10 Nights /11 Days
Package Price :₹0.00/-Per Person
Booking Price :₹ 0.00/- Per Person
The state of Gujarat is blessed with rich and vibrant tradition of the creation of textiles and handicrafts. This tradition has been inherited by the current generation from their ancestors. These handicrafts differ in terms of patterns, proportions and materials used. These arts and crafts are a unique mix of aesthetic appeal and intricate detailing. Some arts and crafts that you will get to know about during ‘10 Nights and 11 Days Gujarat Textiles and Handicrafts Tour’ include Bandhani, beadwork, Patola, silver jewelry, woodwork, pottery and Zari.
Trip Highlights
– Guided excursion to the local village nearby Sayla, famous for its local weaving and beadwork
– Visit the Naulakha Palace, known for its collection of brass utensils, beadwork, silverware and hand-painted wooden toys
– Game safari in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
– Guided tour of Anjar City, famous as the center of textile and metal handicraft industry
– Guided tour of Patan to understand the art of double-ikat weaving technique
Package Include
– Private car Transfers From Kolkatta and back
– Accommodation with breakfast and dinner
– Pre booked loom tour , sightseeing
- Guided details of Regional Settings
– All Hotel tax
Package Exclude :
Portage, tips, Lunch, Loom experience, insurance, GST 5% and extras not mentioned as inclusions
Day 1: Ahmedabad (Arrival)
Arrival in Ahmedabad, get greeted by the IHPL representative who’ll assist you in smooth transfer to the hotel. Following the hotel check-in, go out for a sightseeing of the Calico Museum of Textiles and various others displaying handicraft items. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Ahmedabad – Palaces Of Gondal (Five hrs)
Start your day with a road trip to Sayla. Upon arrival in Sayla, have lunch at a textile hotel followed by a visit to the nearby village to see local weaving and beadwork. Later, drive to Gondal, famous for its cottage, jewelry, beadwork and Brassware industries. Thereafter, visit the Naulakha Palace, famous for its exquisite collection of brass utensils, beadwork, silverware and hand-painted wooden toys. Stay overnight at the hotel in Gondal.
Day 3: Gondal – Jetpur – Junagadh – Gir
Start your day with a road trip to Gir via Jetpur, known for its block & screen printing and textile units. En route, visit the famous Junagadh museum famous for its Nawabi textiles and beautiful carpets. Stay overnight at the hotel in Gir.
Day 4: Gir – Jamnagar (Four hours)
Today, leave by road for Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is famous as the final abode of the Asiatic Lions.
Following the game drive in this national park, continue your journey towards Jamnagar, famous for its Bandhini work. Stay overnight at the hotel in Jamnagar.
Day 5: Jamnagar – Kutch (Five to 06 Hrs. hours) o/n Bhuj
Start your day a delicious breakfast and complete your check-out formalities. Head towards Bhuj and take a halt in Anjar city, which is the centre of the textile and metal handicraft industry in the Kutch district. The city offers an exciting range of metal handicrafts. En-route visit Anjar and Ajrakhpur Village. These are the villages where artisans block painting. The art is called ‘Ajrakh’. Here, you can witness the process of block printing and buy some souvenirs for your loved ones.
Later, head towards Bhuj. On arrival, you will have an assisted check-in at the hotel. The rest of the time is at your leisure.
Have a delightful dinner at the hotel and have a restful overnight stay.
Day 6: Explore Kutch: Excursion to nearby tribal villages and the White Rann area.
Wake up early in the morning and savour delicious breakfast. Later, embark on a sightseeing tour of the Kutch. En route, visit some tribal villages of the region, which are famous for Ahir embroidery and Rabari embroidery. The other handicraft villages are inhabited by Hindu (Rabaris and Meghawal Harijans) and Muslims (Jaths and Muthwas) pastoral groups.
After your sightseeing tour, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Full Day Village Tour
Arise to a scrumptious breakfast and start your local sightseeing tour of Bhuj. Also, visit the Mandvi which was once the summer retreat for the king of the Kutch. Explore the popular attractions of Mandvi and visit the beautiful beach and palace.
After an eventful day, return to the hotel for a refreshing sleep.
Day 8: Kutch – Little Rann of Kutch
Greet the day with the delicious breakfast and complete your check out formalities. Have an assisted transfer to Little Rann of Kutch. On the way, visit Dasada which is renowned for its Bharwad embroidery and Vadiara Rabari. Here, you can explore the work of local artisans and weavers.
Later head towards Little Rann of Kutch and have an assisted check-in at the hotel. In the evening, you can visit the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary which is home to some of the exotic species of wildlife such as the Indian Wild Ass, Nilgai, wolf, desert fox, and many more. The sanctuary also houses migratory birds such as Sarus Crane, Ducks, Dalmatian Pelican, and flamingoes.
After this exciting trip, return to the hotel and hop on to your cozy beds for a relaxing sleep.
Day 9: Little Rann of Kutch – Modhera – Patan and then drive to Little Rann of kutch.
Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast and then embark on the sightseeing tour of Patan. En-route visit Modhera which is renowned for the Sun Temple of the Chalukya era. Then head towards Patan, which is famous for the double-ikat weaving technique, also known as Patola Silk Weaving. Patola Sarees is one of the finest hand-woven Sarees produced today. You can buy the Sarees as a souvenir for your loved ones.
After an eventful day, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Little Rann of Kutch – Ahmedabad
Greet the day with the lip-smacking breakfast and complete your check out formalities. You will get an assisted transfer to Ahmedabad. On arrival, complete the check-in formalities. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can explore the local markets or spend your day in the resort.
Have a mouth-watering dinner and enjoy an overnight stay.
Day 11: Ahmedabad
On the 11th day, bid goodbye to the ‘Textiles and Handicrafts of Gujarat’ journey and get transferred to the airport to board flight for onward destination.
1. What is the Gujarat Textiles & Handicrafts Tour?
This tour focuses on exploring Gujarat’s diverse and intricate textile traditions and handicrafts, including visits to craft villages, textile workshops, and museums. You’ll see firsthand the creation of famous textiles such as Bandhani, Patola, Ajrakh, Kutchi embroidery, and Rogan art, as well as handicrafts like pottery, beadwork, and wood carving.
2. How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts 7-10 days, depending on the cities and villages you choose to visit. A sample itinerary might include:
Day 1-2: Ahmedabad for textile museums and markets.
Day 3-4: Bhuj and the Kutch region for crafts and textiles.
Day 5: Rajkot for Patola weaving.
Day 6-7: Patan for Patola saris and Modhera for the Sun Temple.
Day 8-9: Jamnagar and Surat for Bandhani and Zari work.
3. What is the best time to take this tour?
The best time to visit Gujarat for the Textiles & Handicrafts Tour is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant for travel and outdoor activities. The Rann Utsav, held from November to February, is a great time to visit as it showcases the region’s crafts, culture, and textiles.
4. Which cities and villages are famous for textiles and handicrafts in Gujarat?
Ahmedabad: Famous for textiles and block printing, and home to the Calico Museum of Textiles.
Bhuj (Kutch region): Known for Ajrakh block printing, Kutchi embroidery, bandhani, and Rogan art.
Patan: Famous for Patola silk sarees, one of the most intricate and expensive weaving techniques in India.
Surat: Known for its silk weaving, zari work, and synthetic textiles.
Rajkot: Known for Patola weaving and Bandhani.
Jamnagar: Famous for Bandhani work.
Pethapur (near Gandhinagar): Known for wooden block making used for block printing.
5. What types of textiles are unique to Gujarat?
Bandhani: A traditional tie-dye technique used to create beautiful patterns on fabric.
Patola: A double ikat silk weaving technique, considered one of the most complex weaving forms.
Ajrakh: A form of block printing using natural dyes, mainly practiced in the Kutch region.
Kutchi Embroidery: Intricate hand embroidery featuring mirrors and bold patterns, popular in rural Gujarat.
Mashru: A satin weave fabric often used in traditional garments.
Rogan Art: A rare and intricate art form where paint made from castor oil is used to create patterns on cloth.
6. What are the key attractions for textile enthusiasts in Gujarat?
Calico Museum of Textiles (Ahmedabad): One of India’s finest textile museums, showcasing a wide variety of Indian textiles.
Kutch Craft Villages: Villages like Bhujodi, Ajrakhpur, and Nirona offer visitors a chance to meet artisans and witness their craftsmanship in weaving, block printing, and Rogan art.
Patola House (Patan): Demonstrates the process of making the intricate Patola sarees.
Shrujan: A non-profit organization in Kutch working with over 3,500 women artisans, famous for their embroidered textiles.
Kala Raksha: A grassroots social enterprise that preserves traditional craft skills in Kutch.
7. Can I buy textiles and handicrafts directly from artisans during the tour?
Yes, many craft villages in Gujarat offer visitors the chance to buy handcrafted textiles and goods directly from the artisans. Buying directly supports the artisans and ensures authenticity. Popular places to shop include:
Bhujodi village for handwoven textiles.
Ajrakhpur village for block-printed textiles.
Nirona village for Rogan art and copper bell-making.
Kutchh Craft bazaars and markets held during the Rann Utsav.
8. Is it possible to participate in workshops during the tour?
Yes, many villages and craft centers offer hands-on workshops where you can learn traditional techniques like block printing, tie-dye, or Rogan art. These workshops are a great way to experience the intricacies of the craft firsthand and appreciate the skill involved.
9. What is the Rann Utsav, and why is it important for this tour?
The Rann Utsav is an annual festival held in the Great Rann of Kutch from November to February. It celebrates the culture, arts, crafts, and traditions of the Kutch region. During the festival, visitors can enjoy folk music and dance performances, shop for local handicrafts, and participate in various workshops and cultural activities. It is a fantastic time to witness the vibrant culture and craftsmanship of Gujarat.
10. What kind of accommodation is available on this tour?
Accommodation options range from heritage hotels and luxury resorts to eco-friendly stays and village homestays. In Kutch, you can experience tented accommodations during the Rann Utsav or stay in traditional Bhunga huts for an authentic local experience.
11. What is the significance of Patola sarees, and where can I see them being made?
Patola sarees are double ikat woven sarees made in Patan. They are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and the complexity of the weaving process, which makes them highly prized and expensive. The weaving process involves tying both the warp and weft threads and dyeing them in stages to create detailed patterns. You can visit Patola House in Patan to see the weaving process and learn about the history and significance of Patola sarees.
12. What is Rogan Art, and where can I experience it?
Rogan Art is a rare form of painting on fabric using thick paint made from castor oil and natural pigments. The designs are created using a metal stylus, and the art form is passed down through generations. Nirona village in Kutch is the best place to witness this unique craft, where the Khatri family is keeping this ancient tradition alive.
13. How do I reach Gujarat for the Textiles & Handicrafts Tour?
Ahmedabad is the main entry point for most visitors, with a well-connected international and domestic airport. You can also fly into Bhuj if you are focusing on the Kutch region. Gujarat has a good network of roads and trains, making it easy to travel between cities and craft villages.
14. Are there any specific dress codes or customs to follow during the tour?
While there is no strict dress code, it is recommended to wear modest clothing when visiting traditional villages or religious sites. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as many craft villages and workshops involve walking and spending time in rural settings.
15. Is it possible to customize the Gujarat Textiles & Handicrafts Tour?
Yes, most tour operators offer customized itineraries based on your interests, focusing on specific crafts, regions, or artisan visits. You can tailor the duration, workshops, and locations to suit your preferences.
16. What are some other places of interest to visit alongside the textile tour?
Rani ki Vav (Patan): A UNESCO World Heritage site and intricately carved stepwell.
Modhera Sun Temple: A stunning temple dedicated to the Sun God, located near Patan.
White Desert (Rann of Kutch): Famous for its vast salt desert, especially during the full moon.
Lothal: An ancient Indus Valley Civilization site, famous for its archaeological significance.
Sabarmati Ashram (Ahmedabad): The former residence of Mahatma Gandhi, now a museum.
17. What types of textiles and handicrafts can I bring back from the tour?
Some popular items include:
Bandhani sarees and dupattas.
Patola sarees (if budget allows).
Ajrakh block-printed fabric.
Kutchi embroidered garments.
Rogan art pieces.