off-beaten gujarat (culture & tribal) tour gujarat...off-beaten gujarat (culture & tribal)...

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

https://goo.gl/maps/VBr4CfgmVCs

KENT HOLIDAYS (S) PTE LTD | Tel: +65 6534 1033 | Email: [email protected] | www.kentholidays.com 2

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


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


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


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


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***


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.


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)

http://www.kentholidays.com/SubmitEnquiry.htm

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