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Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant state of Gujarat and the mesmerizing Rann of Kutch in India. This cultural tour offers a unique blend of wildlife, history, and traditional craftsmanship. Explore the vast marshlands of the Rann of Kutch, home to indigenous wildlife and tribal villages. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at Champaner, and marvel at the intricate Jain Temples of Kumbharia and Palitana. Experience the rich textile heritage with an Ikat dyeing demonstration and learn about local crafts at the Living and Learning Design Centre in Bhuj. Enjoy the charm of heritage accommodations and participate in cultural ceremonies, such as the evening aarti at Gondal temple. Travel comfortably in minibuses and jeeps, with a small group of up to 12 participants, guided by expert leaders and local guides. This tour promises an enriching experience, connecting you with the heart of Gujarat's cultural and natural wonders. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
DAY 1: Tour starts in Ahmedabad
Location: Ahmedabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lemon Tree Premier Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Those on the group flights will arrive early afternoon. After some time to refresh and recuperate at the hotel our tour will begin early evening with our welcome meeting and first group dinner.
DAY 2: Ahmedabad
Location: Ahmedabad, Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad, Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad, Adalaj, Rudabai Stepwell, Adalaj
Accommodation Name: Lemon Tree Premier Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will do our best, for those that want to, visit the textile museum with its Calico collection and the Gandhi Ashram. Please note that places on the museum tour are limited, but we will do our best to secure these (please note the important information in the key aspects to consider section). We will then take a short journey outside the city to see the beautiful ancient Rudabai Stepwell, located in the village of Adalaj before before an early dinner. After dinner we can take stroll to experience the bustling evening streets of the old city on our way back to the hotel.
DAY 3: Ahmedabad - Poshina
Location: Ahmedabad, Poshina
Accommodation Name: Darbargarh Heritage Home or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we take a guided heritage walk taking us through some of the most ancient parts of the city through narrow streets, past old havelis and monuments. We then leave Ahmedabad behind us and head to the north of the state and the tribal region of Poshina (approx. 4 hours driving). Once there we check into the palace home of the former ruling royal family where we will be staying for the next 2 nights. It’s from here that we can visit the nearby villages of the Garacia, Adivasi & Bharavad tribes if time allows in the late afternoon.
DAY 4: Poshina
Location: Poshina
Accommodation Name: Darbargarh Heritage Home or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have a full day out in jeeps to the surrounding area visiting the Bhil and Garasia tribe and return to the palace for dinner. Staying in the wonderful family-run heritage home we are able to eat delicious home-cooked food.
DAY 5: Poshina - Dasada
Location: Poshina, Kumbharia Jain Temples, Patan, Modhera Sun Temple, Dasada
Accommodation Name: Rann Riders Eco-Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Before leaving Poshina this morning, we will visit the nearby Kumbharia Jain Temples built in the 11th century. Afterwards we drive west taking in the staggering step-well at Patan followed by a demonstration of Ikat textile weaving and visit the ancient temple at Modhera. Situated on the banks of the Pushpavati River, Modhera is famous for its millennium-old Sun temple. This temple, built in 1026 AD by Bhimadeva of the Solanki Rajput clan, is dedicated to Lord Surya, the sun god. It was destroyed by Muhammad Ghaznavi and rebuilt later. The temple was designed so that at the time of the equinoxes, the first rays of the sun fell on the image of Surya. The temple is partially in ruins now but, despite the passage of time, it is still considered an architectural wonder. After lunch we drive on to Dasada where we stay for the next two nights. Approx. 4 hours driving.
DAY 6: Little Rann of Kutch
Location: Little Rann of Kutch
Accommodation Name: Rann Riders Eco-resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we take a full day excursion into the Little Rann of Kutch. An extraordinary and unique landscape, this vast desiccated, unbroken surface of dark silt, encrusted with salt, transforms into a spectacular coastal wetland after it rains. Here we witness the indigenous wild ass and other wild animals, as well as watching the women of the Mir and Rabari tribes creating some of the most remarkable textiles in the country.
DAY 7: Dasada - Bhuj
Location: Bhuj, The Living and Learning Design Centre
Accommodation Name: Kutch Safari Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we head to the capital of the Kutch region, Bhuj. On our way, we will visit The Living and Learning Design Centre, an initiative by the Shrujan trust to promote and preserve the beautiful craft heritage of Kutch. After lunch we head north to where we will be staying and from where we will access local villages. Approx. 6 hours driving
DAY 8: Rann of Kutch
Location: Rann of Kutch
Accommodation Name: Kutch Safari Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we spend all day visiting the northern villages of this remote area. Though the Rann of Kutch is famed for its wildlife, there is much more to experience in this dry arid place. We will visit a Banni region community that are again famed for their handiwork and embroidery. We head further north towards the edge of the Great Rann to see the mirage of the salt flats on the horizon which is known as “White Sands”.
DAY 9: Bhuj - Mandvi
Location: Bhuj, Aina Mahal, Kachchh Museum, Mandvi
Accommodation Name: Serena Beach Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we leave early to head back to the capital of the Kutch region, Bhuj. Sadly much of Bhuj was destroyed during the earthquake of 2001, but the Aina Mahal is still well worth visiting as is the amazing Kachchh Museum, with its exceptional collection of embroideries and the local textiles; having done this we head on to the coast and the Arabian Sea (approx. 1.5 hours driving). Arriving early afternoon we check into our hotel and spend the rest of the day enjoying this relaxing setting. We can visit the palace, and the town where there are more handicraft shops. Evening on the beach!
DAY 10: Mandvi - Gondal
Location: Mandvi, Gondal
Accommodation Name: Riverside Palace or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast there will be a chance to visit the incredible wooden dhow building industry before driving on to Gondal. The drive today will be long, about 8 hours dependent on the road conditions and the number of stops along the way. Gondal is a testimony to the great visionary ruler Sir Bhagwatsinhiji, who introduced social reforms, planned the development of Gondal town and created a model state of Saurashtra in late 19th and early 20th century. Gondal, the capital of the former princely State of Gondal, was ruled by the Jadeja Rajput clan, until the independence of India. It is a fortified town located on the river Gondali and is home to three fabulous palaces – one of which we stay in – and the Maharaja’s classic car collection. Here we see many of the amazing forts and palaces and the rather lovely old town: quiet and pretty, it puts one in mind of Bundi or Udaipur 20 years ago.
DAY 11: Gondal
Location: Gondal, City Palace, Gondal, Local Market, Gondal, Famous Temple, Gondal
Accommodation Name: Riverside Palace or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we visit the famous city palace, with its owner’s classic & vintage car collection. We can also see some spinning and weaving of khadhi cloth. In the late afternoon we will visit the local market and famous temple to participate in the evening aarti.
DAY 12: Gondal - Palitana
Location: Palitana
Accommodation Name: Vijay Vilas Heritage Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we head on to another heritage property and home to the royal family of Palitana. Arriving in the late afternoon we have a leisurely evening and dinner. Approx 3.5 hours driving.
DAY 13: Palitana - Bhavnagar
Location: Mount Shertunjaya, Bhavnagar
Accommodation Name: Nilambagh Palace Heritage Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early wake-up today to visit the amazing Jain temples: 3500 steps up Mount Shertunjaya. This extraordinary temple city is one of the highlights of any trip to India. After lunch we drive on to Bhavnagar, where we’ll have the afternoon to relax and recover from our morning’s exertions. Approx 2 hours driving.
DAY 14: Bhavnagar - Vadodara
Location: Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara, Fatehsingh Museum, Vadodara
Accommodation Name: Vivanta Vadodara Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will drive to Vadodara. Along with Kashmir, Hyderabad, Gwalior and Mysore, in British time Vadodara was a ‘21 gun salute’ state. As such, it is fabulously wealthy with an exquisite palace. We arrive into Vadodara late morning and after a late lunch we visit the totally over the top Laxmi Vilas Palace and the Fatehsingh Museum. Approx. 4 hours driving
DAY 15: Vadodara - Champaner - Ahmedabad
Location: Vadodara, Champaner, Ahmedabad
Accommodation Name: Lemon Tree Premier Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at Champaner. Champaner is an ancient fort located at the foothills of Pavagadh. Muhammad Begada decided to establish the new capital of Gujarat at this place in 1484 AD and changed the name of the town to Muhammadabad. It took 23 years to build the town and it had a meteoric rise to fame, attaining glory as a great town of western India. Many edifices were constructed during these years: bazaars, town squares, Royal Gardens and water structures, as well as mosques. It also became a major trading centre producing fine silk, woven and dyed textiles and sword manufacturing. The entire landscape for miles around is scattered with remains of fort walls, ruined tombs, gardens, arches, pillars and wells and reminds one of other such great deserted towns of India: Mandu, Hampi, Orchha and Fatehpur Sikri. We will return to Vadodara for a late lunch before a transfer back to Ahmedabad where we have our farewell dinner.
DAY 16: Tour ends in Ahmedabad
Location: Ahmedabad
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour finishes this morning in Ahmedabad.
What's Included
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Transport
Transportation will be provided using minibuses and jeeps.
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Group Size
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 participants.
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Carbon Contributions
Contributions to climate and community projects are included for all bookings.
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Expert Team
The tour includes the full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Fitness Rating
The tour has a low fitness rating, making it accessible for most travelers.
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas are tour
ationality dependent and travel insurance is mandatory but not included. -
Tips
Tips are always optional, but some guidance will be provided in the pre-departure information documents.
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International Flights
International flights are not included, but an obligation-free quote for flights originating in the UK can be provided.
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Airport Transfers
Complimentary transfers are included only if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.
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Beverages & Personal Costs
Beverages and any costs of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs, are not included.
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for India.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
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Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. However, please note that to cover the distance required to do this trip, there will be some long journeys in the bus. Whilst we will not cover huge distances on foot, it is worth noting that sightseeing often involves walking on uneven ground and climbing irregular steps.
Please be advised that on this trip that the vast majority, if not all, meals will be vegetarian.
On this particular trip will be in good city hotels, heritage palaces and guesthouses. Please note that Gujarat, as a region, has very few tourists in comparison to neighbouring Rajasthan and therefore the standard and service should not be compared. For example, we may occasionally find instances of erratic plumbing but the character and hospitality makes up for these quirks!
If you would like to visit the Calico Museum in Ahmedabad we will need to know in advance of the tour in order that we can try our best to reserve a place for you. In order to secure you place you will need to tell us your profession and passport number. Please note that viewings are limited with the museum often unwilling to confirm tickets for group tours until just a few days before the visit. We are therefore very unlikely to be able to confirm the tickets in advance of your arrival into Ahmedabad. If we are unable to secure tickets, alternative sightseeing will be arranged for you.
Gujarat is a dry state and it is very hard to buy alcohol and therefore if you would like to have a drink in the evening we would suggest that you buy your preferred tipple in duty free and put the bottle in your main luggage in Delhi before dropping your bags off for the flight to Ahmedabad. Alcohol permits can be obtained on arrival and your Tour Leader can assist with this process.
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Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
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Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except Palitana.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
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Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably across Gujarat with minibuses and jeeps, ensuring a smooth journey through the diverse landscapes and cultural sites of the region.
Accommodation
Experience the charm of India with stays in heritage properties and palaces, including the Lemon Tree Premier Hotel, Darbargarh Heritage Home, Rann Riders Eco-Resort, Kutch Safari Lodge, Serena Beach Resort, Riverside Palace, Vijay Vilas Heritage Hotel, and Nilambagh Palace Heritage Hotel.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses minibuses and jeeps for transportation, ensuring a comfortable journey through the diverse landscapes and cultural sites of Gujarat.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in a variety of charming accommodations, including heritage properties and palaces such as the Lemon Tree Premier Hotel, Darbargarh Heritage Home, Rann Riders Eco-Resort, Kutch Safari Lodge, Serena Beach Resort, Riverside Palace, Vijay Vilas Heritage Hotel, and Nilambagh Palace Heritage Hotel. ...more ...less
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Are there any special activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes unique activities such as an Ikat textile dyeing demonstration, a visit to the Living and Learning Design Centre in Bhuj, and participation in an evening aarti ceremony at a temple in Gondal.
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Is the tour suitable for travelers with low fitness levels?
Yes, the tour has a low fitness rating, making it accessible for most travelers. However, some sightseeing involves walking on uneven ground and climbing irregular steps.
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
In the Little Rann of Kutch, you can witness the indigenous wild ass and other wildlife. The area is also known for its unique landscape that transforms into a coastal wetland after it rains.
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Are meals included in the tour, and what type of meals can I expect?
Most meals are included in the tour, and you can expect them to be vegetarian, as Gujarat is a region where vegetarian cuisine is prevalent.
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Is alcohol available during the tour?
Gujarat is a dry state, making it difficult to purchase alcohol. It is recommended to buy your preferred drink at duty-free and carry it with you. Alcohol permits can be obtained on arrival with assistance from the tour leader.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 participants.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes cultural experiences such as visiting tribal villages, exploring ancient temples, and learning about local handicrafts and textiles.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
India: Gujarat & Rann of Kutch
16 Days Starting and ending in Ahmedabad, India
Visiting: Ahmedabad, Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad, Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad, Adalaj, Rudabai Stepwell, Adalaj, Poshina, Kumbharia Jain Temples, Patan, Modhera Sun Temple, Dasada, Little Rann of Kutch, Bhuj, The Living and Learning Design Centre, Rann of Kutch, Aina Mahal, Kachchh Museum, Mandvi, Gondal, City Palace, Gondal, Local Market, Gondal, Famous Temple, Gondal, Palitana, Mount Shertunjaya, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara, Fatehsingh Museum, Vadodara, Champaner ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GUJ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Ruins-Archaeology, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Private Available:
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