Gujarat is often differently called as ‘Manchester of the East’ and comes with a highly enriched heritage and tradition of the craft of textiles. Bright hues, intricate embroideries, inlays and motifs used in the various textile fabrics of Gujarat indeed present a unique riot of colors and bling and clearly proclaim of the adroit craftsmanship and rich crafts tradition that the state has. The textiles of Gujarat tour takes you on a fascinating voyage through the various colorful textiles of Gujarat.
Day 1: Arrive Ahmedabad
Upon arrival at Ahmedabad railway station/airport you are greeted by our tour representative who escorts you to your hotel. Check in, freshen up and later proceed to visit the places like Calico Textile Museum, Shreyas Folk Art Museum. In the evening visit Vishalla village and enjoy an entertaining cultural program plus authentic, mouthwatering Gujarati cuisine. Back to hotel for dinner and night stay.
Day 2: Ahmedabad – Gondal
Next day we leave for Gondal, an affluent princely state. On reaching check into hotel and later proceed to visit Navlakha Palace which exhibits the personal collections of the erstwhile princely family. The collection includes items like silver crafts, brassware, hand-painted arts and artifacts plus toys, beadworks, textiles. Post our visit to the Navlakha Palace, we also visit some other places of Gondal such as Royal Garage, Orchard palace, Riverside palace. Back to hotel for dinner and night stay.
Day 3: Gondal – Jetpur – Junagadh – Gondal
Next day we make an excursion from Gondal to places like Jetpur and Junagadh. At Jetpur we visit the various striking workshops of block and screen printing plus the renowned yarn dyeing centre. Next we visit the Darbar hall museum at Junagadh where you get to see fascinating royal wardrobes of the Nawabs, tapestries, gem-studded carpets. Back to hotel at Gondal for dinner and night stay.
Day 4: Gondal – Rajkot – Jamnagar
Next day we leave for Jamnagar en route Rajkot. At Rajkot we visit the famous Watson museum with its grand collection of Gujarati crafts and artifacts and the Rashtriya Shala hand weaving centre. Later we drive down straight to Jamnagar and check into the hotel. After freshening up we proceed to visit Vanzas well known for their tie and dye or Bandhej craft. Back to hotel for dinner and night stay.
Day 5: Jamnagar – Bhuj
Next day we hit the road for Bhuj; the most important locale for textile tourism in Gujarat. On reaching, check into hotel and later proceed to take a stroll across the Bhuj textile markets. Back to hotel for dinner and night stay.
Day 6: At Bhuj
Today we are all set to explore Bhuj. The places we visit are Pragmahal museum, Aina mahal museum and A.A Wazir’s Textile museum shop. Evening is left free at your leisure and may be used for some shopping. Back to hotel for dinner and night stay.
Day 7: Bhuj Excursions
Next day is given to Bhuj excursions. We make excursions to villages in and around Bhuj where we get to visualize some of the most distinct Gujarati embroidery and textile adornment patterns like Rogan painting, block printing, hand weaving, Bandhani craft. Back to hotel at Bhuj for dinner and night stay.
Day 8: Bhuj – Bhujodi Village – Bhuj
Next day we make an excursion to the famous Bhujodi village from Bhuj. At this village you can meet the nationally recognized craftsmen and their distinctive, award winning textile weaving craft. We will pick souvenirs from Shurjan store and next visit Ashapura Crafts Park where the various skills and crafts of the artisans are beautifully showcased so as to raise revenue from it. Back to Bhuj hotel for dinner and night stay.
Day 9: Bhuj – Little Rann of Kutch
Next day we leave for Little Rann of Kutch and on reaching, check into the unique eco resort made out of handicrafts and local materials. At the resort we spend the day watching the Rabari women folk engaged in their distinctive embroidery works. Night stay at the resort.
Day 10: Little Rann of Kutch – Patan – Ahmedabad
Next day we depart for Ahmedabad en route Patan. At Patan we embark on an exploration of the colony of weavers of the famed Patola silk; one of the richest forms of silk weaving that makes use of the very unique double Ikat weaving style. From Patan, we head straight to Ahmedabad. On reaching you are transferred to railway station/airport where our representative sees you off and you head for your onward journey back home.