Textiles and Tribes of Gujarat Tour

You will be met on arrival at Ahmedabad Airport by your Authentic India Tour representative and taken to your hotel by a private chauffeur driven car.

Declared as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, Ahmedabad or Amdavad is steeped in history and tradition. It is a cosmopolitan city divided into 2 distinct sections by the Sabarmati River. On the eastern bank of the river stands the quaint old quarter, which is marked by winding lanes, throbbing with tradition and culture, and on the other side, is the sprawling new town with world class urban planning

Ahmedabad is known for its industry, dating back to medieval times. It is famous for its textile mills and is often referred to as the ‘Manchester of the East’. Look out for some locally produced mementos in the many shops and market stalls.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Gujarati meal at Vishala restaurant.

Accommodation: The House of MG, Ahmedabad

Meals included: Dinner

If you would like us to arrange your flight as well please ask for details.

Your full day tour starts by exploring the rich cultural history of the city with a delightful heritage walk through the old quarter where you will see the main sights such as the Mangaldas ni Haveli, Jami Masjid, Bhadra Fort, Manek Chowk Vegetable Market, Chandla Ol, Sidi Saiyad Jali, Khetrapal Jain Shrine and the Teen Darwaja Market. Then take a guided tour of the Calico Textile Museum, which has an impressive collection of antique saris, Kashmiri shawls, embroidered textiles and traditional clothing.

Later you will visit the Sabarmati Ashram, which was home to Mahatma Gandhi from 1915 to 1933. Though disbanded for many years, the Ashram has been brought back to life as a tribute to the great man and his teachings. The Museum houses a large number of photos, letters and documents of Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

In the evening, there is a visit to the Adalaj Stepwell situated just north of Ahmedabad. Built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai, the stepwell or ‘Vav’, as it is called in Gujarati, is intricately carved and is several stories in depth.

Accommodation: The House of MG, Ahmedabad

Meals included: Breakfast

It’s an early start this morning for the journey to Bajana (Little Ran of Kutch) via Patan & Modhera.

Patan has over 100 beautifully carved Jain temples & many attractive traditional carved wooden houses. Rani Ki Vav, the oldest and the grandest stepwell in the state of Gujarat is situated at Patan and is believed to have been built between 1022 and 1063 AD. This town is also the centre for fine textiles particularly silk patola sarees produced by the characteristic ‘ikat’ technique. You can also visit a Patola weaving centre to learn about Patan’s famous style of weaving, a closely guarded secret passed on through generations for over 900 years

Next it’s on to The Sun Temple of Modhera which is one of the finest example of Indian temple architecture of its period.  Built in 1026 AD the temple is dedicated to the Sun God Surya, and stands high on a plinth overlooking a deep stone steeped tank.

Approximate travel time and distance: 6-7 hours, 240 kms

Accommodation: Royal Safari Camp, Bajana

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Today it’s a total change of scene with a jeep safari in the vast Little Rann of Kutch which is famous for wild asses and many varieties of birds.

The Wild Ass Sanctuary of the Little Rann of Kutch, spreads across nearly 5000 square kilometres of the Little Rann, and is the only place on earth where the endangered Indian Wildness (Equus Hemionus Khur), known locally as the Ghudkhur, still lives. The only other two sub species of wild ass live in the high arid plateaus of Tibet, making this the most accessible place to visit them in their natural environment.

In the afternoon, there is a visit to the villages of the Rabari tribe, known for their bright coloured embroidery and silk weaving.

Accommodation: Royal Safari Camp, Bajana

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

This morning’s drive to the expansive city of Bhuj which is the capital of the Kutch area will take about 4- 5 hours.

On arrival your sightseeing tour of Bhuj includes the Aina Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), Prag Mahal Palace and the Kutch Museum.  Known for its art, craft and food, Bhuj is steeped in history and offers an eclectic mix of language, culture and religion.

The day concludes with a short drive to Kutch Wilderness Kamp, an eco-resort set on the shores of the Rudramata Lake.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours 30 mins, 245 kms

Accommodation: Kutch Wilderness Kamp, Bhuj

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a full day to discover Kutch and the 40 Banni Villages with their diverse communities and fascinating traditions. You will see the people dressed up in their colourful traditional attire, and possibly the nomadic and semi nomadic groups roaming from place to place accompanied by their cattle.

The Kutch people are known for their artistry and craftsmanship, and this is a chance to witness their expertise first hand. The local Mutwa embroidery, which includes a chain of stitches inset with mirrors, is particularly impressive and a popular item for people to buy.

Accommodation: Kutch Wilderness Kamp, Bhuj

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, the drive to Gondal takes a little under 6 hours.

Formally a princely state, Gondal is famous for its Riverside Palace which occupies a privileged position on the banks of the River Gondali and houses internal décor that exudes colonial charm. There are many pretty places to sit on the terrace, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the river and gardens.

Other places of interest in Gondal include the Royal Garages which exhibits a wonderful collection of classic cars from the 20s, 30s and 40s, as well as the Naulakha Palace, the Huzoor Palace and Akshar Mandir.

Approximate travel time and distance: 5 hour 30 mins, 270 kms

Accommodation: Orchard Palace, Gondal

Meals included: Breakfast

After some time to relax and maybe explore a little more, your adventure continues to the fortified city of Junagadh, which is situated at the foot of Mount Girnar. Your tour of the city will give you a chance to explore the glorious architecture with visits to the Uparkot Fort, Ashok Rock Edict, Mahabat Maqbara and Junagadh Museum.

If time permits you may also be able to enjoy the lively bazaars and indulge in the acclaimed street food.

Your tour then proceeds to Sasan Gir home of the Gir National Park, and the only place in the world where you can still encounter Asiatic Lions in the wild.

Approximate travel time and distance: 2 hour 30 mins, 115 kms

Accommodation: The Taj Gateway Hotel Gir Forest, a first class resort by the Hiran River overlooking the Gir National Park

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

This morning your adventures takes you by jeep safari into the Gir National Park in search of the endangered Asiatic Lion. The small forest reserve (also known as Sasan Gir) is the only home of the pure Asiatic Lion. Apart from lions the park is home to leopards and other mammals, over 200 varieties of birds and snakes including the King Cobra.

Later in the day your tour takes you to the coast and the Somnath Temple. From this legendary shore temple, skirted by the Arabian Sea, there is a spectacular view of the Saurashtra Peninsula. The Somnath Temple is one of the twelve most sacred shrines dedicated to the Lord Shiva.

Approximate travel time and distance: 2 hours, 80 kms

Accommodation: The Taj Gateway Hotel Gir Forest, a first class resort by the Hiran River overlooking the Gir National Park

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After a leisurely breakfast and some time to relax, your tour continues with a drive to Bhavnagar, which is located at the southern tip of Peninsula Gujarat.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and maybe use the hotel facilities or explore the bustling city of Bhavnagar from your centrally located hotel. Alternatively take a stroll through the expansive Victoria Park, which was designed in 1888 and is one of the oldest man-made forests in the country, displaying rare species of flora and fauna.

Approximate travel time and distance: 5 hours, 200 kms

Accommodation: Nilambag Palace Hotel, Bhavnagar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we recommend having a substantial breakfast for the day excursion to Palitana. The city is famed for a large cluster of Jain Temples and is a hallowed city for followers of the Jain religion. To reach Shatrunjaya Hill and this extraordinary temple complex, with its 863 marble temples, you will need to overcome an uphill climb of almost 4,000 steps stretched over 3.5 kms.

Luckily, if this is too arduous a task, help is at hand and many visitors enjoy being carried in a Dholi, a seat on poles held by four bearers.

Approximate travel time and distance: 2 hour 40 mins, 110 kms

Accommodation: Nilambag Palace, Bhavnagar

Meals included: Breakfast

In plenty of time you will be transferred to Bhavnagar Airport to board your short flight to Mumbai.

From Mumbai Airport you can connect to your return flight to UK or if you have time you could spend a couple of days to explore Mumbai or enjoy a beach extension in relaxing Goa.

Accommodation: The Leela Hotel, Mumbai

Meals included: Breakfast

You will be taken to Mumbai Airport for your return or onward flight.

The Price guide for this 13 day Highlights of Gujarat Tour is

• £3490 based on two people travelling.

The prices do not include flights.

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.

This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid-December to mid-January.

Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.

Included with this Gujarat tour are the following:

• Meet and greet assistance on all arrivals and departures.
• All internal road travel by a private chauffeur driven air-conditioned large car.
• All scheduled sightseeing and jeep safari expenses including English speaking guides and entrance fees at monuments.
• Economy class flight tickets for Bhavnagar – Mumbai travel (Please note the luggage allowance on all domestic flights is only 15 kg per person. You have the option to buy an extra 5 kg or 10 kg as required).
• Accommodation for 12 nights on double/twin sharing basis.
• Meal Plan: Bajana & Sasan Gir on Full Board; Dinner on Day 1; Bed & Breakfast elsewhere.
• Mineral water on all days of travel

Price does not include:

• International flight tickets
• Travel insurance and visa
• Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages etc
• Meals other than those mentioned in the above meal plan
• Camera and video fees at national parks, museums & monuments

The prices given above are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room. All prices were valid at the time of publication but they may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.

Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this Textiles & Tribes of Gujarat is just an example to help inspire you.

For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.

ABTA and ATOL Protected Tour Package

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.