DAY 01°: UK – MUMBAI
Upon arrival at Mumbai meet and assist with our local correspondent and transfer to the Hotel of our choice. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

DAY 02°: MUMBAI – AHMEDABAD
Morning after breakfast, transfer to Mumbai Domestic airport to connect a flight to Ahmedabad, Arrival meet, greet & transfer to hotel, later half day city tour of Ahmedabad includes Siddi Sayed Mosque, the Siddi Sayed mosque, built in 1573, is one of the most famous mosques of Ahmedabad. The mosque is entirely arcaded. The mosque has ten screen windows (Jalis) on the side and rear arches. The rear wall is filled with square stone pierced panels in geometrical designs. The two bays flanking the central aisle have reticulated stone slabs carved in designs of intertwined trees and foliage and a palm motif. This intricately carved stone window is called the Sidi Saiyyed Jali. Visits of Hate singh Jain temple, it was built by Seth Hate Singh in 1850. It is easily distinguished by its high carved column, visible from road. Built entirely of white marble embossed with smooth carvings of dancers, musicians, animals & flowers, this serene temple is dedicated to Dharamnath, whose statue stand in the main temple. It has a paved courtyard surrounded by an imposing row of cloisters containing 52 shrines, each with an image of a tirthankara, profusely decorated with rich carvings, one containing the marble image of the 15th tirthankara. The temple is a two-storied structure with elaborate porches on three sides and front porch crowned by a large dome. Later visits of Dada Hari Step Well, Dada Hari step well constructed during the rule of Mehmud Begda in the year 1501. It is a uniquely designed octagonal shaped step well in Ahmedabad. The interiors and the underground of the step well intricately designed. It is beautifully decorated. From sculptured floral patterns to the shapely figurines everything is intricately done in order to beautify the Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad. Later visits of Sarkhej Ka Roja. Overnight stay Ahmedabad.

DAY 03°: AHMEDABAD - BALARAM
Morning after breakfast visits to Ahmedabad city Jama Mosque, This congregational mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423. Built in yellow sandstone, it combines the best of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, standing on 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at varying elevations it is described as the most beautiful mosque in India. The vast paved courtyard is a rectangle nearly seventy-five meters by sixty-six meters. The central courtyard is accessible from the East, though there are three ways on the other side too. The Eastern side entrance leads to another enclosure containing the mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed Shah. Thus it is an architectural triumph. Near the Eastern entrance stands the 'Roja' or the tomb of the Sultan Ahmed Shah, which was homage to the Sultan by his son Mohammed Shah II. The mosque stands unchallenged serving as a prayer place for numerous Muslims residing in the city. Among the most popular sights of the city of Ahmedabad is the Jama Mosque, boasting of a well-proportioned architecture. It took 13 years to complete this fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture of the Ahmed Shahi style. A white marble paved courtyard, with a pool in the middle provides a perfect pause between the raucous streets outside, and the dignity of the main sanctuary within. Later visit to Calico Museum of textile is the premier textile museum of the country. Its outstanding collection of Indian fabrics exemplifies handicraft textiles spanning five centuries and attracts large numbers of visitors from the general public, as well as increasing numbers of Indian and international research scholars. The museum is housed in two buildings, one displaying textiles of religious significance and the other traditional court fabrics, tents, carpets and costumes.  The museum endeavours to present its collection in themes connected with the two great Indian religions: Vaishnavism and Jainism, and simulates a suitable religious atmosphere. The first exhibit is a replica of a small reconstructed Pustimarga shrine with an idol of Srinath Ji placed on an altar, covered with a painted textile. The shrine leads to galleries where Pichhwais and textiles belonging to the Vallabha sect are displayed. The 90 Pichhwais are divided into groups relating to festivals, seasons and a variety of devotional themes.  The Jain Gallery includes shrines, derasaras of the Svetambara and Digambara sects as well as a small home shrine, important manuscripts tike the Kalpasuira and Kalakakatha and Jain patas: the yantras and tirtha chitras. The main attraction, however, is a painted, domed, wooden ceiling of a derasara. Continue visits Adalaj step well, the step well was built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai. The designs on its walls and pillars include, leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other breathtaking ornamental designs. In the past, these step wells were frequented by travellers and caravans as stopovers along trade routes. The five-storied, step-well located in the sleepy village of Adlaj is a marvel of architecture. This unique water work is an excellent blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. The intricately carved monument served religious and utilitarian purposes of the people around though its origin is marred by tragedy. The Indo-Islamic style of architecture, which developed in India in the early centuries of the medieval period, is neither a local variant of Islamic art, nor a modification of Hindu art, but it is an assimilation of both the styles, though not always to an equal degree. The architecture of this well also shows the influence of the earlier Solanki rulers of Gujarat. Built entirely of sandstone, one can enter into this step-well from three sides, which consist of octagonal landings with huge carved colonnades and intricately carved niches. The step-well served both ritualistic as well as utilitarian needs. Later drives to Balaram (180 KMS / 3 -4 Hours), Check in to hotel & Overnight stay Balaram.

DAY 04°: BALARAM
Full Day visits of Poshina, Garacia tribes mainly found in Sasabkantha district of Gujarat that is located around the hills bordering of Gujarat and Rajasthan. These tribes are primarily farm labourers or  sheepherders, known for their unique culture & traditions. They have whitish faces, sharp nose and glittering eyes. The Gowala and Garacia tribes are second cousins to each other, differing only in the manner of living. Overnight stay Balaram Palace Resorts.

DAY 05°: BALARAM - DASADA
After Breakfast Drives to Patan, (150 KMS / 2 Hours) visits of Rani ki Vav (Step well) it was built by the queen Udaymati, the wife of Bhimdev. It is the best example of such architecture for water wells that is peculiar to Gujarat. There are wonderful carved images in the niches of the walls of this multi storied step well. It was one of the largest and the most sumptuous structures of its type. It became silted up and much of it is not visible now, except for some rows of sculptured panels in the circular part of the well. Among its ruins one pillar still stands which is the proof not only of the elegance of its design, but also excellent example of this period. A part only of the west well is extant from which it appears that the wall had been built of brick and faced with stone.  Later visits of Patan Patola of Weaving, Patan is famous for Patola weaving. Salvi community of people is working with Patola. The queen of textiles is the Patola woven by only few families of Patan. The technique used to weave the Patola is the rare double ikkat style which involves dyeing both the wrap threads in the pattern of the final fabrics before setting them on the loom. Patan is also one of the centres for Mushroo, fabrics woven as a combination of silk & cotton with the latter forming the backing. While in Preparing Patola colouring and design pattern are evolved on each thread. Different colour and pattern are matched exactly on horizontal and vertical threads in weaving. The Patola was traditionally woven in a sari length of 5 to 9 yards by 45" to 54" width. The range now extends to include tablecloth borders scarves, handkerchiefs. Later drives to Modhera Sun temple (35 KMS from Patan) Modhera Sun Temple is finest example of Hindu architecture in Gujarat. The Sun Temple at Modhera dates back to early 11th century CE and was built by King Bhimdev I in 1026 CE. The sanctum was designed to allow the sunlight to illuminate the main statue, no longer in the temple. The quality & quantity of carvings along its walls describing god, other figures & erotic positions are exceptional. In front of the temple is a colossal tank, which was once known as Surya Kund or Rama Kund. The tank has a series of carved steps leading to the bottom. Several miniature shrines adorn the steps of the tank - which is an art gallery in itself. Later continue drives to Dasada (50 KMS from Modhera), Check in to hotel, Evening dinner & overnight stay Dasada.

DAY 06°: DASADA
Morning visits to Village safari (Dasada), we can do excursion safari tours of pastoral settlements and villages along the Rann of Kutch. The tours visit the rural Vadiara and Kharapat Rabaris of Dasada, known for their embroideries, the silk-weavers colony at Dasada, and Ambala village of the Bharward shepherds and goatherds. The weaving cooperative at Bajana and other artisans’ workshops can also be included in the tours. Other societies near Dasada are Padhars (primarily fishing people), the Siddis and the semi-nomadic Mirs, Jaths (Muslim herders), Bajanias. Again safari to Wild ass sanctuary, the sanctuary is well known for its group of the stale joke brown Asiatic (Wild ass), which does not live elsewhere in Indian lowlands. We can see with Little Rann of Kutch blackbuck (Indian antelope), Nilgai or blue bull (India’s largest antelope) and the graceful Chinkara (Indian gazelle) are other mammals. The main carnivores of the Little Rann of Kutch are the endangered Indian wolf, desert fox, Indian fox, jackals, desert and jungle cats, and a few hyenas; also we can see during the visits Flamingos, pelicans, ducks, cranes and storks. Overnight stay Dasada.

DAY 07°: DASADA - BHUJ
Morning drive to Bhuj (300 KMS / 6 Hours), Directly transfer to the Foreign Registration office to take a permit to visit Banni Tribal area. Check in to hotel, Evening visits market area of Bhuj. Overnight stay Bhuj.

DAY 08°: BHUJ
Excursion visit of Banni villages to see the various peoples like Jat, Harijan, and Meghawal, Mutva etc in various villages like Hodka, Ludiya, and Dhordo. Normally Jats are not allowed their photography. The Hodka village is believed to have been set up by the Halepotra clan. 'Halepotra' literally means the 'son or the descendant of Halaji', who is believed to have immigrated from Sindh. Along with the Halepotra, who are Muslims, the Hindu Meghwals have also settled in Hodka. The Halepotras – belonging to the bigger group called Maldharis, or cattle breeders - believe their ancestors originated from Saudi Arabia and reached Kachchh via Iran, Baghdad and Sindh in search of pastures for their cattle. The Meghwals- also known as Marwada Meghwals- believe their ancestors came from Marwar, Rajasthan. They are traditionally leather craftsmen and settled in Banni which was rich in livestock. Today there are 8 nokhs (sub castes) of the Meghwal community residing in Hodka.

Note: To carry packed lunch and enough water is must in these remote areas. Except tea nothing is available. Overnight stay Bhuj.

DAY 09°: BHUJ
Excursion visit to Bhujodi village Bhujodi is a village skilled in traditional bandhani (tie-dying), block printing and weaving.  Here you can view live demonstrations and buy anything from shawls to blankets from the artisans directly.  Nearby is the Hiralakshmi Crafts Park – a nonprofit undertaking by the Ashapura Group of Companies that works with artisans throughout Kutch to show their skills and retail their crafts. Later drive to Mandvi to visit Rabari village after Tunda Wandh near Mandvi. Mandvi is famous for its 400-year old hand wooden ship-building industry and clean beaches where water-front camel rides are readily available.  Craftsmen here still use traditional techniques for domestic and international ship-making.    You can also visit the 19th century Vijay Vilas Palace, constructed of red sandstone in Rajput style, set along a sparkling private beach.  There are stunning views of the sea and Vijayraji’s wife’s tomb from the rooftop.  Some scenes from the well-liked Bollywood film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam were shot here. Also visit of Beaches & Palace at Mandvi. We can eat at Gujarat Tourism restaurant on the beach of Mandvi or near Vijay Vilas Palace. Overnight stay Bhuj.

DAY 10°: BHUJ
Morning visit of Bhuj Local City Tour includes Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, and Kutch Museum. Aina Mahal – Bhuj, Aina Mahal means a mirror palace. It was built by the artists Ramsinh & Gaidhar Devshi during the rule of Rao Lakhpat Ji. The heritage of Kutch art and culture is displayed in the Aina Mahal. The great master piece of Ramsingh is the hall of Mirrors in the Aina Mahal. The walls are white marble covered with mirrors which are separated by gilded ornaments. The hall is lit by elaborate pendant candelabra with shades of Venetian glass. The hall of mirrors is on the second floor of the Aina Mahal. Ramsingh malam who is specialize in Kutch architecture, enamel work, jeweller, tile work and interior decoration. The hall is filled with a miscellaneous collection of objects; a Dutch Clock, English and French celestial globes, some antique pictures, mechanical toys, glass and china. On the walls of the corridor are a variety of pictures, some European and many Indian. Prag Mahal – Bhuj The Prag Mahal was designed by the well known architect Colonel A Henry Saint Wilkins. Prag Mahal is a splendid palace made of Italian marble and sandstone. It took 10 Yrs to build the monument, at an astounding cost of Rupees 10 Lakh. The palace serves as a fine example of Italian Gothic style, combined with some European style elements. The Corinthian pillars and Jali work which depicts European plants and animals are also worthy of a mention. Kutch Museum, the Kutch museum at Bhuj initially formed part of the school of art established by Khengarji on 1st JULY 1877. At the time of Khengarji’s marriage in FEB – 1884, an exhibition of Kutch Arts & Crafts was exhibited. Exhibits worth Rs. 3300 were given to the Museum at the termination of exhibition. These exhibits necessitated the construction of a new building. The foundation stone for the present museum building was laid by the governor of Bombay, Sir James Fergusson. After independence the museum came to be known as the Kutch Museum. It also has a fine collection of Kutch silver, golden and enamelling work, textiles wood work, Coins, cold utensils, arms & other archaeological objects and a section on the communications of the district. Overnight stay Bhuj.

DAY 11°: BHUJ – MUMBAI - UK
After breakfast departure transfer to Bhuj Airport to connect a flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai Domestic Airport transfer to Mumbai International Airport to catch a flight for onward destination.

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