Gujarat Tribal Tour

Gujarat Tour Package 14

Day 1 :Mumbai – Saputara (270 Kms)

Arrival at Mumbai, meet and greet and proceed to Saputara. Arrival at saputara and transfer to hotel. Saputara is a hill resort, known as abode of serpents. It can serve as a base a camp for visiting various tribal villages in the area, visit Saputara museu1m that provides an insight into the tribes of dang. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Saputara.

Day 2 : Saputara

After breakfast visit the famous Dangi tribe considered to be the most primitive tribal community of this region. Dang is situated 40 kms from saputara. There exist more than 300 villages out of which 94% are of tribal communities. The Bhils –The Bhils constitute the third largest group of India, they are founds in four state, namely Maharastra, Gujarta, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. One of the major requirements of the Bhils is wood and bamboo which they use for various purposes like House construction. The walls of their houses are either made of split bamboo plastered with mud or of wood interwoven with leaves and thatch. Their life style is largely dependent on the forest. The Gamits – Literary meaning of the word Gamit is the ‘Village Guard’. In the Bhil village the chief of the village is called as ‘Gamiti’. Anthropologists are of the opinion that Gamits were originally Bhils. Gamits are better educated compared to the majority of the tribal population of Gujarat. The Kunbis, The Warlis – The name is derived from a word of waral meaning a piece of land. This means that Warli’s are those who cultivated small pieces of land. Their main occupation is agriculture but they also go for labour of any kind and for preparation of cooking coal. Economically they are very poor. They are known for their traditional dances, which are performed wearing Bamboo and wooden masks. The Dangs district constitute of an area of 1752 km. Overnight stay will be at hotel in saputara.

Day 3 :Saputara – Baroda (315 kms)

After breakfast drive to Baroda. Arrival at baroda& transfer to hotel ,rest of the time at leisure ,visit The Maharaja Sayajirao Museum - The museum exhibits a fine collection of European paintings, sculptures, industrial arts and royal family memorabilia. It also contains an excellent collection of the famous Akota Bronzes. Akota lies on the western fringes of the city and was the seat of Jain culture in the 5th century. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Baroda.

Day 4 : Vadodara – Champaner – Chota Udepur (115 kms)

Early morning drive to Chota Udepur. Enroute visit Champaner, is an ancient fortified city. There are two stories about the origin of the name of this town. Some believe that is named after Champaraj who was the founder of the city, while others believe that the town was named after the champa tree that is found here. Visit Champaner Fort, is an ancient fort located at the foothills of Pavagdh. Mohammed Begada (The famous Muslim King of Gujarat) captured the fort in 15th Centuary after a long siege against the Khichi Chauhan Rajputs. After visit Jami Masjid – This mosque is a finest example of the Sultanate architecture of Gujarat. It has two tall minarets of 30 meters height, 172 pillars and seven mihrabs (Prayer Hall). This mosque belongs to 1513 and took 125 years to build and has a wonderful carved entrance and imposing courtyard. Continue drive to Chota Udepur. Chota Udepur has a number of hamlets of the Rathwas, Bhils and other tribals, and handicrafts like pottery, arrow crafting, bow making , pithora wall painting etc. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Chotta Udepur.

Day 5 : Chotta Udepur

After breakfast, drive to see the Rathwa and Dhanka tribes in and around the region. There’s a town called Alirajpur of Rathore Rajput rulers and from Rathore came the region RATH and from Rath the tribals are called Rathwa. The traditional dress of the Rathawa men is a loin cloth (Langoti) and headgear(phenta). Chhota Udepur was the princely state of Chauhan Rajput who ruled much of this tribal Area for many years. It is considered one of most primitive tribal belt of Gujarat. The Rathawa and Dhanaka – The Dhanaka is one of small tribal groups of Gujarat. These tribes migrates from central India, works as agricultural labourers. After Lunch visit tribal villages like Kol, Kharakwada, Timla, Devhat etc. Visit HAAT, weekly market where we can see many tribal people. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Chotta Udepur.

Day 6 :Chotta Udepur – Ahmedabad (220 Kms)

After breakfast visit tribal Museum of Chotta Udepur. Continue drive to Ahmedabad. Enroute visit VASO tribal village, this tribal village is known for the buildings made of wood. Arrival at Ahmedabad. Check into hotel. Proceed for Ahmedabad sightseeing includingGujarat Vidhyapith’s tribal research institute museum which was set up in 1962-63 at the insistence of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as he thought that since the state had a substantial tribal population it was perfect for setting up a museum to preserve their rich cultural heritage. The museum has an excellent collection of Photos, slides and films related to tribals. It gives a detailed picture of the tribal life of the region. (Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays). Visit Calico museum it’s simply finest collection of textiles, clothes, furniture, crafts in the country.The calico museum of Textile is one of the world’s finest collections of antique and modern Indian textile. Gandhi Ashram known as “Harijan Ashram” or “Sabarmati Ashram” because it is situated on SabarmatiRiver. The beautiful ashram complex of Ahmedabad, with shady trees populated by thousands of paraketers, Beaters, sunbirds, squirells, offers a refuge from the loud streets of the city and is one of the foremost tourist attractions of Ahmedabad. This ashram was Gandhi’s headquarters during the long struggle for Indian independence. His ashram was founded in 1915 and still makes handicrafts, handmade paper and spinning wheels. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Ahmedabad.

Day 7 : Ahmedabad – Poshina (190 kms)

Early morning Drive to Poshina , visit tribal villages of Poshina. It is a centre to see Garacia tribal. The village of Poshina is home to a number of artisans the tribal arrow crafters, silver, Potters, blacksmiths and the bazaar is famous for silver tribal jewelry, ORNATE sheathed daggers and terra cotta horses. Around poshina are hamlets of the bhil and garasia tribal communities, known for their colorful Attires and artistic ornaments. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Poshina.

Day 8:Poshina

After breakfast drive to Danta village (60 kms from Poshina). Visit Dungri Garacia tribales – The Garasias are bisected in two neighbouring states, Gujrat and Rajasthan. Dungri Garasia is generic term, covering half a dozen endogamous hierarchical sub-tribes calling themselves Garasia or Dungri Garasia. Garasia is very close to Bhil. Due to paucity of good agriculture land there are a few chances of substainable agriculture and animal husbandry. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Poshina.

Day 9: Poshina – Patan – Modhera – Dasada After breakfast proceed for Patan.

Patan:

The Patola woven are done by only few families of Patan. The technique used to weave the patola is the rare double ikkat style which involves dyeing both the wrap threads in the pattern of the final fabrics before setting them on the loom. Patan is also one of the centers for Mushroo, fabrics woven as a combination of silk & cotton with the latter forming the backing. While in Preparing Patola colouring and design pattern are evolved on each thread. Different colour and pattern are matched exactly on horizontal and vertical threads in weaving. The patola was traditionally woven in a sari length of 5 to 9 yards by 45" to 54" width. The range now extends to include tablecloth borders scarves, handkerchiefs. Rani Ki Vav, Patan Step Well –It was built by the queen Udaymati, the wife of Bhimdev. It is the best example of such architecture for water wells that is peculiar to Gujrat. There are wonderful carved images in the niches of the walls of this multi storied step well. It was one of the largest and the most sumptuous structures of its type. It became silted up and much of it is not visible now, except for some rows of sculptured panels in the circular part of the well. Among its ruins one pillar still stands which is the proof not only of the elegance of its design, but also excellent example of this period. A part only of the west well is extant from which it appears that the wall had been built of brick and faced with stone.

Modhera:

Built in 1026 AD during the reign of the solanki king bhima -1, modhera Surya mandir marks the peak of revolution in Indo-AryanHindu temple form Typology. It is positioned in such a manner that the rising sun rays illuminate the deity in the inner most sanctum sanctorum through the main Entrance at the time of equinox only. With its grandeur, elegance and Clarity it only rivals it contemporaries at konark and khajuraho but arguably surpasses them in it symbolic overtones and spiritual setting with Placement of the water kund integral to the complex. This temple is Dedicated to the sun god,it stands high on an elevated plinth overlooking a Deep stepped tank,both the interiors and the exteriors have exquisitely Caved. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Dasada.

Day 10: Dasada

Enjoy morning safari at Little Rann Of Kutch viewing rarest wild asses in the region followed by village safari in the evening.

Wild ass sanctuary

The sanctuary is well known for its group of the stale joke brown Asiatic (Wild ass), which does not live elsewhere in Indian lowlands. We can see with Little Rann of Kutch blackbuck (Indian antelope), nilgai or blue bull (India’s largest antelope) and the graceful chinkara (Indian gazelle) are other mammals. The main carnivores of the Little Rann of Kutch are the endangered Indian wolf, desert fox, Indian fox, jackals, desert and jungle cats, and a few hyenas; also we can see during the visits flamingoes, pelicans, ducks, cranes and storks.

Village safari

We can do excursion safari tours of pastoral settlements and villages along the Rann of Kutch. The tours visit the rural Vadiara and Kharapat Rabaris of Dasada, known for their embroideries, the silk-weavers colony at Dasada, and Ambala village of the Bharward shepherds and goatherds. The weaving cooperative at Bajana and other artisans’ workshops can also be included in the tours. Other societies near Dasada are Padhars (primarily fishing people), the Siddis and the semi-nomadic Mirs, Jaths (Muslim herders), Bajanias. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Dasada.

Day 11: Dasada – Bhuj (320 kms)

After Breakfast drive to Bhuj. On arrival, check into hotel and rest for a while. In evening proceed to local market area and collector office to take a permit to visit Banni Tribal area (Please note all client need to obtain the permit). Overnight stay will be hotel in bhuj.

Day 12: Bhuj

Early morning proceed to BanniVillage to see various people like Jat, Harijan, Meghawal and Mutva etc in various villages like Hodka, Ludiya and Dhordo. Banni means “a cluster of village”. In Banni area of Kutchthe Meghwal-Harijans who migrated from Rajasthan use Khambira, Kharek, Kudi Stiches in their embroidery. Also see outline and satin stitch embroidery and very minute mirror designs similar to the famous Mutwa embroidery of the area. They make wall hangings, waistcoats and pouches in Kharek Stich and do 'Moti Bharat' or beadwork on handheld fans, bracelets, toys and belts. After visit HODKA village – Hodka derives from the Gujarati word ‘Hodi’which means ‘boat’.Since, the villages here are called jheels, where potable water is available. Hodka is famous for its beautiful embroidery and mud work as much as Leather craft.Both men and women are actively involved in developing the art and craft tradition of the region. Visit LUDIYA village- Harijans and Muslims are main communities in this village. The main occupations are: monsoon farming, cattle rearing, intricate wood carving, intricate embroidery work, mud-work and wall painting for decorating homes. Harijan men are involved with wood carving, the women take up embroidery and wall-decoration. Visits to DHORDO to see beautiful traditional mud houses (Bhungas) with mirror work and its fine Mutwa embroidery with tiny mirrors. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Bhuj.

Day 13: Bhuj

After breakfast drive to Bhujaodi 10 km from Bhuj, artisans weave thick shawls and blankets on pit looms dug into the of crouch mud houses (Bhungas)decorated with gargomati. The ancient tradition of weaving shawls and blankets from coarse sheep hair came into existence generations ago essentially as a form of barter between the "rabari" community or the nomadic grazing community and the vankars (weavers) — "the rabaris brought the sheep hair from which we made blankets and shawls for them after spinning the sheep hair into wool. Continue proceed to Tundavand to visit Rabari village, around 200 Rabari families live here in around houses. The women are dressed in black wollen clothes. After that proceed to Nirona village – A Koli tribal woman in NironaVillage, north of Gujarat. In part of this highly productive craft producing area they made lacquered wooden goods. Also visit several artisans and admire their unique crafts like Roghan painting clothes, copper bell making, lacquer work on wood and wollen shawl weaving. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Bhuj.

Day 14: Bhuj – Gondal (254 kms)

After having a breakfast visit Aaina Mahal, is the most famous and one of its main highlights. The palace is surrounded by a small, fortified courtyard built in the 18th century and is located in the old part of the city. TheKutchMuseum, once known as the FergusonMuseum, is the oldest museum in the state. It was established in 1877 and has a good collection of artifacts, depicting the history and culture of Bhuj and its surroundings. Continue drive to Gondal (300 kms). On arrival, check into Hotel. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Gondal.

Day 15: Gondal – Ahmedabad (270 kms)

In the morning proceed to visit Jetpur 30 kms from Gondal .It is famous for the workshops of block and screen printings and a centre of yarn-dyeing. Continue drive to Ahmedabad and transfer to Airport / Railway station with the sweet memories of Gujarat

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Inclusions

•  Assistance on arrival by Trained executive or Driver
•  Accommodation on Double/Twin sharing basis
•  Daily Breakfast (Buffet or Set Menu)
•  Transport as per itinerary (Commercial/Union Approved) with all expenses paid for first visit
•  Driver Allowance
•  Toll Taxes and Parking for First Visit
•  State taxes
•  Fuel
•  All the currently applicable taxes
•  Duty Manager available on mob 24 hrs during tour duration for emergency
•  Assurance of best holiday experience
•  All Transport Taxes, Driver Allowances, Hotel Taxes and Misc. Taxes

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Exclusions

•  Any expenses incurred due to Exigencies.
•  Travel Insurance
•  Monument / Camera fees/ Entry Fee / Activity Charges
•  Any personal expenses like laundry, shopping, tips etc.
•  Air & Train fair
•  Heater charges per night
•  Any adventure activities

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Remarks

•  All taxes, hotel rates, transport rates, etc are as applicable on date. Any future hike on same would be charged extra.
•  The above rates are valid till 31 March 17 (Apart from Long weekend & festive period (Diwali, Holi, X-Mas, New Year / Dussehra etc).
•  The above is only an offer and not confirmation of your bookings.
•  We shall proceed with your booking once we receive the payment from you & if we are not able to get the original hotels, shall provide equivalent / alternative hotels.
•  hotel check in / Check out time 1400 / 1000hrs

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• ^*Based on min. 06 Travellers.
• ^*on travel on regular dates.