Tribes of Gujarat

Airport welcome and transfer to your Hotel.

After Breakfast, proceed to the city walk and tuk tuk ride in old Ahmedabad, a UNESCO world heritage city. Ahmedabad is known for some of its unique Indo-Islamic buildings of the Medieval Period showing a unique synthesis of Hindu, Jain and Islamic artistic elements. The old city is a labyrinth of about 700 neighborhoods known as Pols; a dense cluster of multi-storeyed homes built with the sense of community, security and minimizing harsh sunlight. Visit the Sabarmati ashram and discuss about life of Mahatma Gandhi, his principles and the independence movement of India. Sabarmati Ashram was one of the residences of Mahatma Gandhi from where he led the movement of independence. Visit Adalaj Stepwell, a 15th century monument and talk about water architecture and its importance on silk and spice routes on India. The Adalaj stepwell was integral to the semi-arid village as source of water for washing, bathing and drinking.

Early morning drive to Poshina & check in to the hotel. Then visit to 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. In the afternoon drive to Danta Village, which is approximately about an hour drive. Visit Dungri Garasia tribales - The Garasias are bisected in two neighbouring states, Gujarat 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. Late evening back to Poshina.

Morning leave for Palanpur is a remote and unexplored destination home to various tribes and pastoral communities. Nestled in the heart of the Araavali hills, the oldest mountain range in the world, Palanpur has an ancient system of coexistence between humans and wildlife. The people worship Bhakhar, Mountain god that blesses them with fertile lands. Visit villages of Garasiya tribe and rabari community - Visit the village market and worship place - Folk Dance of Garasia tribe: The Garasia and Bhil tribals follow unique religious beliefs; they worship mountains and goddesses. The tradition of offering clay horses to god as a vehicle of their wishes and prayers is kept alive in their communities. The people of the Rabari community of north Gujarat are semi nomadic and live-in large families. Visit nearby villages to meet the communities. The village markets are one of the most interesting sites.

Morning drive to Dasada enroute visit Patan which is famous for Patola weaving. Patan is also one of the centers for Mushroo, fabrics woven as a combination of silk & cotton with the latter forming the backing. Modhera : Built in 1026 ad during the reign of the solanki king bhima -1, modhera Surya mandir marks the peak of revolution in indo-aryan hindu 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. On arrival at Bajana check in to the hotel & Overnight stay.

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. 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.

Today, proceed to Shaam E Sarhad Resort at Hodka Village, where you have the pleasure to stay in Traditional Bhungas (Mud houses) or in Eco tents. On arrival at resort experience continues with traditional dinners, folk music performances, bonfire nights, star-gazing (subject to availability and clear sky) and more interaction with the people of Hodka.

Today visiting Banni Village to see various people like Jat, Harijan, Meghawal and Mutva etc in various villages like Hodka, Ludiya and Dhordo. Then visit to HODKA village – Hodka is famous for its beautiful embroidery and mud work as much as Leather craft. Visit LUDIYA village - The main occupations are: monsoon farming, cattle rearing, intricate wood carving, intricate embroidery work, mud-work and wall painting for decorating homes. Visit to DHORDO to see beautiful traditional mud houses (Bhungas) with mirror work and its fine Mutwa embroidery with tiny mirrors.

Today early departure to Gondal as it’s one of one of the longest day on road. Gondal is a beautiful city with awe-inspiring architecture.

After breakfast, proceed to Naulakha Palace, see Vintage Car collection, Swami Narayan Temple & Ayurveda Factory. Naulakha palace is an architectural marvel with exquisite stone carvings and eclectic yet traditional designs and decorations. Here, also view the impressive collection of silver caskets displayed in the palace museum. Later, visit the royal garages to see the royal family’s Vintage & Classic Car Collection and visiting an Ayurvedic pharmacy, which still makes traditional herbal medicines. After visit leave for Sasan Gir. Home to the rare species-Asiatic lions, Gir Forest has varied flora and fauna. You will also find varieties of birds, leopards, bears, panthers, hyenas, foxes, deers, monkeys and antelopes.

Early morning enjoy a jeep safari– the highlight of Gujarat individual tour.  This safari takes you in to the heart of the jungle, amidst lush greenery, wild animals and birds. The only place in the world where you can admire Asiatic lions roaming and roaring free in their natural habitat. After breakfast you will leave to the village of Jambur located about 20 kms. Meeting and interaction people of The Siddhi Tribes (Descendants of Bantu people of East Africa).

Drive to the small town Palitana, which is an excellent base to visit the splendid Jain Temples. Afternoon climb up to the summit of the sacred Shatrunjaya Hill and visit the splendid Jain Temple. From the foot of the hill to the summit there are 3,800 stone-cut steps and atop the hill is a cluster of Jain temples, built by generations of Jains over a period of 900 years. Whilst all the 863 shrines are considered sacred, the temple dedicated to Adishwara, the first Jain apostle, is the most revered and striking of them all.

Today after breakfast we leave for Utelia. On reaching Utelia, we set out for a tour of the tribal village of the Bharwad Tribes. The tribal people of the Bharwad tribe are basically pastoral people working mostly as cattleman and shepherds. A tour of this village may help you catch sight of some beautiful tribal houses, neat lanes, simple tribal people and their day-to-day lifestyle.

Breakfast, departure to Jambughoda (about 190 km, approx. 4 h). Champaner to stop along the way. Visit Champaner Fort which is an ancient fort located at the foothills of Pavagdh. After that visit Jami Masjid - This mosque is a finest examples of the Sultanate architecture of Gujarat. Continue drive to Chotta Udepur. Chotta Udepur has a number of hamlets of the Rathwas, Bhils and other tribals, handicrafts like pottery, arrow crafting, bow making , pithora wall painting etc. Later we drive to Jambughoda, hotel accommodations for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at hotel.Full day excursion to the picturesque town of Chotta Udaipur and characteristic villages of the Bhil and Rathwa. Rathwa and Dhanka tribes in and around the region. The Rathwa tribe is considered one of most primitive tribal belt of Gujarat. The Dhanaka is one of small tribal groups of Gujarat. This tribes migrates from central India, worked as agricultural laborers. After Lunch visit tribal villages like Kol, Kharakwada, Timla, Devhat etc. Visit HAAT, weekly market where we can see many tribal people.

After breakfast leave for Dangs is a small district in south Gujarat. Entirely populated by various tribal communities Dang is the starting of Western Ghats. The bamboo and teak forest of Dangs is home to a large variety of birds, butterflies, insects and reptiles. The tribes of dangs are very colourful and celebrate many festivals. One can visit the weekly market to observe the people and look at the variety of artefacts, ornaments, livestock and madhuca flowers sold there. The festival Dang Darbar is celebrated for 3 days to welcome the spring season. The men and women dance and find partners. With flowers blooming everywhere and people dancing to the tunes of Dhol, it is a riot of colours in entire dang.

After breakfast visit the famous Dangi tribe considered to be the most primitive tribal community of this region. The Bhils - The Bhils constitute the third largest group of India, they found in four state, namely Maharastra, Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Gamits - Gamits are better educated compared to the majority of the tribal population of Gujarat. The Warlis - they are known for their traditional dances, which are perfomed wearing Bamboo and wooden masks.

Early morning breakfast and leave to Surat for connection flight to Mumbai and onward return flight.