Off-beaten Gujarat (Culture & Tribal) Tour Tour Highlights Duration: 16 Nights/17 Days Sectors Covered: Mumbai Bhuj (flight) Bajana (Dasada) Poshina Ahmedabad Bhavnagar Jambughoda Champaner Vadodara Mumbai (Flight). Highlights of tour: Witness the Tribal lifestyle Handicraft, Embroidery and traditional costumes of Tribal villagers. Chance to Interact with local people Explore the wildlife of Little Run of Kutch Enjoy the Rich Heritage and Cuisine of Gujarat Museums showing history of Gujarat Stay at Palace now converted into Hotel. Mixture of Modern and traditional lifestyle Famous Jain / Hindu Temples and Mosques Short URL of MAP https://goo.gl/maps/vbr4cfgmvcs
Day 01: Arrival Mumbai (Int l Flight) Upon arrival and arrival at Mumbai Airport you will met with our company representative. After meet and greet you will be transferred to hotel. Overnight at Hotel Day 02: Mumbai Bhuj (Flight) Early morning (around 0400hrs), assisted transferred to airport to connect flight (AI 9625 0635 / 0830 Hrs) to Bhuj. Upon arrival at Bhuj Airport, you will be met with our office representative and transferred to hotel. After Breakfast Time free to Relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort. Bhuj, the major town of Kutch, is an old walled city. There are walls within walls, attractive gateways, old palaces with intricate carvings, and striking brightly colored Hindu temples. In the afternoon, (around 1400 hrs) get ready to visit Maharao Lakhpatji s old palace, built in traditional Kutch style. It is a beautifully presented museum with collections of ornaments and paintings, and exquisite inlaid ivory doors. The main attraction here is the Aina Mahal or the Mirror Palace (closed on Thursday), which has walls of marble covered with mirrors, separated by glided ornaments with shades of Venetian glass. A Part of this palace is now used for government offices, but beautiful Darbar Hall and Clock tower here are open to the public. Afterwards, visit Kutch Museum (closed on Wednesday), followed by a short walk in the old city. Overnight at Hotel Day 03 & 04: Bhuj and surrounding villages Early Breakfast and depart around 0800hrs, to visit various fascinating tribal villages surrounding Bhuj. Each tribe can be identified by its traditional attire and specializes in a different form of handicraft. Among others, we visit Banni settlements to see the traditional handicrafts of these Abyssinian settlers, who migrated to India from Abyssinia around the 10th Century. Their work is the famous glass embroidery. (Special Permission is to be obtained from the police /collector s office). The Banni area surrounds the Great Raan of Kutch; the villages of Hodka, Khawda and Ludiya are located in the Banni area. Ludiya is the most beautiful of the Banni settlements. The Banni tribal dwellings are made of round mud huts called `bhungas with a single central support pole and a thatched or tiled roof, all surrounding a large community courtyard. The women tend to be shy with male visitors, but are hospitable and will welcome you into their homes. They have an exquisite personal collection of embroidered quilts and garments. Walls, shelves, grain containers and cupboards are fashioned in mud with decorative designs washed with lime paste and embedded with mirrors that throw hundreds of shimmering reflections. You will also see a variety of handicrafts, including textiles, vegetable color dye printing, Rogan art (wax printing), glass beadwork, woolen shawls, leather articles and more. We suggest you to carry a picnic lunch from your hotel, as there are no decent restaurants along the way. After an enormously colorful, and sensory experience, will return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight at Hotel KENT HOLIDAYS (S) PTE LTD Tel: +65 6534 1033 Email: sales@kentholidays.com www.kentholidays.com 2
Day 05: Bhuj Bajana (280 Kms / 6Hrs) After early Breakfast, drive to Bajana. En-route, visit Dhamaeka, the block printing village and Bhujodi Village to meet the nomadic Rabari who weave camel wool on pit looms into blankets and shawls. Continue to Bajana Village (Little Rann of Kutch). The area is surrounded by tribal villages, making the stay here fascinating and especially exciting for photographers. The Kutchhi ethnic group lives in this area as well as the Mirs of Little Rann of Kutch, known for their beadwork to create braids, tassels, and necklaces. The area is also known as Dasada. It is famous as the world's last refuge of the Indian Wild Ass (Khur). It has been declared as the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary with the aim to protect them. Capable of reaching high speeds when galloping across the Rann, the wild ass is usually seen in small herds. The area is also home to various unique mammals such the Indian Wolf (Canis indica), Desert Fox (Vulpes pusilla) and Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus). Upon arrival at Bajana, check-in at Hotel. Later early evening will embark on an excursion to see the nearby villages, observe lifestyles. Overnight stay at Hotel Day 06: Bajana (Dasada) Enjoy an early morning safari across the Little Rann (only possible from 16 Oct - 15 June) which visits the bets, islands on the ancient seabed that are now higher grounds covered with grass and scrub. These bets support a variety of wildlife including gorgeous lesser flamingoes, great white pelicans, common cranes, water birds (bharami duck, gray leg goose, home duck, bar headed goose), black buck, blue bull, hyenas and the Gudkhur (Asiatic wild ass) that is not found elsewhere. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, visit the pastoral settlements and villages of the area. There are about 16 different types of embroideries done in the Kutch region, each belonging to a different community. All of these communities have their own unique style of embroidery, different motifs, patterns that give them a visual identity. The most well known, with its chain stitches and countless mirrors, is the Rabari embroidery. Visit the pastoral Vadiara and Kharapat Rabaris. The Rabaris are a wandering community known for their extraordinary capacity for survival and adaptation in the arid regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Many of the Rabaris live in circular huts, known as Bhunga. These have proven to be much resistant to earthquakes that hit Kutch in 2001. Overnight stay at Hotel Day 07: Bajana (Dasada) Poshina (210 Kms / 5Hrs) After early breakfast, depart around 0800hrs to Poshina. En route, visit the absolutely remarkable Sun Temple in Modhera. Built in 1026 and 1027 by King Bhimdev-I, the Sun Temple in Modhera is one of the greatest monuments of the Solanki dynasty, whose rulers were believed to be descended from the sun. The exterior is intricately carved with demons and deities, and the main hall and shrine are reached through a pillared pavilion. Inside, 52 sculpted pillars depict KENT HOLIDAYS (S) PTE LTD Tel: +65 6534 1033 Email: sales@kentholidays.com www.kentholidays.com 3
scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and a hall with 12 niches represents the different monthly manifestations of Surya (the sun god). Erotic sculpture panels complete the sensual decoration. Like the better-known Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha (Orissa), which it predates by 200 years, the Modhera temple was designed so that the dawn sun shone on the image of Surya during the equinox. Surya Kund, an extraordinary rectangular step-well inside the complex, contains over 100 shrines, resembling a sunken art gallery. Outside the temple, notice women of all ages from very young girls to elderly, dressed in bright yellows, orange and reds representing and honoring the sun. Also visit Rani Ka Vav Steps (Stepwell) in Patan, and continue drive to Poshina. Poshina is a heritage home set in the tribal lands of the Arravallis. The owners of this ancestral fort are your hosts to explore the Adivasi and Garasia tribal cultures of North Gujarat and South Rajasthan. You can enjoy fresh home cooked meals featuring recipes passed down from generation to generation, and indulge in the hospitality of a family that ruled Poshina for eight generations before independence. Overnight stay at Hotel Day 08: Poshina After breakfast, proceed for excursion by jeep offers fascinating glimpses into rural Indian life. The drive through the picturesque countryside will include visits to the remote villages of the Adivasi and Garasia tribals who will also give you archery demonstrations and pastoral people like the Rabaris who keep camels, sheep and goat. We begin with a walk through Poshina village. Imagine a market bustling with activity where you can watch colorful women from the tribal hamlets and tribal men unloading their produce. You will be able to observe craftsmen at work-forging swords, daggers, bows and arrows, potters making terra cotta horses and other figurines, besides clay utensils, jewelers sell chunky ornaments to the residents. The Jain temples built in 1214 A.D and the ancient richly carved Shiva temple are also worth visit. Later visit to Chatrang and Bedi Villages of Gowala and Garacia tribes. You will also visit the Kumbharia Jain temple, pottery & terracotta horse village of Saleka and few tribal temples. Return back to Hotel in the Evening and overnight stay at Hotel Day 09: Poshina Ahmedabad (200 Kms / 5Hrs) After breakfast depart to Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat. En-route visit the Adalaj Step-well, 17 km north of Ahmedabad. This step well at the village of Adalaj is another fine example of magnificent glory of architecture.. Adalaj Vav is richly carved with every pillar and wall surface covered with leaves, flowers, birds, fish and friezes of ornamental designs. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Evening visit Law garden market packed with stalls selling glittering wares from Kachchh and Saurashtra. It s chock-a-block with fantastically decorated cholis (sari blouses) and chaniyas (long, wide traditional skirts), as well as embroidered wall hangings, costume jewellery and more. Overnight stay at hotel KENT HOLIDAYS (S) PTE LTD Tel: +65 6534 1033 Email: sales@kentholidays.com www.kentholidays.com 4
Day 10: Ahmedabad After Early breakfast, This Morning participates in the Heritage walk of Ahmedabad 8 am-10 am. The walk begins from the picturesque Swaminarayan Mandir in Kalupur and ends in the most glorious architectural legacies the Jumma Masjid, covering in between the numerous pols, havelis, ornamental facades, workplaces of artisans and number of magnificent Hindu and Jain temples, Kavi Dalpatram Chowk, old Kala Ramji Mandir in the Haja Patel ni Pole with a unique idol of Lord Rama in dark colour and in a sitting posture. Return back to hotel, and after short break proceed for City tour visiting Sabarmati Ashram, located on the western bank of the Sabarmati River. This ashram, founded in 1918 by Mahatma Gandhi, who revitalized the textile industry here, became the headquarters during the struggle for Indian Independence and it is befitting that it is now primarily a spinning wheel factory. Also Visit Hathee Singh temple is a very famous Jain temple. It has been named after its founder Seth Hathee Singh, a prosperous Jain merchant. Hathee Singh Jain temple of Ahmedabad was built in the dedication of the 15th Jain Trithanakara named Dharmnath. The temple is known for its fabulous architectural styling and designing that consists of intricate carvings. During evening enjoy a traditional Gujarati vegetarian dinner with local dance and music at Vishala, an authentically created Gujarati crafts village complete with traditionally decorated mud huts where potters and weavers are at work. Here we visit the Vechaar Utensils Museum with its collection of 2500 Gujarati utensils. Overnight stay at Hotel DAY 11: Ahmedabad Bhavnagar (200kms / 5Hrs) After breakfast proceed to Bhavnagar. Upon arrival check-in at Hotel and time free to relax. In the Evening visit to Takhtehwar Temple Erected over a petite mound looking out on the city, this Takhtehwar Temple has been dedicated to Lord Shiva. And also visit the Barton Library one of the most ancient libraries in Gujarat. Among the oldest monuments in Bhavnagar, this library is a popular among men of all age group. Overnight stay at Hotel Day 12: Full day Excursion to Palitana (65Kms / 1.5Hrs) After Breakfast, begin climb to the Palitana temples located atop Shatrunjaya Hills and crowned with 863 temples, each rivaling the other for its beauty and magnificence. This is one of the most awe inspiring sights to devotees and visitors alike. The peak is a 3 km climb of over 3500 steps from the town, while on each temple one can see detailed carvings, beautiful idols and images, jeweled statues and intricate torans. The climb takes approximately 2-2.5 hours (one way). While coming back enjoy Lunch at Vijay Vilas Palace for a sumptuous home cooked meal and interact with owners Nitya and Yashpal Singh about the local culture and food recipes. The Vijay Vilas palace was build in 1906 AD by Yashpal s ancestor, Yuvraj Vijay Singh of Palitana, a member of the same Gohil Rajput clan as the Maharajahs of Bhavnagar. The palace was used as a country KENT HOLIDAYS (S) PTE LTD Tel: +65 6534 1033 Email: sales@kentholidays.com www.kentholidays.com 5
retreat, being splendidly located in the hills with great views of the Shatrunjaya hill and historic Palitana temples. Return back to Bhavnagar. Overnight stay Hotel. DAY 13: Bhavnagar Jambughoda (275 Kms / 6Hrs) After breakfast drive to Jambughoda. Upon arrival afternoon check-in at Hotel and time free to relax and enjoy the stay at Jambughoda Palace, a simple royal mansion in the midst of mature gardens - a beautiful retreat. Overnight stay at Hotel. Day 14: Jambughoda Excursions to Tribal Villages After breakfast, proceed for excursion to Tribal Villages. Most of the tribals living in and around Jambughoda are Rathwas & Nayaks. They are superstitious and God-fearing people. The entrance to their home is through a richly carved wooden door with figurines and tribal icons. The front is usually decorated with Pithora paintings for which the Rathwas are known. The tribals do not live in hamlets. Their dwellings are separated from each other by considerable distance. The tribal museum of Chhota Udaipur has a large collection of tribal artifacts. Many tribal artifacts are also brought for sale in the hats (weekly markets) in the city and nearby villages. Return back to Hotel for overnight stay. Day 15: Jambughoda Vadoara via Champaner (85Kms / 2Hrs) After breakfast proceed to Champaner: founded in the 8th century by King Vanraj Chavda of the Chavda Kingdom. Some attribute the name Champaner to his desire to name the city after his friend and minister Champa, or flame of the forest flower. The city and surrounding state of Pavagadh became an important buffer area between Mandu and Gujarat, as well as a key station on trade routes leading from Gujarat to both North and South India. After the visit, drive to Vadodara. Upon arrival checked in at Hotel. Later visit to Laxmi Villas Palace (Monday & bank holiday closed) - The Royal Family's residence is an extravagant building in Indo- Saracenic style. Pratap Vilas Palace - Built as the residence of the royal family, this is a magnificent building in the Indo - Sarcenic style, housing a collection of old armory and sculptures in bronze, marble and terra cotta. The Baroda museum and art gallery and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum boast of an excellent art collection of works by Indian artists and European Masters, of Mughal miniatures and valuable palm leaf manuscripts of Buddhist and Jain origin. Day 16: Vadodara Mumbai (Flight) After Breakfast, in-time transfer to airport for flight (9W 345 1110 / 1210hrs) to Mumbai. Upon arrival transfer to Hotel and rest of the day is free for personal activities. Overnight at Hotel Day 17: Vadodara Mumbai (Flight) After Breakfast, checked out from Hotel and in-time transfer to International airport, for flight to onward destination with sweet memory **** END OF THE TOUR*** KENT HOLIDAYS (S) PTE LTD Tel: +65 6534 1033 Email: sales@kentholidays.com www.kentholidays.com 6
Tour cost for SUMMER 2017 on per person basis: All below mentioned cost is in USD, Inclusive of all applicable taxes, nett payable to us & valid from 01 April 2017 till 30 September 2017 (All our services should finish on 30 September 2017). No of Pax Tour cost Supplement for Accompanying English speaking guide Supplement for Entrances fees 02 Pax USD 1680 USD 637 USD 123 03 Pax USD 1497 USD 428 USD 123 04 Pax USD 1517 USD 324 USD 123 05 07 Pax USD 1710 USD 261 USD 123 08-09 Pax USD 1492 USD 167 USD 123 Single Room Supplement USD 823 Tour cost for WINTER 2017-18 on per person basis: All below mentioned cost is in USD, Inclusive of all applicable taxes, nett payable to us & valid from 01 October 2017 till 31 March 2018 (Except peak period i.e. 20 Dec 2017 till 10 Jan 2018). No of Pax Tour cost Supplement for Accompanying English speaking guide Supplement for Entrances fees 02 Pax USD 1695 USD 637 USD 123 03 Pax USD 1513 USD 428 USD 123 04 Pax USD 1533 USD 324 USD 123 05 07 Pax USD 1724 USD 261 USD 123 08-09 Pax USD 1508 USD 167 USD 123 Single Room Supplement USD 851 Airfare Supplement (Special fare): USD 160 per person in Economy Class (As on date & subject to availability) Sectors: Mumbai Bhuj and Vadodara - Mumbai. Sectors Flight no Dep / Arr Operates Airfare (Per person in Economy Class) Mumbai / Bhuj AI 9625 0635 / 0830 Daily USD 80 Vadodara / Mumbai 9W 345 1110 / 1210 Daily USD 70 Important Note: Please note the above airfares & schedules are as on date & subject change. If there will be any change in fares & schedules at the time of operations the same will be informed to you as & when finalize, which is directly controlled by the airlines & there is no liability of TSI for any such changes. In condition of change in the schedules the best possible alternate will be provided to the clients & if there will be any supplements involved, the same has to be paid by the clients. Above tour cost includes: Accommodation on twin/double share on BB basis except in Poshina and Bajana where accommodation will be on FB basis for 16 nights/17 days as per program. All arrival/ departure transfers and all surface arrangements by Ac Medium car till 02-03 Pax, Toyota Innova for 03-04 Pax and Tempo Traveler for 05 to 09 Pax as per the program. 02 jeep safaris in Bajana. (Park entrances fee will be extra). 01 traditional Gujarati vegetarian dinner at Ahmedabad. 01 Lunch at Vijay Vilas Palace, Palitana. All presently applicable taxes. KENT HOLIDAYS (S) PTE LTD Tel: +65 6534 1033 Email: sales@kentholidays.com www.kentholidays.com 7
Above mentioned supplement for entrance fee includes: 1. Entrance fees at following monuments for one visit only: CITY Monuments Ahmedabad Modhera Bhuj Jama Masjid, Sidi Syed Mosque, Hathisingh Ji temple and Sabarmati Ashram Sun Temple Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal Above cost does not include: Any air fare or airport taxes & Visa fee. Any meals unless not mentioned in package inclusions. Early check in/late check out at hotels. All supplement quoted separately. Camera fee at the monuments. Park entrances fee during jungle safaris in Bajana. Any other expenses of personal nature like, tips at hotel/ restaurants guides and drivers, laundry, telephone calls, drinks etc. Any additional cost due to factor beyond our control like road block, vehicle mail function and political disturbance etc. Any other items not mentioned in package inclusions. City Mumbai Bhuj Bajana Poshina Ahmedabad Bhavnagar Jambhughora Vadodra Mumbai Name of Hotel Sahil Hotel Regenta Hotel Royal Safari Camp Darbargadh Starottel Lords Resort Jambhughora Palace Royal Orchid Central Sahil Hotel Special Note: In case the Hotel envisaged or normal category of Rooms are waitlisted / sold out, alternate hotels of similar category will be provided. The normal check-in time is 1400 Hrs and check-out time is 1200 Hrs at most of the hotels. All the prices we have quoted are in USD and prices for summer 2017 are valid from 01 April 2017 till 30 September 2017 and prices for winter 2017-18 are valid from 01 October 2017 till 31 March 2018 except peak period i.e. 20 Dec 2017 till 10 Jan 2018. All national parks and sanctuaries in Gujarat will be closed from Jun till Oct. so during these months jungle safaris are not possible. Clients can do village safaris as an alternate. Domestic airlines in India have reduced the baggage allowance to 15 Kg check-in luggage and 7 8 Kg hand bag and excess would be payable directly by clients. Please note we have quoted you the special Air Fares instead of the Normal fares as they are cheaper than the normal fares. Special fares are subject to change in case of any hike by airline. In case of cancellation due to any reason after issuing the tickets till 24 Hrs prior to departure of flight cancellation charge of USD 57 will be applicable. (TSI-290517) KENT HOLIDAYS (S) PTE LTD Tel: +65 6534 1033 Email: sales@kentholidays.com www.kentholidays.com 8