Today to start with your The Best of Gujarat Textiles, Tribes, and Asiatic Lion Safari Tour India, you will be met from your flight to Mumbai International Airport by Summit Safari’s representative and driver, and we will transfer you to your hotel in Mumbai for 1 night. Rest of the day is free at leisure to relax after the flight.

Please Note: Instead of starting your tour in Mumbai, you can also begin in New Delhi, the capital of India, or Ahmedabad in Gujarat State. Ahmadabad, being an international airport, offers flights from U.K, Dubai (middle east Asia), Kualalumpur, Singapore ( South East Asia). If you are coming from U.K / Europe or from Australia you can get your direct or connecting flights from these places. We would like to discuss these things with you at the time of your booking of the holidays with us.

Meals Plan: Dinner is included.

After breakfast at the hotel we transfer you to Mumbai airport from where you will board your flight to Ahmedabad, which was once famous as ‘The Manchester of the East’ due to its importance as a textile town. On arrival at Ahmedabad, you will be greeted by our driver and we will transfer you to the hotel in Ahmedabad for 2 nights.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of old Ahmedabad with your guide. Explore 600-year-old walled city of Ahmedabad, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. This bustling metropolis in Gujarat, nestled on the banks of the Sabarmati River, is a treasure trove of architectural wonders. Discover the city's exquisite carved wooden mansions, historic Havelis, and intricate labyrinthine lanes. Immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage with visits to renowned museums, savoring delectable street food, and dining at top-notch restaurants.

We will visit the Swaminarayan Temple of Kalupur built in 1822, a place of worship for followers of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. Renowned for its exquisite wood carvings, this historic Swaminarayan temple houses deities adorned in colorful attire and jewelry. Its a sacred complex that reflects remarkable craftsmanship attracted a British official Sir Dunlop so much that he had ordered for a 101 gun salute in its honour.

We do explore the bustling bazaars, historic mosques, and traditional mansions (havelis). The majestic Jama Masjid, constructed in 1423, incorporates materials salvaged from demolished Hindu and Jain temples.

Admire the intricate stone windows of the Sidi Saiyad Mosque, depicting intertwining tree branches.

Built between 1430 and 1440, Rani Rupmati’s Mosque is named after the sultan’s Hindu wife. Rani Sipri’s Mosque, also known as Masjid-e-Nagira, boasts an elegant blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, with slender minarets.

The Shaking Minarets of Sidi Bashir’s Mosque are a captivating mystery—shake one, and the other resonates in harmony while the connecting terrace remains still. Sarkhej Roza features one of Ahmedabad's most elegant architectural complexes, notable for its unique pierced stone trellises and absence of arches.

Return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included

After breakfast leave for the sightseeing tour of Ahmedabad. This morning, we will visit the Calico Textile Museum, renowned as one of the world's finest textile museums. It boasts a rare collection of exquisite textiles from across India, housed within a Gujarat's famous wooden-carved haveli. This museum offers an exceptional opportunity for textile enthusiasts to explore and admire Indian textiles from various regions.

Please Note: The museum is closed on Wednesdays and public holidays. Guided morning tours run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and afternoon tours run from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tours operate on a first-come-first-served basis through our pre-registration system.

Further, our guide will accompany you to Sabarmati Ashram, situated on the west bank of the Sabarmati River, which served as Mahatma Gandhi's headquarters during India's struggle for independence. Gandhi's living quarters are preserved as a small museum, featuring a pictorial record of his significant life events.

Following this visit, you will drive a short distance to see the Adalaj stepwells One of the most Poular Stepwellss of India. Located in the tranquil village of Adalaj, this stepwell has provided a resting place for pilgrims and traders along their routes for centuries. Constructed in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, wife of Vaghela chief Veersinh, this five-storey stepwell served not only as a cultural and utilitarian space but also as a spiritual sanctuary. Villagers would gather each morning to draw water, offer prayers to the deities carved into the walls, and socialize in the vav's (stepwell) cool shade.

Later in the evening, on your Best of Gujarat Textiles, Tribes, and Asiatic Lion Safari Tour India you'll experience a traditional Gujarati dinner at Vishala Village Restaurant, where you can savor authentic local cuisine in a delightful cultural setting.

Second night in the same hotel in Ahmedabad.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included

Today we have a long day of drive from Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir National Park (330 kms/ 7.30 hrs). Enroute we will stop for various comfort breaks and lunch break. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, you will check into your hotel for 2 night and have the remainder of the day to relax at your leisure.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included

Early this morning and again in the afternoon, you will join shared jeep safaris (Game drives) in Sasan Gir National Park to catch a glimpse of its Asiatic lions and other wildlife. The 1,412 sq km park features rugged terrain with steep, rocky hillsides covered in deciduous forests. It is home to the last surviving population of Asiatic lions, with around 600 individuals. Gir also boasts one of the largest leopard populations in India.

During your safari, you might also encounter other remarkable wildlife such as the four-horned antelope, Indian wolf, hyena, jungle cat, chinkara, blue bull, sloth bear and marsh mugger crocodiles. Additionally, the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with a diverse array of bird species to observe and enjoy.

You will ride in shared open jeeps with a local naturalist, and each safari lasts just over 2 hours. Between morning and afternoon safaris, you will return to your accommodation to relax and enjoy the facilities. Second night in the same hotel in Sasan Gir.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included

Today morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and we will drive you to Gondal (115 kms/ 3.30 hrs), en route visit the imposing fort at Junagadh.

Junagadh, meaning "Old Fort", is an ancient fortified city steeped in myth and legend. Nestled at the foot of the Girnar Hills, Junagadh derives its name from the old fort that once surrounded the medieval town.

The city's antiquities date back to the time of Emperor Ashoka (250 BC), whose fourteen Rock Edicts are carved into a great rock outside the city. During your visit, explore the Buddhist caves and Mohabbat Maqbara, one of Gujarat's most beautiful Indo-Islamic monuments.

Further continue to Gondal check in to the hotel for 1 night. Late afternoon, your guide will take you to Bharwad and other pastoral villages around Gondal town.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included

Today morning after breakfast check out and leave for a sightseeing tour Gondal, though off the usual tourist trail, boasts several memorable sights. Today’s tour includes visits to the Riverside Palace, Royal Garages, and Naulakha Palace. You will also visit a vintage car museum boasting a collection that includes a pre-1910 version that belonged to Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji.

The highlight is the 18th-century Naulakha Palace, renowned for its intricately carved stone jarokha balconies and the grand durbar hall, which is filled with the large chandelier, antique mirrors, stuffed panthers and gilt-wood furniture. The palace is part of the Darbargadh Fort complex, the seat of the Jadeja Rajput clan, whose descendants still inhabit a portion of the building. The former guest wing of the palace is now the Orchard Palace hotel.

Later by afternoon continue drive to Bhuj (270 kms/ 6.30 hrs) Bhuj, a long drive west to the Great Rann of Kutch. You'll be spending two nights in the region’s atmospheric capital, Bhuj.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included

Today we will make an early start to visit several tribal villages of Gujarat near Bhuj, visiting ethnic villages immersing yourself in the local tribal culture and crafts. Theses villages are famous for unique embroidery, tie-dye techniques, and other handicrafts such as weaving, block-printing, and Rogan painting.

Today, we will travel approximately around 170 kilometers to explore the villages near the Rann of Kutch.

Banni Village: In the Banni area of Kutch, Meghwal-Harijans, who migrated from Rajasthan, create stunning embroidery using Kambira, Kharek, and Kudi stitches. You'll see wall hangings, vests, and wallets with Kharek stitch, and beaded items like portable fans, bracelets, toys, and belts, all reminiscent of the famous Mutwa embroidery.

Hodka Village: The name Hodka comes from the Gujarati word 'Hodi,' meaning 'boat,' with villages here called jheels where drinking water is available. Hodka is renowned for its exquisite embroidery, mud work, and leather crafts, with both men and women contributing to the region's artistic and craft traditions.

Ludiya Village: This village is home to Harijans and Muslims who engage in monsoon agriculture, cattle rearing, wood carving, embroidery, and mud and wall painting for home decoration. Harijan men specialize in wood carving, while the women excel in embroidery and wall decoration.

Dhordo Village: Known for its traditional mud houses (Bhungas) and intricate Mutwa embroidery with small mirrors, Dhordo offers a glimpse into the region's unique architectural and artistic heritage.

Niroma Village: This is a famous place to see Rogan painting (sometimes called printing). This is the art of cloth printing using a paint made from boiled oil and vegetable dyes, which is then laid down on fabric using either a metal block or a stylus.

In the late evening, you'll return to your hotel in Bhuj for second night

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included

After breakfast drive to Bhujaodi 10 km from Bhuj, artisans weave thick shawls and blankets on pit looms dug into the of crouch mud houses (Bhungas) decorated with gargomati. The ancient tradition of weaving shawls and blankets from coarse sheep hair came into existence generations ago essentially as a form of barter between the "rabari" community or the nomadic grazing community and the vankars (weavers) — "the rabaris brought the sheep hair from which we made blankets and shawls for them after spinning the sheep hair into wool.

Continue proceed to Tundavand to visit Rabari village, around 200 Rabari families live here in around houses. The women are dressed in black woollen clothes.

After that proceed to Nirona village – A Koli tribal woman in NironaVillage, north of Gujarat. In part of this highly productive craft producing area they made lacquered wooden goods. Also visit several artisans and admire their unique crafts like Roghan painting clothes, copper bell making, lacquer work on wood and wollen shawl weaving.

Return back to the hotel in Bhuj for third night stay.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included

After breakfast, check out and drive to Dasda ( 270 kms/ 6.30 hrs) at the entrance of the Little Rann of Kutch famous for the Wild Ass Sanctuary. Experience the striking landscape of the Little Rann of Kutch, where the great salt flats along the Kutch peninsula's coast create vast, shimmering expanses of white desert. These are punctuated by milky brine pools, where flocks of pink flamingos and pelicans create a surreal sight in the midday mirage.

This otherworldly terrain is the last refuge in India where herds of wild ass roam in significant numbers. Resembling fawn-colored donkeys with cream undersides, these animals are admired for their strength and resilience, capable of running at speeds up to 50 mph. Safaris from Dasada are conducted in 4WD Jeeps, offering an unforgettable adventure into this unique ecosystem .

Late afternoon visit a Tribal Village where the auspicious cloth "Mata-ni-Pachedi – Cloth of Mother Goddess" are made by a handful of craftsmen. You will walk through the village and meet local craftsmen to learn more about this art

Overnight in Dasda for 02 nights.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included

Today, we will embark on morning and afternoon jeep safaris ( 02 Game drives) to explore the Little Rann of Kutch. This salt marsh is surprisingly one of the Subcontinent's most biologically diverse areas and is renowned as the last sanctuary for the Indian wild ass (Khur). The region also supports unique mammals such as the Indian wolf, desert fox, and nilgai or blue bull (India’s largest antelope), blackbuck (Indian antelope) and the graceful chinkara (Indian gazelle) are other mammals. Despite its stark landscape, it's crucial for local and migratory birds including cranes, pelicans, and flamingos, as well as land birds like sandgrouse and Indian bustards.

You will ride in a private open jeep with a local naturalist-driver, with each safari lasting 2.30 hours. Between safaris, you'll return to your accommodation to relax and enjoy the facilities.

Second night in the same hotel in Dasda.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included

Today morning after breakfast check out and drive to Poshina ( 220 kms/ 6 hrs), enroute visit Modhera, renowned for its Sun Temple constructed in 1026 AD by Bhimadeva of the Solanki Rajput clan. This temple stands as a remarkable example of 11th-century art and architecture, influencing temple design across neighboring regions.

After exploring the temple continue your drive and head north to Patan. Here, discover the Rani-Ki-Vav step-well, built in the 1050s and named after Rani Udayamati. This step-well, the oldest and grandest among over 120 in Gujarat, features more than 800 sculptures that transform a functional structure into a breathtaking artistic backdrop. Silted for centuries, extensive excavation and restoration work in the 1980s unveiled its splendor once more.

We will also stop at the village of Danta, where you'll encounter the Dungri Garasia tribes. This fascinating group comprises several endogamous, hierarchical sub-tribes, all identifying as Garasia or Dungri Garasia. These tribes are spread across the 2 states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Overnight in Poshina for 01 Night.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included

Today morning after breakfast check out and explore the village of Poshina, a vibrant hub of craftsmanship, home to skilled artisans, tribal arrow makers, potters, and blacksmiths. Its bustling bazaar is renowned for tribal silver jewelry, intricately designed sleeved daggers, and unique terracotta horses. The area around Poshina is also home to ethnic communities, Bhil and Garasia, known for their colorful attire and artistic ornaments. Later drive to Ahemdabad where we

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included.

After breakfast check out & we will transfer you to Ahmedabad airport to board your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai, you'll be met by our driver and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and as per your flight schedule we will transfer you to the international airport in Mumbai, from where you will board your flight back to home.

Meals Plan: Breakfast is included

End Of The tour and the services....!

This is the tour itinerary for the Best of Gujarat Textiles, Tribes, and Asiatic Lion Safari Tour India, which we run regularly. It can be altered & customised as we like to discuss plans with clients and can make suggestions about special places to visit depending on our clients’ interests, and available time. You can get an idea of your holidays from the mentioned tour. The itinerary is planned in such a way that while travelling you get a good time to experience India and see the real life of Indian people from much closer.

Whether you choose to be on a privately guided tour to India or set off on a more independent trip, with local guides available wherever required, you can travel reassured, knowing our vast experience and provide you with around-the-clock support to smooth out anything unexpected. The safety and well-being of our guests is paramount.