Temples, Tribes & Textiles of Gujarat – A Cultural Tour of West India



12 days from £5,500 for 2023 per person
India's western state of Gujarat has a cultural wealth on a par with Rajasthan's yet is still visited by few. It is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and home to some of most colourful tribes, exotic textiles and glorious temples in India. Gujarat's dramatic landscape extends from the undulating Aravalli Hills to the immense salt flats of Kutch.
This itinerary samples the best the state has to offer including the huge Jain temple at Palitana, cosmopolitan Ahmedabad with its mix of Sultanate and ground breaking 20th century architecture, intoxicating bazaars and fascinating Calico Museum, the Sun Temple at Modera and the impressive step wells of Patan. Visit the captivating tribes of Bhuj with their textiles, jewellery and houses all decorated with elaborate mirror work. The tour ends on the huge windswept beaches at Mandvi with their shipyards using techniques Noah would recognise.
This luxury holiday is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your perfect tailor-made tour of India. If you would like to see similar trips, take a look at our collection of Family Holidays; as well as our favourite Active and Beach itineraries.
Itinerary details
12 days from £5,500 for 2023 per person
- Day 1 - The Beach at Mandvi Palace - Mandvi
Fly to Bhavnagar via Delhi or Mumbai. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. - Day 2 - The Beach at Mandvi Palace - Mandvi
Day at leisure to enjoy the beach. - Day 3 - Garha Safari Lodge - Bhuj
Transfer to the lodge and on the way take a guided tour of Bhuj. - Day 4 - Garha Safari Lodge - Bhuj
Day trip to visit the tribes in the Rann of Kutch. - Day 5 - Rann Riders Camp - Dasada
Transfer to Dasada and in the afternoon take a game drive. - Day 6 - House of Mangaldas Girdhardas - Ahmedabad
Drive to Ahmedabad. En route visit the Patan and the Sun Temple at Modera. Afternoon at leisure. - Day 7 - House of Mangaldas Girdhardas - Ahmedabad
Visit the Calico Museum followed by the Ghandi Ashram and the mosques and bazaars of the old town - Day 8 - House of Mangaldas Girdhardas - Ahmedabad
Full day sightseeing tour of Ahmedabad - Day 9 - Vivanta Vadodara - Vadodara
Transfer to Vadodara in the afternoon take a sightseeing tour of the city. - Day 10 - Vijay Vilas Palace - Palitana
Drive to Palitana. Afternoon at leisure. - Day 11 - Vijay Vilas Palace - Palitana
Early morning start to visit the Palitana temples. - Day 12 - In transit.
Morning at leisure. Midday transfer to Bhavnagar airport for your flight to Mumbai. You will be met on arrival and have a car and driver at your disposal until check-in for your onward flight home.
When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller