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Gujarat - Images that tell story...
Ahmedabad - Kutch - Bhuj - Junagadh - Gir - Diu - Kutch - Santrampur - Jambugodha - Ahmedabad.
WHEN
September To May
HOW LONG
15 nights
DAY 01
Welcome to Gujarat – Market Walk & Glimpses of Nomadic Life in Bhuj
Your journey into the heart of Gujarat begins as you arrive at Bhuj Airport, where our local representative or driver warmly greets you outside the Arrivals Hall, holding a placard with your name. With your comfort in mind, he escorts you to a waiting vehicle and accompanies you through the smooth hotel check-in process.
Once settled, the remainder of the day is at leisure, offering time to unwind or gently begin immersing yourself in the rhythms of Kutch. As the sun starts its descent, we invite you on a leisurely evening walk through Bhuj’s bustling market area, located near the State Transport Bus Stand. This is no ordinary market stroll — it's a cultural lens into the nomadic and pastoral communities of Kutch.
Keep your camera ready as you may encounter Rabari and Maldhari women adorned with heavy silver jewellery, vivid odhnis, and elaborate tattoos — returning to their native hamlets after finishing their work in the city. Their silhouettes, framed by the warm glow of market lights and dust-filled air, create a mesmerizing photo opportunity.
Wander past carts of spicy street snacks, stalls selling hand-embroidered textiles, and the everyday theater of local life — an evocative introduction to Gujarat’s tribal and nomadic spirit.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Bhuj, preparing for an enriching rural immersion tomorrow.
DAY 02
Artistic Treasures of Nirona Village — Rogan Painting, Copper Bells & Lacquerware
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive into the Banni region of Kutch, a land of vast grasslands and rich tribal heritage. Your first stop is the enchanting Nirona Village, famed for its unique artisan traditions that have flourished here for centuries.
Begin your journey into local crafts with a visit to the Khatri family, custodians of the rare and mesmerizing Rogan art — a 300-year-old tradition that has even reached the walls of The White House. Witness the painstaking process as the artist transforms castor seed oil into vibrant, thick paint, applying delicate floral and animal motifs with a six-inch metal needle onto fabric. Each stroke tells a story of patience, heritage, and masterful skill.
Next, meet the Luhar community, known for their Copper Bell craft. Visit the workshop of Lohar Haji Saddiq, who will demonstrate how these beautiful copper bells are hand-forged, preserving a legacy passed down through 10 generations. These bells are not just decorative but carry the soul of this craftsperson community.
The journey continues with a visit to the Wada tribe artisans, masters of Lacquer art. Using sap from the Rhus tree, they create colorful zigzag patterns that adorn everyday wooden objects — from spoons to toys. This art form is a vibrant reminder of the cultural exchange across the Sindh region, retained through decades of tradition.
By afternoon, enjoy a delicious local lunch in Hodka Village, home to the Halepotra community, famous for their exquisite leather crafts.
As evening descends, relax at a community-run eco-resort nearby. Immerse yourself in the soulful strains of traditional Meghwal musicians, whose music evokes the spirit of Kutch’s desert nights.
Dinner and overnight at the community-driven resort — a night steeped in culture, craft, and the warmth of tribal hospitality.
DAY 03
Tribal Villages and Unique Communities of Banni
Begin with an early morning visit to the Jat tribal village, where women wear distinctive large nose rings. Enjoy a guided village walk and photo opportunities (note: photo fees apply). Next, visit the Pathan community village to learn about their history and lifestyle. After lunch, explore other Banni tribal villages: the Mutwa Muslim pastoralists in Dhordo near the White Rann and the Sodha Rajput potters of Khavda. Visit the scenic Karo Dungar (Black Hill) before returning to Hodka for dinner and overnight.
After a local lunch, visit the serene Hutheesingh Jain Temple and descend into history at Adalaj Stepwell, a five-story wonder blending Solanki and Islamic design — a cool, carved marvel in Gujarat’s dry landscape.
DAY 04 & 05
Embroidery and Weaving Traditions en Route to Gondal
Post-breakfast, visit Sumarasar Shaikh village near Bhuj to see embroidery by the Khatri community. On the way to Gondal, stop at Bhujodi village to meet the Vankar weavers crafting hand-spun blankets for the Rabari herdsmen. Then visit the LLDC Museum at Ajrakhpur, a living space celebrating and supporting traditional crafts. Enjoy lunch here before continuing to Gondal. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Gondal.
DAY 05
Heritage of Gondal and Journey to Gir
Explore the magnificent Naulakha Palace, a splendid showcase of stone carvings, ornate balconies, and a private museum displaying royal textiles, trophies, and toys. Visit the Maharaja’s vintage car collection featuring American classics from the 1930s to 1950s. Post visit, drive towards Gir National Park, stopping en route to admire Junagadh’s historic monuments. Dinner and overnight stay in Gir.
DAY 06
Safari and Tribal Life in Gir — Then to Diu
Begin with an early morning safari in Gir National Park, home of the Asiatic lion and elusive leopards. Post breakfast, meet the local Siddi and Maldhari tribes around Gir. Later, travel to the coastal town of Diu, visiting the famed Somnath Temple en route. Evening at leisure near the beach. Overnight stay at a beach resort in Diu.
DAY 07
Fishing Traditions and Fort Exploration in Diu
Visit Vanakbara Village at dawn to see the vibrant Kharwa fishing community as they bring in their catch and sell it fresh at the shore. The morning bustle is a photographer’s delight. Spend the rest of the day exploring Diu Fort and soaking in the coastal charm. Overnight at your beach resort.
DAY 08
Journey to the Little Rann of Kutch
After breakfast, set out for a long drive to the Little Rann of Kutch. Arrive by evening and settle into an eco-friendly wildlife resort. Enjoy the tranquil desert landscape that stretches far and wide.
DAY 09
Salt Farming and Tribal Life at Little Rann of Kutch
Start with a morning safari in the Little Rann of Kutch, home to unique wildlife and salt pans. Visit the Agayari community engaged in traditional salt farming. Post lunch, explore villages of the Vadiara Rabari and Bharwad tribes. In the evening, visit Bajana village to witness the cooperative dairy milk trade. Dinner and overnight at the eco-friendly resort.
DAY 10
Ancient Temples and Weaver Towns — Modhera & Patan
Drive north to visit the magnificent Modhera Sun Temple, built in 1026-27 AD, known for its intricately carved halls and stepped reservoirs. Continue to Patan to meet the master Patola silk weavers and explore the UNESCO-listed Rani Ki Vav, a stunning stepwell adorned with sculptures of Hindu deities. Reach Poshina for overnight stay at Darbargadh.
DAY 11
Tribal Villages and Ambaji Temple in Poshina
In the morning, visit Poshina’s bustling main street and watch Garcia girls carry wood for sale. Explore Garcia and Adivasi villages, learning about their farming and animal husbandry traditions. Visit the unique terracotta temple adorned with thousands of terracotta horses, believed to bring blessings from the local deity. Post lunch, visit the powerful Ambaji Temple and interact with tribal women selling fresh produce. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
DAY 12
Scenic Drive to Santrampur through Tribal Heartland
After breakfast, drive along the scenic tribal routes of North Gujarat to Santrampur. Enjoy a leisurely lunch followed by a free afternoon at a stunning heritage homestay overlooking a tranquil lake — a perfect blend of history and nature.
DAY 13
Market Walk and Fossil Park en Route to Ahmedabad
Begin with a morning walk through Santrampur’s vibrant market. En route to Ahmedabad, stop at the Diansor Fossil Park to witness prehistoric fossilized remnants. Arrive in Ahmedabad by evening and explore the lively Night Market at Law Garden, famed for handicrafts and street food. Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.
DAY 14
Heritage Walk in Ahmedabad — Temples, Mosques & Stepwells
Start early with a guided heritage walk of Ahmedabad’s old city quarters, admiring intricately carved wooden havelis and historic mosques. Visit iconic sites including the Jumma Mosque, Bhadrakali Temple, Siddi Sayed Mosque, Hutheesingh Jain Temple, Gandhi Ashram, and the impressive Adalaj Stepwell. Rest in the afternoon before an evening visit to Manek Chowk, famous for its bustling street food market and vibrant atmosphere. Overnight in Ahmedabad.
DAY 15
Holi Festival at Champaner-Pavagadh and Chool Ka Mela
Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, renowned for Indo-Saracenic architecture. Enjoy lunch at a home amidst nature lovers. In the evening, witness Holka Dahan, a traditional ritual symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, followed by the fascinating Chool Ka Mela in Chotta Udepur, where devotees walk on burning charcoal. Return to your homestay for overnight.
DAY 16
Duleti – The Festival of Colors at Jambugodha
Celebrate Duleti, the vibrant festival of colors, with tribal communities in Jambugodha. Join in the joyous throwing of ‘gulal’ powder, singing, and dancing to traditional tribal music. Spend the day at leisure exploring nearby colorful villages.
DAY 17
Rathwa & Bhil Tribes – The Mystical Pithora Paintings
Visit tribal homes of the Rathwa and Bhil communities to discover the sacred Pithora paintings — ritualistic wall art depicting legends, deities, and ancestral spirits. Learn about the preparation and symbolism behind this ancient folk art. Return to Jambugodha for lunch, with the afternoon free to explore more tribal villages in the region.
DAY 18
Kawant Fair – The Vibrant “Gher no Melo”
Travel to Kawant Village to witness the spectacular Kawant Fair or “Gher no Melo”, famous for the colorful Ghers — tribal dancers adorned in peacock feather headgear, animal-print body paint, and jingling bells. Experience their hypnotic synchronized dances to drum and flute rhythms. Return to Jambugodha for dinner and overnight.
DAY 19
Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be driven to Vadodara or Ahmedabad Airport/Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying with you memories of a deeply immersive journey through Gujarat’s tribal heartland, ancient heritage, and natural wonders.