Enchanting Gujarat – Apollo Voyages (India) | Tour Packages for India

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Mumbai

Accommodation available till 12:00 noon. Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, overnight at the hotel in Mumbai.

Day 02: Mumbai/Bhuj by flight

Morning transfer to airport to board flight to Bhuj, assistance on arrival at Bhuj airport and transfer to the hotel.

After noon visit the Katchchh Museum in Bhuj, giving an overview of local history, textile and crafts of the Kutch region. Bhuj and its surroundings offer excellent opportunities for exploring the handicrafts and textile traditions of the diverse Muslim, Hindu, and Jain people in rural Kutch. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Bhuj

After early breakfast: Today we’ll visit the Social Service Kala Raksha Center. Co-founded by Judy Frater, former associate curator of the Textile Museum in Washington, D.C., this trust supports local artisans and preserves traditional crafts in Kutch. We’ll learn about the center’s work in preserving the traditional hand-craft arts of this region through education, training and professional marketing guidance. Bring pictures or samples of your own handiwork to share with these women artisans and even learn a new stitch together. Also visit the nearby Banni villages to see the traditional handicrafts of Abyssinian settlers (left) who migrated to India from Abyssinia in the 10th century and continue to create exquisite glass works/metal bells and painted cloth etc. If the time permits you can also visit other surrounding villages.

The region of Kutch is famous for its embroideries, particularly notable in this stark landscape. Historically, the custom of giving embroidered articles to brides supported the craft, carried from generation to generation. Embroidered articles still form an important part of ‘dowry’ (right). Embroidery work is also done on leather shoes or ‘Mojdi,’ purses, bags, belts, wallets etc. Hodko village in Banni is famous for its Meghwal embroidery and leather work. Banni embroidery, with its intricate minute designs in gorgeous colors, is considered to be the most outstanding and exquisite among the different types of Kachchhi embroidery. This school derives its name from the vast stretch of semi-desert land called Banni. It is represented by the Lohanas of Khavda and the Jats, Mutwas, Harijans etc. of Banni villages.

Day 04: Bhuj:

After breakfast proceed to visit the block printing family production unit about 15kms from Bhuj at Dr. Ismail Mohammad Khatri Place for demonstration of limited products. Later visit “tie and dye” centers where the original “tie-die” designed fabric is produced, and made into clothes. Bandhni (tie and dye) was introduced in Jamnagar when the city was founded 400 years ago. This city has now become one of the principal centers of Bandhni, creating new patterns and experimenting with modern colors.

We will be stopping at Jamnagar to see tie & dye work. The pax will also visit Navavas, which is 66 kms from Bhuj and situated just before ludiya, the village of Navavas also comprises the Meghwal community and is another great place to find beautifully crafted embroidery and wood work. Meet with Hirabhai, who heads the village work shed. Later back drive to Bhuj, overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Bhuj/Ahmedabad (by road approx 335 kms/6 hrs drive)

After breakfast drive to Ahmedabad, on arrival check into the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad became the capital of Gujarat in 1414, replacing Patan, and since then became the centre of architectural activity. Associated with Mahatma Gandhi, the Apostle of peace and nonviolence whose simple Ashram on the Bank of River Sabarmati is now a site of national Pilgrimage; renowned as a great textile & commercial centre and as the Manchester of India. The city of Ahmedabad has some of the best known educational institution and research center in all of India. One of the ultimate pedigrees for a management student is a post-graduation of fellowship from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is the second largest prosperous and thriving city in western India.

Proceed for walk thru the Old Town (which runs from about 8 or 9 for 2-3hrs), and Gandhi Ashram, Sidi Sayyid Mosque, and either the Jumma Masjid OR Hatheesing Temple (or both if time permits. ) we can drop Kanakria Lake and Ishkon Temple. They will see plenty of temples and architecture the next day. Gandhi Ashram or Harijan Ashram founded in 1917 on the banks of the Sabarmati river Played a notable part in the freedom struggle of the country. It was from here, in 1930, that Mahatma began his famous Dandi March to the sea to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. The Gandhi Ashram ha a memorial centers, library and a Sound-and-light spectacle to offer to its visitors. Jumma Masjid, describe by some as one of the most beautiful mosques in India was built in 1424 CE by Sultan Ahmad Shah I, the founder of Ahmedabad. Sidi Sayyid Mosque is famous for its 10 unique semi-circular tracery windows .The tracery resembles the famous silver filigree work for which Gujarat is famous. We’ll also visit the Bhadra fort, historical sites of Ahmedabad. Hatheesing Temple was built by Sheth Hatheesing , a rich Jain merchant in 1848 CE. It is dedicated to Dharmanath, the 15th Tirthankar. Kanakria Lake It is circular lake almost a mile in circumference which was constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din. In the centre of the lake is an island-garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi. Iskon Temple & Science City is One of the latest additions to Ahmedabad.

Day 07: – Ahmedabad

Morning visit to CALICO MUSEUM, which is housed in the Sarabhai family premises in Shaibaug, has one of the finest collections of Indian textiles belonging to different periods. It attracts a large number of tourists both India and foreign throughout the year. Later day at leisure, overnight at the hotel.