Gujarat Cultural Tour
Duration
13 Nights - 14 Days
Locations
Ahmedabad - Palanpur - Patan - Little Rann of Kutch - Bhuj - Gondal - Gir - Velavadar - Lothal - Ahmedabad
Overview
Gujarat is known for its rich heritage and historical importance. It dates us back to the 6000 years old Harappan Civilization. Gujarat is a great amalgamation of traditions, religions and world views, situated at the merger of the silk and traditional spice route. It is the land where Lord Krishna took birth.
Note: This is just an itinerary to give idea of your journey. We provide tailor-made holidays to meet the specific requirements of our clients. So, do not delay contacting us for any modifications you want to enjoy a memorable India Tour.
Itinerary
- Day 1 : Arrival In Ahmedabad
When you arrive at Ahmedabad International Airport, our representative will meet you and help you to check into the hotel. Relax for some time. If needed, he will help you with currency exchange. You can walk around leisurely. Stay overnight.
- Day 2 : Ahmedabad
Have your breakfast and move to city walk. In old Ahmedabad, enjoy a tuk-tuk ride. Ahmedabad is renowned for many unique Indo-Islamic buildings that show an amazing synthesis of Islamic and Hindu art. There are around 700 pols, which are complexes of multi-storeyed houses formed keeping in mind the sense of security, community and reducing harsh sunlight. Each pol secures the privacy residing the people inside. After having lunch, you will get to visit Sabarmati Ashram, where you will know about Mahatma Gandhi, his lifestyle, principles, and his participation in the Independence movement. There is also a museum inside the Ashram that reminds us of the Khadi movement. After that, you will visit an ancient 15th-century monument, Adalaj Stepwell and learn about its architecture and role in silk and spice routes in India. Formed of sandstone, this is 5-storey deep stepwell known for its beautiful ariel windows, intricate carvings and spacious architecture. Dinner & Overnight
- Day 3 : Ahmedabad - Palanpur (164km 3.5Hrs Drive)
Have your breakfast and start exploring the city with a visit to Huteesingh Jain Temple, a magnificent Jain temple built to help the people at the time of drought. You will get to know about Jain religion, deities, stone screens, ornate pillars and inlay work in the temple. Finish your lunch and drive to Palanpur, which will take about 3.5 hrs. Reach Palanpur in the evening and relax. Palanpur is home to many tribes as well as pastoral communities. It is situated in the center of the Aravalli hills. Here, the people worship mountain God, Bhakhar for fertile lands. Dinner & Overnight
- Day 4 : Palanpur
Have your traditional breakfast and get ready to explore Garasiya and Rabari tribes. Both of these tribes have unique beliefs as they worship goddesses and mountains. They offer clay horses to gods to fulfill their wishes and prayers. The Rabari community people are semi-nomadic and live together in large families. You will explore the villages to see their lifestyle and village markets to shop their fresh produce and other items. Also, visit their temple to get knowledge about their customs and belief system. Dinner & Overnight
- Day 5 : Palanpur - Patan - Little Rann of Kutch (160KM 3.5HRS Drive)
Finish your lip-smacking breakfast and move to Little rann of Kutch. On the way, explore a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Patan Stepwell. The exquisite carvings and architecture remind us of 11th century Solanki architecture. This beautiful monument is decorated by dancers, deities and celestial beings. Patan is also home to popular Patola sarees. The magnificent weft and warp work of these sarees make them unique in the entire world. Have lunch at Patan. Thereafter, visit the 11th-century Modhera Sun Temple, built in marugurjara architectural style. The temple is beautifully decorated with dancers, gods, human figurines etc. Check into Dasada and relax. Dinner & Overnight
- Day 6 : Little Rann of Kutch
Have your breakfast and enjoy the wildlife safari. You will find Khur or Indian Wild Ass in sanctuary Little Rann of Kutch. There is a wetland near the sanctuary, which is the wintering ground for many migratory birds like ducks, pelicans and lesser flamingos. Also, you will meet the salt pan workers that produce around 65% of salt. Enjoy the camel ride to explore the village area. Do not forget to interact with the nomadic tribe Mir and know their lifestyle. The women of VagadiaRabari tribe do embroidery. Enjoy their folk dance in the evening. Dinner & Overnight
- Day 7 : Little Rann of Kutch - Bhuj (270 KM 5.5 HRS Drive)
Finish your breakfast and move to Bhuj by road, which will take around 5.5 hours. You will reach in the afternoon, have your lunch, and check-in. Visit Ajrakhpur, known for block printing textile work named as Ajrakh. Ajrakh uses mainly two colours, madder and indigo on silk and cotton. Khatri community does this printing work, and it is illustrious by its complicated geometric or floral patterns with red and blue colours. You will get to learn the traditions and lifestyle of Vankar community and their weaving process. Also, explore the living and learning design centre highlighting the folk arts and crafts. Dinner & Overnight
- Day 8 : Bhuj
Finish your scrumptious breakfast and explore Bhuj sites. Visit Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal. The magnificent Aina Mahal was built in 1752, having an astonishing mirrored interior in European style. The beauty of the Aina Mahal is further enhanced by the use of chandeliers and stain glass. The Prag Mahal was built in the 19th century, named after Rao Pragmalji. It sets a beautiful example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. You will see the amazing Italian marble craftsmanship and jail work around the Corinthian pillars. Now, you will explore the Khavda village to meet the community of potters. The potters present intricate clay designs on almost all objects they make.
- Day 9 : Bhuj
Have your breakfast and visit the scenic salt flatlands (white Rann). Meet the community of weavers at Sumrasar to know about their traditions, their weaving style. They weave shawls and scarves. After that, you will meet Rabari women and know their embroidery style. Their embroidery is known for its intricacy. After lunch, leave for Nirona and meet the artisans of Rogan there. The vegetable colours and castor oil are mixed and heated in the pot before they can be applied to the fabric. Meet the artisans of the Rogan and luhar community there. After that, move towards to white desert. Dinner & Overnight.
- Day 10 : Bhuj - Gondal (270M 6HRS)
After having breakfast, you will visit the Naulakha Palace, established in 1748AD in Darbargadh. It is beautifully adorned with stone carvings, having carved columns, splendid sculpture and jarokha balconies. The previous living quarters have been converted into a museum showcasing brassware, textiles, a library, royal wardrobes, and silver caskets that carried messages and gifts on specific occasions for Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhiji. There are weighing scales on which Maharaja was measured against gold, trophies won by the princes of Gondal and a good collection of toys. Dinner & Overnight
- Day 11 : Gondal - Gir (130KM 3.5 HRS)
Post breakfast, and leave for Gir and reach by lunchtime. You will meet Siddis in the evening, who were settled around 300 years before. The celebrations and traditions of bantu roots are still followed by these siddis. In the evening, do not forget to participate in Dhamaal Dance performance.Dinner & Overnight
- Day 12 : Gir - Velavadar (225KM 5 HRS)
Get up early and enjoy the wildlife safari in Gir national park. It is probably the last refuge for Asiatic lions. The forests of Gir National Park is deciduous and dry, so it offers an excellent habitat for Asiatic lions. Get back to the hotel and move towards Velavadar by road. Once reached, check into the hotel.Dinner & Overnight
- Day 13 : Velavadar - Lothal - Ahmedabad (150KM 3.5 HRS Drive)
Have your breakfast and leave for Blackbuck National Park. Enjoy the safari drive to view hundreds of blackbucks, wolf and hyena. After having lunch, move towards Ahmedabad. On the way, visit Lothal, amongst the most well-known cities of Indus valley civilization. The dock of Lothal connected the city for the trade between peninsula of Saurashtra and Harappan cities in Sindh. It was a crucial trade centre in olden times, with trade of gems, beads as well as valuable ornaments. You will reach Ahmedabad by the evening and check into the hotel.Dinner & Overnight
- Day 14 : Ahmedabad Departure
Depart for the International airport to board the flight for home destination.