Vanbandhu Cultural Circuit

Upon your arrival in Ahmedabad, the gateway to Gujarat’s heritage, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Your tribal journey begins with a visit to the Shreyas Folk Museum, an intimate and authentic collection that showcases tribal costumes, musical instruments, jewelry, and tools used by indigenous communities across Gujarat. If time permits, you may also visit the prestigious Calico Museum of Textiles (subject to prior booking), featuring rare handwoven tribal fabrics, embroidery, and natural dye techniques. Spend the evening exploring the nearby Manek Chowk or relaxing at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive north through the scenic rural belts of Sabarkantha to reach the remote village of Poshina, nestled in the Aravalli hills. On arrival, check in to a heritage palace once owned by local rulers and now offering warm hospitality in a traditional setting. In the afternoon, explore tribal shrines decorated with hundreds of terracotta horses – a symbolic offering made by devotees from the Garasia and Bhil tribes to their local deities. Visit a village silversmith crafting large tribal earrings, bangles, and anklets, and witness how these objects reflect both status and spiritual belief. The evening is at leisure in the palace courtyard.

Today is dedicated to discovering the vibrant tribal culture of North Gujarat. Start your morning with a guided tour through Bhil and Garasia villages. Observe their homes built from mud and bamboo, with walls decorated in tribal motifs. Women are often seen wearing colorful backless blouses, mirrorwork skirts, and heavy silver jewelry, while men wear bright turbans and sport symbolic tattoos. Enjoy personal interaction with the villagers, and learn about their beliefs, festivals, and agricultural lifestyle. If it is a market day, you’ll also witness the hustle of a traditional tribal haat, where forest produce, tools, and jewelry are traded.

After breakfast, depart for Balaram, a forested tribal region located near the Aravalli Wildlife Sanctuary. En route, stop at Idar, a quaint town set amidst large granite rock formations, home to a tribal community of sculptors and carvers who work on pink stone. Walk up to Idargadh Fort if time permits, which offers panoramic views of tribal settlements scattered across the hills. On arrival at Balaram, check in to Balaram Palace, a heritage hunting lodge surrounded by forest and serenity. In the afternoon, explore nearby Rathwa tribal settlements, known for Pithora murals painted on the walls of village homes, representing spiritual symbols and tribal deities.

An early departure today takes you westward toward the Kutch region. Your first stop is Patan, where you’ll visit Rani Ki Vav, the UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its seven-story stepwell decorated with over 800 intricately carved sculptures. Continue to the Patola House to see the double ikat silk weaving, where each thread is dyed before weaving into geometric and floral masterpieces, a tradition passed down through generations of the Salvi family. Next, head to Modhera to explore the stunning Sun Temple, an 11th-century complex built by the Solankis. Its beautifully carved steps, assembly hall, and sanctum are aligned with solar cycles. In the evening, continue your journey and arrive at Bhuj, the cultural capital of Kutch.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Bhuj with a visit to the Prag Mahal, a 19th-century Gothic-style palace featuring high arches and Corinthian pillars. Next door, Aina Mahal displays ornate mirror work, Indo-European furniture, and a royal collection of musical instruments. Continue to the Kutch Museum, where tribal artifacts such as weapons, embroidery, and ritual masks are displayed. In the afternoon, drive to Bhujodi, a renowned weavers’ village, where the Vankar community demonstrates traditional shawl weaving using pit looms. Watch artisans dye, spin, and weave intricate patterns by hand, often inspired by nature and myth.

Today, venture deeper into the tribal heartland of Banni. Drive to Hodka, stopping at Ludiya, Bhirandiyara, and Khavda villages en route. In Bhirandiyara, meet the Meghwal artisans whose homes are decorated with mud and mirror murals called Lippan Kaam. In Ludiya, discover brightly painted Bhungas (circular mud huts) and see traditional wooden furniture being carved and painted. Stop at Khavda for leather artisans crafting bags, footwear, and saddles. Reach Hodka and check in to a beautiful eco-resort made of Bhungas that reflect the local craftsmanship and lifestyle.

Wake early and head out to witness sunrise at the White Rann – a vast salt desert that stretches to the horizon. The white crystal-like terrain is a surreal sight, especially under morning light. Next, ascend Kalo Dungar (Black Hill), the highest point in Kutch, offering panoramic views of the salt flats and glimpses of the Indo-Pak border. Later, visit Nirona village, home to three rare tribal crafts. Meet the last remaining family practicing Rogan art – a freehand painting using castor oil paste. Also, watch the Khatris crafting iron bells and lacquer artisans decorating wooden household items in bright colors. Return to Bhuj by evening.

After breakfast, take a day trip to Mandvi. En route, visit Tunda Vandh, a village inhabited by the Siddi community – descendants of East African tribes brought here centuries ago. Their distinct music, dance, and physical features set them apart. Experience a traditional drumming or Dhamal dance session if available. Continue to Mandvi to visit Vijay Vilas Palace, the former summer residence of Kutch royalty, known for its Rajput architecture and beautiful balconies. Later, relax at Mandvi Beach or see the wooden dhow shipbuilding yard where artisans construct boats using traditional methods. Return to Bhuj in the evening.

Today you travel to the mysterious archaeological site of Dholavira, located on the Khadir island of the Rann. The journey takes you through remote salt plains and desolate landscapes, dotted with nomadic Rabari settlements. Arrive and check into a guesthouse or eco-resort. In the afternoon, explore the ruins of the Harappan city of Dholavira, dating back over 4,000 years. Discover its unique city planning, advanced drainage systems, massive reservoirs, and sun-aligned citadel. This site provides insights into the earliest known urban civilization in India.

After breakfast, return to Bhuj. If flying, transfer to the airport for your flight to Surat; if traveling by road, begin the overnight journey through central Gujarat. On arrival in Surat, check in to your hotel and rest.

This morning, drive to Saputara, Gujarat’s only hill station, located in the lush Dang district near the Maharashtra border. On arrival, visit the Artist Village, where artisans from the Dangi tribes showcase bamboo crafts, Warli paintings, bead jewelry, and musical instruments. Explore the Saputara Tribal Museum to understand the lifestyle, tools, and rituals of the local Bhil, Gamit, and Kunbi communities. Spend the evening enjoying boating at Saputara Lake or witnessing the sunset from the viewpoint.

Today, go deep into the forested Dang region to explore tribal villages that retain a lifestyle rooted in nature. Visit hamlets where the Bhil and Gamit tribes still practice ancient healing, forest worship, and animist beliefs. Explore sacred groves, tribal shrines, and wooden totems. If it’s a market day, attend a tribal haat, where forest produce and hand tools are sold and exchanged. Later, continue to Ahwa, a forest town surrounded by tall teak trees, and check in to a forest lodge.

After breakfast, drive to Vansda National Park, a preserved area of semi-evergreen forest that’s home to exotic birds, spotted deer, and tribal settlements. Take a nature walk with a local forest guide, then continue to Unai Mata Temple, known for its natural hot springs considered sacred by local tribes. By evening, return to Surat and spend your final evening shopping for tribal textiles or relaxing at your hotel.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Surat Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of Gujarat’s tribal richness, cultural diversity, ancient wisdom, and traditional artistry.