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Art & Craft Villages of Gujarat

0/5
Duration

7 Nights / 8 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

This immersive 8-day journey through Gujarat is a celebration of its rich tapestry of arts, crafts, tribal heritage, and desert landscapes. Starting in the vibrant city of Ahmedabad, the tour explores centuries-old architectural marvels, ancient temples, and renowned stepwells. Travel into the heart of Kutch to witness intricate textile traditions, tribal lifestyles, and surreal salt desert vistas. Discover the age-old art forms like Rogan painting, Bandhani, weaving, pottery, and embroidery, as practiced by local artisans for generations. Walk through charming villages where every lane tells a story of cultural legacy and handmade artistry. The journey culminates in Mandvi and Wankaner, where royal palaces and traditional crafts blend with coastal charm and princely history.

Highlights

  • Visit the heritage city of Ahmedabad with its intricate temples, havelis, and vibrant museums.
  • Explore the stunning Modhera Sun Temple and the UNESCO-listed Rani Ki Vav stepwell enroute to Dasada.
  • Experience wildlife and tribal communities at the Little Rann of Kutch sanctuary.
  • Discover traditional Rogan painting, embroidery, pottery, and weaving in the Banni villages of Kutch.
  • Unwind at Mandvi Beach and explore the regal Vijay Vilas Palace and shipbuilding traditions.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 40.2%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 45.0%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 49.8%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 50.8%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 53.9%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 54.0%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 57.9%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Ahmedabad

Arrival transfer from Ahmedabad airport to your hotel.
City tour of Ahmedabad:
• Hatheesing Jain Temple – An exquisite white marble shrine built in 1850 by a wealthy merchant, dedicated to the 15th Jain Tirthankara.
• Bhadra Fort & Bhadrakali Temple – Historic citadel known for its ornate arches, gates, and a revered temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali.
• Sabarmati Ashram – The peaceful riverside home of Mahatma Gandhi with a museum showcasing his personal life and struggle for India’s freedom.
• Shaking Minarets – An architectural mystery where one minaret shakes when the other is shaken.
• Swaminarayan Mandir, Kalupur – The first temple of the Swaminarayan sect, known for its wooden carvings and historical relevance.
• Kite Museum – A quirky museum featuring 125 unique kites, from mirror-studded designs to Japanese paper wonders.
Overnight stay at hotel in Ahmedabad.

Day 2: Ahmedabad – Modhera – Patan – Dasada (200 kms)

Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Dasada with enroute visits to:
• Modhera Sun Temple – Built in 1026 AD by the Solanki dynasty, dedicated to the Sun God, featuring an intricately carved assembly hall and sacred water tank.
• Rani Ki Vav, Patan – A 7-storey subterranean stepwell and UNESCO site, with over 1,500 exquisite sculptures from Hindu mythology.
• Panchasara Jain Temples – A 5-temple complex built in 746 CE by King Vanraj Chavda, famed for its marble craftsmanship and carvings.
Continue drive to Dasada. Check-in at eco-resort on the edge of the Rann.
Lunch and dinner at hotel.
Overnight stay in Dasada.

Day 3: Dasada – Little Rann Safari – Bhuj (230 kms)

Breakfast at hotel.
Morning jeep safari in Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary:
• Wild Ass Sanctuary – Spot the rare Indian Wild Ass, graceful blackbucks, and desert foxes amidst salt marshes.
• Birdwatching – Observe demoiselle cranes, pelicans, flamingos, and migratory birds from Europe, Siberia, and Africa.
• Tribal interaction – Visit Rabari and Bharwad tribal villages to see their nomadic lifestyle and colorful attire.
Drive to Bhuj through semi-arid landscapes and tribal settlements.
Check-in at hotel in Bhuj.
Overnight stay at hotel in Bhuj.

Day 4: Bhuj – Nirona – Hodka (65 kms)

Breakfast at hotel.
Bhuj city tour:
• Aina Mahal – An 18th-century palace of mirrors, glass chandeliers, and Indo-European architecture.
• Prag Mahal – A 19th-century Gothic-Italianate palace with Corinthian pillars and clock tower views.
• Swaminarayan Temple – Reconstructed after the 2001 earthquake with stunning white marble.
• Ramkund Stepwell – An intricately carved sacred water tank with depictions from Ramayana.
Drive to Nirona Village – home to unique crafts:
• Rogan Art – Visit families practicing this 300-year-old castor oil-based painting technique on cloth.
• Lacquer Work – See artisans use natural dyes and hand-lathe techniques to create decorative wooden objects.
• Copper Bell Making – Witness the making of musical cowbells using centuries-old techniques.
Continue to Hodka village. Check-in at an ethnic village resort.
Evening excursion to White Rann to witness surreal desert sunset.
Lunch, dinner & overnight at Hodka.

Day 5: Hodka – Dhordo – Khavda – Kala Dungar – Hodka

Early morning drive to White Rann for sunrise view over the salt desert.
Return for breakfast. Post-breakfast explore Banni tribal villages:
• Dhordo Village – Known for Mutwa embroidery and mirror work.
• Pathan Hamlet – Visit families engaged in colorful embroidery and appliqué.
• Khavda Village – Renowned for terracotta pottery and clay utensils made by the Kumbhar community.
• Kala Dungar (Black Hill) – Highest point in Kutch offering panoramic views of the Rann and the Indo-Pak border.
• Magnetic Hill Shrine – Visit Dattatreya temple with magnetic hill illusions nearby.
Return to Hodka. Lunch, dinner & overnight stay.

Day 6: Hodka – Sumarasar – Mandvi (125 kms)

Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Mandvi via Sumarasar Village:
• Weaving Workshop – Witness wool and cotton shawl weaving by Vankar artisans using traditional looms.
Check-in at beachside resort in Mandvi.
Later visit:
• Vijay Vilas Palace – A royal sandstone palace built in 1929, with jharokhas, stained glass windows, and a royal family museum.
• Shipbuilding Yard – Walk through traditional dhow-building docks where boats are still hand-built.
• Mandvi Beach – Relax on the peaceful Arabian Sea coast, known for camel rides and wind towers.
Overnight stay at hotel in Mandvi.

Day 7: Mandvi – Mundra – Anjar – Wankaner (250 kms)

Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Wankaner enroute visiting:
• Mundra – Known for Batik block-printing textiles; visit local workshops.
• Anjar – A heritage town famed for metal crafts including bells, knives, and utensils made by local artisans.
Continue to Wankaner. Check-in at heritage palace hotel.
Overnight stay at Wankaner.

Day 8: Wankaner – Rajkot / Ahmedabad

Breakfast at hotel.
Visit Ranjit Vilas Palace – A grand Indo-European palace set amidst hills and lakes, with royal memorabilia and antique collections.
Explore Royal Oasis & Stepwell – A serene palace complex with intricately carved stepwell and gardens.
Later drive to Rajkot or Ahmedabad for onward flight.
Tour ends.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 7 Nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • 1-Time shared Gypsy safari in Little Rann of Kutch with forest department naturalist.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?
We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels or the best available quality options in remote regions where luxury properties are limited. Hotels are chosen for their comfort, location, and service standards. In case a specific hotel is unavailable, an equivalent standard property will be offered.

Hotels used or similar for 7 nights accommodation:
5-Star Hotels
Ahmedabad – 1 Night: Taj Skyline Ahmedabad/ Hyatt Regency
Little Rann of Kutch – 1 Night: Rann Riders by Kaafila
Bhuj – 1 Night: Regenta Resort Bhuj by Royal Orchid/ The Fern Residency
Hodka – 2 Nights: Shaam-e-Sarhad Village Resort/ Kutir Craft Village Resort
Mandvi – 1 Night: Serena Beach Resort
Wankaner – 1 Night: Wankaner Heritage

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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