Vibrant Gujarat - Textiles, Tribes and temples of Gujarat
Gujarat is the land of Legends located in the western
coast of India. Its civilization is as old as the Indus valley civilization.
At one point of time the state was ruled by the Gujjar’s and that how it
got its name “Gujarat”. Today Gujarat is one of the most prosperous states
of India. This tour is aimed at giving you a fascinating insight into the
rich cultural traditions and customs of the people of Gujarat. The villages
around Bhuj in Gujarat are inhabited by the local tribals who create and
produce some of the finest craftworks found in whole of India. You will
see process of fine weaving, arts works, handicrafts, block printing and
embroidery. On the tour you will also get to see some of the famous religious
places and wildlife sanctuaries.
This is a suggested tour. It can be tailor-made to suit your
requirements. Please contact
us for a tailor made tour.
Day 01: Arrival / Ahmedabad
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Ahmedabad domestic
airport by our representative and transfer to hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing
of Ahmedabad city visiting various temples, mosques and various historical
monuments. We will also visit Calico Museum at Ahmedabad (depending on the
permission). Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Ahmedabad / Zainabad (300 km) via Modhera & Patan.
After breakfast drive 6 to 7 hrs to Zainabad en route
visiting the ruins of the sun temple at Modhera, an exemplary model of art
and architecture of 11th century. Patan was once the capital of Gujarat
and has been ruled by various dynasties. Today it is one of the famous centres
of Patola Silk Sarees. Zainabad, entrance to the little Rann of Kutch, is
located about 100 kms from Ahmedabad. Evening explore the wild ass sanctuary.
Overnight at hotel / resort.
Day 03: Zainabad / Bhuj (320 km) via Dhamadka.
After early breakfast drive 6 to 7 hrs to Bhuj. En
route visit DSP’s office for collection of permit to visit the Banni Villages.
Bhuj, once the capital of the state Kutch is famous for its forts and palaces.
The villages around Bhuj are very famous for their traditional arts, handicrafts
and embroidery. Overnight Hotel / Resort.
Day 04: Bhuj
Today after breakfast we will proceed to visit the
Banni villages around Bhuj. Some of the villages are famous for weaving,
embroidery, block printing, tie & die printing and traditional nut crackers.
This will be the highlight of the tour especially if you are interested
in handicrafts, textiles and their tribal cultures.
Day 05: Bhuj
Today we will proceed to do some sightseeing Bhuj
city. Evening will be at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06: Bhuj / Gondal (270 km) via Dhamadka.
Morning about 5 to 6 hrs to Gondal en route visiting
Dhamadka village. Dhamadka is a major and famous centre of ajrakh or the
traditional wooden block printing. Gondal, the town is located on the river
Gondali and was once the capital of the prince state of Gondal ruled by
the Rajput clan. It is famous for its Naulakha Palace (nine gems). On arrival
stay at the hotel for overnight.
Day 07: Gondal / Jetpur / Junagadh / Gondal
Today take an excursion to Jetpur famous for the
workshops of block and screen printings and a centre of yarn-dyeing. Proceed
further to Junagadh to visit the carpets of gem-encrusted, the Nawab's tapestry
in the museum and wardrobes. Historical Junagadh is known for its 03rd of
century (BC) Buddhist ruins, medieval palace, complexes of tomb and the
forts. Overnight stay at palace hotel
Day 08: Gondal / Sasan (130 km) via Junagadh
After breakfast drive 2 to 3 hrs to Sasan Gir, the
only abode of lions in Asia. Evening safari into the Gir National Park by
jeep with naturalist. Overnight Camp / Resort.
Day 09 : Sasan
Morning & evening game viewing in the national park
by jeep with naturalist. Overnight Camp / Resort
Day 10 : Sasan / Diu (120 km)
After breakfast 2 hrs to Diu en route visiting the
Somnath Temples. The Somnath temples are located in the shore town of Somnath
in Gujarat. It is one most revered pilgrimage site of hindus. The temple
was rebuilt ad besieged quite a few times. It was raided quite a few times
by Mahmud of Ghazni, who took away all the treasures of the temple. Spend
the evening exploring the union territory town of Daman & Diu. Overnight
at Hotel.
Day 11: Diu / Bhavnagar (200 km)
Morning drive 4 hrs to the Port city of Bhavnagar.
It was founded by the Guhil rajput rulers. Evening explore the city with
your guide. Overnight Hotel
Day 12 : Bhavnagar / Uteliya (220 km)
After breakfast drive 4 hrs to Uteliya en route visiting
Palitana. Jain temples here are considered to be the most sacred of all
the temples. On arrival check into the hotel. Evening visit the Uteliya
town with your hosts or guide. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Uteliya / Ahmedabad
Morning excursion to Lothal to see the ruins of Indus
Valley civilization, dating back to 2nd BC. After late lunch drive to Ahmedabad
(80 km). On Arrival check into Hotel for overnight.
Day 14 : Ahmedabad / Departure
Transfer to airport for flight to onward destination.
