Gujarat has hundreds of tribal groups residing here for centuries known as ancient inhabitants. A tribal tour of Gujarat gives ample opportunity to the visitors to see the various types of tribes, their lifestyles, colorful dresses, customs, and traditions. The village Haats (markets) of Chhota Udepur, Kavant are the perfect destination to witness the Rathwas, Nayakas, and Bhils in their colorful attire. Near Poshina village, there is a place where one can see thousands of terracotta horses offered to a tribal deity, which is very unique in India.
In the other villages surrounding Poshina, we see Garacia tribe of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Even in Poshina, one can see many Garacia girls carrying the wood, which they bring from the nearby forest to sell in the market. Garacia girls and women are very colorful and always wear bright clothes. It is a treat for the eyes to watch them dancing.
The highlight of the Gujarat Tribal Tour is the vibrant region of Kutch. Here, the most interesting tribe is Rabaris, they are cattle herders and always on move thus called as Gypsies. Rabari women wear black dresses and a backless blouse whereas the men wear a white dress with the beautiful turban. The other prominent tribes in Kutch are Meghwal, Ahir and Jat. The huts in the Meghwal houses are fascinating as the same are nicely painted with mud and mirror-work. During Gujarat Tribal Tour, you will not only see the indigenous people but also their handicrafts.
The embroidery works of Ahir ladies are one of the finest in India. The monuments of Patan, World Heritage Site at Champaner, the Sun temple of Modhera and the heritage walk in the old parts of Ahmedabad are other added attractions of the trip. Patan Step Well is arguably the most intricate ancient architecture in Gujarat.
Arrive Ahmedabad, Day at Leisure in Ahmedabad.
Today is the day of Holi, Drive to Jambugodha in Central Gujarat {200 kms – 04 Hours’ drive} – Today you will be participating in Holka Dahan with the Royal Family & villagers of Jambugodha
Enjoy Festival of Colors on the day of Dhuleti – Post early brunch attend Chool Ka Mela at about 2.00 pm { Celebrated by the Rathwas on the first day after Holi. It is a gripping and interesting festival where members walk on fire / burning charcoal.} – Stay at Heritage Homestay.
Today morning visit Panibar No Melo & later visit the World Heritage Site of Champaner & Pavagadh to visit Mahakali Temple. Stay at a Heritage Homestay.
Today you will be visiting Kanwat – Gher No Melo {Celebrated by the Rathwa tribe before the onset of Holi. It is largely a musical event, with men and women dressed colorfully and dancing with musical instruments in the village market areas.} Late evening return to your hotel.
Post breakfast drive to Dared {300 kms – 06 Hours’ drive} Post lunch you will be exploring this small beautiful town to see the Rabari & Bharwad Tribes and Chakda Ride.
Today post breakfast drive to Gir National Park – {200 kms – 04 hours} – Post lunch enjoy the jungle safari to spot the Asiatic Lions, Leopards and mammals. Stay in Gir.
Today you will be able to photography – Bharwad and Siddhi Tribes – Siddi’s were being imported by the Nawabs and the Sultans of India to serve as soldiers and slaves.}
After breakfast drive to Diu {110 kms – 02 hours journey} – Today enjoy the heritage walk of Diu and visit the old town of Diu.
In Diu – {Early morning today visit Vanakbara Village – Vanakbara is a fascinating little fishing village to see the Kharwa Community with colorful fishing boats and bustling activity – best from 7.00 Am to 8.00 Am, when the fishing fleet returns and sells off its catch} – Later proceed to Gondal. {250 kms – 06 Hours’ Drive}- Enroute you will be visiting some beautiful monuments and Jalaram Temple at Virpur. Stay in Gondal.
Post breakfast you will be visiting the Swami Narayan Temple in the morning, later visit the vintage and classic car collection of Maharaja of Gondal, Naulakha Palace. Continue to Bhuj. You may come across to meet the Sheperd’s or Banjara’s the women dressed in black moving on camels along with them cattle for the livelihood. Stay in Bhuj.
Today explore the North of Bhuj where you will be exploring the Banni Villages to photograph and interact with JAT, Pathan and Halepotra Tribes. Late evening return to Bhuj. {300 kms – Full Day Round Trip}
Post breakfast drive to Little Rann of Kutch {300 kms – 07 hours’ drive} – Enroute visit some Textile and Culture villages {Bhujodi, Dhaneti, Dhamadka and Anjar}
Today village visits to meet the Tangalia Weavers and Bajania community. Evening a special dance and music program is arranged by Mir Community Women Group at Bajana – Stay at Bajana at a Wildlife Resort.
Today morning safari in Little Rann of Kutch in Bajana region, later drive to Becharaji Temple – Bahuchara Mata is the Hindu goddess of purity and fertility and an embodiment of Shakti. She is considered as the patroness of the local Hijra community {Third Gender}. Her primary Bahucharaji Mandir is located in the town of Becharaji in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, India. The city is associated with the Hindu goddess Bahuchara Mata, who is worshiped as Bala. It is one of the three Shaktipeeths worshiped in Gujarat. Later you will be visiting Sun Temple at Modhera and Later you will be visiting “Rani Ki Vav” Patan Step-well and Double Ikkat Patola Silk Weavers in Patan, Continue to Poshina. Dinner and overnight at Poshina.
Today morning you will be visiting The Koteshwar Fair {Colorful Tribal Festival of Garacia from early morning till afternoon till 1.00 pm}. Stay at Poshina.
Today after breakfast you will be visiting the Chitra-Vichtra Fair {One of the largest tribal fairs in the State, celebrated by Bhil and Garacia tribes. At the centre-stage is a magnificent temple that overlooks the rivers Sabramati, Akul and Vyakul. The fair is an event for ancestral worship, and is marked by colourful attire, heavy jewelry and rhythmic drum beats.} Stay at Poshina.
After very early breakfast drive to Santrampur {250 kms – 05 Hour’s} – Day at Leisure at A Beautiful Lake Side Heritage Homestay.
Today post breakfast visit Hawa Mahal and Raj Mahal. Stay at Shri Joraver Vilas. Drive to Balasinore to visit Dinassor Fossil Park and later drive to Ahmedabad to catch the late evening flight to Mumbai / Delhi or International flight to Middle East or Singapore.
Since we are visiting the villages of the ethnic tribes and sometimes, the people are very shy to pose for the photographs. Hence, it is recommended to first engage the locals in communication with the help of your guide and driver. Slowly the people will open up and then you can click the pictures. Some tribes are very comfortable with pictures, it depends upon person to person through!
Yes, the hotels will be having Wi-Fi and internet available except Hodka village, which is very remote.
In Hodka, the hotels are having Huts and Tents with attached western toilet and running cold and hot water. However, there will not be air-conditioning in the rooms. The huts and tents both are quite comfortable as the same are designed keeping in mind the international traveler.
You can take this tour starting from Mid October till the end of March. This time, the days are pleasant with clear blue sky and the nights are a little cold, therefore you need light jackets for the mornings and evenings.
Please do carry binoculars as you will be taking the jeep safari in the wildlife sanctuary near Bajana, which has a variety of birds, in Poshina too, you will spot various birds. Also, kindly bring the Sunglasses, sunscreen, long pants, hat and extra memory cards for your camera as you will be taking lots of pictures 🙂
We arrange only private tours and you will not be a part of any group. We can operate the trip with just one person or for the private group in case you come with your friends and family.
