Destinations: Ahmedabad, Palaces of Gondal, Jetpur, Junagadh, Gir National Park, Jamnagar, Dasada & Patan
Duration: 09 Nights & 10 Days
Tour Code: 293
Description
The northwestern state of Gujarat is home to a rich history and culture, much of it influencing daily life even today, and the best evidence of this is in the traditional handicrafts and textiles of this region. These pieces are more than just souvenirs; they are also pieces of art that speak to the region’s rich cultural past. Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and traditions of Gujarat with this tour. In addition, this tour includes some of the best wildlife sites in Gujarat, from the saline deserts of Kutch to Gir National Park, the jewel in the crown of Wild Gujarat.
Itinerary Overview
Day 01: Arrival Ahmedabad
Accommodations: House of Mangaldas Girdhardas, a heritage hotel, or Hotel Cama, one of Ahmedabad’s first star-rated hotels. Both are conveniently located for visiting the museums and textile workshops of Ahmedabad.
Arrive at Ahmedabad and visit the Calico Museum of Textiles and other museums exhibiting textiles and handicrafts. Ahmedabad is also a major centre for textiles and handicrafts and has interesting markets and bazaars.
Day 02: Ahmedabad to Palaces of Gondal
Accommodations: Riverside Palace / Orchard Palace, both heritage hotels decorated with pieces from the private textile collection of the Maharani of Gondal.
Drive to Sayla for lunch at a heritage hotel and visit nearby villages to watch weavers at work and to see local beadwork. Continue to Gondal, known for its beadwork, silver jewelry, and brassware. Visit cottage industries of Gondal to watch spinners, weavers, and other artisans at work, and the Naulakha Palace with beautiful beadwork, brass utensils, silverware,e and hand-painted wooden toys from the princely collection.
Day 03: Gondal – Jetpur – Junagadh – Gir National Park
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge
Drive to Gir National Park via Jetpur is known for its screen-printing factories, block-printing, and textile units. Junagadh has museums exhibiting textiles of the erstwhile Nawab, including beautiful carpets
Day 04: Gir National Park to Jamnagar
Accommodations: Hotel President
Morning drive in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Proceed to Jamnagar is known for its bandhini (tie-and-dye)
Day 05: Jamnagar to Sharma Resort, Kutch
Accommodation: Sharma Resorts, the only four-star in Kutch District. Nearby Gandhidam has an excellent textile market.
Anjar is a centre for textile and metal handicrafts.
Day 06: Kutch Explore
Accommodation: Sharma Resorts, the only four-star resort in the Kutch District
Drive to Bhuj, calling in on the way at villages known for their ajrakh block printing, Ahir embroidery, Rabari embroidery, and master weavers. Spend the rest of the day visiting the markets & monuments.
Day 07: Full Day Village Tour
Accommodation: Sharma Resorts
Visit the villages of Sodha Rajputs, Muslim pastoral groups like the Jaths and Muthwas, and their sub-groups, Hindu pastoral groups like the Rabaris, Meghwal Harijans, and other communities known for their exquisite embroidery.
Day 08: Sharma Resort, Kutch to Rann Riders Safari Resort, Dasada
Accommodation: Rann Riders at Dasada, a resort imaginatively designed using local materials and handicrafts.
Dasada is known for its Vadiara, Rabari, and Bharwad embroidery.
Also, visit weavers and other artisans.
Day 09: Dasada to Patan
Accommodation: Rann Riders
Patan is known for Patola Silk Weaving, a rare double-ikat weaving technique.
Day 10: Dasada Departure
Tour ends with happy notes
