(Suggested itineraries see below!)

Similar to Rajasthan in terms of Heritage but not promoted as much overseas, thus much less known, Gujarat possesses great natural beauty, abundant wildlife as well as striking decorative arts. Sahyadri and Satpuda mountain ranges cover the East. In the West are the desert of Kachchha and the Arabian Sea (Ratnakar Sagar). In the North are the hills of Mount Abu and Aravalli and in the South the river flows the Daman Ganga. Anthropologists believe that most of the tribes that settled in Gujarat have come from other regions of the country and the subcontinent. From North came Aryans, Rajputs and Gurjars. From South Kanbis, and Siddis and Arabs came through sea routes. To comprehend the folk-culture of Gujarat, it is necessary to have awareness of its different “Pathanakas” or regions. Artistic costumes and dresses of varieties of colors and of innumerable types can be seen in Gujarat. Dresses greatly differ from caste to caste, and tribe to tribe. Fascinating house types with rooms and verandahs are adorned by rubbing the floors and plastering walls with clay mixed dung (gargormati) and Khadi (red chalk for painting) and Okali (designing with fingers and palms, the wet mixture of clay and dung).

WILDLIFE

Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary

The key highlight of Gujarat is undeniably the Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary. GIR is a 1412 sq km tract of dry deciduous forests, acacia scrub, evergreen and semi-evergreen flora and grasslands, fed by rivers and streams. Among the many water-bodies in the reserve is the Kamleshwar Dam, known for its bird life and for its large crocodile population.

This wildlife reserve is the last abode of the Asiatic lion and is also known for its leopard population. Other mammals that can be seen during game-watching drives are sambar (India’s largest deer), spotted deer, the world's only four-horned antelope, blue bull, Indian gazelle, wild boar, languor, jackal, jungle cat, rusty-spotted cat, striped hyena and black-napped hare.

Gir is also of tremendous interest to birders with some 250 species listed on the forest department checklist. For those interested in herpetology, Gir has a crocodile-breeding center and is an important habitat for mugger or marsh crocodile. Many species of snakes and lizards can be seen in the sanctuary as well as fresh water turtles, terrapins and the star tortoise.

The resident naturalists can guide you on pleasant walking routes for bird watching, picnic lunches or scenic nature trails in the forests near the lodge. 

CULTURE

Gir has interesting settlements of Maldharis, a group comprising Hindu and Muslim pastoral communities. The Sorathi Rabaris are interesting pastoral community of the Gir forests. Gir also has villages of the Siddi community, a group that came to India from the African countries as mercenaries of Sultans and Nawabs in medieval times. Siddis are known for their dances and the Maldharis for their poetry.

PLACES OF INTEREST NEAR GIR

Somnath:

About 50 minutes drive from the lodge; the shore temple at Somnath is one of the holiest places of pilgrimage for Hindus in India. The main sanctuary is one of the 12 jyotirlingas or abodes of Lord Shiva. Near the temple is the Prabhas Patan Museum with remnants of the medieval versions of the original Somnath Temple before invaders ravaged it in the 11th and 16th centuries. Somnath also has a Sun Temple, the Triveni Tirth bathing ghats at the confluence of rivers with the sea; the 17th century Ahilya Temple and Bakhla Tirth are associated with Lord Krishna.

Veraval:

About 45 minutes drive from the lodge; Veraval is one of the major fishing ports of India. Besides the possibility of seeing the fresh catch from the sea, visitors are likely to watch multi-ton dhows being hand-built at the piers. Once a port of the princely state of Junagadh, Veraval has old gates and a sea-facing palace of the Nawabs.

Junagadh:

A historic walled city, Junagadh has an impressive fort with monuments enclosed in a huge walled complex; there are Buddhist cave sites, 3rd century BC rock inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka, the palaces of the erstwhile Nawabs of Junagadh and the flamboyant royal mausoleum complex. One of the palaces is now a museum enclosing jeweled carpets, sumptuous thrones, palanquins and elephant howdahs and weapons. Junagadh also has a zoo where Asiatic lions are bred and an interesting city museum. Junagadh is a one-and-a-half hour drive from the lodge.

Girnar:

This 3660-ft hill rising outside Junagadh is an important place of Hindu and Jain pilgrimage. Ascending the hill, there are many temples to be seen on ridges and at the summit, including beautiful 12th century Jain temples.

Diu Island:

About two-hours drive from the lodge, Diu was a Portuguese enclave until the 1960s. It has a massive 16th century Portuguese fort, attractive churches and beautiful old houses. There are fine beaches for swimming, sunbathing and water-sports at Diu.

Jetpur:

This textile town, north of Junagadh, is known for its block and screen-printing workshops.

Suggested general and special interest itineraries for Gujarat

GUJARAT HERITAGE

(Recommended as an extension to Rajasthan tour)

Day-1: AHMEDABAD

Arrive at Ahmedabad. Visit the Calico Museum of Textiles, the historic Gandhi Ashram and the Sardar Patel memorial at Shahibagh Palace.

Authentic Gujarati thali dinner and o/n halt at the House of Mangaldas.

Day-2: AHMEDABAD – PALITANA 239 km (Approx. four hours drive)

In the morning, take the Heritage Walk in walled city of Ahmedabad. This organized walking tour is a great way to see the historic Swaminarayan Temple, exquisitely carved Jain and Hindu temples, ornate wooden havelis and the traditional lifestyle of the dwellers of the old quarters, bird-feeders, the 15^th century  Jumma Mosque and the mausoleum complexes of the Sultans and Begums of medieval Ahmedabad.  Depart for Palitana calling in on the way at the 2400 – 1600 BC Indus site of Lothal for an insight into the Harappan civilization.  Time permitting, visit the Jain museum of Palitana and the local bazaar.

Home-cooked non-veg and veg dinner and o/n at the six-room Vijay Vilas Palace, the 1906 AD country house of the late Prince of Palitana now run by his grand-daughter as a heritage hotel.

Day-3: PALITANA – GONDAL 160 km (Approx three hours)

Early morning ascent to the 863-temple covered summit of Shatrunjaya Hill. This is one of the most awe-inspiring sights of Gujarat and is one of the major Jain pilgrimage sites with an aura of devotion that is mind-blowing.

Depart after lunch at the Vijay Vilas for Gondal. See the 1748 AD Naulakha Palace, the Vintage and Classic Car museum, the Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy and the Swaminarayan Temple.

Stay at the Riverside Palace/Orchard Palace of Gondal, both of them are heritage hotels owned and managed by their owners with 11 and seven rooms respectively and the latter also has a converted rail saloon suite.

Day-4: GONDAL – JUNAGADH – GONDAL 123 km round trip

Drive to Junagadh to see the Uparkot Fort & Buddhist cave-sites, Ashoka’s rock inscriptions (3^rd century BC), palace museum, 18^th & 19^th century royal mausoleum complexes, Nawabi buildings and museums.

Return to Riverside Palace/Orchard Palace of Gondal for overnight.

Day-5: GONDAL – DASADA 220 km (Approx four hours)

On arrival at Dasada, depart for a jeep safari in the Little Rann of Kutch in search of endangered desert wildlife like the Asiatic wild ass and witness the sunset at a lake that attracts flamingos, pelicans, cranes and other attractive birds in large numbers.

Stay at Rann Riders, an imaginatively designed safari resort.

Day-6: DASADA – DANTA 180 km (Five hours driving and sightseeing)

Early morning walk in Dasada village, known for its Rabari and Bharwad embroidery, weaving and other handiwork.  Depart for the 11^th century Sun Temple at Modhera, one of the finest examples of Chalukya architecture, and Patan known for its 11^th century step well and Patola Silk Weaving. Arrive Danta for dinner and o/n halt at the Bhavani Villa, a four-room heritage hotel run by the owners.

Day-7: DANTA – MT ABU/UDAIPUR/DUNGARPUR

FORTS AND PALACES OF  GUJARAT

(This is an ideal extension to an Madhya Pradesh tour)

Day-1: AHMEDABAD

Arrive at Ahmedabad. Visit the Calico Museum of Textiles, the historic Gandhi Ashram and the Sardar Patel memorial at Shahibagh Palace.

Authentic Gujarati thali dinner and o/n halt at the House of Mangaldas.

Day-2: AHMEDABAD – PALITANA 239 km (Approx four hours drive)

In the morning, take the Heritage Walk in walled city of Ahmedabad. This organized walking tour is a great way to see the historic Swaminarayan Temple, exquisitely carved Jain and Hindu temples, ornate wooden havelis and the traditional lifestyle of the dwellers of the old quarters, bird-feeders, the 15^th century  Jumma Mosque and the mausoleum complexes of the Sultans and Begums of medieval Ahmedabad.  Depart for Palitana calling in on the way at the 2400 – 1600 BC Indus site of Lothal for an insight into the Harappan civilization.  Time permitting, visit the Jain museum of Palitana and the local bazaar.

Home-cooked non-veg and veg dinner and o/n at the six-room Vijay Vilas Palace, the 1906 AD country house of the late Prince of Palitana now run by his grand-daughter as a heritage hotel.

Day-3: PALITANA – GONDAL 160 km (Approx three hours)

Early morning ascent to the 863-temple covered summit of Shatrunjaya Hill. This is one of the most awe-inspiring sights of Gujarat and is one of the major Jain pilgrimage sites with an aura of devotion that is mind-blowing.

Depart after lunch at the Vijay Vilas for Gondal. See the 1748 AD Naulakha Palace, the Vintage and Classic Car museum, the Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy and the Swaminarayan Temple.

Stay at the Riverside Palace/Orchard Palace of Gondal, both of them are heritage hotels owned and managed by their owners with 11 and seven rooms respectively and the latter also has a converted rail saloon suite.

Day-4: GONDAL – JUNAGADH – GONDAL 123 km round trip

Drive to Junagadh to see the Uparkot Fort & Buddhist cave-sites, Ashoka’s rock inscriptions (3^rd century BC), palace museum, 18^th & 19^th century royal mausoleum complexes, Nawabi buildings and museums.

Return to Riverside Palace/Orchard Palace of Gondal for overnight halt.

Day-5: GONDAL – DASADA 220 km (Approx four hours)

On arrival at Dasada, depart for a jeep safari in the Little Rann of Kutch in search of endangered desert wildlife like the Asiatic wild ass and witness the sunset at a lake that attracts flamingos, pelicans, cranes and other attractive birds in large numbers.

Stay at Rann Riders, an imaginatively designed safari resort.

Day-6: DASADA – BALASINOR 180 km (Approx three and a half hours)

Early morning walk in Dasada village, known for its Rabari and Bharwad embroidery, weaving and other handiwork.Drive to Balasinor and stay at the Garden Palace. Visit the dinosaur site, one of the largest prehistoric fossil sites in the world.

Day-7: BALASINOR – CHAMPANER – CHHOTA UDEPUR

Drive to Champaner, the only Gujarat site on the World Heritage List, and see the impressive forts, mosques, mausoleum and temples. Proceed to Chhota Udepur and stay at Kali Niketan, a heritage hotel.

Day-8: Drive into Madhya Pradesh.

COASTAL KINGDOMS OF GUJARAT

(This is an ideal tour of Gujarat especially after visiting land-locked states like Rajasthan and MP).

Day-1: AHMEDABAD

Arrive at Ahmedabad. Visit the Calico Museum of Textiles, the historic Gandhi Ashram and the Sardar Patel memorial at Shahibagh Palace.

Authentic Gujarati thali dinner and o/n halt at the House of Mangaldas.

Day-2: AHMEDABAD – PALITANA 239 km (Approx four hours drive)

In the morning, take the Heritage Walk in walled city of Ahmedabad. This organized walking tour is a great way to see the historic Swaminarayan Temple, exquisitely carved Jain and Hindu temples, ornate wooden havelis and the traditional lifestyle of the dwellers of the old quarters, bird-feeders, the 15^th century  Jumma Mosque and the mausoleum complexes of the Sultans and Begums of medieval Ahmedabad.  Depart for Palitana calling in on the way at the 2400 – 1600 BC Indus site of Lothal for an insight into the Harappan civilization.  Time permitting, visit the Jain museum of Palitana and the local bazaar.

Home-cooked non-veg and veg dinner and o/n at the six-room Vijay Vilas Palace, the 1906 AD country house of the late Prince of Palitana now run by his grand-daughter as a heritage hotel.

Day-3: PALITANA –  DIU ISLAND 200 km (Approx five hours drive

Early morning ascent to the 863-temple covered summit of Shatrunjaya Hill. This is one of the most awe-inspiring sights of Gujarat and is one of the major Jain pilgrimage sites with an aura of devotion that is mind-blowing.

Depart after lunch for Diu Island. Enjoy the beaches of Diu.

Stay at Radhika Beach Hotel/Richie-Rich Beach Hotel/Magico Do Mar Beach Resort/Hotel Kohinoor.

DAY-4: DIU ISLAND

Visit the 16^th century Portuguese Fort, churches, museum and other sights of Diu.

Stay as on day-3.

DAY-5: DIU – SOMNATH – GIR (120 km)

Drive to Somnath to see the world-famous shore temple and other temples. Drive to Gir, enroute visit the fishing port of Veraval known for its hand-built dhows. Stay at Gir Birding Lodge set in a mango orchard. .

DAY-6 & 7: GIR

Game drives in Gir, the last abode of the Asiatic lion. Gir is also known for its large panther population and for its birds. Between drives, visit interesting villages.

Stay at Gir Birding Lodge.

DAY-8: GIR – GONDAL 123 km

Drive to Junagadh to see the Uparkot Fort & Buddhist cave-sites, Ashoka’s rock inscriptions (3^rd century BC), palace museum, 18^th & 19^th century royal mausoleum complexes, Nawabi buildings and museums.

Continue to Gondal. See the 1748 AD Naulakha Palace, the Vintage and Classic Car museum, the Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy and the Swaminarayan Temple.

Stay at the Riverside Palace/Orchard Palace of Gondal, both of them are heritage hotels owned and managed by their owners with 11 and seven rooms respectively and the latter also has a converted rail saloon suite.

Day-9: GONDAL – GANDHIDHAM, KUTCH 240 km

Drive to Gandhidham and stay at the Sharma Resort, the only four-star hotel of Kutch District. Visit the colourful handicraft markets and the textile town of Anjar.

Day-10: GANDHIDHAM – BHUJ – MANDVI 112 km

Drive to Bhuj to see the monuments of this historic town and then to Mandvi.

Stay at the luxury beachside camp in the Vijay Vilas Palace estate.

Day-11: MANDVI

Visit the dhow-builders of Mandvi, the Vijay Vilas Palace and nearby villages.

Stay as on day-10.

Day-12: MANDVI – DASADA 350 km

On arrival at Dasada, depart for a jeep safari in the Little Rann of Kutch in search of endangered desert wildlife like the Asiatic wild ass and witness the sunset at a lake that attracts flamingos, pelicans, cranes and other attractive birds in large numbers.

Stay at Rann Riders, an imaginatively designed safari resort.

Day-13: DASADA – AHMEDABAD/MT ABU/UDAIPUR

BIRDWATCHING AND WILDLIFE TOUR

Day-1: AHMEDABAD- RANN RIDERS SAFARI RESORT, DASADA (Approx two hours drive)

Arrive Ahmedabad by morning flight or overnight Rajdhani Express, and have breakfast at the river-facing Cama Park Plaza, where your bird list will begin with many garden birds in the hotel premises and waterside birds along the Sabarmati River. Travel to Dasada, two hours away, to arrive in time for lunch at Rann Riders. The road to Dasada is interesting as you pass cattle graveyards where white, Egyptian and griffon vultures could be seen and wetlands that are good for resident birds. This eco-friendly safari resort is imaginatively designed using local materials and has extensive grounds with a water-body, ponds, gardens, plantations and agricultural fields. Red-necked falcon, shikra, blue throat, rosy starling, black ibis, white pelican, gray and pond heron, pied, common and white-throated kingfisher, and other birds come into the property. After lunch, depart for a drive in the Little Rann of Kutch, a sanctuary for the Indian wild ass. An ancient seabed turned by geological forces into saline desert plains, the Rann has grassy patches that offer good bird watching. Crested and Sykes larks, Oriental skylark, greater short-toed lark, singing and Indian bush larks, ashy-crowned and black-crowned sparrow-larks, are likely sightings and greater hoopoe lark is possible. Desert and variable wheatears, southern gray, long-tailed, rufous-tailed and bay-back shrike, common wood shrike are also likely sightings and the desert warbler is among the many winter visiting warblers. We will also look for chestnut-bellied and spotted sand grouse, Indian courser (cream-colored visits occasionally), quails, yellow-legged and barred buttonquails, gray francolin, wryneck, brown-rock chat, pied bush chat, rufous-tailed scrub robin, blue-headed rock thrush, black redstart and buntings in the scrubby areas. At sunset, it is possible to watch marsh, Montague and pallid harriers, aquila eagles, falcons and buzzards heading for their roosting sites.  Among the mammals of the Rann other than the wild ass, there are chances of seeing nilgai, chinkara gazelle, white-footed desert and Indian foxes, the wolf, jungle cat (occasionally also desert cat), pale and long-eared hedgehogs and hare.

Day-2: DASADA

Morning drive to the bets, elevated patches in the Rann covered with scrub and grass. In winter, this is a likely area for Macqueen’s bustard. Long-legged, common and white-eyed buzzard, booted eagle, Bonneli’s eagle.  short-toed snake eagle, are often seen during the drive.

Evening visit to Nawa Talao, a lake where demoiselle and common cranes gather in large flocks during the winter months.  Greater and lesser flamingo are seen in large numbers, as are great white pelican with spot billed and Dalmatian recorded. Painted, open bill, wooly-necked, white, black and black-necked stork could be seen as also black, glossy and black-headed ibis. Northern pintail, common teal, spot-billed duck, mallard, gadwall, pigeon, garganey, shoveler, cotton pygmy goose, pochards, tufted duck, lesser whistling duck, brahminy and comb duck are among the many visitors to the lake. Waders include pratincoles, lapwings, sandpipers, ruff and other birds in good numbers.

Day-3: DASADA – HOTEL PRESIDENT, JAMNAGAR

Morning walk in Dasada village. This can yield a reasonably good bird list including yellow-legged green pigeon, paradise flycatcher, fantails, red-breasted flycatcher, white-eye, prinias and warblers. After breakfast, depart for Jamnagar, six hours away. This is an interesting route passing agricultural fields and lakes. Birds of open-country like roller and black-shouldered kite could be seen. Arrive at Hotel President in time for lunch. On this day, we will also try to get permits to enter the Marine National Park the next day. Evening visit to Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, where there are fairly good chances of seeing Indian skimmer. This sanctuary is a breeding area for many species of birds that do not nest elsewhere in peninsular India.  Great-crested grebe, black-necked stork, Caspian tern and many other birds can be seen besides most of the species recorded in the Little Rann area. Stay at Hotel President.

Day-4: JAMNAGAR

Visit coastal areas along the Gulf of Kutch, one of the finest birding stretches along the Indian coastline. You are likely to see crab-plover, Kentish plover, oystercatcher, ruddy turnstone, broad-billed sandpiper, sanderling, dunlin, curlew sandpiper, black-headed gull, Pallas’ gull, temmincks stint, lesser-crested tern, gull-billed tern, common tern, little tern, black-bellied tern, whiskered tern, whiskered tern, darters, western reef egret and other birds could be seen on this route.

Time permitting, walk to Lakhota Lake to watch brown-headed gulls and a variety of ducks.

Stay at Hotel President.

Day-5: JAMNAGAR – THE PALACES OF GONDAL

Depart at dawn with a picnic lunch for Porbandar, two hours away. This coastal city is good for watching and photographing birds at close range. Besides large flamingo and crane flocks, this area also receives yellow-legged gull, henglin’s gull, sandwich tern, black-bellied tern, etc. Travel three hours to Gondal and check-in at the Riverside Palace/Orchard Palace. These heritage hotels are good for birding with many species coming in to the orchards and on the river-shores. Drive to the grasslands where there are chances of seeing Eurasian eagle-owl, Montagu harrier, short-eared owl, rock bush quail, ashy-crowned sparrow-lark, southern grey and rufous-tailed shrike, pipits, pied bushchat, among other birds. The lakes of Gondal attract large flocks of demoiselle and common cranes, white pelicans, ducks, and other birds.

Day-6: GONDAL – GIR BIRDING LODGE

After breakfast, travel three hours to Gir and take a mini-bus tour of the Interpretation Zone, an enclosed cross-section of Gir habitats. Dinner and overnight at the Gir Birding Lodge in a private orchard of Gir with a forest view.

Day-7 & 8: GIR BIRDING LODGE

A tapestry of dry deciduous forests, acacia scrub and grassland, fed by rivers and reservoirs, Gir is the last abode of the Asiatic lion and has a thriving population of panther (leopard), sambar, chital (spotted deer), nilgai (blue bull antelope) and wild boar. Gir is also one of the major habitats of chousingha (the world’s only four-horned antelope) and chinkara (Indian gazelle) that are hard to spot in the teak forests along the game drive trails. Among the many birds of Gir, changeable hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, Bonneli’s eagle, shaheen peregrene falcon, laggar falcon, shikra, painted sand grouse, quails, black-hooded and golden oriels, marshal’s and common iora, Asian paradise flycatcher, tickell’s blue, red-throated, verditer and Asian brown flycatchers, yellow-crowned, brown-capped pygmy, black-rumped flameback woodpeckers, green and blue-cheeked bee-eaters, coppersmith barbet, common, lesser pied and white-throated kingfisher, blossom-headed parakeet, hoopoe, black, ashy and white-bellied drongos, rufous treepie, large cuckoo shrike, small minivet, red-vented and white-eared bulbul, tawny-bellied, yellow-eyed, jungle and large gray babblers, gray-breasted, ashy, rufous-fronted, plain, jungle and graceful prinias, zitting cisticola, clamorous reed-warbler, booted warbler, greenish warbler, lesser and Hume’s warbler, orphean warbler and blyth’s reed warbler, are among the many birds that could be seen here. Those interested in herpetology can visit the crocodile-breeding farm at Sasan.

Day-9: GIR - PALITANA

Travel four hours from Gir to Palitana and check-in at the Vijay Vilas, a family-run heritage hotel. Bird in the surrounding countryside or visit Bhavnagar for birding at Victoria Park (good scrubland bird life), Gaurishankar Lake and near the ports where Western reef egret nest in good numbers. Those interested in combining culture with natural history can visit the magnificent Jain temple complex atop Shatrunjaya Hill.

Day-10: PALITANA – VELAVADAR - PALITANA

Early morning depart for Velavadar National Park with a picnic lunch. Known for its large blackbuck antelope population, Velavadar is also one of the few places where the wolf is proliferating in India though they are rarely seen in the daylight. Jackal, jungle cat and hare are more easily seen and Indian fox on the periphery. Sirkeer malkoha, painted francolin, chestnut-bellied and spotted sand grouse, rufous-tailed, crested and Sykes’ larks, red-rumped swallows, desert and variable wheatears and other birds are seen and many raptors visit specially short-toed snake eagle, imperial, steppe, tawny, greater and lesser spotted eagles, laggar falcon, hobby, common kestrel, red-necked falcon, peregrine falcon, white-eyed and long-legged buzzard, black-shouldered kite, shikra, Eurasian sparrow-hawk and occasionally northern goshawk. Rarities include the Stoilczka’s bush chat. In the evening, witness a massive roost of montagu, pallid and marsh harrier. Return to Palitana.

Day-11: PALITANA – AHMEDABAD/BHAVNAGAR FOR RETURN FLIGHT.

EXTENSION TO RAJASTHAN: Ahmedabad – Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer – Bikaner – Pushkar – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Bharatpur – Agra - Delhi

TEXTILES AND HANDICRAFTS OF GUJARAT

DAY-1: AHMEDABAD

Arrive at Ahmedabad and visit the Calico Museum of Textiles and other museums exhibiting textiles and handicrafts. Ahmedabad is also a major center for textiles and handiwork and has interesting markets and bazaars.

Accommodations: House of Mangaldas Girdhardas, a heritage hotel, or Hotel Cama, one of Ahmedabad’s first star-rated hotels. Both are conveniently located for visiting the museums and textile workshops of Ahmedabad.

DAY-2: AHMEDABAD – PALACES OF  GONDAL (Five hrs)

Drive to Sayla for lunch at a heritage hotel and visit nearby villages to watch weavers at work and to see local beadwork. Continue to Gondal, known for its beadwork, silver jewelry and brassware. Visit cottage industries of Gondal to watch spinners, weavers and other artisans at work, and the Naulakha Palace with beautiful beadwork, brass utensils, silverware and hand-painted wooden toys from the princely collection.

Accommodations: Riverside Palace/Orchard Palace, both heritage hotels decorated with pieces from the private textile collection of the Maharani of Gondal.

DAY-3: GONDAL – JETPUR – JUNAGADH – GONDAL (One hour driving time + sightseeing trips)

Jetpur is known for its screen-printing factories, block-printing and textile units. Junagadh has museums exhibiting textiles of the erstwhile Nawab including beautiful carpets.

Accommodations: As on Day-2.

DAY-4: GONDAL – RAJKOT – HOTEL PRESIDENT, JAMNAGAR (Four hours)

See the textiles at the Watson Museum and visit Rashtriya Shala working to revive rare weaves and handicrafts, both at Rajkot. Jamnagar is known for its bandhini (tie-and-dye).

Accommodations: Hotel President.

DAY-4: JAMNAGAR – SHARMA RESORTS, KUTCH (Four hours)

Anjar is a center for textile and metal handicrafts.

Accommodations: Sharma Resorts, the only four-star in Kutch District. Nearby Gandhidam has an excellent textile market.

DAY-5: EXPLORE KUTCH

Drive to Bhuj calling in on the way at villages known for their ajrakh block printing, Ahir embroidery, Rabari embroidery and master weavers. Spend the rest of the day at the markets, monuments and

Accommodations: Sharma Resorts, the only four-star in Kutch District.

DAY-6: FULL DAY VILLAGE TOUR

Visit the villages of Sodha Rajputs, Muslim pastoral groups like the Jaths and Muthwas and their sub-groups, Hindu pastoral groups like the Rabaris, Meghwal Harijans and other communities known for their exquisite embroidery.

Accommodations: Sharma Resorts, the only four-star in Kutch District.

DAY-7: SHARMA RESORTS, KUTCH – RANN RIDERS SAFARI RESORT, DASADA Four hours

Dasada is known for its Vadiara Rabari and Bharwad embroidery. Also, visit weavers and other artisans.

Accommodations: Rann Riders at Dasada, a resort imaginatively designed using local materials and handicrafts.

DAY-8: DASADA – PATAN - DASADA

Patan is known for Patola Silk Weaving, a rare double-ikat weaving technique.

Accommodations: Rann Riders at Dasada, a resort imaginatively designed using local materials and handicrafts. 

DAY-9: DASADA – AHMEDABAD/MT ABU/UDAIPUR

TRIBES AND CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS OF GUJARAT

DAY-1: AHMEDABAD

Visit the museums of Ahmedabad.

Accommodations: House of Mangaldas Girdhardas, a heritage hotel, or Hotel Cama, one of the first star-rated hotels of Ahmedabad.

DAY-2: AHMEDABAD – DARBARGADH POSHINA Four hours

Poshina is surrounded by Garasia and Bhil villages. Visit a tribal shrine and the village market.

Accommodations: Darbargadh Poshina, a heritage hotel.

DAY-3: POSHINA – BHAVANI VILLA, DANTA Two hours

Visit the 1062-1134 AD Kumbhariyaji Jain Temples, the 12th century Taranga Jain Temple and the monuments of Vadnagar near Danta.

Accommodations: Bhavani Villa, a heritage hotel.

DAY-4:DANTA – RANN RIDERS SAFARI RESORT, DASADA Four hours

Visit the step well and silk weavers of Patan and the 11th century Sun Temple of Modhera.

Accommodations: Rann Riders, a safari resort imaginatively designed from local materials and handiwork.

DAY-5: DASADA

Dasada Taluka is inhabited by pastoral communities like the Vadiara Rabaris and the Bharwads, and nomadic/semi-nomadic groups like the Mirs and Bajanias.

Safari across the Little Rann of Kutch to see the desert wildlife and magnificent birds at the lakes and to visit the Kolis at the salt works.

Accommodations: Rann Riders, a safari resort imaginatively designed from local materials and handiwork.

DAY-6: DASADA – SHARMA RESORTS, KUTCH Four hours

Drive to Anjar, a centre for textile and metal handicrafts.

Accommodations: Sharma Resorts, the only four-star in Kutch District. Nearby Gandhidam has an excellent textile market.

DAY-7: ANJAR – BHUJ - ANJAR

Drive to Bhuj calling in on the way at villages known for their ajrakh block printing, Ahir embroidery, Rabari embroidery and master weavers. Spend the rest of the day at the markets, monuments and

Accommodations: Sharma Resorts, the only four-star in Kutch District.

DAY-8: FULL DAY VILLAGE TOUR

Visit the villages of Sodha Rajputs, Muslim pastoral groups like the Jaths and Muthwas and their sub-groups, Hindu pastoral groups like the Rabaris, Meghwal Harijans and other communities known for their exquisite embroidery.

Accommodations: Sharma Resorts, the only four-star in Kutch District.

DAY-9: SHARMA RESORTS – RAJKOT – PALACES OF GONDAL Five hours

Visit the Watson Museum and weaving institute at Rajkot. Gondal is known for its Naulakha Palace where the royal family has exhibited beadwork, silverware, brass utensils, hand-painted wooden toys and other artifacts from their antique collection, silver jewelry, brass boxes called pataras and Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy. Visit the Bharwad and other pastoral villages around Gondal town.

Accommodations: Riverside Palace/Orchard Palace, heritage hotels decorated with pieces of beadwork, embroidery and other handiwork from the Maharani’s collection.

DAY-10: GONDAL – JETPUR – JUNAGADH – GIR BIRDING LODGE Four hours

Jetpur is known for its screen-printing, block-printing and other textiles. Junagadh is a historic city with a fort, royal mausoleum complexes, palaces, museums and cave-sites.

Accommodations: Gir Birding Lodge

DAY-11: GIR BIRDING LODGE

The last abode of the Asiatic lion, Gir is also good for other wildlife. Besides game-watching drives, visit Maldhari pastoral settlements, Sorathi Rabari pastoral villages and a Siddi village (Siddis are believed to have come to Gujarat in medieval times from African countries).

Accommodations: Gir Birding Lodge

DAY-12: GIR – VIJAY VILAS, PALITANA

At Palitana, visit Koli and Bharwad colonies, Jain museums and the marketplace.

Accommodations: Vijay Vilas, a heritage hotel.

DAY-13: PALITANA – BALASINOR Full day

Visit the Jain temple complex atop Shatrunjaya Hill, one of the most important Jain holy places. 

Proceed to Balasinor to reach in time for dinner with the Nawab’s family.

Accommodations: Garden Palace.

DAY-14: BALASINOR – KALI NIKETAN, CHHOTA UDEPUR Three hours

Chhota Udepur Taluka is known for its Rathwa, Bhil, Bhilala and Nayaka villages. Visit a tribal haat (market) and the tribal museum.

Accommodations: Kali Niketan, a heritage hotel.

DAY-15: CHHOTA UDEPUR - CHAMPANER - CHHOTA UDEPUR

Visit the medieval monuments of Champaner, the only Gujarat site on the World Heritage List.

Accommodations: Kali Niketan, a heritage hotel.

DAY-16: CHHOTA UDEPUR – MANDU/INDORE/BARODA/AHMEDABAD

For Rajasthan, reverse the itinerary and drive Poshina to Mt Abu/Udaipur/Ranakpur.

What's included and what's not:

- Services of local English Speaking guides for sightseeing and excursions per itinerary.
- Monuments entry fees.
- Baggage portage at airports.
 

List of Hotels Included:
VIJAY VILAS, ADPUR, PALITANA

RIVERSIDE PALACE/ORCHARD PALACE, GONDAL

BHAVANI VILLA, DANTA

HOUSE OF MANGALDAS GIRDHARDAS

GARDEN PALACE, BALASINOR

RANN RIDERS, DASADA

PRESIDENT HOTEL, JAMNAGAR

SHARMA RESORTS, KUTCH

Luxury beach camp at Mandvi palace estate

GIR BIRDING LODGE (GIR NATIONAL PARK & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY)

An attractive property on the edge of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary with rooms in the lodge and African-style super-deluxe Swiss-cottage tents with constructed baths, has a strong specialization in natural history with birding guides, trackers, an extensive wildlife library and other facilities to make the experience of staying at one of India’s best-known wildlife sanctuaries productive.

Located in a mango orchard next to the entrance gate of Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, the lodge offers wonderful view of the mixed deciduous forests. From the dining area you may be lucky to see a lion or leopard and among the many birds that come into the orchard around the lodge are crimson-breasted barbet, white-eye, paradise flycatcher, green pigeon, painted sand grouse, quails, eagles and buzzards.

Accommodations include two double bedrooms with a shared bath between them in the main building and 4 cottages with double beds and attached baths with western-style toilet fittings and hot-showers. Buffet meals are served in the aesthetically pleasing dining room of the lodge, featuring Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian as well as Continental dishes. For special food preferences like regional Kathiawadi dishes or fresh seafood from the Veraval docks, 40km south of Gir, we can arrange on request.

Excluded from Land Cost: