Textiles and Handicrafts of Gujarat
Day 1: Ahmedabad: Arrive in Ahmedabad. Upon arrival, you will be met by our Peirce & Leslie colleague who will escort you to your hotel and help you to check-in.
Day 2: Ahmedabad: After breakfast, you will visit the Calico Museum of Textiles. A premier textile museum of the country, it is one of the most celebrated institutions of its kind and is known for its distinguished and comprehensive collection of textiles and artefacts. Note: The Museum remains closed on Wednesdays & Public Holidays. Handbags/baggage, cameras and mobile phones are not permitted in the premises.
You will also visit Sabarmati Ashram. Set up in 1915, the Ashram was the central point from where the struggle for India’s Independence started. You will then return to your hotel and the afternoon will be at leisure.
In the evening, you will visit the Vechaar Utensil Museum, which features a unique collection of utensils of various makes, designs and utility from pre-historic to modern times. Note: The Museum remains closed on Mondays & Public Holidays.
Afterwards, a traditional Gujarati meal will be served at a local restaurant. Note: A traditional Gujarati meal is typically vegetarian, and no alcohol beverages will be served.
You will then return to your hotel.
Day 3: Ahmedabad: After a quick cup of tea/coffee early this morning, you will start the day with a walk around the bustling, industrial and interesting Old Quarter of Ahmedabad, best visited early in the morning.
You will also visit the Jama Masjid. The masjid was constructed in 1423 AD by Sultan Ahmed Shah, the founder of Ahmedabad city. Made of yellow sandstone, the architecture of this mosque is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styling.
You will then return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, you will visit Shreyas Folk Museum, a tribute to the folk art of Gujarat. It features multiple exhibits of utensils and domestic articles featuring beadwork wood carving, metal and leather work. Note: The Museum remains closed on Sundays & Public Holidays.
Thereafter, you will visit Sanskar Kendra. Designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier, the museum shows the art, culture and history of Ahmedabad. Of note is the Kite Museum located in the premises, that houses about 125 rare and uniquely designed kites and exhibits the history of kite making in Gujarat. Note: The Museum remains closed on Mondays & Public Holidays.
You will then return to your hotel and the afternoon will be at leisure. Your vehicle and guide will be at your disposal should you like to explore the city or go shopping. Alternatively, you could relax in your hotel.
If you like, you can also visit the Institute of Indology that was established with the objective of preserving ancient art objects, archeological remains and rare manuscripts of ancient India. Note: The Museum remains closed on Mondays & Public Holidays.
Early this evening, you will visit the Hussain Doshi Ki Gufa (also known as Amdavad Ni Gufa), an underground art gallery that exhibits the artwork of the renowned artist, M.F. Hussain.
You will then explore Manek Chowk Bazaar, one of the busiest markets in the city that sells everything under the sun – fruits and vegetables, spices, clothes, jewelry and more.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant/food truck in the bazaar. Your guide will be happy to make recommendations based on the cuisine that you prefer.
After dinner, you will visit the Law Garden night markets, an evening market packed with stalls selling wares from different parts of Gujarat.
Day 4: Ahmedabad – Poshina: After breakfast, you will drive to Poshina (approximately 6 hours, excluding stops). En route, you will visit Adalaj Stepwell. Set in the quiet village of Adalaj, this vav (stepwell) has served as a resting place for hundreds of years for many pilgrims and caravans along their trade routes.
You will also visit a local village to see how the local (Gujjar) community uses traditional wooden hand block printing techniques.
On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 5: Poshina: This morning, you will visit the neighbouring villages to soak in their way of life with its rustic charm. You will also meet with the artisans that inhabit these villages and interact with them.
You will then return to your hotel for lunch and the afternoon will be at leisure.
In the evening, you will visit the homes of local artisans nearby and get a glimpse of the everyday nuances of their lives and learn about the traditional crafts they practice.
Thereafter, you will explore the local bazaar that is famous for silver tribal jewellery, ornate sheathed daggers and terracotta horses.
Day 6: Poshina – Patan – Modhera – Dasada: After breakfast, you will drive to Dasada (approximately 4.5 hours, excluding stops). On the way, you will visit Patan and Modhera.
Patan is home to a stepwell, Rani-ki-Vav (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) initially built as a memorial to a king (believed to be Bhimdev I) in the 11th century AD. The central theme of this stepwell is the Dashavatar (10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu). Patan is also renowned for its handwoven patola silk saris.
This will be followed by a visit to Modhera, known for its 11th-century Sun Temple. A grand sandstone monument built by the Solanki dynasty in the year 1027 A.D., it is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God.
On arrival in Dasada, you will check-in to your hotel.
Optional: If time permits and you are feeling up to it, you will be taken on a village safari to see the fascinating embroidery and weaving styles practiced by the villagers of this region.
Day 7: Dasada – Hodka: This morning, you will drive to Hodka (approximately 6 hours, excluding stops). En route, you will visit Sumrasar Sheikh village to explore the Kala Raksha Trust museum that is dedicated to the preservation of local craft, especially hand embroidery.
After your visit, you will have the opportunity to participate in a hand embroidery workshop with skilled master craftswomen.
You will then continue your drive to Hodka. On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 8: Hodka – Banni Village – Hodka: After breakfast, you will take an excursion to Banni village. Here, you will spend some time with the local artisans and learn about the traditional method of embroidery that this region is well-known for, Banni Embroidery. The embroidery is typically done on bright yellow, red and saffron cotton or silk fabric and includes mirror work or beads.
You will then return to your hotel for lunch and the remainder of the day will be at leisure.
Day 9: Hodka – Bhuj: After breakfast, you will visit the villages nearby and soak in its sights, sounds and interact with the locals.
Early this afternoon, you will drive to Bhuj (approximately 1.15 hours, excluding stops). On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Later, you will visit the old walled city of Bhuj. You will then return to your hotel.
Day 10: Bhuj: After breakfast, you will visit Prag Mahal, constructed under the patronage of British architect Henry Saint Clair Wikinsin in a neo-Gothic style. The characteristic feature of the palace its 150-foot-tall clock tower which offers a breathtaking view of the city.
You will then visit Aina Mahal, also known as the Palace of Mirrors. The mirrors, courtroom chandeliers and painted windowpanes in the Palace are well known for their exquisite, intricate designs. Note: Aina Mahal remains closed on Thursdays & Public Holidays.
Also, on the tour will be a visit to The Living and Learning Design Centre, a resource centre that preserves, revitalizes, and promotes the craft heritage of Kutch.
You may like to have lunch at the café in the Centre (direct payment).
After lunch, you will visit the village of Ajrakpur, renowned for its ajrakh or traditional block printing technique using natural colors. You will have the opportunity to visit a local workshop and witness the block printing technique firsthand.
You will then return to your hotel and the remainder of the day will be at leisure.
In the evening, you may like to explore the local market nearby. Your vehicle will be at your disposal should you like to go shopping.
Day 11: Bhuj – Rajkot: After an early breakfast, you will drive to Rajkot (approximately 5 hours, excluding stops). On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
If time permits, you will visit Kaba Gandhi no Delo and Watson Museum.
The erstwhile family residence of Gandhi during his father’s governance as the Diwan of Rajkot, Kaba Gandhi no Delo was where he spent his childhood. It currently hosts a small museum that offers a glimpse into various events in Gandhi’s life through pictures.
Named after Colonel John Watson (a British political agent of the Kathiawar Agency), the Watson Museum houses artefacts from Mohenjo Daro, 13th century carvings, memorabilia from the former princely states, as well as archaeological findings and coins.
Note: Kaba Gandhi no Delo and Watson Museum remains closed on Wednesdays, 2nd & 4th Saturdays of every month & Public Holidays.
Day 12: Rajkot – Gondal – Jetpur – Rajkot: After breakfast, you will take an excursion to Gondal (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops), renowned for bead work, textiles, brassware, hand-painted toys and silver jewelry.
You will then proceed to Jetpur (approximately 35 minutes, excluding stops), famous for its block printing and dyeing industry. You will have the opportunity to visit a yarn-dyeing centre using natural colours and a local workshop to witness artisans’ screen printing.
If time permits, you will visit the Bhuvaneswari Ayurveda Pharmacy. Founded in 1910 by Gondal’s royal physician, the pharmacy manufactures ayurvedic medicines to treat several ailments like hair loss, vertigo, insomnia and many more. Note: The Pharmacy remains closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays.
Day 13: Rajkot – Wadhwan – Muli – Ahmedabad: After breakfast, you will visit Rashtriya Shala, one of the many institutions that Mahatma Gandhi set up to promote his ideals of self-rule, freedom and a simple life.
You will then drive to Ahmedabad (approximately 4 hours, excluding stops). En route, you will visit Wadhwan, well known for its palace and being a prominent centre for bandhani tie-and-dye, weaving and metal crafts.
You will also visit Muli, known for the patola technique of weaving and handicrafts of the Kathiawar community.
On arrival in Ahmedabad, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 14: Ahmedabad – Onward Destination: After breakfast, you will be met by our Peirce & Leslie colleague who will escort you to the airport and help you to check-in for your flight to your Onward Destination.
Day 2: Ahmedabad: After breakfast, you will visit the Calico Museum of Textiles. A premier textile museum of the country, it is one of the most celebrated institutions of its kind and is known for its distinguished and comprehensive collection of textiles and artefacts. Note: The Museum remains closed on Wednesdays & Public Holidays. Handbags/baggage, cameras and mobile phones are not permitted in the premises.
You will also visit Sabarmati Ashram. Set up in 1915, the Ashram was the central point from where the struggle for India’s Independence started. You will then return to your hotel and the afternoon will be at leisure.
In the evening, you will visit the Vechaar Utensil Museum, which features a unique collection of utensils of various makes, designs and utility from pre-historic to modern times. Note: The Museum remains closed on Mondays & Public Holidays.
Afterwards, a traditional Gujarati meal will be served at a local restaurant. Note: A traditional Gujarati meal is typically vegetarian, and no alcohol beverages will be served.
You will then return to your hotel.
Day 3: Ahmedabad: After a quick cup of tea/coffee early this morning, you will start the day with a walk around the bustling, industrial and interesting Old Quarter of Ahmedabad, best visited early in the morning.
You will also visit the Jama Masjid. The masjid was constructed in 1423 AD by Sultan Ahmed Shah, the founder of Ahmedabad city. Made of yellow sandstone, the architecture of this mosque is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styling.
You will then return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, you will visit Shreyas Folk Museum, a tribute to the folk art of Gujarat. It features multiple exhibits of utensils and domestic articles featuring beadwork wood carving, metal and leather work. Note: The Museum remains closed on Sundays & Public Holidays.
Thereafter, you will visit Sanskar Kendra. Designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier, the museum shows the art, culture and history of Ahmedabad. Of note is the Kite Museum located in the premises, that houses about 125 rare and uniquely designed kites and exhibits the history of kite making in Gujarat. Note: The Museum remains closed on Mondays & Public Holidays.
You will then return to your hotel and the afternoon will be at leisure. Your vehicle and guide will be at your disposal should you like to explore the city or go shopping. Alternatively, you could relax in your hotel.
If you like, you can also visit the Institute of Indology that was established with the objective of preserving ancient art objects, archeological remains and rare manuscripts of ancient India. Note: The Museum remains closed on Mondays & Public Holidays.
Early this evening, you will visit the Hussain Doshi Ki Gufa (also known as Amdavad Ni Gufa), an underground art gallery that exhibits the artwork of the renowned artist, M.F. Hussain.
You will then explore Manek Chowk Bazaar, one of the busiest markets in the city that sells everything under the sun – fruits and vegetables, spices, clothes, jewelry and more.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant/food truck in the bazaar. Your guide will be happy to make recommendations based on the cuisine that you prefer.
After dinner, you will visit the Law Garden night markets, an evening market packed with stalls selling wares from different parts of Gujarat.
Day 4: Ahmedabad – Poshina: After breakfast, you will drive to Poshina (approximately 6 hours, excluding stops). En route, you will visit Adalaj Stepwell. Set in the quiet village of Adalaj, this vav (stepwell) has served as a resting place for hundreds of years for many pilgrims and caravans along their trade routes.
You will also visit a local village to see how the local (Gujjar) community uses traditional wooden hand block printing techniques.
On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 5: Poshina: This morning, you will visit the neighbouring villages to soak in their way of life with its rustic charm. You will also meet with the artisans that inhabit these villages and interact with them.
You will then return to your hotel for lunch and the afternoon will be at leisure.
In the evening, you will visit the homes of local artisans nearby and get a glimpse of the everyday nuances of their lives and learn about the traditional crafts they practice.
Thereafter, you will explore the local bazaar that is famous for silver tribal jewellery, ornate sheathed daggers and terracotta horses.
Day 6: Poshina – Patan – Modhera – Dasada: After breakfast, you will drive to Dasada (approximately 4.5 hours, excluding stops). On the way, you will visit Patan and Modhera.
Patan is home to a stepwell, Rani-ki-Vav (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) initially built as a memorial to a king (believed to be Bhimdev I) in the 11th century AD. The central theme of this stepwell is the Dashavatar (10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu). Patan is also renowned for its handwoven patola silk saris.
This will be followed by a visit to Modhera, known for its 11th-century Sun Temple. A grand sandstone monument built by the Solanki dynasty in the year 1027 A.D., it is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God.
On arrival in Dasada, you will check-in to your hotel.
Optional: If time permits and you are feeling up to it, you will be taken on a village safari to see the fascinating embroidery and weaving styles practiced by the villagers of this region.
Day 7: Dasada – Hodka: This morning, you will drive to Hodka (approximately 6 hours, excluding stops). En route, you will visit Sumrasar Sheikh village to explore the Kala Raksha Trust museum that is dedicated to the preservation of local craft, especially hand embroidery.
After your visit, you will have the opportunity to participate in a hand embroidery workshop with skilled master craftswomen.
You will then continue your drive to Hodka. On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 8: Hodka – Banni Village – Hodka: After breakfast, you will take an excursion to Banni village. Here, you will spend some time with the local artisans and learn about the traditional method of embroidery that this region is well-known for, Banni Embroidery. The embroidery is typically done on bright yellow, red and saffron cotton or silk fabric and includes mirror work or beads.
You will then return to your hotel for lunch and the remainder of the day will be at leisure.
Day 9: Hodka – Bhuj: After breakfast, you will visit the villages nearby and soak in its sights, sounds and interact with the locals.
Early this afternoon, you will drive to Bhuj (approximately 1.15 hours, excluding stops). On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Later, you will visit the old walled city of Bhuj. You will then return to your hotel.
Day 10: Bhuj: After breakfast, you will visit Prag Mahal, constructed under the patronage of British architect Henry Saint Clair Wikinsin in a neo-Gothic style. The characteristic feature of the palace its 150-foot-tall clock tower which offers a breathtaking view of the city.
You will then visit Aina Mahal, also known as the Palace of Mirrors. The mirrors, courtroom chandeliers and painted windowpanes in the Palace are well known for their exquisite, intricate designs. Note: Aina Mahal remains closed on Thursdays & Public Holidays.
Also, on the tour will be a visit to The Living and Learning Design Centre, a resource centre that preserves, revitalizes, and promotes the craft heritage of Kutch.
You may like to have lunch at the café in the Centre (direct payment).
After lunch, you will visit the village of Ajrakpur, renowned for its ajrakh or traditional block printing technique using natural colors. You will have the opportunity to visit a local workshop and witness the block printing technique firsthand.
You will then return to your hotel and the remainder of the day will be at leisure.
In the evening, you may like to explore the local market nearby. Your vehicle will be at your disposal should you like to go shopping.
Day 11: Bhuj – Rajkot: After an early breakfast, you will drive to Rajkot (approximately 5 hours, excluding stops). On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
If time permits, you will visit Kaba Gandhi no Delo and Watson Museum.
The erstwhile family residence of Gandhi during his father’s governance as the Diwan of Rajkot, Kaba Gandhi no Delo was where he spent his childhood. It currently hosts a small museum that offers a glimpse into various events in Gandhi’s life through pictures.
Named after Colonel John Watson (a British political agent of the Kathiawar Agency), the Watson Museum houses artefacts from Mohenjo Daro, 13th century carvings, memorabilia from the former princely states, as well as archaeological findings and coins.
Note: Kaba Gandhi no Delo and Watson Museum remains closed on Wednesdays, 2nd & 4th Saturdays of every month & Public Holidays.
Day 12: Rajkot – Gondal – Jetpur – Rajkot: After breakfast, you will take an excursion to Gondal (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops), renowned for bead work, textiles, brassware, hand-painted toys and silver jewelry.
You will then proceed to Jetpur (approximately 35 minutes, excluding stops), famous for its block printing and dyeing industry. You will have the opportunity to visit a yarn-dyeing centre using natural colours and a local workshop to witness artisans’ screen printing.
If time permits, you will visit the Bhuvaneswari Ayurveda Pharmacy. Founded in 1910 by Gondal’s royal physician, the pharmacy manufactures ayurvedic medicines to treat several ailments like hair loss, vertigo, insomnia and many more. Note: The Pharmacy remains closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays.
Day 13: Rajkot – Wadhwan – Muli – Ahmedabad: After breakfast, you will visit Rashtriya Shala, one of the many institutions that Mahatma Gandhi set up to promote his ideals of self-rule, freedom and a simple life.
You will then drive to Ahmedabad (approximately 4 hours, excluding stops). En route, you will visit Wadhwan, well known for its palace and being a prominent centre for bandhani tie-and-dye, weaving and metal crafts.
You will also visit Muli, known for the patola technique of weaving and handicrafts of the Kathiawar community.
On arrival in Ahmedabad, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 14: Ahmedabad – Onward Destination: After breakfast, you will be met by our Peirce & Leslie colleague who will escort you to the airport and help you to check-in for your flight to your Onward Destination.
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