Tribal and Cultural Highlights of Gujarat

Munch your breakfast at the hotel, after that you will be driven towards Poshina. This enchanting city is home to the Garasia and Bhil tribes. The Bhil and Garasia tribes are known for their colorful tribal dances. The Bhils are the largest and most popular tribal community in Gujarat. People of this community are proficient in the use of arrow and bow. Also, you will pay a visit to a tribal shrine. In the evening, go for shopping in the village market.

Enjoy overnight stay in Darbargadh Poshina which is a heritage property.

Today, you will leave for Danta from Poshina. This town is situated on the border of Gujarat. It is blessed with numerous magnificent temples. As you reach there, visit the Kumbhariyaji Jain Temples. These temples were built by Vimal Shah in the 12th-century and are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras such as Neminath, Mahavir, Shantinath, Sambhavnath, and Parshwanath.

Then, move to the Taranga Jain Temple which is dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess Tara. This temple is situated at the Taranga Hills. At last, you will be visiting the historical monuments of Vadnagar. Also visit the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Gauri Kund, Sharmista Lake, Nag Temple, Tana Riri Garden and many more.

Enjoy an overnight stay at a heritage hotel.

After having detectable breakfast, begin your journey towards Dasada. It is a tiny village inhabited by farmers, artisans, and cattle herders.

As you reach there, pay a visit to the Queen's Stepwell built in the 11th-century A.D, which is one of the most impressive stepwells in Gujarat. It was constructed as a religious as well as the functional structure which also highlighted the sanctity of water.

Also, you will meet the silk weavers in Patan who are known for Ikkat and Patola weaving. Patola Weaving is one of the most difficult forms of weaving in the world because it uses a double ikkat style. In the evening, pay your homage at the Sun Temple which is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Modhera and is devoted to Lord Sun. The intricate architectural style of this temple will leave you awestruck.

Enjoy overnight stay at an eco-friendly safari resort in Dasada.

Dasada is home to the pastoral communities of Vadiara and Bharwads Rabaris. The people of Rabaris are also renowned for their creative embroidery work. There are also some nomadic or semi-nomadic groups like Mirs and Bajanias. The people of Rabaris tribes traverse the plains and deserts of Gujarat on their camel carts.

In the afternoon, a wildlife safari is planned for you at the Little Rann of Kutch. Here, you will spot many wild animals like blue bull or nilgai, blackbuck, mammals, chinkara, etc. and some endangered species such as Indian fox, jungle cats, Indian wolf, jackals, desert fox and few hyenas. Also, it is home to Asiatic Wild Ass or Khur which is one of the most endangered species in the world.

Before heading towards the hotel, you will witness the lifestyle of the Koli tribes. They are considered as one of the largest communities of Western India and their main occupation is fishing.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Post breakfast, you will leave for Kutch (Anjar) by road. The village is well-known for its traditional and cultural heritage and awestruck the tourists with its surreal beauty. This town is basically popular for metal and textile handicrafts. As you reach there, complete all check-in formalities and get over tiredness. Later, explore the port city, Gandhidham. It was once the refugee center for homeless people after the 1947 partition. This city also consists of first-rate textile markets where the people of the nearby villages sell their products.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your pre-decided hotel.

Have a healthy breakfast at the hotel and then leave for Bhuj. It is well-known for its unique historical places. The dynamic and vibrant history of this city reflects a blend of ethnic cultures. En-route you will see numerous villages that are famous for their handicrafts like Rabari Embroidery, Ajrakh block-printing, and Ahir embroidery. See magnificent Aaina Mahal which is also called as "Hall of Mirrors". Every year, this Mahal is visited by many tourists due to its glittering glasses, exotic tile works and antique clocks, etc.

Then, set your foot into the Prag Mahal Palace that is referred to as one of the architectural wonders in India. This palace has been a part of various Bollywood movies including Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Lagaan, as well as numerous Gujarati films.

You can also explore the local markets for some souvenir shopping. Stay overnight in Kutch.

On the 8th day of your Cultural Heritage of Gujarat tour, you will go for a full-day excursion to various nearby villages in Bhuj. Firstly, you will visit the villages of Jats and Muthwas. Jats are a cattle breeding nomadic Muslim community and well-known for their traditional embroidery and finest patchwork. On the other hand, Muthwas are Qureshi Arabs and they speak Kutchi with the Sindhi language.

Now, see the simple lifestyle of Sodha Rajputs who live without having any luxurious facilities. They are also known as Royal Rajputs and famed for their artistic embroidery art. Also, see the Rabari community which is a nomadic community. This community is cherished due to its customs, history, mythology, and ancestral heritage.

At last, watch Meghwal Harijans who are master in weaving cotton and wool, leather embroidery, appliqué work, exquisite embroidery, etc. They live in groups outside the villages.

Stay overnight in Kutch.

After having a tempting breakfast, you will start for Gondal. Mid-way you will visit the prime attractions in Rajkot. Rajkot is also known as the 'City of Princes' that showcases a fusion of historical and architectural sites along with the handicrafts industries, automobile industries, and a textile center. Firstly, visit the Watson Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in Gujarat. It contains numerous artifacts, pottery, handicrafts, and princely relics, etc. that belong to the Jadeja Rajput dynasty. This museum is divided into a number of sections such as inscription, folk embroidery, musical instruments, manuscripts, natural history, sculptures, and so on. After that, explore the weaving institute in Rajkot.

As you reach Gondal, check-in at your pre-allotted hotel. After freshening up, leave for Naulakha Palace which was built by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh. It is popular for its glory and magnificence. It is home to the rich assortment of antiques and also displays different endowments, merriments, and letters, etc. You will also visit the Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy. In the evening, you will be going to explore the villages that are situated around Gondal.

Stay overnight in Gondal.

After having delectable breakfast at the hotel, start your journey towards Junagadh. This enchanting city is famed for its ancient rock-cut Buddhist cave temples, Indo-Islamic architectural styles, hilltop temples, stupendous stepwells and fascinating museums.

En-route halt at Jetpur. This textile town is a haven for textile enthusiasts who are keen to learn about the process of dyeing and printing. It contains one of the largest centers for block printing, screen-printing, and yarn dyeing workshops and also popular for its cotton saree industry.

After exploring, continue your journey towards Gir National Park. Upon arrival, check-in at your pre-booked lodge and stay overnight there.

In the morning, you will go for a half-day jungle safari in the Gir National Park which is one of the most renowned wildlife sanctuaries in India. This park is the only natural habitat of the world's popular Asiatic Lions. It is also home to the sloth bears, Indian leopards, desert cats, jungle cats, Indian cobras, golden jackals, striped hyenas, and many more.

After the wildlife safari, you will go to explore nearby tribes of Gir. Start with the Maldhari community tribe. They live a simple life in small mud houses nestled deep within the forests along with their cows, sheep, goats, camels, and buffalos. They are well-known as the traditional dairymen of the region. On the other hand, Sorathi Rabarie community is founded in and around the Gir National Park. At last, set your foot into the Siddi Village. The tribe here was brought by the Portuguese to India. The people of this tribe have forgotten their ancestral traditions and now follow most of the Gujarati traditions.

Stay overnight in Gir.

Post breakfast, get ready for Palitana which is situated in Bhavnagar. Palitana is a religious site for the followers of Jain religion who want to achieve nirvana. It includes elegant Jain temples. Then, go to explore the Bharwad and Koli colonies.

After that, visit the Jain Museums. These museums have a huge collection of excavated idols from earlier temples, artifacts, a display of the history of Jainism, ancient manuscripts written on palm leaves, and the life of Lord Mahavira, etc. Take a walk around the local market in Palitana.

Enjoy an overnight stay at a heritage hotel.

Munch your breakfast and you will be visiting the famous Jain temples in Palitana that are located on Shatrunjaya Hills. These temples date back to the 11th to the 20th-century. There are almost 863 historic temples that are beautifully engraved in marble.

In the afternoon, you will go to Balasinor. This city still retains its old-world charm and is dotted with numerous temples, magnificent monuments and other fascinating attractions.

As you reach there, you will savor your dinner with the family of the Nawab.

Enjoy overnight stay in Balasinor.

After having a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, you will leave for Chotta Udaipur which is a significant town and was earlier known as Rewa Kantha. This place is enclosed by the colorful villages of tribals such as Bhil, Rathwa, Nayaka, and Bhilala. Here, you will observe the traditional lifestyle of the locals as well as their culture and rich heritage.

In the evening, explore the Tribal Haat which is known as Tribal market or a mobile market. The main attractive things of this market include figures, Pithora paintings, pottery, bamboo basket, and terracotta Langoti wearing, etc. Also, pay a visit to the museum that shows the rich culture and ancient history of the tribes.

Enjoy overnight stay at a heritage property.

After an extravagant breakfast at the hotel, you will be visiting Champaner. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is dotted with numerous architectural monuments. Firstly, pay homage at the Jama Masjid or Jami Masjid. It is the mixture of both Hindu and Islamic architectural styles and has majestic artwork on its symmetric pillars. Then, move to the Juni Masjid which is famous for its delightful architectural style. After that, set your foot into Pavagadh Fort which is situated atop the Pavagadh Hill. It contains various religious structures constructed by the Jains and the Hindus.

Stay overnight in Chhota Udaipur.

Today, we will do a road trip to Ahmedabad. On arrival in Ahmedabad, you will have an assisted check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. You can head out to explore the heritage city on your own. Go for some shopping and return with a bag full of goodies or you can also choose to just sit back and soak in the comforts of your room.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Ahmedabad.

In the morning, savor a nutritious breakfast and proceed for Modhera. It is an ancient village famous for its historical temples. It is considered as a hub for culture and spirituality. You will see an elegant Ramkund in the historic temple complex. Ramakund is a fascinating massive rectangular shape tank. Devotees take a holy dip in this kund before worshiping at the temple. There are 108 miniature temples that are dedicated to various Hindu God and Goddess.

Enjoy an overnight stay overnight at the hotel.

After having scrumptious breakfast, you will get an assisted transfer to the Ahmedabad airport to catch a flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, board your flight for onward destination. You will cherish the wonderful memories of this Gujarat Tribal Tour forever.