Gujarat Textile Tour

After breakfast drive to Dasada / Bajana 97 km enroute visiting Adalaj Step well, Modhera Sun Temple and Patan.

Adalaj Step-well: Situated 17 km north of Ahmedabad, this step well at the village of Adalaj is another fine example of magnificent architectural form. 'Adalaj Vav' is richly carved. Every pillar and wall surface is covered with leaves, flowers, birds, fishes and friezes of ornamental designs.

Modhera: The Sun temple of Modhera is one of the finest examples of Indian architecture of its period. Built in 1026 A. D. the temple is dedicated to the Sun-God, Surya and stands high on a plinth overlooking a deep stone-steeped tank. Every inch of the edifice, both inside and outside is magnificently carved with Gods and Goddesses, birds, beasts and flowers. Sun Temple of Modhera was built by King Bhimdev I (1026-27) and bears some resemblance to the later and far better known, Sun Temple of Konark in the state of Orissa, which it predates by some 200 years. Like that temple, it was designed so that the dawn sun shone on the image of Surya, the sun God, at the time of the equinoxes. The main hall and shrine are reached through a pillared porch and the temple exterior is intricately and delicately carved. As with the temple of Somnath, this fine temple was ruined by Mohamed of Ghazni.

Today morning enjoy morning safari to Little Rann of Kutch.

The Little Rann of Kutch: The highlight of this sanctuary is the Asiatic Wild Ass or 'Gudkhur' that is endemic to the region and is one of the most endangered species in the world. Other mammals that could be seen are nilgai, black buck antelope, chinkara gazelle, Indian wolf, Indian desert foxes, jackals and lesser cats. Also is a paradise for bird watchers. The key dryland birds are McQueen's houbara bustard, chestnut bellied and spotted sand grouse, Indian courser, 13 species of larks and sparrow larks, 5 of quails (including buttonquails), thick-knee, desert warbler, desert and variable wheatear, aquila eagles, short toed snake eagle, six species of falcon and three harriers. Five species of vulture have been recorded. Apart from all these you can hope to see greater and lesser flamingo, three species of pelican, spoonbill, demoiselle and common cranes, and a number of ducks in flocks of several thousand during winters.

Post lunch, an excursion to Wadhwan, the historic walled town is centre for bandhni tie and dye weaving and metal crafts.
Overnight stay at Dasada / Bajana.

After breakfast, drive to Bhuj. Arrival at Bhuj and check in at Hotel . Bhuj - Bhuj is an amazing place; People are really fantastic and the city of Bhuj is really relaxed and you can just wander around without hassle and there is plenty to see. It is the most magical region in all of India. Life in a very different traditional way is fascinating . - the women are amazing with their magnificent silver jewelry and heavily embroidered dresses. Here you will come across master craft people' expositioning their traditional art, turning out master pieces everyday. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they use - will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum leaving you spellbound the tribal villages, specializing in different forms of handicraft including embroidery, block printing and tie and dye. Color and eye for design is the keynote of Gujarat handicrafts, and is an expression of their rich traditional heritage and personal artistic talent.

Aina Mahal - was constructed by Rao Lakhpatji (1707 - 1761 AD), who was a great patron of Art, Architecture, Music and Literature. Aina Mahal is a unique example of an Indian Palace built in the mid 18TH Century AD with European influence. Its design and decorations were the outcome of a royal dream translated into reality by a master craftsman, Ramsinh Malam. Ramsinh stayed in Holland for 17 years and was trained in the crafts of clock making, cannon fabrication, enameling, tile making and architecture. On his return he undertook the Mirror Work, Tile Work and Fountains at Aina Mahal. Aina Mahal is a part of a large Palace Complex - is a two storied building with Durbar Hall, Hall of Mirrors and Suites for Royal Family.

Overnight stay at Bhuj.

After breakfast full day sight seeing of Bhuj. Visit the Prag Mahal

After breakfast, proceed for full day excursion tour to Handicrafts Villages of Banni Region. The grasslands of Banni are scattered with villages of pastoral groups. As the women of these groups do embroidery for their personal use and a secondary income, this is one of the highest concentration area of craftswomen in the world. There are many differences in embroidery style which create and maintain distinction that identify community by the stitches, techniques and motifs of the embroidery.

Hodka - a cultural village is located in the Banni Grassland, right on the edge of the great Salt Desert - the Rann. The name Hodka is derived from the Gujarati word "Hodi" meaning Boat, as the shape of the Jheel is believed to be in the shape of a Boat. It is believed to have been set up by the Halepotra clan. 'Halepotra' literally means the 'Son or the descendant of Halaji', who is believed to have immigrated from Sindh. The village is now a part of National project and is famous for its craft like Decorative Mirrors, Lamps, Hand Fans, Letter Boxes, Wall Hanging, Leather, Clay, Wood, Metal,Mud Work and especially the exquisite Silver Jewellery. The artisans sell their goods directly from their artistic Huts.

Bhirandiyara - is a favorite Tea stop for locals and visitors alike on the road to Khavda. The village boasts a delicious sweet - fresh Maavo. This milk-based sweet is best when eaten hot. Most of the roadside stalls sell Maavo. The local Meghwal Community has exquisite embroideries and skillfully decorated, colorful Mud Bhungas.

Today morning drive to Gondal.

Gondal: The Riverside palace at Gondal, a govt. of India classified heritage hotel, and the Orchard Palace in the same town, are two mansion guest houses opened as heritage hotels. The interiors of these properties are appointed with period furniture, antiques and artifacts remniscent of the days of the Raj. The highlight of staying at these properties is that guests can see the Royal Garages, housing vintage and classic cars, and the Naulakha Palace, which is a festival of stone carvings and houses royal memorabilia including toys of the late 19th and early 20th century, silver caskets that carried messages and gifts for the Maharajah, elephant howdahs and royal portaits. It has a royal saloon suite, which has its own drawing, dining, bedroom and bathroom in a converted railway carriage.

After breakfast drive to Junagadh enroute visiting Jetpur (31 km) known for its screen and block printing workshops, and yarn-dyeing centre.

Junagadh is situated in the Saurashtra region at the foot of the temple-studded Mount Girnar, on the northern fringes of the Gir forest. The city takes its name from the fort that enclosed the medieval town.

After breakfast drive to Airport to board flight for your next destination.