Tribal Trails of North Gujarat

Upon arrival in Ahmedabad, you will be greeted and driven towards the remote tribal village of Poshina, nestled in the Aravalli hills of North Gujarat. On your way, you will pass through the scenic rural landscapes of Sabarkantha. By late afternoon, reach Poshina and check into a heritage palace stay, once home to local rulers. In the evening, explore the nearby village known for terracotta horse figurines, a form of offering at tribal shrines. These handcrafted votive horses are made by the Garasia tribal artisans and placed outside temples to seek divine blessings.

Today is devoted to experiencing tribal Gujarat up-close. After breakfast, begin your exploration of local tribal villages that are home to Garasias, Bhils, and Rabaris – known for their traditional attire, silver jewelry, and unique customs. Witness women adorned in vibrant embroidery and tattooed hands, and men with large silver earrings and colorful turbans. Interact with locals, visit tribal markets, and explore crafts such as metal ornaments and hand-painted pots. The tour offers a deep cultural immersion into indigenous lifestyles, religious practices, and community traditions. Return to the palace for dinner and relaxation.

After breakfast, drive to Balaram, a forested retreat in the Aravalli foothills. En route, stop at Idar, known for its intriguing pink granite rock formations and historic tribal settlements. Continue to Balaram and check into Balaram Palace, a heritage hotel set amid lush greenery. The afternoon is free for a walk through the adjoining forest reserve, where tribal communities such as Rathwas and Bhils reside. In the evening, unwind in the peaceful surroundings of the palace.

After an early breakfast, proceed to Patan, the ancient capital of Gujarat. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Rani Ki Vav, an intricately carved stepwell dating back to the 11th century. Later, explore the Patola weaving workshop, where the Salvi family continues the centuries-old tradition of double ikat weaving. From here, drive to Modhera and visit the spectacular Sun Temple built by the Solanki dynasty, designed to align with the equinox sun. Reach Ahmedabad by evening and check into your hotel.

On your final day, depending on your departure time, you may visit the Shreyas Folk Museum or Calico Museum (subject to permission), both offering rare insights into Gujarat’s tribal and textile heritage. Later, transfer to Ahmedabad Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey.