Exploring the tribal culture of Gujarat is a psychedelic visual treat, a journey through a celebration of life in technicolor. The colourful costumes, stunning jewelrys, arts and craft, folk songs and dance are a sight to behold!
Duration : 11 Days
Route : Baroda → Champaner → Jambughoda → Ahmedabad → Danta → Sidhpur → Patan → Modhera → Dasada → Bhuj → Banni → Hodka → Kala Dunger → Bhuj
Itinerary
Day 1 Baroda
Historical and archaeological findings date Baroda back to the 9th century.
Visit the Fateh Singh Museum and the spectacular Laxmi Vilas Palace.
Day 2 Jambughoda (via Champaner)
Drive to Jambughoda via Champaner, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which exhibits some of the finest examples of fusion architecture, sculpted by mellifluous architects from different culture and civilizations.
Post lunch take a village walk visiting a Rathwa tribal home and enjoy the sunset high tea at Kada Lake.
Dinner with the Royal Family can be arranged.
Day 3 Jambughoda (Day trip to Chota Udaipur)
Leave in the morning for the tribal areas near Chota Udaipur to attend the ‘Haat’ (Tribal Fair-held on all days of the week but at different villages).
Later visit the tribal museum at Chota Udaipur and the Museum of Voice at Tejgadh,dedicated to preserving the tribal culture and crafts.
Dinner with the Royal Family can be arranged.
Days 4-5 Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, the commercial hub of Gujarat, has a unique Indo-Saracenic style of architecture which can be seen in the minarets, domes and latticework in the mosques dispersed around the city.
Set off on an early morning Heritage Walk of Ahmedabad. Later visit the Gandhi Ashram,Akshardam Temple, Juma Masjid, Mosque of Sidi Sayed, and Vintage Car Museum.
Days 6-7 Danta
Visit the Calico museum before heading out to Danta, an erstwhile princely state ruled by the Parmars. Visit Bhavani Villa, a colonial style villa and the royal residence of the present Maharana Mahipendra Singh, the 129th descendant of the clan.
The wooded hills around Danta are known for the Grasia, Bhil & Rabari Tribes. Danta is a paradise for nature-lovers, offering forays into the forest and hills around. Visit Ambaji Temple, Kumbharia and Taranga Jain Temples and en-route visit tribal villages and settlements.
Evening dinner with the royal family in their private dining room can be arranged.
Day 8 Dasada (via Sidhpur, Patan, and Modhera)
Visit the havelis and mansions in Sidhpur and Adlaj Wav (step well) before heading towards Patan to meet with the Salvi family, experts in the art of double Ikkat work.
Day 9 Dasada
Dasada is a perfect base for exploring the Rann of Kutch, the last refuge in India for the Asiatic Wild Ass, an elegant member of the horse family. In winter it is also home to migratory birds such as flamingos, Macqueen’s Bustard, pelicans and cranes.
Dasada and its nearby villages are inhabited by a number of interesting communities including pastoral tribes such as the Mirs, Rabaris, Bharwads, Jats and Kolis.
Enjoy the open air jeep safaris into the national park.
Day 10 Bhuj
Bhuj has a long history of kings and empires. It serves as the perfect base for exploring the remote areas of kutch.
Visit the Bhuj Museum and royal palaces (Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal).
Day 11 Hodka
Explore the Banni grass and desert lands, circumscribed by the great salt marsh of Rann of Kutch and the Arabian Sea. Visit Kala Raksha Trust, a grass root social enterprise dedicated to preservation of traditional arts. Later stop at Nirona village for Rogan art, bell and wood craft work. Meet with the semi nomadic Vadhas, whose skill lies in coating wooden implements and toys with lacquer in a psychedelic variation of hues.
Reach Hodka by evening to witness tribal cultural dances.
Day 12 Bhuj (via Kala Dunger)
Enjoy the views of the volcanic wastelands from Kala Dunger and later visit the Banni villages to see the tribal arts and crafts.
Day 13 Bhuj
Head to the airport in time for your connections.
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