Off-beaten Gujarat (Culture & Tribal) Tour Gujarat...Off-beaten Gujarat (Culture & Tribal) Tour Tour...
Transcript of Off-beaten Gujarat (Culture & Tribal) Tour Gujarat...Off-beaten Gujarat (Culture & Tribal) Tour Tour...
Off-beaten Gujarat (Culture & Tribal) Tour
Tour Highlights
Duration:
16 Nights/17 Days
Sectors Covered:
Mumbai – Bhuj (flight) – Bajana (Dasada) –
Poshina – Ahmedabad – Bhavnagar –
Jambughoda – Champaner – Vadodara –
Mumbai (Flight).
Highlights of tour:
Witness the Tribal lifestyle
Handicraft, Embroidery and traditional
costumes of Tribal villagers.
Chance to Interact with local people
Explore the wildlife of Little Run of Kutch
Enjoy the Rich Heritage and Cuisine of
Gujarat
Museums showing history of Gujarat
Stay at Palace now converted into Hotel.
Mixture of Modern and traditional lifestyle
Famous Jain / Hindu Temples and
Mosques
Short URL of MAP
https://goo.gl/maps/VBr4CfgmVCs
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Day 01: Arrival Mumbai (Int’l Flight)
Upon arrival and arrival at Mumbai Airport you will met with our
company representative. After meet and greet you will be transferred
to hotel.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 02: Mumbai – Bhuj (Flight)
Early morning (around 0400hrs), assisted transferred to airport to
connect flight (AI 9625 – 0635 / 0830 Hrs) to Bhuj. Upon arrival at Bhuj
Airport, you will be met with our office representative and transferred
to hotel. After Breakfast Time free to Relax and enjoy the facilities of
the resort. Bhuj, the major town of Kutch, is an old walled city. There
are walls within walls, attractive gateways, old palaces with intricate
carvings, and striking brightly colored Hindu temples.
In the afternoon, (around 1400 hrs) get ready to visit Maharao
Lakhpatji’s old palace, built in traditional Kutch style. It is a beautifully
presented museum with collections of ornaments and paintings, and
exquisite inlaid ivory doors. The main attraction here is the Aina
Mahal or the Mirror Palace (closed on Thursday), which has walls of
marble covered with mirrors, separated by glided ornaments with
shades of Venetian glass. A Part of this palace is now used for
government offices, but beautiful Darbar Hall and Clock tower here are
open to the public. Afterwards, visit Kutch Museum (closed on
Wednesday), followed by a short walk in the old city.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 03 & 04: Bhuj and surrounding villages
Early Breakfast and depart around 0800hrs, to visit various fascinating
tribal villages surrounding Bhuj. Each tribe can be identified by its
traditional attire and specializes in a different form of handicraft.
Among others, we visit Banni settlements to see the traditional
handicrafts of these Abyssinian settlers, who migrated to India from
Abyssinia around the 10th Century. Their work is the famous glass
embroidery. (Special Permission is to be obtained from the police
/collector’s office). The Banni area surrounds the Great Raan of Kutch;
the villages of Hodka, Khawda and Ludiya are located in the Banni
area. Ludiya is the most beautiful of the Banni settlements. The Banni
tribal dwellings are made of round mud huts called `bhungas‚ with a
single central support pole and a thatched or tiled roof, all
surrounding a large community courtyard. The women tend to be shy
with male visitors, but are hospitable and will welcome you into their
homes. They have an exquisite personal collection of embroidered
quilts and garments. Walls, shelves, grain containers and cupboards
are fashioned in mud with decorative designs washed with lime paste
and embedded with mirrors that throw hundreds of shimmering
reflections. You will also see a variety of handicrafts, including textiles,
vegetable color dye printing, Rogan art (wax printing), glass beadwork,
woolen shawls, leather articles and more. We suggest you to carry a
picnic lunch from your hotel, as there are no decent restaurants along
the way. After an enormously colorful, and sensory experience, will
return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight at Hotel
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Day 05: Bhuj – Bajana (280 Kms / 6Hrs)
After early Breakfast, drive to Bajana. En-route, visit Dhamaeka, the
block printing village and Bhujodi Village to meet the nomadic
Rabari who weave camel wool on pit looms into blankets and
shawls. Continue to Bajana Village (Little Rann of Kutch). The area is
surrounded by tribal villages, making the stay here fascinating and
especially exciting for photographers. The Kutchhi ethnic group lives
in this area as well as the Mirs of Little Rann of Kutch, known for their
beadwork to create braids, tassels, and necklaces. The area is also
known as Dasada. It is famous as the world's last refuge of the Indian
Wild Ass (Khur). It has been declared as the Indian Wild Ass
Sanctuary with the aim to protect them. Capable of reaching high
speeds when galloping across the Rann, the wild ass is usually seen in
small herds. The area is also home to various unique mammals such
the Indian Wolf (Canis indica), Desert Fox (Vulpes pusilla) and Nilgai
(Boselaphus tragocamelus). Upon arrival at Bajana, check-in at Hotel.
Later early evening will embark on an excursion to see the nearby
villages, observe lifestyles.
Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 06: Bajana (Dasada)
Enjoy an early morning safari across the Little Rann (only possible
from 16 Oct - 15 June) which visits the ‘bets’, islands on the ancient
seabed that are now higher grounds covered with grass and scrub.
These ‘bets’ support a variety of wildlife including gorgeous lesser
flamingoes , great white pelicans , common cranes , water birds
(bharami duck, gray leg goose, home duck, bar headed goose), black
buck, blue bull, hyenas and the Gudkhur (Asiatic wild ass) that is not
found elsewhere.
Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, visit the pastoral
settlements and villages of the area. There are about 16 different
types of embroideries done in the Kutch region, each belonging to a
different community. All of these communities have their own unique
style of embroidery, different motifs, patterns that give them a visual
identity. The most well known, with its chain stitches and countless
mirrors, is the Rabari embroidery. Visit the pastoral Vadiara and
Kharapat Rabaris. The Rabaris are a wandering community known
for their extraordinary capacity for survival and adaptation in the arid
regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Many of the Rabaris live in circular
huts, known as ‘Bhunga’. These have proven to be much resistant to
earthquakes that hit Kutch in 2001.
Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 07: Bajana (Dasada) – Poshina (210 Kms / 5Hrs)
After early breakfast, depart around 0800hrs to Poshina. En route,
visit the absolutely remarkable Sun Temple in Modhera. Built in
1026 and 1027 by King Bhimdev-I, the Sun Temple in Modhera is one
of the greatest monuments of the Solanki dynasty, whose rulers were
believed to be descended from the sun. The exterior is intricately
carved with demons and deities, and the main hall and shrine are
reached through a pillared pavilion. Inside, 52 sculpted pillars depict
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scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and a hall with 12
niches represents the different monthly manifestations of Surya (the
sun god). Erotic sculpture panels complete the sensual decoration.
Like the better-known Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha (Orissa), which
it predates by 200 years, the Modhera temple was designed so that
the dawn sun shone on the image of Surya during the equinox. Surya
Kund, an extraordinary rectangular step-well inside the complex,
contains over 100 shrines, resembling a sunken art gallery. Outside
the temple, notice women of all ages from very young girls to elderly,
dressed in bright yellows, orange and reds representing and honoring
the sun. Also visit Rani Ka Vav Steps (Stepwell) in Patan, and
continue drive to Poshina. Poshina is a heritage home set in the tribal
lands of the Arravallis. The owners of this ancestral fort are your hosts
to explore the Adivasi and Garasia tribal cultures of North Gujarat
and South Rajasthan. You can enjoy fresh home cooked meals
featuring recipes passed down from generation to generation, and
indulge in the hospitality of a family that ruled Poshina for eight
generations before independence. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 08: Poshina
After breakfast, proceed for excursion by jeep offers fascinating
glimpses into rural Indian life. The drive through the picturesque
countryside will include visits to the remote villages of the ‘Adivasi’
and ‘Garasia’ tribals who will also give you archery demonstrations
and pastoral people like the ‘Rabaris’ who keep camels, sheep and
goat.
We begin with a walk through Poshina village. Imagine a market
bustling with activity where you can watch colorful women from the
tribal hamlets and tribal men unloading their produce. You will be
able to observe craftsmen at work-forging swords, daggers, bows and
arrows, potters making terra cotta horses and other figurines, besides
clay utensils, jewelers sell chunky ornaments to the residents. The Jain
temples built in 1214 A.D and the ancient richly carved Shiva temple
are also worth visit. Later visit to Chatrang and Bedi Villages of
Gowala and Garacia tribes. You will also visit the Kumbharia Jain
temple, pottery & terracotta horse village of Saleka and few tribal
temples. Return back to Hotel in the Evening and overnight stay at
Hotel
Day 09: Poshina – Ahmedabad (200 Kms / 5Hrs)
After breakfast depart to Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat. En-route
visit the Adalaj Step-well, 17 km north of Ahmedabad. This step well
at the village of Adalaj is another fine example of magnificent glory of
architecture. . ‘Adalaj Vav’ is richly carved with every pillar and wall
surface covered with leaves, flowers, birds, fish and friezes of
ornamental designs. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Evening visit
Law garden market packed with stalls selling glittering wares from
Kachchh and Saurashtra. It’s chock-a-block with fantastically
decorated cholis (sari blouses) and chaniyas (long, wide traditional
skirts), as well as embroidered wall hangings, costume jewellery and
more. Overnight stay at hotel
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Day 10: Ahmedabad
After Early breakfast, This Morning participates in the Heritage walk of
Ahmedabad 8 am-10 am.
The walk begins from the picturesque Swaminarayan Mandir in
Kalupur and ends in the most glorious architectural legacies the
Jumma Masjid, covering in between the numerous pols, havelis,
ornamental facades, workplaces of artisans and number of
magnificent Hindu and Jain temples, Kavi Dalpatram Chowk, old Kala
Ramji Mandir in the Haja Patel ni Pole with a unique idol of Lord
Rama in dark colour and in a sitting posture. Return back to hotel,
and after short break proceed for City tour visiting Sabarmati Ashram,
located on the western bank of the Sabarmati River. This ashram,
founded in 1918 by Mahatma Gandhi, who revitalized the textile
industry here, became the headquarters during the struggle for Indian
Independence and it is befitting that it is now primarily a spinning
wheel factory. Also Visit Hathee Singh temple is a very famous Jain
temple. It has been named after its founder Seth Hathee Singh, a
prosperous Jain merchant. Hathee Singh Jain temple of Ahmedabad
was built in the dedication of the 15th Jain Trithanakara named
Dharmnath. The temple is known for its fabulous architectural styling
and designing that consists of intricate carvings.
During evening enjoy a traditional Gujarati vegetarian dinner with
local dance and music at Vishala, an authentically created Gujarati
crafts village complete with traditionally decorated mud huts where
potters and weavers are at work. Here we visit the Vechaar Utensils
Museum with its collection of 2500 Gujarati utensils. Overnight stay at
Hotel
DAY 11: Ahmedabad – Bhavnagar (200kms / 5Hrs)
After breakfast proceed to Bhavnagar. Upon arrival check-in at Hotel
and time free to relax. In the Evening visit to Takhtehwar Temple
Erected over a petite mound looking out on the city, this Takhtehwar
Temple has been dedicated to Lord Shiva. And also visit the Barton
Library one of the most ancient libraries in Gujarat. Among the oldest
monuments in Bhavnagar, this library is a popular among men of all
age group. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 12: Full day Excursion to Palitana (65Kms / 1.5Hrs)
After Breakfast, begin climb to the Palitana temples located atop
Shatrunjaya Hills and crowned with 863 temples, each rivaling the
other for its beauty and magnificence. This is one of the most awe
inspiring sights to devotees and visitors alike. The peak is a 3 km
climb of over 3500 steps from the town, while on each temple one
can see detailed carvings, beautiful idols and images, jeweled statues
and intricate torans. The climb takes approximately 2-2.5 hours (one
way). While coming back enjoy Lunch at Vijay Vilas Palace for a
sumptuous home cooked meal and interact with owners Nitya and
Yashpal Singh about the local culture and food recipes. The Vijay Vilas
palace was build in 1906 AD by Yashpal’s ancestor, Yuvraj Vijay Singh
of Palitana, a member of the same Gohil Rajput clan as the
Maharajahs of Bhavnagar. The palace was used as a country
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retreat, being splendidly located in the hills with great views of the
Shatrunjaya hill and historic Palitana temples. Return back to
Bhavnagar. Overnight stay Hotel.
DAY 13: Bhavnagar – Jambughoda (275 Kms / 6Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Jambughoda. Upon arrival afternoon check-in
at Hotel and time free to relax and enjoy the stay at Jambughoda
Palace, a simple royal mansion in the midst of mature gardens - a
beautiful retreat. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 14: Jambughoda –Excursions to Tribal Villages
After breakfast, proceed for excursion to Tribal Villages. Most of the
tribals living in and around Jambughoda are ‘Rathwas’ & ‘Nayaks’.
They are superstitious and God-fearing people. The entrance to their
home is through a richly carved wooden door with figurines and tribal
icons. The front is usually decorated with Pithora paintings for which
the ‘Rathwas are known. The tribals do not live in hamlets. Their
dwellings are separated from each other by considerable distance.
The tribal museum of Chhota Udaipur has a large collection of tribal
artifacts. Many tribal artifacts are also brought for sale in the ‘hats’
(weekly markets) in the city and nearby villages. Return back to Hotel
for overnight stay.
Day 15: Jambughoda – Vadoara via Champaner (85Kms / 2Hrs)
After breakfast proceed to Champaner: founded in the 8th century by
King Vanraj Chavda of the Chavda Kingdom. Some attribute the name
“Champaner” to his desire to name the city after his friend and
minister Champa, or “flame of the forest” flower. The city and
surrounding state of Pavagadh became an important buffer area
between Mandu and Gujarat, as well as a key station on trade routes
leading from Gujarat to both North and South India. After the visit,
drive to Vadodara. Upon arrival checked in at Hotel.
Later visit to Laxmi Villas Palace (Monday & bank holiday closed) -
The Royal Family's residence is an extravagant building in Indo-
Saracenic style. Pratap Vilas Palace - Built as the residence of the royal
family, this is a magnificent building in the Indo - Sarcenic style,
housing a collection of old armory and sculptures in bronze, marble
and terra cotta. The Baroda museum and art gallery and the Maharaja
Fateh Singh Museum boast of an excellent art collection of works by
Indian artists and European Masters, of Mughal miniatures and
valuable palm leaf manuscripts of Buddhist and Jain origin.
Day 16: Vadodara – Mumbai (Flight)
After Breakfast, in-time transfer to airport for flight (9W 345 – 1110 /
1210hrs) to Mumbai . Upon arrival transfer to Hotel and rest of the
day is free for personal activities.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 17: Vadodara – Mumbai (Flight)
After Breakfast, checked out from Hotel and in-time transfer to
International airport, for flight to onward destination with sweet
memory
**** END OF THE TOUR***
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Tour cost for SUMMER 2017 on per person basis:
All below mentioned cost is in USD, Inclusive of all applicable taxes, nett payable to us & valid from 01 April 2017
till 30 September 2017 (All our services should finish on 30 September 2017).
No of Pax Tour cost Supplement for Accompanying
English speaking guide
Supplement for Entrances
fees
02 Pax USD 1680 USD 637 USD 123
03 Pax USD 1497 USD 428 USD 123
04 Pax USD 1517 USD 324 USD 123
05 – 07 Pax USD 1710 USD 261 USD 123
08 - 09 Pax USD 1492 USD 167 USD 123
Single Room Supplement USD 823
Tour cost for WINTER 2017-18 on per person basis:
All below mentioned cost is in USD, Inclusive of all applicable taxes, nett payable to us & valid from 01 October
2017 till 31 March 2018 (Except peak period i.e. 20 Dec 2017 till 10 Jan 2018).
No of Pax Tour cost Supplement for Accompanying
English speaking guide
Supplement for Entrances
fees
02 Pax USD 1695 USD 637 USD 123
03 Pax USD 1513 USD 428 USD 123
04 Pax USD 1533 USD 324 USD 123
05 – 07 Pax USD 1724 USD 261 USD 123
08 - 09 Pax USD 1508 USD 167 USD 123
Single Room Supplement USD 851
Airfare Supplement (Special fare): USD 160 per person in Economy Class (As on date & subject to availability)
Sectors: Mumbai – Bhuj and Vadodara - Mumbai.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sectors Flight no Dep / Arr Operates Airfare (Per person in Economy Class)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mumbai / Bhuj AI 9625 0635 / 0830 Daily USD 80
Vadodara / Mumbai 9W 345 1110 / 1210 Daily USD 70
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Important Note: Please note the above airfares & schedules are as on date & subject change. If there will be any change
in fares & schedules at the time of operations the same will be informed to you as & when finalize, which is directly
controlled by the airlines & there is no liability of TSI for any such changes. In condition of change in the schedules the best
possible alternate will be provided to the clients & if there will be any supplements involved, the same has to be paid by the
clients.
Above tour cost includes:
Accommodation on twin/double share on BB basis except in Poshina and Bajana where accommodation will be on
FB basis for 16 nights/17 days as per program.
All arrival/ departure transfers and all surface arrangements by Ac Medium car till 02 - 03 Pax, Toyota Innova for 03 -
04 Pax and Tempo Traveler for 05 to 09 Pax as per the program.
02 jeep safaris in Bajana. (Park entrances fee will be extra).
01 traditional Gujarati vegetarian dinner at Ahmedabad.
01 Lunch at Vijay Vilas Palace, Palitana.
All presently applicable taxes.
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Above mentioned supplement for entrance fee includes:
1. Entrance fees at following monuments for one visit only:
CITY Monuments
Ahmedabad Jama Masjid, Sidi Syed Mosque, Hathisingh Ji temple and Sabarmati Ashram
Modhera Sun Temple
Bhuj Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal
Above cost does not include:
Any air fare or airport taxes & Visa fee.
Any meals unless not mentioned in package inclusions.
Early check in/late check out at hotels.
All supplement quoted separately.
Camera fee at the monuments.
Park entrances fee during jungle safaris in Bajana.
Any other expenses of personal nature like, tips at hotel/ restaurants guides and drivers, laundry, telephone calls,
drinks etc.
Any additional cost due to factor beyond our control like road block, vehicle mail function and political disturbance
etc.
Any other items not mentioned in package inclusions.
City Name of Hotel
Mumbai Sahil Hotel
Bhuj Regenta Hotel
Bajana Royal Safari Camp
Poshina Darbargadh
Ahmedabad Starottel
Bhavnagar Lords Resort
Jambhughora Jambhughora Palace
Vadodra Royal Orchid Central
Mumbai Sahil Hotel
Special Note:
In case the Hotel envisaged or normal category of Rooms are waitlisted / sold out, alternate hotels of similar
category will be provided.
The normal check-in time is 1400 Hrs and check-out time is 1200 Hrs at most of the hotels.
All the prices we have quoted are in USD and prices for summer 2017 are valid from 01 April 2017 till 30
September 2017 and prices for winter 2017 - 18 are valid from 01 October 2017 till 31 March 2018 except peak
period i.e. 20 Dec 2017 till 10 Jan 2018.
All national parks and sanctuaries in Gujarat will be closed from Jun till Oct. so during these months jungle
safaris are not possible. Clients can do village safaris as an alternate.
Domestic airlines in India have reduced the baggage allowance to 15 Kg check-in luggage and 7 – 8 Kg hand bag
and excess would be payable directly by clients.
Please note we have quoted you the special Air Fares instead of the Normal fares as they are cheaper than the
normal fares. Special fares are subject to change in case of any hike by airline.
In case of cancellation due to any reason after issuing the tickets till 24 Hrs prior to departure of flight cancellation
charge of USD 57 will be applicable.
(TSI-290517)