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Lions, Crafts and Textiles
Fully Escorted Tour – 15 Days / 14 Nights

Mumbai – Ahmedabad – Dasada (Wild Ass Sanctuary) – Gondal-Sasangir – Jamnagar – Bhuj – Mumbai

BEST SEASON – October to March

Gujarati textiles and handicrafts reflect a love of colour, an eye for design and form. Textiles are Gujarat’s forte, and one can find an immense variety of textile traditions here that range from robust folk textiles to fine brocades. A visit to Gujarat, however fleeting, is replete with images of colourful and fascinating textiles, elaborately carved wooden handicrafts and beautifully handcrafted silver jewellery.

Day 1 and 2 - Arrive Mumbai. Stay at the Taj. Sightseeing, shopping.

Day 3 and 4 - fly to Ahmedabad. Stay at House of Mangaldas (Heritage Hotel)

Ahmedabad is known for its rich past and its association with Mahatama Gandhi. Many crafts thrive here like Mata-ni-pachedi narrative cloth paintings and block printing. Ahmedabad also has a unique style of architecture dating back to the 15th century.

Sightseeing, including the Old Walled City, Jama Masjid Mosque, Bhadra Fort and the Shaking Minaret.

Also visit the Calico Museum of Textiles, where the collection includes textile swatches of Indian origin found at archaeological sites of Egypt, silk saris from across India, double-ikat silk sarongs made in Patan. Also visit other museums of Ahmedabad, strong on folk art collections.

(Calico museum allows in only 30 people except on Wednesdays & Saturdays)

Visit the Satyagarh Ashram, 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. Gandhi's spartan living quarter is preserved as a small museum.

Day 5 and 6 – Drive from Ahmedabad to Dasada (about 6 hours) via Patan . Stay at Rann Raiders camp.

En route visit Patan to see the famous Patola weaving done by the Salvi Family who are National award winners. This ancient Hindu town has many Jain Temples .

Safari to see the Wild Ass Sanctuary. The sanctuary is known for its herds of the handsome chestnut brown asiatic wild ass, which is the last of India's wild horse family. The sanctuary also has grassy patches that offer good bird watching.

Excursion to see the embroidery work of Rabari Nomads.

Day 7 – Drive to Gondal (about 6 hours) via Rajkot. Stay at Orchid Palace (Heritage hotel)

En route visit Rajkot to see the Watson Museum which has good examples of Gujarat's craftsmanship skills, and Rashtriya Shala working to revive hand-weaving. Watch the fascinating art of Ikat and Double Ikat weaving.

Day 8 and 9 - Drive to Sasan Gir (about 4 hours) via Jetpur and Junagadh . Stay at Lion Safari camp.

In Gondal visit the 1748 AD Naulakha Palace which houses the erstwhile ruling family's private collection of bead work, textiles, brassware, hand-painted toys and silver crafts, the center promoting weaving at Gondal, and the historic buildings of Gondal .

Proceed to Jetpur, known for its screen and block printing workshops, and a yam-dyeing center, and then to Junagadh where you can see gem-encrusted carpets, wardrobes and tapestry of the Nawab at the museums

The Gir National Park is the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion, which has been confined to this forest, since 1884 ( about 239 lions were reported in 1985 ).The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African cousin, nevertheless, a large male lion of the Gir is quite a sight to behold.

Morning & afternoon safaris into the Park

Day 10 - Drive to Jamnagar ( about 6 hours). Stay at Express hotel (basic)

Jamnagar, built in 1540 AD, is the hometown of the world famous cricketers Ranjit Singh and Duleep Singh. There are a number of ancient temples in and around the town which is why it is also known as Chothi Kashi. The town is also famous for its exquisite handicraft items such as silk and gold embroidery, silver ware and bandhani or tie-and-dye fabrics. Nutcrackers (especially the ones made for betel nuts) are made in Jamnagar. Visit the Vanzas who are known for their bandhani tie-and-dye saris.

Day 11, 12 and 13 – Drive to Bhuj (about 6 hours) via Dhamadka. Stay at Garah Safari Lodge or similar.

En route visit Dhamadaka which is famous for natural dyes and block printing. Bhuj, in the Rann of Kutch , founded in 1548 AD, is an old walled city. You can lose yourself for hours in the intricate maze-like streets and alleyways of this fascinating town.

There are walls within walls, attractive gateways, old palaces within intricately carved wooden pavilions and striking, brightly coloured Hindu temples. The embroidery work of the Kutch region is exquisite and you will get to see a priceless collection in most places. The colours are vivid and the embroidery is bold and not intricate. The use of small mirrors adds to the beauty of these embroidered pieces, displayed very proudly by the women of this area

The Great and Little Rann of Kutch are also the breeding grounds for millions of Flamingoes, Pelicans and Avocets and the home of the rare Indian wild Ass, which is now a protected species. The colorful tribal villages of Kutch are well worth a visit.

Visit the Bhujodi village on outskirts of Bhuj to see the shawl weavers of Vankar community (permits are required which we can organize for you). Also visit other villages around Bhuj known for their distinctive styles of embroidery and other handiwork like weaving, block-printing, rogan-painting.

Day 14 – fly to Mumbai. Stay at the Taj.

Day 15 – flight to onward destination.

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