Amazing colourful people of Gujarat
€1300
per person
Ethnic journey to meet the fascinating people of Gujarat, from Poshina at the north of the state to the Kutc.h region at the southwest.
Gujarat is home to about 30 adivasi (indigenous) people located throughout the state, with a high concentration in the west, in the Kutch region. This trip takes you to meet them.
It begins in Udaipur, the city of lakes in Rajasthan, and we travel to the area of Poshina, Gujarat, where you will meet the communities of Garasia, Bhil and Rabari. Then, we will go to Ahmedabad via short stops in Siddhpur known for its beautiful Victorian haveli’s, and in Patan which is reputed for its old stepwell, and in Modhera, boasting one of the most splendid sun temples of India.
We will then leave for the Kutch region that stretches along the tropic of cancer. Kutch is distinguished by a kaleidoscope of indigenous peoples who have developed their own traditions and customs.
The Kutch region is also home to one of the world’s largest salt deserts, the Rann of Kutch, divided into two main parts: the great Rann of Kutch in the north and the small Rann of Kutch in the east, which is the last refuge in the world of the ‘ghudkhur’, or wild Indian donkey.
The trip will end in Bhuj, capital of the Kutch region, with a small stopover in Mandvi, a coastal town to the south of Bhuj, which was an important harbour until the ascent of Mumbai. Huge wooden boats are still traditionally built by hand along the Rukmavati River.
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ETHNIC / PHOTOGRAPHY
Ethnic journey to meet the different people of Gujarat. From Poshina at the north of the state to the Kutch region at the southwest and through the visit of places of interest : Modhera sun temple, Patan and Ahmedabad.
14 days
HERITAGE
Grand cultural tour to the most beautiful sites of Gujarat: the amazing havelis of Siddhpur, Sun temple of Modhera, the step well of Patan, the archaeological sites of Champaner then Ahmedabad, Palitana and Junagad.
12 days
PILGRIMAGE
Journey to the most sacred sites of Gujarat: Pavagadh the ancient site of the goddess Kali, Palitana and its hundreds Jain temples, Somnath and its most revered lingam of light, Girnar and its sacred hill and Dwarka, home of Lord Krishna.
12 days
Day 1
Departure from Udaipur (Rajasthan) - Poshina (Gujarat)
Namaste. We pick you up at your hotel and leave for Gujarat, a neighbouring state. We will check up in Poshina in an old palace held by the descendants of the Chalukyas kings whose empire spread to a large part of Gujarat and central India in the 12th century. Night in the Poshina Palace.
Day 2
Poshina tour
The day will be dedicated to the visit of the villages around Poshina, meeting Garasias and indigenous people with the Maharaja of Poshina as a guide. Night in the Poshina Palace.
Day 3
Poshina - Modhera via Siddhpur and Patan
We will leave the elegant Poshina Palace and drive a little further south to the Modhera Sun Temple. On the way, we will visit Siddhpur with its special mansions and Patan and its ancient stepwell as well as weaving workshops of the saris 'patola', among the most expensive in India. We will finally unpack our bags at Mehsana near the temple of Modhera. Overnight in Mehsana.
Day 4
Modhera - Ahmedabad
On the morning, we will visit the famous Modhera sun temple built in 1026 during the reign of Bhima Deva 1st (Solanki dynasty). The Solankis considered themselves descendants of the Suryavamsha, the solar line, so they naturally dedicated the temple to Surya, the sun god. After lunch, we will leave for Ahmedabad. Overnight in Ahmedabad in an heritage hotel.
Day 5
Visit of Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad (“Ahmed’s City”), boasts a rich heritage from its past as a merchant city. The old town and its many pols or districts with their finely carved mansions (havelis) bear witness to its former wealth. Adding to the city’s aura are its memories of Mahatma Gandhi, who lived here when striving for India’s independence. We will first visit the old city: the Pols (housing cluster), the havelis and chabutros, the Jumma Masjid mosque, the Kala temple Ramji, Swaminarayan Kalupur Temple, Siddi Saiyyed Mosque and Hatheesingh Jain Temple and Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram. Overnight in Ahmedabad in an heritage hotel.
Day 6
Ahmedabad - Dasada
We leave for Dasada, our first stop in the Kutch region. En route, we will stop at Dada Harir Vav, a splendid five-storey stepwell built in 1485 by the Muslim king Bai Harir. 'Vav' (well) were once an integral part of the semi-arid regions of Gujarat. They allowed commercial caravans and locals to enjoy a cool place while being also places of festivities. Arrival in Dasada in the afternoon. Check in at the hotel, free time. Overnight in Dasada.
Day 7
Dasada
After breakfast, we will visit the sanctuary of the 'Little Rann of Kutch', the last refuge of the asian wild donkeys. We will also visit the salinas of Agaria. In the afternoon, we will stroll through a few villages to meet Rabari, Bharwad and Banjara communities. Overnight in Dasada.
Day 8
Dasada - Bhuj
After breakfast, we will head to Bhuj, the capital of the Kutch region stopping at the blockprinting workshops, a specialty of Khatri communities. On the road, it is very likely that we meet some typical characters, caravans of nomads, Rabari shepherds or men of the Ahir community who are always happy to pose for you. Overnight in Bhuj.
Day 9
Bhuj - Banni
We will start the day visiting Bhuj: Swaminarayan Temple and Aina Palace and we will spend a long time in the bazars of the city where many several communities come to do shopping; Rabaris, Ahirs and Fakranis among others. We will then leave for Dhaneti to observe the embroidery work of the Ahir community and Bhujodi for its weavers. Overnight in Bhuj.
Day 10
Banni - Rann of kutch - Banni
Departure for Banni, an area of Kutch including several typical Adivasi villages. En route, we will stop at Nirona to admire the 'rogan' style paintings made by Khatri communities. Installation in a resort in traditional huts in Hokda. In the afternoon, visit the village of Bhirandhia to admire the beautiful brightly painted houses of the Meghwar community. Meghwar women wear finely embroidered colourful dresses and stunning nose rings. The interior of the Meghwar houses is simply unique, painted all in white with raised patterns and inlaid mirrors, they are like fairytale houses. In the late evening, we will leave for the Rann of Kutch, the great salt desert of Gujarat to watch the sunset. Overnight at the resort.
Day 11
Banni - Mandvi
Departure for Mandvi via some typical villages of the Banni region. Arrival in the afternoon. We will then stroll on the Mandvi page at sunset. Overnight in Mandvi.
Day 12
Mandvi
This day will begin with a visit to the Mandvi harbour where huge boats are still hand-built in a traditional way. Then we will visit the beautiful palace of the Maharaja Rao Vijayrajji, which has often been the scene of filming for Bollywood film productions. We will return to the hotel where an Ayurvedic treatment awaits you, then you may laze on the private beach of the hotel. Overnight in Mandvi.
Day 13
Mandvi - Bhuj
Back to Bhuj, from there you can continue to the west coast or we drop you off in Ahmedabad. End of the trip. Looking forward to meeting you again. Namaste.
