Gujarat & the Rann of Kutch

This morning you will explore Ahmedabad's incredible UNESCO-listed old city, walking through the fascinating heritage district of carved wooden havelis. We visit the Sabarmati Ashram — Mahatma Gandhi's home during India's independence struggle — and the extraordinary step-wells of the region.

Drive to the fascinating market town of Poshina, stopping en route at the remarkable Adalaj Vav — a beautifully carved five-storey stepwell built in 1499. Poshina is home to the Thakur community whose elaborately painted havelis line the main street.

Explore the communities surrounding Poshina, visiting tribal villages to meet the Garasia and Bhil communities who maintain their ancient traditions. We visit an elaborate Jain temple complex and learn about the significant role Jainism has played in shaping Gujarat's culture and commerce.

Drive to Dasada via the remarkable Modhera Sun Temple — a masterpiece of 11th-century Hindu architecture with an ornate tank featuring 108 individual shrines. We arrive at Dasada, gateway to the Little Rann of Kutch wildlife sanctuary.

A jeep safari into the Little Rann of Kutch, the only remaining habitat of the Indian Wild Ass. We also search for flamingos and migrant waterfowl on the seasonal lakes, and visit the traditional salt-making communities that have harvested salt from these flats for centuries.

Drive to Bhuj, the capital of the Kutch region, stopping at the innovative Shrujan Design Centre where local women have transformed their traditional embroidery skills into a successful business enterprise, preserving ancient techniques while creating modern livelihoods.

Visit the Banni grasslands, home to pastoral Maldhari communities whose elaborately embroidered textiles and mirrors are renowned throughout India. In the evening, drive to the edge of the Great Rann to witness the extraordinary experience of the vast white salt desert stretching to the horizon.

Drive to the ancient port town of Mandvi on the Gulf of Kutch, stopping at workshops where the traditional art of block-printing with natural indigo dye is still practised by master craftsmen using the same techniques brought from Persia centuries ago.

Drive south to Gondal, one of the best-preserved former princely states of Saurashtra. The Gondal royal family were enlightened rulers who abolished slavery, introduced electricity and established free education decades before independence.

Explore the extraordinary Gondal palace complex and its remarkable collection of vintage cars — assembled by the late Maharaja who was an avid collector of vintage and classic automobiles. Visit the local markets and traditional ghee factory.

Drive to Bhavnagar, a former princely state with a handsome old city of merchant havelis. Visit the historic palace and explore the atmospheric old town.

An early morning climb of Mount Shatrunjaya — one of Jainism's most sacred pilgrimage sites, with over 800 marble temples covering the hilltop. The climb of 3,500 steps takes around two hours and the view from the summit is extraordinary.

Drive to Vadodara to visit the extraordinary Laxmi Vilas Palace — four times the size of Buckingham Palace — and the Fatehsingh Museum housing a remarkable collection of European and Indian art.

Visit the magnificent UNESCO-listed ruins of Champaner-Pavagadh, a 16th-century city of mosques, palaces and temples remarkably preserved. We return to Ahmedabad for a final dinner.

After breakfast the tour concludes. Airport transfers to Ahmedabad airport can be arranged.

Yes — this route is well-established with excellent hotels and infrastructure, and our experienced guides and drivers handle every practical detail. First-time visitors consistently find it a superb introduction to India.

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers throughout. For longer distances we use India's excellent express trains or domestic flights where they improve the journey.

Absolutely. Duration, hotels, route and experiences can all be tailored to your preferences and budget — this itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed product. Contact us to plan your ideal trip.