacle unmatched for its scale and magnitude.

Visitors naturally wonder how such a mammoth task of covering the entire summit with temples has been achieved. The answer is simple. Generations after generation of Jain devotees have spent money on some construction or the other on the Shatrunjaya. This is aptly described in Ras Mala thus: There is hardly a city in India, through its length and breadth, that has not supplied at one time or other, contributions of wealth to the edifices which crown the hill of Palitana.

Because of its sanctity, every devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his lifetime. The journey is arduous. The walk up the stone stairway hewn into the mountain face takes about an hour and a half. For those unable or unaccustomed to the strain, sling-chairs are available at a bargain. The code for the climbers is stringent, in keeping with the rigours of the Jain faith. Food must neither be eaten nor carried on the way. The descent must begin before it is evening, for no soul can remain atop the sacred mountain during the night and Gods are to be left alone. Such is the mystique of Palitana, the summit of Shatrunjaya.

While atop one can also visit a Muslim shrine of Angar Pir. The Pir's blessings are invoked by the childless women for to be blessed with children. They offer miniature cradles to the Pir and the shrine is strewn with such cradles. Visitors with special interest in temple ornament can contact Hill Inspector or The Manager, Anandji Kalyanji Trust, for viewing the jewellery that adorn the deities on ceremonial occasions.

Mulnayak : Nearly 216 cms. high, white-colored and brightly shining idol of Bhagawan Adishvar with a serene and peaceful face and in the Padmasana posture

Tirth : It is on the Shetrunjaya Mt. at a distance of nearly six kilometers near the city of the bank of the river Shetrunjaya.

Historicity : This tirth is known as the eternal tirth. The ancient name of the city of Palitana was Padliptapur. In olden times this mountain was also called Pundarikgiri. Palitana is a city of temples. Worshippers come to Palitana, take a bath in the river, bow down to the 99 idols and cross the ocean of re-births. In this avasarpinikala (the descending half of the wheel of time), the temple was renovated 16 times as under.

First Renovation : By Chakravarti Bharot, the son of Bhagawan Adinath.

Second Renovation : By the King named Dandavirya.

Third Renovation : By Shri Ishaneshvar in the interim period between the times of the first and the second Tirthankaras.

Fourth Renovation : By Mahendra of the fourth upper world(dev-loko).

Fifth Renovation : By Brahmendra of the fifth upper world.

Sixth Renovation : By Chamarendra, Indra of Bhavanapatis.

Seventh Renovation : By Sagar Chakravarti, the second Chakravarti of the times of Bhagawan Ajitnath.

Eighth Renovation : By Vyantarendra in the times of Abhinandan Swami.

Ninth Renovation : By King Chandrayasha in the times of Chandraprabh Swami

Tenth Renovation : By Chakradhar, the son of Bhagawan Shantinath in the times of Bhagawan Shantinath.

Eleventh Renovation : By Ramchandraji and Lakshamanji in the times of Munisuvrat Swami.

Twelfth Renovation : By the five Pandavas in the times of Bhagawan Neminathji.

Thirteenth Renovation : By Sheth Javed Shah of Mahuva in the year 108 of the Vikram era. He spent a million gold mohurs. In exuberance of joy, he died and was re-born in the fourth upper world (dev-loke).

Fourteenth Renovation : By the advisor Bahud in the times of Kumarpal in the year 1213 of the Vikram era.

Fifteenth Renovation : By Shri Samara Shah in the year 1371 of the Vikram era.

Sixteenth Renovation : By Shri Karama Shah of Chitod on the auspicious sixth day of the dark half of the month of Vaishakh in the year 1587 of the Vikram era.

The renovations mentioned above, give us a glimpse of the ancient times.

The auspicious occasion of bathing the idol in holy water on the mountain was splendidly celebrated. The festival of the last installation of the idol by Sheth Rajnikant Mohanlal Zaveri (Devadi) and Sheth Shantichand Balubhai Zaveri was celebrated under the inspiration of His Holiness Acharya Vijaychandradaysurisvarji Maharaj Saheb on the sixth day of the bright half of the month of Posh in the year 2047 of the Vikram era in the presence of 27 Acharyas 3200 Sadhusadhvis and lakhs of Shravakas and Shravikas. This splendid festival reminded one of the sixteen old renovations and the city of Palitala looked majestic like Indra’s capital. Here in exuberance of joy, the heart of Rajnibhai stopped functioning and he left for a higher state of life. Even today necessary renovations are being made by the Svetambar Jain Sangha and the Anandji Kalyanji Trust. Leader of the Sangha of Mt. Shetrunjaya.

On Mt. Shetrunjaya, there were many sangha leaders from Chakravati Bharat to Samara Shah and even the present times have seen many sangha leaders. Many sanghas come on foot or in vehicles to pilgrimage this mountain. Pilgrims, who come on foot follow the necessary code of conduct, devote themselves to penance or worship and devoutly reach the sacred place.

From this holy mountain, many infinite souls went and will go to Maksa. Twenty-three Tirthankaras other then Neminath put their on feet on land and added to its holiness. Everyone wishes touch the sand made holy by the touch of feet of Adinath in order to get liberated from good and bad karma and attain Moksha. As the navkar mantra is great and beneficent, so Mt. Shetrunjaya is great and beneficent.

The Jaytaleti : In the Jaytaleti, there are 28 temples in all. In them, there are 41 foot-idol. Pilgrims visit at least five temples and the first of them is the Jaytaleti. Pilgrims put the sand of this place on their head and go further and bow down to the idol in the Dharmadas Jain Temple. Then of they reach the beautiful and artistic temple with a vast open square. The chief idol there is of Bhagawan Adishvar. In front of the temple, there is a temple of Pundarik Swami. Inside, there is Jalmandir on the left-hand side. There is an idol of Bhagawan Adishvar standing in deep meditation. There is mini-Shetrunjaya with nine peaks. The pilgrims who cannot climb the mountain can bow down the idol there.

There is a temple of Saraswatidevi near the Samavasaran temple to the right of the road ascending from the Jaytaleti to the mountain. The serene idol of Saraswatidevi on the goose is very ancient and impressive Here gurus and pandits practiced penance. School-going children are specially brought here. This temple was installed in the year 1860 of the Vikram era. The Jain religion is great and its tirths are spectacular and wonderful. Showing the worship of the worshippers, charitability of the donors, sadhana of spiritual endeavourers and equanimity of Sadhus, these tirths inspire the pilgrims to cross the ocean of samsara.

The samavasaran temple is the symbol of this aim. It presents many tirths at the same place. The 108 life-sketches are excellent works of sculpture. They are splendid beyond imagination. For scholars who are thirsty of knowledge and for lovers of sculpture, this is a small University. There are idols of tirthankaras facing temple the 108 idols of Bhagawan Parshvanath in the samavasaran temple. The 108 ft. high on the vast piece of land built near babudera at the height of 81 ft. from the foot of the Mt. Was built under inspiration of His Highness Acharya Vijaychadrodaysurisvarji. In took 14 year of hard work to build it. Outside, one sees the wall paintings of Jain tirths. They are tons painted in various colors. Above all, the Ashok tree and the Chaitya tree weighing 500 are there. On the gem-pillar, there is a clinches high, four-mouthed idol of Bhaghawan Mahavir Swami. It seems as if he is giving sermons.

Going further, one comes to the hado of Hingraj. Ambikadevi is known here by the name of Hingarajmata, the presiding deity on this hill. In ancient times, the pilgrims sometimes lost their way on the hills. They then prayed to Hingrajmata and found their way. This peaceful and lovely place is most suitable for sadhana. Even today, one sees the miracles of Padmavatidevi. On seeing the tunk of the chief temple of Dada and the summits of the nine tunks, one dances with joy. Then passing by the temple of Varikhijj, the Hirakund, the temples of Rama, Bharat and Thavachchaputra, one reaches Hanumandhara. Here, the road to the right leads to navtunk and the road to the left to the tunk of Dada.

On the way to Navtunk, there is an entrance window. Entering the window, one comes to the shrine of Angarsha, the Muslin saint. In the Muslim age, a Muslim King erected it for protection of the tirth.

Then one comes to the Narsinh Kesharji tunk built by Narsinh Kesharji in the year 1921 of the Vikram era. The chief idol there is of Bhagawan Shantinath. Then there is the tunk of Choumukhji. It is the highest tunk on the mount. It was renovated by Sheth Sadasomji in the year 1975 of the Vikram era.

Behind this tunk, there are idols of Pandavas. The Chhipavasahi tunk was built by Chhipa brothers in the year 1791 of the Vikram era. The chief idol is of Bhagawan Adinath. The Sakarvasahi tunk was built by Sheth Sakalchand Premchand in the year 1893 of the Vikram era. The chief idol is of Bhagawan Chintamani Parshvanath. The Nandishvar tunk was built by Smt. Ujambai in the year 1893 of the Vikram era. The chief idol is of Bhagawan Chandranan. The Hemvasahi tunk was built by Sheth Hemabhai of Ahmedabad in the year 1886 of the Vikram era. The chief idol is of Bhagawan Adinath. The Premvasahi tunk was built by Premchand Modi in the year 1843 of the Vikram era. The chief idol is Bhagawan Adishvar. The Balavasahi tunk was built by Balabhai in the year 1893 of the Vikram era. The tunk of Motisha Sheth was built by Sheth Shri Motisha in the year 1893 of the vikram era. The chief idol is of Bhagawan Adishvar.

Besides all the above tunks, the vast multitude of temples adds to the glory and grandeur of the mountain. Behind the mountain, there are Pages of gheti (ewe’s feet). There are ancient foot-idols of Bhagawan Adishvar. The road outside the chief tunk, leads there. The return journey to this place, brings a double reward.

Then comes Rampol. It is an artistic and beautiful gateway to Mokshanagar, the city of temples. The road to the left is the round road of 6 gaus. (1 gau = 3.2 kms). To the right of Rampol, there is a water-hut. It is built by Manibhai Lalbhai of the Jivanamani Sadvachanmala Trust. On entering Rampol, one comes to the tunk of Sheth Motasha. Then there is a five peaked temple. Then one comes to the three-peaked temple. The Sagalpol is a resting-place for women who carry children to school. The road passing between Sagarpol and the Motasha tunks leads to Gheti’s paga (ewe’s foot-idols). Then there are Vaghanpol, the tunk of Vimalvasahi, the temple of Bhagawan Shnatinath and the small temples of Shri Chakreshvaridevi and Shri Padmavatidevi. In front of the small temples, there is a temple of Kavad Yaksha. Then there is an artistic temple of Bhagawan Neminath. It has a raised square in it. Further, there is a Paap-punya window with a statue of a female camel. The pilgrim is supposed to pass between her legs. It is, therefore, also called the moksha-window. Thus passing by a number of temples, one reaches Hathipol. The new gate of Hathipol is splendid and delightful. There are lovely stone elephants on both sides. Then one comes to the temple of Bhagawan Adhishvar. On seeing the chief idols of Bhagawan Adinath in the beautiful large temple with a series of domes and charming high summits, the heart of the worshippers dances with joy, the soul delights and the worshippers respectfully bow their heads down to the feet of God. The exhaustion of the pilgrims who have climbed 3800 steps is instantly removed.

The construction of the temple is wonderful, elegant and very artistic. 1245 pitchers and 21 idols of lions brightly shine in the temple. The four yoginis, the ten digpals, 72 dev-kulikas, the four gavaxesx, the 32 dolls and the 32 torarchs, make the temple look very beautiful and extraorindary.

As the tunk of Dada has three (paradakshinas) round side-passages, all small as well as big temples can be seen. The round side-passage represent knowledge, faith and conduct. Passing through the first passage, one sees the Sahasrakund temple, the foot-idols under the Rayan tree, the temple of idols of feet of Ganadhar and the temple of Simandhar Swami. Passing through the second passage, one sees the new temple of Bhagawan Adishvar, Mt. Meru, the temple of samavasaran and the temple of Samat Sikhar. Passing through the third passage one sees the temple of Astapad, the new tunk, the temple of Gandhariya Chowmukhi and the temple of Chowmukhji.

Other temples : In this holy city of temples there are very many temples. Among them, the Vardhaman Jain Agam mandir, the Minakari temple, the Jambudvip temple and the Kesariyaji temple are unsurpassed and extraordinary. The Vijnan Bhavan in the Jambudrip temple is an excellent work of art and explains the Science of the Jain religion. It is really a challenge to modern scientists.

Works of art and sculpture : This mountain has 3800 steps. On it, there are 700 temples with summits. 7000 idols are installed in them. The artistry and sculpture of these temples aptly illustrate the ancient art. How could the large marble stones be carried to the tops of high hills, thousands of years ago when modern machines were not available? This is a puzzle of modern architects and engineers.

Guidelines for pilgrims : The nearest railway station is Palitana. It is at a distance of 48 kilometers from Bhavnagar and 30 kilometers from Shihor. Bus service and private vehicles are available here. The foot of the hill is at a distance of 105 kilometers from Palitana. The ascending road from the foot of the hill to the chief tunk, is four kilometers long. There is a provision for swinging-cots for weak and old people. At present, there are a thousand men who carry pilgrims in swinging-cots. In Palitana, there are nearly 150 dharmashalas with many facilities. There are many upashrayas, bhojanshalas, jnanmandirs, pathshala, chhatralayas etc. Under the inspiration of His Holiness Vijayvishalsensurisvarji Maharaj Saheb, the vast Jainkala Sansthan Museum is recently built at the foot of the hill near Shri Kesariyaji temple. It is intended to preserve the very ancient cultural heritage of the Jain religion.

Trust : Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, Taleti Road, Palitana-364270.Dist Bhavnagar, Gujarat State, India.

Bhavnagar 55 km

Junagadh 215 km

Ahmedabad 218 km

Porbandar 294 km

Gujarat State Transport bus services connect Palitana with Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Vadodara, and Surat.

PLACES TO STAY

For luxury or deluxe hotels it is recommended to stay in Bhavnagar. The only hotel is Sumeru Toran (Gujarat tourism).

150 dharamshalas, ashrams and guest houses.

PLACES TO EAT

Siddhgiri bhojnalaya(Kathiawadi), Sidh Kshetra Bhojnalaya(Jain), Vaishali(Gujarati, South Indian), Sumeru toran(N Indian).

Welcome aboard The Royal Orient ! Welcome to a rare delight, a special experience. Rare, because in our fast - paced lives, it is not often, that we can take time off to unwind, and taste the pleasures of our own culture. Special, because your journey will transport you, and your family, back in time : to the age of the Maharajas. To take you there is The Royal Orient - one of the world's most exotic trains. Weave through two of India's most culturally fascinating states, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Cross the Indian deserts at nights, and take day trips to fascinating places by luxury coach.

The Royal Orient will transport you to palaces and forts, steeped in legends of heroism and chivalry. You can savour the palpable spirituality of an ancient Jain temple-city. You can soak your feet in the warm waters of the Arabian sea, and laze on the beach. You can safari in dense jungles, and feast your eyes on the only surviving lions, outside of Africa. You can shop for exquisite handicrafts, as old as time itself, in shops blaring Michael Jackson music. The Royal Orient has been provided with personalised service, the kind that only royalty were privileged with. A cuisine truly fit for kings and queens. Thirteen coaches ans saloons, inspired from mighty kingdoms.

A joint venture of the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited and the Indian Railways, The RoyalOrient promises you seven memorable days and nights; those that will leave an indelible impression on your consciousness- waking up to see the Aravalli range spanning the horizon, watching the moon gradually rise up, through the twilight to glimmer on domes and minarets of a lost era, liveried attendants to take utmost care of your every need.

The Royal Orient comes equipped with all the modern conveniences you would expect - air-conditioned cabins, the 'Watering Hole' bar with all your favourite drinks, running hot and cold water, spacious baths, clean and comfortable cabins, multicuisine restaurants and a library.

(7 nights / 8 days)

1 ngt Delhi / 1 ngt Chittaurgarh / 2 ngts Ahmedabad / 1 ngt Sasangir / 1 ngt Palitana / 1 ngt Jaipur

Day 01 Wednesday, Delhi

Tea and dinner on board The Royal Orient. Leave for Chittaurgarh.

Day 02 Thursday, Chittaurgarh Operational halt for one hour. Visit Chittaurgarh Fort. Leave forUdaipur. Udaipur : Lunch at hotel. Visit City Palace, Tripolia Gates, Sahelion-ki-Bari (Royal Gardens), and Shilpgram (Craft Village). Leave for Junagadh. Dinner on board.

Day 03 Friday, Ahmedabad

Operational halt for one hour. Breakfast and lunch on board. Junagadh : Visit Ashoka Rock Edictof the 3rdCentury B.C., Darbar Hall Museum, Mausoleum of Nawab Mahabat Khanji. Leave for Veraval : Visit Shiva Temple at Somnath. Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 04 Saturday, Sasangir

Leave for Sasangir. Early breakfast on board. Sasangir : Visit the Lion Sanctury. Lunch on board. Visit Ahmedpur Mandvi beach and Diu (Fort and St. Pauls Church). Leave for Palitana. Dinner on board.

Day 05 Sunday, Palitana

Breakfast on board. Visit 863 Jain Temples atop Shatrunjaya Hills. The 3,572 steps can be climbed or, if you so desire, please use the chairslings arranged for you. Leave for Sarkhej. Lunch on board. Sarkhej : Visit and have dinner at Vishalla Village. Proceed to Ahmedabad by bus.

Day 06 Monday, Ahmedabad

Breakfast on board. Visit Adlaj Step Well, Gandhi Ashram, Calico Textiles Museum, Hathising Jain Temple, Sidi Sayyad's Mosque. Time free for shopping. Lunch at hotel. Leave for Jaipur. Tea and dinner on board.

Day 07 Tuesday, Jaipur

Breakfast on board. Visit City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Hawa Mahal. Lunch at hotel. Visit Amber Fort. Enjoy an elephant ride. Leave for Delhi. dinner on board.

Day 08 Wednesday, Delhi

Reach Delhi Cantt. Railway Station.

The meter gauge luxury train - The Royal Orient has 13 saloons, each saloon has 4 Cabins with attached toilet and bath. There are two restaurant saloons and a bar saloon.

Occupancy Per person / per night.

Two person USD 200.00

Three person USD 175.00

Single person USD 350.00

Half fare for children between 5-12 years old.

Tariff includes cost of travel, full catering, conducted sightseeing tours in deluxe coaches, entrance fees for monuments and palaces, cultural entertainment, elephant ride at jaipur, camel ride at Jai salmer, boat ride to and from Lake Palace Hotel at Udaipur, still camera fees and one bottle of mineral water per person per day. Tariff does not include liquor, extra mineral water, laundry and other personal expenses.

This Site is developed by Dharmesh Doshi and Arpan Doshi

Something about me :

I am from Mokhadka, 6 kms. Frpm Palitana. Mokhadka also has a very beautiful Mahavir Swami Derasar. Also it is famous for its chilly powder in the whole world. Since last 10 yrs. I am in Mulund, Mumbai. You can contact Dr. R. M. Doshi (Ph. 2323) at Palitana regarding any suggestions and comments on this site. You can contact me to mail by clicking the below icon.

Dharmesh Doshi

dharmeshd@rediffmail.com