Adivasi Holi in Gujarat & Maharashtra
This 10-day journey takes you to the lands of the Adivasi (indigenous) peoples of northern Maharashtra and southern Gujarat during the vibrant Holi celebrations. An unforgettable, timeless experience.
For the indigenous peoples of India, Holi is primarily considered a harvest festival. It’s a time of relaxation, joy, and letting off steam after months of hard work in the fields. Here, there’s no showering of colored powders; the celebration is expressed through ecstatic, rhythmic dances around a sacred bonfire.
We will begin our journey in the Dang district, nestled in the Sahyadri Mountains, on the border of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There, the Dang Darbar festival is held, in honor of five Bhil royal families:
History tells that neither the Mughals, nor the Marathas, nor even the British, were able to defeat the five kings of the Dang region: Gadhavi, Pimpri, Amala-Linga, Vasurana, and Daher. In memory of this, residents of 300 neighboring villages gather in Ahwa to honor the five kings.
The festival includes several cultural activities, showcasing the region’s tribal culture, and especially the spectacular acrobatic dances for which this district is renowned. We’ll travel a little further north to Gujarat and stop in a village to meet the Vasava Adivasi (a sub-clan of the Bhils) who celebrate Holi by singing and dancing, dressed only in red.
We’ll cross the border into Maharashtra to witness the extravagant festivities of the Adivasis of the Satpura Mountains. A unique destination immersed in the culture of the indigenous Vasasa people.
The rest of the trip will take place in Chhota Udepur and Kavant (Gujarat), where you’ll witness the Holi festivities of the Rathwa people.
For reasons of exclusivity and respectful tourism, the names of some villages are not mentioned. You’ll discover them as you travel with us!
Who is this trip for?
An adventurous spirit and flexibility are required on this trip. Apart from Saputara and Ahmedabad, accommodation is provided by locals (Indian standard) as there are no hotels nearby.
Holi 2026
In 2026, Holi will be celebrated on March 4th. The trip will take place around this date. Contact us for more information.
The price indicated above is an estimate. Since we only offer tailor-made services, this budget depends on the services chosen: hotel standard, number of people, type of car, time of year, etc. The final price is the one provided by your personalized (free) quote, obtained after an in-depth discussion with you.
INCLUDED:
- Stay in a double room at a 3-star hotel (Saputara and Ahmedabad) and stay with a local family in Saptuda and Chhota Udepur.
- Full board in the Saptuda Hills.
- All transportation by Toyota Innova Crysta with private driver (all expenses included).
- English-speaking Adivasi guide for the entire stay.
- 24/7 concierge service; we are in constant contact with you.
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Bank fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Any arrangements not included in the program that result in additional costs (itinerary changes, hospitalization, etc.).
- Any personal expenses.
- Tips.
- Anything not listed in “included”
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Mumbai > Nasik (3h30)
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Nasik is considered one of the holiest cities in India. Not only does it host the famous Kumbh Mela every twelve years, but it is also here that, according to legend, Lord Rama of the Ramayana epic spent several years in exile with his wife Sita and his brother Laskhman.*
Upon arrival, check into your 3-star hotel in the city center.*
Then, visit the sacred city, including the ghats and kunds (pools) for ritual ablutions.Nasik > Saputara (2h)
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Upon arrival, check into your 3-star hotel on the shores of the lake.*
We'll meet our English-speaking guide for the entire trip.*
Then, we'll visit the surrounding areas: the Tribal Museum / Gajabhishek Tirth Jain Temple / Nageshwar Mahadev Temple, etc.Saputara > Ahwa > Saputara (60 km)
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Lunch there and return to Saputara at the end of the day.Saputara > Rajpipla region (5h)
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We'll have lunch, then head out to visit several Vasava Adivasi villages that have preserved their bamboo and adobe houses.*
In the evening, we'll attend the Holi festivities, which feature dancing and singing around a bonfire. Here, the custom is to wear only red.Rajpipla > Satpuda (2h)
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We cross mountainous areas for two hours.*
Upon arrival, we'll have to undertake a short 3 km trek to reach a Vasava family's guesthouse nestled in a valley. Accommodation is also available in a more traditional house.*
Traditional lunch cooked over a wood fire with organic local produce and free time; the festivities only take place during the night. Opportunity to visit a haat, a tribal market.Holi festivities in a village early morning
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Then, return to the guesthouse for breakfast and rest. Free time to interact with the hosts and learn more about their way of life.Saputara > Chhota Udepur (wishing carousel ritual)
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Upon arrival, check into your guesthouse in the city center.*
Lunch break, then you'll head to a village where a very special Holi custom takes place: men cling to a rope attached to a huge wooden carousel that spins at high speed to make their wishes come true.Chhota Udepur > Kavant
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Then, we'll depart for the Kavant Festival, which marks the end of the Holi festivities. The crowds are large, with entire villages coming to attend. Several troupes of dancers and musicians will parade through the town throughout the day. The most anticipated are the gheriyas, whose faces are painted with white dots.