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Tribal Photography Tour of Gujarat
Kutch - Bhuj - Gir - Kutch - Poshina - Santrampur - Ahmedabad
DAY 01
Arrival in Bhuj – A Glimpse into Nomadic Life
Arrive at Bhuj or Kandla Airport, where our representative warmly welcomes you.
After check-in and a brief rest, spend your evening exploring the bustling local markets near the State Transport Bus Stand
.As the sun sets, witness a vivid slice of Kutch’s culture — nomadic communities making their way back to their villages, their vibrant attire and rustic charm offering perfect photo opportunities.
Dinner and overnight stay in Bhuj.
DAY 02
The Artisans of Nirona & Heart of Hodka
After breakfast, drive into the enchanting Banni region of Kutch, where time-honored traditions are not just preserved — they thrive.
Your first stop is Nirona Village, a cultural treasure trove that’s home to three rare and iconic art forms:
Rogan Art – Practiced for over 300 years by the Khatri family, this exquisite craft uses castor oil-based paint and a stylus to “embroider” designs onto fabric — without a single stitch. A piece of Rogan art was even gifted to President Obama at the White House. Witness a live demo and browse the family’s stunning collection.
Copper Bell Craft – Next, meet Lohar Haji Saddiq and his family, Luhars who have preserved this Sindh-origin craft for over ten generations. Watch as they shape and tune rustic copper bells by hand — each producing a melodic chime that once guided cattle and now charms collectors worldwide.
Lacquer Work – Finally, explore the vibrant lacquer art created by the Wada community, originally migrants from Sindh. Using natural tree sap, they transform wooden everyday items into colourful zigzag-patterned marvels — a tradition still passed down today.
Continue your journey to Hodka Village, where a warm Kutchi lunch awaits at a community-run resort. In the afternoon, visit the Halepotra community, known for their intricate leatherwork, from embroidered bags to camel saddles.
As the sun sets over the salt desert, unwind with traditional Meghwal music under the stars.
Dinner and overnight at your Community-Driven Resort in Hodka.
DAY 03
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Start your day early with a unique and respectful cultural encounter in the tribal village of the Jat community — known for their distinct nomadic lifestyle and striking traditional attire. The women of this tribe, adorned with elaborate nose rings and intricate embroidery, are guardians of a rich visual heritage. A village walk at around 7:30 AM will allow you to witness their way of life — from cattle breeding to milk trading, the essence of desert resilience. (Note: Photography is permitted, but women may request Rs. 500–1,000 per photo.)
Continue to a Pathan community hamlet, where time seems to slow down. This lesser-known village holds untold stories passed down through generations — its architecture, clothing, and customs reflecting a blend of Central Asian roots and Kutchi soul.
🍲 After an early lunch, delve deeper into the Banni region, exploring villages inhabited by the Mutwa Muslim community at Dhordo, near the edge of the White Rann. Known for their delicate and colorful embroidery, the Mutwa women are artists of thread and soul — each stitch narrating desert folklore.
🏺 In the village of Khavda, meet the Sodha Rajputs, skilled potters who shape local clay into everyday masterpieces — from earthy water pots to intricate ceremonial vessels. Watch them at work, using ancient techniques passed down through generations.
🌄 End your day at Karo Dungar (Black Hill) — the highest point in Kutch, offering panoramic views of the Great Rann. As the sun dips over the white salt flats, soak in one of Gujarat’s most dramatic landscapes.
✨ Return to your community-run resort in Hodka, where a warm Kutchi meal and peaceful night await.
Dinner and overnight at the resort.
DAY 04
Threads of Legacy – From Bhuj to Gondal
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Banni region and begin your journey back to Bhuj. Your first stop is Sumarasar Shaikh, a quiet village celebrated for its exquisite embroidery traditions, upheld by the Khatri community. Their needlework, often passed down through generations, is known for its vibrant threads, mirror work, and storytelling motifs — a true expression of Kutchi identity.
🧶 Continue to Bhujodi, the land of the Vankars, or weavers, who have served as the backbone of Kutchi textile heritage. Watch as they skillfully weave hand-spun woollen blankets and textiles, once crafted specifically for Rabari herdsmen, using traditional pit looms and vegetable dyes.
🎨 En route, stop at Ajrakhpur — a village synonymous with the world-renowned Ajrakh block printing technique. Visit the LLDC Museum (Living and Learning Design Centre) — an inspiring space dedicated to preserving and promoting Gujarat’s rich handicrafts. A vibrant tribute to master artisans and aspiring craftsmen alike, LLDC is a treasure trove of textile art, history, and innovation. (Note: Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays.
🍴 You may enjoy a traditional lunch at the LLDC campus, before continuing your drive to Gondal, a royal town in the Saurashtra region.
Arrive in Gondal by evening. Check into your heritage accommodation. Dinner and overnight stay in Gondal.
DAY 05
Royal Heritage & Wildlife
Post breakfast, explore the magnificent Naulakha Palace in Gondal, built circa 1748 AD within the Darbargadh complex. Admire its intricate stone carvings, ornate jarokha balconies, and sculptures. The palace now serves as a private museum showcasing royal textiles, brassware, trophies, and a fascinating collection of hand-painted wooden toys from the 1800s.
Don’t miss the Maharaja Saheb’s vintage car collection featuring classic American automobiles from the 1930s to 1950s — including Cadillacs, Buicks, and Packards.
After the royal visit, drive towards Gir National Park, stopping en route at the historic monuments of Junagadh. Dinner and overnight stay in Gir.
DAY 06
Gir National Park Safari & Cultural Encounters
Early morning safari at Gir National Park offers a chance to spot the majestic Asiatic lions and elusive leopards. After breakfast, visit the nearby areas to meet the Siddi and Maldhari tribes, who maintain rich cultural traditions.
En route to Diu, visit the iconic Somnath Temple, a revered pilgrimage site. Enjoy a relaxing evening on the beach. Overnight at a beach resort in Diu.
DAY 07
Fishing Villages & Diu.
Morning visit to Vanakbara Village, a vibrant fishing hamlet home to the Kharwa community. Witness the colorful fishing boats returning with their catch between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM — a perfect photo opportunity.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure or explore the historic Diu Fort and the charming fisherman's town. Overnight at the beach resort.
DAY 08
Journey to Little Rann of Kutch
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the Little Rann of Kutch. Arrive by evening and settle into an eco-friendly wildlife resort amid stunning landscapes.
DAY 09
Salt Farming & Tribal Village Visits
Begin the day with a morning safari in the Little Rann, visiting the Agayari community involved in traditional salt farming. After lunch, explore the villages of the Vadiara Rabari and Bharwad tribes, experiencing their unique customs.
In the evening, visit Bajana village to meet locals selling milk to cooperative societies. Dinner and overnight at the eco-resort.
DAY 10
Temples & Weavers of North Gujarat
Post breakfast, drive to Poshina via the majestic Modhera Sun Temple (circa 1026-27 AD), featuring intricately carved halls and shrines surrounding a stepped reservoir.
Continue to Patan, renowned for Patola weaving and the UNESCO-listed Rani Ki Vav Stepwell, an 11th-century architectural marvel adorned with sculptures of Hindu deities.
Arrive at Poshina and overnight at Darbargadh heritage stay.
DAY 11
Tribal Culture & Ambaji Temple
Explore Poshina’s bustling main street to see the Garcia women carrying firewood, followed by visits to Garcia and Adivasi villages. Discover the terracotta temple dedicated to a local deity, famed for its thousands of terracotta horses offered in ritual worship.
Post lunch, visit the sacred Ambaji Temple, a revered Goddess of Power, where tribal women sell fresh fruits and vegetables.
Return to your hotel for a leisurely evening.
DAY 12
Tribal Route to Santrampur
After an early breakfast, journey through North Gujarat’s tribal heartlands to Santrampur. Enjoy lunch and a restful day at a charming lake-facing heritage home stay — one of Gujarat’s most picturesque heritage properties.
DAY 13
Fossil Park & Night Market, Ahmedabad
Morning stroll through Santrampur’s market, then drive to Ahmedabad with a stop at the Diansor Fossil Park showcasing ancient geological wonders.
Evening visit to the lively Law Garden Night Market for local crafts and street food. Overnight in Ahmedabad.
DAY 14
Heritage Walk & Iconic Ahmedabad Sites
Start early with a guided morning heritage walk through Ahmedabad’s old city, marveling at carved wooden haveli facades and bustling bazaars. The walk concludes at the stunning Jumma Mosque.
Later, visit architectural gems including the Siddi Sayed Mosque, Hutheesingh Jain Temple, Gandhi Ashram, and the Adalaj Stepwell.
End the day at Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad’s famous night food market, buzzing with delicious local street snacks.
Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.
DAY 15
Holi Festival & World Heritage Site of Champaner
Travel to Central Gujarat to explore the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Continue to Jambugodha, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a home dedicated to nature lovers. In the evening, witness Holka Dahan — the symbolic bonfire celebrating the triumph of good over evil.
Attend the unique Chool Ka Mela in Chotta Udepur, where participants walk on burning charcoal. Return to Jambugodha for overnight stay.
DAY 16
Dhuleti Festival – The Festival of Colors
Celebrate Dhuleti, Gujarat’s vibrant festival of colors, with joyous throwing of ‘gulal’ (colored powder), traditional singing, and tribal dancing in Jambugodha.
Spend the day exploring the colorful nearby tribal villages.
Visit the tribal homes of Rathwa and Bhil communities to witness the sacred ritual of Pithora paintings — vibrant wall murals created as offerings and blessings.
Learn about the significance of these paintings, traditionally created by men, which depict legends, deities, and ancestral spirits.
Return to Jambugodha for lunch and enjoy an afternoon exploring nearby tribal villages.
DAY 18
Kamat Village – The Gher no Melo Fair
Travel to Kawant Village to experience the lively Gher no Melo fair, marked by the colorful Ghers — dancers adorned with peacock feather headgear, animal print body paint, and bells, performing in sync with traditional drums and flutes.
Return to Jambugodha for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 19
Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Vadodara or Ahmedabad Airport/Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying vivid memories of Gujarat’s diverse cultures, heritage, and landscapes.