Having operated successful Textile Tours in Gujarat over the past few years we have realised that the State of Gujarat has so much more to offer. The tribal communities residing in the state retain their unique and fascinating culture, so we have expanded our textile itinerary to allow more time to appreciate all that that is on offer in this amazing and diverse part of India. This is a journey which will take you into the heart of rural India. This year the itinerary has been refined and expanded to allow a little more time to appreciate the handicrafts of Kutch and we will take a circular route beginning and ending in Ahmedabad, which is a convenient entry and exit point for international travel and anyone wanting to extend their journey into other parts of India. Although the tour has been expanded there will still be an emphasis on the handicrafts of the region and we will be meeting artisans to gain a more indepth knowledge of textiles, especially weaving (including mashru), embroidery, ikat, bandhani and block printing. The trip will also cover other aspects of Gujarati & Kutch culture; the stunning architecture, amazing fauna and flora and the delicious & varied cuisine. The trip will offer something for everyone and will, of course, allow for plenty of retail opportunities. I have to say we have always had quite a few heavily laden bags on the journey home from our previous trips! Emma will accompany the tour and be assisted by expert local guides.
Outline itinerary:
February/March 2025
21 February | AHMEDABAD
Friday Arrival day into Ahmedabad. Some international flights may arrive late in the evening.
Overnight House of MG– centrally located heritage hotel
22 February | AHMEDABAD
Saturday Morning is at leisure for anyone who has arrived late the night before. The official tour will begin at 2pm with sightseeing in Ahmedabad.
Overnight House of MG.
23 February | AHMEDABAD
Sunday Sightseeing in Ahmedabad.
Overnight House of MG.
24 February | AHMEDABAD/MULI
Monday Depart Ahmedabad and drive to Muli with sightseeing on route.
Overnight Ambika Nivas Palace – a family owned property
25 February | MULI/BHUJ
Tuesday Morning visiting artisans around Muli prior to drive to Bhuj.
Overnight The Prince Hotel – a comfortable 4-star property with a central location
26 February | BHUJ
01 March The next 4 days will be spent exploring in and around Bhuj with particular emphasis on the elaborate crafts still worked in this area, and the history of textiles in Kutch. The exact itinerary will be a bit flexible depending on local artisans and the particular interest of the group.
Overnight The Prince Hotel.
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02 March | BHUJ/DASADA
Sunday Depart Ahmedabad and drive to Dasada, on the edge of the Little Rann.
Overnight Rann Riders - an attractive rural resort
03 March | DASADA
Monday Visit the Little Rann of Kutch and surrounding villages.
Overnight Rann Riders.
04 March | DASADA/POSHINA
Tuesday Drive from Dasada to Poshina with sightseeing on route, including the Sun Temple at Modhera and Patan, and the town of Sidhpur.
Overnight Darbargarh Palace – a heritage, home where we will be guests of the owners
05 – 06 | POSHINA
March Time spent exploring Poshina and the surrounding countryside and villages. This is a tribal area on the border of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Overnight Darbargarh Palace.
07 March | POSHINA/AHMEDABAD
Friday We return to Ahmedabad with sightseeing on route.
Overnight House of MG
08 March | AHMEDABAD
Saturday Final day in Ahmedabad to include a visit to the Calico Museum.
Overnight House of MG
09 March
DEPARTURE Sunday Transfer to the airport for international departure flight or onward travel.
Price:
INR275,000 per person based on sharing a double occupancy room with a group of 8 people travelling
Single room supplement: INR90,000 per person
Price Includes:
All arrangements, transfers and transport as per itinerary
Full board accommodation, starting with dinner on 22nd February and
ending with breakfast on 9th March
Transport in AC vehicle with chauffeur
Services of accompanying English-speaking guide
Monument entry fees
Visits to artisan’s workshops & demonstrations
Jeep ride into Little Kutch at Dasada
Local government taxes per current rate (subject to change)
Price Excludes:
International flights
Domestic flights
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, personal
gratuities, insurance, visa fees, camera fees
Extra costs incurred due to change of itinerary due to
circumstances beyond our control
For further information or to make a reservation please contact:
Emma Horne - emma@emmahornetravel.com
Moumita Robinson Paul - moumita@emmahornetravel.com
Ranjeet Pal - ranjeet@emmahornetravel.com