GUJARAT TRIBAL

DURATION : 18NIGHTS / 19 DAYS

Day 1: Ahmedabad Arrival – City Tour

After reaching Ahmedabad, check into a hotel. Then, take the tour of Ahmedabad city with a visit to the Calico Museum and Gandhi Ashram, Adalej Step Well, Temple of Hate Singh Jain, Mosque of Siddi Sayed and Dada Hari Step Well.

Sabarmati Ashram – Gandhi Ashram – Harijan Ashram – Satyagraha 

 

It’s located on the western bank of the Sabarmati River. Ashram was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi. From this Ashram Gandhi started the Dandi March in 1930. The ashram now has a museum, Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalay. The museum building was erected (designed by architect Charles Correa), and memorial activities were then started here. One of the important activities undertaken is the establishment of a Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya. Initially started in ‘Hriday Kunj,’ Gandhi’s own cottage in the Ashram, the Sangrahalaya has now shifted to its own well-designed and well-furnished building. Exhibits at the museum includes: Gandhi quotations, letters, and life size oil painting gallery.

Calico museum of textile (Prior Permission from Museum Authority)

 

The Calico Museum of Textiles at Ahmedabad, India, is the premier textile museum of the country. Its outstanding collection of Indian fabrics exemplifies handicraft textiles spanning five centuries and attracts large numbers of visitors from the general public, as well as increasing numbers of Indian and international research scholars. The museum is housed in two buildings, one displaying textiles of religious significance and the other traditional court fabrics, tents, carpets and costumes. The museum endeavors to present its collection in themes connected with the two great Indian religions: Vaishnavism and Jainism, and simulates a suitable religious atmosphere. The first exhibit is a replica of a small recoiytructed Pustimarga shrine with an idol of Srinath ji placed on an altar, covered with a painted textile. The shrine leads to galleries where pichhwais and textiles belonging to the Vallabha sect are displayed. The 90 pichhwais are divided into groups relating to festivals, seasons and a variety of devotional themes. The Jain Gallery includes shrines, derasaras of the Svetambara and Digambara sects as well as a small home shrine, important manuscripts tike the Kalpasuira and Kalakakatha and Jain patas: the yantras and tirtha chitras. The main attraction, however, is a painted, domed, wooden ceiling of a derasara. Timings: 10.15 am to .12.30 pm 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm / Closed on Wednesdays and government holidays.

Dada Hari ki vav – Step Well 

 

This step well brings us to the early sixteenth century. Bai Harir was the supervisor of the royal harem and she had planned the step well along with her tomb and mosque amidst a sprawling garden mix together with fruit bearing trees. Bai Harir, whose tomb is adjacent to the step well, must be turning in her grave at the fate of her grand complex which has run out of water and the trees have disappeared since long. Her only consolation may be the muezzin’s call to prayer echoing from the mosque. The courtyard of the mosque is worth observing for few of the sealed passages that once gave way to the tunnel underneath were possibly connected to the step well as well with some spacious underground alcoves. The pool at the bottom leads to the shaft of the well, which is divided by an arched doorway. Besides, there is a narrow spiral stairway leading to the well. Being a Moslem monument, it is bereft of figurative decorations, which has been replaced with floral motifs. However Hindu hand or influences are evident from few of the animal figures. This well was built at a place where four roads meet, crowded with good men, who come from four quarters. As long as the moon and sun endure, may be sweet water of the well be drunk by all men.”

Adalej Step Well

 
The step well was built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai. The designs on its walls and pillars include leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other breathtaking ornamental designs. In the past, these step wells were frequented by travellers and caravans as stopovers along trade routes. The five-storied, step-well located in the sleepy village of Adlaj is a marvel of architecture. This unique water work is an excellent blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. The intricately carved monument served religious and utilitarian purposes of the people around though its origin is marred by tragedy. The Indo-Islamic style of architecture, which developed in India in the early centuries of the medieval period, is neither a local variant of Islamic art, nor a modification of Hindu art, but it is an assimilation of both the styles, though not always to an equal degree. The architecture of this well also shows the influence of the earlier Solanki rulers of Gujarat. Built entirely of sandstone, one can enter into this step-well from three sides, which consist of octagonal landings with huge carved colonnades and intricately carved niches. The step-well served both ritualistic as well as utilitarian needs.

Hate Singh Jain Temple 

 

It was built by Seth Hate Singh in 1850. It is easily distinguished by its high carved column, visible from road. Built entirely of white marble embossed with smooth carvings of dancers, musicians, animals & flowers, this serene temple is dedicated to Dharamnath, whose statue stand in the main temple. It has a paved courtyard surrounded by an imposing row of cloisters containing 52 shrines, each with an image of a tirthankara, profusely decorated with rich carvings, one containing the marble image of the 15th tirthankara. The temple is a two-storied structure with elaborate porches on three sides and front porch crowned by a large dome.Overnight stay Ahmedabad.

Day 2: Ahmedabad – Poshina (180 KMS / 3.5 HRS)

 
Take a morning drive towards Poshina where the Tribes of Garasia can be found. Also, visit the communities of Bhil and Rabari tribes. Visit the tribal shrine in Poshina and also catch a glimpse of the tribal culture. You will find several other communities which include Balundra and Iqbalgadh and so on. Spend the night in Poshina.

Day 3: Poshina – Patan – Modera – Dasada / Bajana / Zainabad / Patdi (260 KMS / 6 HRS)

Patan – Patola – Patan Patola of Weaving 

 
On this day, take the tour of Patan where your will explore the Patola weaving techniques. Then, visit the Rani ki Vav having an illustrious architecture, Sun Temple of Modhera (dated bacl of 11th Century) and later, head towards the famous Rann of Kutch. You may spend the overnight in Dasada or Patdi or Zainabad or Bajana.
 

It was built by the queen Udaymati, the wife of Bhimdev. It is the best example of such architecture for water wells that is peculiar to Gujarat. There are wonderful carved images in the niches of the walls of this multi storied step well.It was one of the largest and the most sumptuous structures of its type. It became silted up and much of it is not visible now, except for some rows of sculptured panels in the circular part of the well. Among its ruins one pillar still stands which is the proof not only of the elegance of its design, but also excellent example of this period.

Modhera – Sun temple

 

Modhera Sun Temple is finest example of Hindu architecture in Gujarat. The Sun Temple at Modhera dates back to early 11th century CE and was built by King Bhimdev I in 1026 CE. The sanctum was designed to allow the sunlight to illuminate the main statue, no longer in the temple. The quality & quantity of carvings along its walls describing god, other figures & erotic positions are exceptional. In front of the temple is a colossal tank, which was once known as Surya Kund or Rama Kund. The tank has a series of carved steps leading to the bottom. Several miniature shrines adorn the steps of the tank – which is an art gallery in itself. Later proceed to Little Rann of Kutch. Overnight stay Dasada / Bajana / Patdi / Zainabad.

Day 4: Little Rann of Kutch (Morning & Evening Safaries)

Dasada / Bajana / Patdi / Zainabad (Little Rann of Kutch) 

 

Enjoy the morning Safari to the wildlife sanctuary of Kutch where you will discover arid grasslands, lakes, desert plains and marshes. Take the tour of this Wild ass sanctuary which is home to Brown Asiatic Wild Asses, Blue Bulls (Antelope), Blackbucks, Chinkara and other variety of Mammals. It also homes the animals like Jungle Cats, Indian wolfs, Indian Fox, Hyenas as well as birds like Pelicans, Cranes, Flamingoes and Storks. Further, enjoy the village safari by visiting the villages of Vadiara and Rabaris, Bharward, Mirs, Bajanias and several other communities. Enjoy dinner and spend overnight.

Village safari

We can do excursion safari tours of pastoral settlements and villages along the Rann of Kutch. The tours visit the rural Vadiara and Kharapat Rabaris of Little Rann of Kutch, known for their embroideries, the silk-weavers colony at Dasada / Bajana, and Ambala village of the Bharward shepherds and goatherds. The weaving cooperative at Bajana / Dasada and other artisans’ workshops can also be included in the tours. Other societies near Dasada / Bajana are Padhars (primarily fishing people), the Siddis and the semi-nomadic Mirs, Jaths (Muslim herders), Bajanias. Evening dinner and overnight stay at Little Rann of Kutch (Dasada / Bajana / Patdi / Zainabad).

Day 5: Dasada / Bajana – Dhamadka – Bhuj

Drives to Bhuj enroute visits ofDhamadka – Ajrakh Block Printing 

In the morning, drive towards Bhuj and in between, make a visit to Dharmadka for viewing Ajrakh Block Printing techniques. After reaching Bhuj, you will visit the places of Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal and Museum of Kutch. Spend the night in Bhuj.

Aina Mahal – Bhuj 

 

Aina Mahal means a mirror palace. It was built by the artists Ramsinh & Gaidhar Devshi during the rule of Rao Lakhpat Ji. The heritage of Kutch art and culture is displayed in the Aina Mahal. The great master piece of Ramsingh is the hall of Mirrors in the Aina Mahal. The walls are white marble covered with mirrors which are separated by gilded ornaments. The hall is lit by elaborate pendant candelabra with shades of Venetian glass. The hall of mirrors is on the second floor of the Aina Mahal. Ramsingh malam who is specialize in Kutchi architecture, enamel work, jeweler, tile work and interior decoration. The hall is filled with a miscellaneous collection of objects; a Dutch Clock, English and French celestial globes, some antique pictures, mechanical toys, glass and china. On the walls of the corridor are a variety of pictures, some European and many Indian.

Prag Mahal – Bhuj 

The Prag Mahal was designed by the Well Known architect Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins. Prag Mahal is a splendid palace made of Italian marble and sandstone. It took 10 Yrs to build the monument, at an astounding cost of Rupees 10 Lakh. The palace serves as a fine example of Italian Gothic style, combined with some European style elements. The Corinthian pillars and Jali work which depicts European plants and animals are also worthy of a mention.

Kutch Museum

The Kutch museum at Bhuj initially formed part of the school of art established by Khengarji on 1st JULY 1877. At the time of Khengarji’s marriage in FEB – 1884, an exhibition of Kutch Arts & Crafts was exhibited. Exhibits worth Rs. 3300 were given to the Museum at the termination of exhibition. These exhibits necessitated the construction of a new building. The foundation stone for the present museum building was laid by the governor of Bombay, Sir James Fergusson. After independence the museum came to be known as the Kutch Museum. It also has a fine collection of Kutch silver, golden and enameling work, textiles wood work, Coins, cold utensils, arms & other archeological objects and a section on the communications of the district. Overnight stay Bhuj.

Day 6: Bhuj – Banni Villages (Culture / Art / Craft / Tribes)

Banni Villages 

On this day, you will visit the villages of Banni which have communities with their finest skills in Woodcarving, Embroidery, Quilting, Patchwork and Leather works. You may enjoy some Sufi music there too. Also, enjoy the visit to villages of Bhirandiyara, Khavda, Sumrasar, Ludiya, Nirona, Hodka and some more. Spend the night in Bhuj.
Bhirandiyara 

Situated on the Riverbanks of Rukmavati, the place of Mandvi is renowned for Ship Building industries and clean beaches. Take a visit to this place and also, tour the palace of Vijay Vilas which features incredible Rajput architecture and several other intricate parts. Enjoy the leisure time in Beach. Spend the overnight in Mandvi.

Ludiya 

Located about 1 km off the main road to khavda, ludiya is divided into several hamlets. Gandhi nu Gam, inhabited by the Meghwal community, boasts of beautifully painted circular huts organized around the temple. Between the vibrant Kanjari blouses of the women and the men hunched over in various corners carving woods, the village is an aesthetic delight. In the effort to curb exploitation and experiment with community marketing, the hamlet has set up an otlo or a roofed platform next to the temple, where each household brings it embroidered goods for sellings.

Khavda 

The main town of the Pachchham region, Khavda is a good stopover for picking up bottled water and fruits. There are also a few rustic lodges that serve Kutchi food. Opposite the bus stand is the home of Ibrahim kaka, whose family potters create amazing earthenware. Visit Khatirvas for artisans printing and selling Ajrakh; there are also skilled leather craftsmen in town. Off the main road towards the public health Center is a new women hospitals built by KMVS. The organization has trained traditional midwives in modern and locally appropriate practices.

Hodka 

The Hodka village is believed to have been set up by the Halepotra clan. ‘Halepotra’ literally means the ‘son or the descendant of Halaji’ Muslims, the Hindu Meghwals have also settled in Hodka. The Halepotras – belonging to the bigger group called Maldharis, or cattle breeders – believe their ancestors originated from Saudi Arabia and reached Kutch via Iran, Baghdad and Sindh. The Meghwals- also known as Marwada Meghwals- believe their ancestors came from Marwar, Rajasthan. They are traditionally leather craftsmen and settled in Banni which was rich in livestock. Today there are 8 nokhs (sub castes) of the Meghwals community residing in Hodka. Overnight stay Bhuj.

Day 7: Bhuj – Mandvi (65 KMS / 2 HRS)

Mandvi, is well known for Ship building industry and clean beaches. It located on the banks of the Rukmavati River, just 1 kilometer away from the Arabian Sea at the Gulf of Kutch. The town has a very pleasant climate throughout the year and was a summer retreat of Kutch Royals. Local traders and merchants had created a niche by trading precious stones and fine textiles. Evening leisure at Beach.

Vijay Vilas Palace 
 
The palace was built during reign of Maharao Shri Khengarji III as summer resort for his son & successor, The Yuvraj Shri Vijayaraji and is therefore, named after him as Vijaya Vilas Palace. The construction of palace started in year in 1920 and was completed in year 1929. The palace is built with red sandstone. It has all the elements of Rajput architecture and draws largely on the plan of palaces of Orchha and Datia. The central high dome on the pillars, the Bengal domes on the sides, the windows with colored glass, carved stone ‘jalis’, domed bastions at the corners, extended porch and other exquisitely stone-carved elements, make the palace worth visiting. The palace is set in the middle of well-laid gardens with water channels and marble fountains. The tiny intricate windows gives one feeling to be out in open, through which cool sea wind passes out The royal family of Princely State of Kutch now reside permanently in the palace, who earlier used it only as a summer resort.

Ship Building Industry 

Mandvi is famous for a 400 year old ship building industry and craftsman who still use traditional techniques to build ships for domestic and international clients. Evening leisure at beach, overnight stay Mandvi.

Day 8: Mandvi – Muli (280 KMS / 6 HRS)

 
Post breakfast, you will head towards Muli and check into a hotel there. Later, proceed towards Wadhwan which is famous for the Bandhini Tie and Dye works as well as the Brassware works. You may visit the tribal people of Tarnetar if some time is at leisure. Spend the night in Muli.

Day 9: Muli – Gir (250 KMS / 5 HRS)

In the morning, head towards Gir, the wildlife sanctuary which is the home to Asiatic Lions. This wildlife reserve constitutes of green vegetation areas, grasslands, deciduous forests and thorn scrubs. Here, you can find Nilgai, Spotted Deer, Leopards, Sambar, Chinkara Gazelle, Chowsingha and different bird species like Hoopoe, Asian paradise flycatcher, Painted Sand grouse, and so on.

Day 10: Gir – Bhavnagar (250 KMS / 5 HRS)

In the morning, head towards Bhavnagar where you can observe the Alang’s ship breaking yard, Museum and Library of Barton, Gandhi Smriti and so on. The archaeological museum of Barton features weapons, wood carvings, coins, fossils, farming implements and lots more. Spend the night in Bhavnagar.

  

Bhavnagar was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil; finally in 1723 Bhavsinhji established the city of Bhavnagar as his capital. His grandson Takhatsinhji, who came to power in 1878, setup a modern system of civil and criminal justice & other social departments. The districts main link to its maritime past is Asia’s largest ship breaking yard at Alang. Barton Museum & Library It was established in 1882 & open for all from 1885. Barton Museum is located at Gandhi Smriti in Bhavnagar. This is principally an archaeological museum. On display here are coins, weapons, and wood carvings, farming implements, fossils and archaeological finds. Also a very good collection of stamps are here.

Gandhi Smriti 

The little known fact that mahatma Gandhi went to the University of Bhavnagar. Established with an objective of keeping Gandhian Thought alive, Gandhi Smriti is a living monument to Gandhi ji. Opened in 1955, the institution houses a Gandhi ji picture gallery, Khadi Gramodyog Bhandar. Overnight stay Bhavnagar.

Day 11: Bhavnagar – Palitana – Lothal – Anand (60 KMS + 150 KMS + 100 KMS / 6 HRS)

Drive towards Palitana in the morning to visit the Jain Temple which is a popular center for pilgrims. You will also explore the temples of Vimala Sah, and variety of architectural marvels on the mount of Shatrunjaya. Then, head towards Lothal which is a vital site of archaeological remains. Those remains of Indus Valley Civilization feature an ancient Dockyard. You will find numerous things in the Archaeological museum here which include intricate seals, jewelries, weights, measures and so on. Later, head towards Anand and after reaching there, spend the overnight.

Lothal is an important archaeological site was discovered in 1954. This site is 85 KMS from Ahmedabad towards to Bhavnagar. Lothal is one of the most significant sites of the Harapann or Indus valley Civilization excavated in INDIA. The city that stood here 4500 years ago is clearly related to Indus valley cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. The remarkable feature of this ancient city is the dockyard, (Complex lock gate system) which had channels through which ships could wash from the sea and offload their cargo when the gates were locked. The town beside the dockyard includes an upper residential area, probably an acropolis as it had private paved baths, and a lower township which also has remains of factories that produced the famous beads, earthenware and metal ware of the period. The archeological museum can be seen at the site displays further evidence of this well ordered civilization, such as intricate seals, weights and measures, games and jewellery. Continue drives to Anand, Overnight stay Anand.

Day 12: Anand – Vadodara – Champaner

In the morning, head towards Vadodara which has become a big industrial center now. Take a visit to the Laxmi Vilas Palace and Tamberkar Haveli. Move towards Champaner to visit the famous Mosque called Jama Masjid, Nagina Masjid and Pavagadh Temple of Maa Kali. Spend overnight in Champaner.

Laxmi Vilas Palace: 

The Laxmi Vilas Palace is a mix of Indo, Islamic and European architecture. The states become prosperous under Sayajirao Gaekwad who is responsible for the building of the Laxmi Vilas Palace. The work of building the palace was commissioned to Major Mant and it was completed after his death by Chisolm in a 720 acre garden landscaped by a designer from Kew. As these architects were known for their ethic style, inside the palace is equally impressive in its profusion of marble, mosaic & work of arts. The palace has a three mosaic covered courtyard filled with palms, European statuary, Italian marble and stained glass. The palace is open for viewing with the permit from the office.

Tamberkar Haveli 

The haveli is well-known for its fresco paintings that show scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, incidents from Krishna’s life. The former residence of Vadodara emperor, this building has outstanding wall paintings. Later drives to Champaner

Champaner is 47 KMS northwest of Vadodara. The UNESCO listed world heritage site of Champaner is one of Gujarat’s most remarkable archaeological zones. Champaner is famous for its exquisite mosques, of which the Jama Masjid is the most impressive. The sculptural hill of Pavagadh with its ruined fort rises beside Champaner in three levels. The 16th century with mosques that is considered perfect example of the Gujarat Sultanate’s Indo- Saracenic architecture. The mosque with in the fortified city is called Shar Ki Masjid. It is noted for its slender minarets with intricately carved basis. The Jami Masjid has intricate latticework screens and a magnificent pavilion at the entrances to the spacious courtyard which is enclosed by domed galleries. The central dome is three storeys with an opening that allows light into the prayer hall. The similar Nagina Masjid has exquisite sculptures on the pillars. Pavagadh temple is the site for Kali temple. Overnight stay Champaner.

Day 13: Champaner – Chhota Udepur

On this day, you will visit the eminent Rathwa Tribes and also observe the local tribal markets. You can view the traditional architecture, handicrafts and life style of villages like Kharakwada, Devhat, Kol, Timla and so on. Visit the Museum of Tribes and also explore the villages to see the Pithora Paintings. Spend the night in Chhota Udepur.

Chotta Udepur – Surat (210kms 4 hour drive approx.)

Post breakfast, you will drive towards Surat and take a tour of this city. Spend the rest of time in leisure activities. Stay overnight in Surat.

Day 15 : Surat – Saputara (180 Kms/ 4 hours drive approx.)

Post breakfast; drive towards Saputara which a picturesque hill station on the Sahyadri Range (Dang Forest Area). Enjoy the visit to tribal villages there and observe their lifestyle. Spend the night in Saputara.

Day 16 : Saputara

Post breakfast; take the full day tour of the tribal villages where you find several artefacts of the tribal people. Spend the overnight in Saputara.

Day 17 : Saputara

Post breakfast; enjoy visiting the picturesque locations of Sapatura which include the sunset point, Wildlife Sanctuary of Purna, Gira Falls, National Park of Vansda and several beautiful gardens of Saputara. Spend the overnight in Saputara.

Day 18 : Saputara – Mumbai (300 Kms / 7 hours drive approx.)

Post breakfast, you will drive towards Mumbai via Nasik. Explore the beautiful locations of Mumbai like the Gateway of India, Mani Bhawan Gandhi Museum, Temple of Siddhivinayak, bustling streets of Crawford Market, Chowpatty beach and so on. Spend the night in Mumbai.

Day 19 : Depart Mumbai

After having breakfast in the morning, you will head for onward journey to any preferred choice of destination.