The Tribal Tour of Gujarat
So far I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked - Mark Twain, from following the Equator
Namaste!! - We Welcome You With Folded Hands!!
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (The guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
Late night arrival, meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Overnight at Express Towers, Vadodara (Deluxe Room) (No Meals)
Morning, we will drive to Jambugodha.
En route we will visit Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only complete and unchanged pre-Mughal Islamic city in India. This concentration of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties is cradled in an impressive landscape. Marvel at the Jami Masjid (Great Mosque ) built in 1513 representing a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture which was a model for later mosque architecture in India.
From here, we will continue our drive to Jambugodha.
Upon arrival, we will check in to, A Home For Nature Lover.
Overnight at A Home For Nature Lover, Jambugodha (Standard Room) (B)
Full day explore the nearby villages of Rathwas, Nayakas, Bhils. Chhota Udepur is in proximity to various hamlets of Bhils, Rathwas, Bhilalas and other tribes. The tribal folks can be spotted in sporting colorful attires and chunky jewelry. A tour of the tribal village and hamlets offer an insight of traditional architecture, lifestyle & handicrafts of each aboriginal community. The tribal market called ‘hatt’ occurs at different villages. Pithora painting, pottery, terracotta figures, Langoti wearing and bamboo basket weaving are main attractions.
Overnight at A Home For Nature Lover, Jambugodha (Standard Room) (B)
After breakfast, we will drive to Ahmedabad.
Upon arrival, we will check in to hotel, Fortune Landmark by ITC.
After rest and relaxation, we will visit:
Gandhi Ashram: A visit to Gandhi Ashram (or Sabarmati Ashram) presents a captivating glimpse into the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi. Learn about his non-violent, spiritual and revolutionary leadership, which supported India’s battle for independence from British rule. Peek inside humble houses and visit a superb museum, home to hundreds of Gandhi-related artifacts. Gandhi Ashram sits serenely on the banks of the Sabarmati River, hidden away from Ahmedabad’s bustling city life. It was Gandhi’s headquarters from 1915 to 1930.
Jumma Mosque: Jama Masjid (literally Friday Mosque), also known as Jami or Jumma Mosque, is the most splendid mosque of Ahmedabad, Jama Masjid built in 1424 during the reign of Ahmed Shah I. Lying in the old walled city, the mosque is situated outside Bhadra Fort area, along the south side of the road extending from Teen Darwaza to Manek Chowk.
Siddi Sayed Mosque: off the eastern end of Nehru Bridge stands the Sidi Saiyyed mosque. Built in 1573, it is the last of the major mosques to be built in Ahmedabad under the Mughal rule. The carved jaalis in the windows of the western wall are known worldwide and have become a symbol of the city of Ahmedabad.
Overnight at Fortune Landmark by ITC, Ahmedabad (Deluxe Room) (B)
After breakfast, we will drive to Poshina.
Upon arrival, we will check in to hotel, Darbargadh. We will lunch at the hotel.
After lunch, we will explore the Poshina village on foot where you can see the village life. Much of Poshina’s surroundings are the habitat of two of Gujarat’s most colorful tribes – the Garasias and the nomadic Rabaris. They lead a fascinating lifestyle and their unique customs and traditions have compelled the inquisitive anthropologists to delve deep into their mysterious lifestyle.
Overnight at Darbargadh, Poshina (Deluxe Room) (B, L & D)
Morning, we will go for 04 hours jeep safari to nearby village to see the tribal.
Following the jeep safari, we will return back to our hotel for lunch.
After lunch, we drive towards Ambaji as sometime in evening at Ambaji Market you can see Teh Garasia tribe doing their shopping.
Later, we return back to our hotel.
Overnight at Darbargadh, Poshina (Deluxe Room) (B, L & D)
After breakfast, we will drive to Little ran of Kutch, en route visiting Patan - Rani Ki Vav and Modern Sun Temple.
Once the capital of medieval Gujarat, Patan is known for its Hindu and Jain architecture like Rani-ki-Vav, Rani and Dhanderwad Jain Temple among many other attractions. Patan is also famous for patola (an intricate form of double ikkat weaving) sarees. Arrive at Patan and visit one of the three families of patola weavers, known for their unique patola art. The fact that one patola sari can take up to six months to complete, proves that how difficult and demanding is the patola art. Also visit the famous 11th century Rani-ki-Vav (step well). All three families live close to this step well.
Next, we will ride to Modhera, made famous by its Sun temple built in 1026 during the reign of the Solanki dynasty. This temple is dedicated to the Sun God. It stands high on an elevated plinth overlooking a deep stepped tank. One can witness the exquisitely carved styles in the interiors & exteriors of the temple.
Later, we continue driving to the Little Rann of Kutch.
Upon arrival, we will check in to, Royal Safari Camp.
Overnight at Royal Safari Camp – Bajana (Deluxe Cottage) (B, L & D)
After breakfast, we proceed on a cross-desert safari across the Little Rann of Kutch, where the last of the Indian Wild Ass has been given protection in a dedicated sanctuary. The animal is not found elsewhere. The wild ass is a handsome chestnut brown member of the equus genus (horse family). Capable of reaching high speeds when galloping across the Rann, the wild ass is usually seen in small herds.
The Rann is a fascinating terrain – essentially the shallow bed of the sea that drains out in the dry months and gets flooded during the monsoon by the sea surging inland on the one hand and the seasonal streams in monsoon flood bringing in fresh water on the other. This mix of salt and sweet water provides ideal conditions for the prolific growth of crustaceans and other aquatic food for the flamingoes and other birds that breed and winter here in enormous numbers. Apart from the Wild Ass the Little Rann is also the home for a wide variety of species that include chinkara gazelle, nilgai, and the blackbuck antelope,
The main carnivores of the Little Rann of Kutch are the endangered Indian wolf, desert fox, Indian fox, jackals, desert and jungle cats, and a few hyenas.
Smaller mammals like hares, gerbilles and hedgehogs, and reptiles like spiny tailed lizard, monitor, red and common sand boa, saw-scaled viper, cobra, dhaman (Indian rat snake), etc, could also be seen during the safaris in the Rann.
The Little Rann of Kutch is a birdwatcher's paradise in winter. Houbara bustard, sandgrouse, desert chat, desert wheatear, nine species of larks, quails, gray francolin etc are seen in the saline desert wilderness. Eagles, vultures, harriers and falcons can be seen hunting in the Rann.
Afternoon, we proceed on a safari through the Bajana Village witnessing traditional lifestyles and occupations of the local tribes of Mhir & Rabari.
The highlight of the Gujarat Tribal Tour is the vibrant region of Kutch. Here, the most interesting tribe is Rabaris, they are cattle herders and always on move thus called as Gypsies. Rabari women wear black dresses and a backless blouse whereas the men wear a white dress with the beautiful turban. The other prominent tribes in Kutch are Meghwal, Ahir and Jat. The huts in the Meghwal houses are fascinating as the same are nicely painted with mud and mirror-work. During Gujarat Tribal Tour, you will not only see the indigenous people but also their handicrafts.
The Mirs -traditionally nomadic and believed to be descendants of Kashmir’s Butt tribe-migrated to Gujarat in centuries past. A small group of Mirs is now settled in Dasada village on the fringes of the Little Rann of Kutch, a vast salt marsh.
The women of the community have been crafting beadwork accessories that they have sold to travellers to the region. Seeing their skill and sensing a potential in enhancing their beadwork, Eklavya Foundation and Soar Excursions, who work for sustainable and responsible wildlife and cultural tourism trained young girls and women from the Mir community to create gorgeous bead jewellery.
Overnight at Royal Safari Camp – Bajana (Deluxe Cottage) (B, L & D)
After breakfast, we will drive to the Bhuj. En route, we will visit Ajrakpur.
Ajrakpur village is famous for Block Printing, printing came here 400 Years ago with the Khatris and since then is being practiced by this village which is a highly skilled and beautiful patterned printing.
Later, we will continue our drive to Bhuj.
Upon arrival, we will check in to hotel, Prince.
After rest and relaxation, we will proceed on the tour of Bhuj.
Aina Mahal:- Aina Mahal is an 18th century palace that was built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji. The layout, design and decorations of Aina Mahal were highly influenced by a royal dream that had eventually been converted into reality by an extremely deft craftsman Ramsinh Malam. (Closed on Thursdays and Public Holidays)
Prag Mahal:- Prag Mahal which may at first seem out of place at the far western edge of India looking more appropriate in France. This is a palace commissioned by King Pragmalji in 1860’s designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins in the Italian Gothic style and built next to the Aina Mahal
Overnight at Hotel Prince, Bhuj (Deluxe Room) (B)
After breakfast, we will go on a full day excursion to the Banni Villages, which is known for its culture, handicrafts and textiles. In each village one can see a distinct touch of the community that resides in the village like the Rabari, Meghwal, Harijans, Mutwa Community. The different communities are known for different type of craft works like embroidery, Rogan Art, Mirror Work, Wood work etc.
Overnight at Hotel Prince, Bhuj (Deluxe Room) (B)
(Though the checkout time is 12 noon, every effort would be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without additional charges - subject to availability)
In time, we will transfer to the airport to board the flight to Mumbai. (Booked Directly)
NO HOTEL QUOTED FOR THIS DAY (B)
END OF SERVICES
We do hope the flavor of India will remain on your taste buds for all times to come and hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India
‘Please come back soon”
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
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