Indias Handicrafts Tour

Daywise Tour Plan

  • day1

    Arrival at Mumbai and Transfer to the Hotel

    Our representative will meet you at the airport and facilitate your transfer to the hotel.

    Originally an archipelago of seven islands in the Arabian Sea, Mumbai was named after Mumba Devi, the patron goddess of the Koli fishermen indigenous to the area. In the 19th century, reclamation projects merged the islands into the long, narrow strip of land that is Mumbai today. This bustling metropolis is India’s commercial capital and the home of Bollywood, the world’s largest movie industry. A city of contrasts, Mumbai features Ferraris and Porsches alongside retro Premier Padmini cabs, with glitzy malls and luxury brands coexisting with vibrant local markets.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day2

    Mumbai - Ahmedabad (By Flight)

    After breakfast, proceed with city sightseeing.

    The business district north of Kolaba, known as Fort, gets its name from a long-dismantled East India Company fort. This area features grand colonial buildings and notable landmarks like St. John’s Church, dedicated to British soldiers who fell in Afghanistan and Sind in the 19th century.

    Marine Drive, Mumbai’s iconic sea-facing promenade, runs from Nariman Point to Malabar Hill. At night, it lights up beautifully, earning the nickname “Queen’s Necklace.”

    The Gateway of India, built in 1911 to welcome King George V and Queen Mary, is a significant landmark. It was also the departure point for the last British ship after India’s independence in 1947. A flight of steps leads to the sea where boat cruises offer splendid views of the Gateway at dusk. Apollo Bunder nearby is lively with street vendors and tourists.

    Flora Fountain, erected in 1869 in honor of British Governor Sir Bartle Frere, marks a major city junction and is known as Mumbai's "Piccadilly Circus." The fountain is adorned with mythological figures and features a statue of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers.

    Victoria Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of India’s busiest railway stations, combining Indian and Gothic architectural styles. Its 160-foot dome and statue of a woman with a torch are notable. The station was prominently featured in “Slumdog Millionaire.”

    The Mumbai High Court Building, designed by Col. J. A. Fuller in 1878, showcases English Gothic architecture with statues of Justice and Mercy on its western face.

    Rajabai Clock Tower, built in 1878 from local Kurla stone, blends Venetian and Gothic styles and houses the University of Mumbai library. Its stained glass windows are particularly striking.

    The Hanging Garden on Malabar Hill, built in 1880, sits atop reservoirs supplying Mumbai with water and offers panoramic city views.

    Later transfer to the airport for your flight to Ahmedabad.

    Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day3

    Ahmedabad Sightseeing

    Ahmedabad, with its diverse history, has been influenced by various rulers, resulting in a unique architectural and cultural “fusion” style.

    The Sidi Bashir Mosque, known as Jhulta Minar or Shaking Minarets, is famous for its minarets that shake in unison when one is moved. This 16th-century mosque blends Islamic and traditional Hindu styles.

    The city’s step wells, such as Dada Hari Ni Vav and Adalajni Vav, feature intricate sculptures from Hindu mythology and provided cool respite in hot months.

    Shahibaug Palace, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1622, now houses a memorial to Sardar Vallabhai Patel. The poet Rabindranath Tagore lived here briefly and drew inspiration for his novella “The Hungry Stones.”

    The Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhi’s residence for over 12 years, played a pivotal role in India’s non-violent freedom struggle. The Gandhi Memorial Museum here displays his personal effects and memorabilia.

    The Hathisingh Jain Temple, built in the 19th century, is renowned for its detailed marble carvings and dedication to the 15th Tirthankara of Jain tradition.

    The city is also known for its triumphal stone gates or Darwazas from its construction era.

    The Calico Museum of Textiles is a leading textile museum showcasing traditional handicrafts. The Vishalla Utensils Museum offers a fascinating collection of historical utensils, while the Tribal Museum provides insights into regional tribal life. The Kite Museum displays a variety of kites from around the world.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day4

    Ahmedabad - Sayla (By Surface)

    After breakfast, travel to Sayla.

    Explore traditional handicraft textiles in nearby villages. Limbdi is renowned for mirror-work embroidery. Nearby tribal villages are known for beadwork, and traditional weaver communities produce Ikat fabric.

    Wadhwan, a former princely state, is steeped in legends and known for Bandhni (tie and dye) work and metalworks. The Madha Vav stepwell in Wadhwan is linked to a local legend.

    Enjoy a walking tour of the villages.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day5

    Sayla - Gondal (By Surface)

    After breakfast, drive to Gondal.

    Gondal, a gateway to Jetpur (known for block printing) and Junagadh, is famed for its handicrafts and horse breeding farm. Visit the 18th-century Naulakha Palace, noted for its stone carvings, jharokhas (traditional windows), and spiral staircases. The palace's private gallery showcases royal artifacts, beadwork, brassware, and textiles.

    Also visit the Swaminarayan Temple for its beautiful murals and the Bhuvaneshwari Ayurveda Pharmacy, which practices traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day6

    Excursion Tour to Jetpur & Junagarh

    After breakfast, embark on a tour of Jetpur and Junagadh.

    Jetpur, on the banks of the Bhadar River, is a major center for traditional block printing and textile dyeing. Jetpur also exports traditional African Chitenge and Kanga garments.

    Junagadh, or Sorath, is known for Buddhist relics, the intricately carved Bahauddin Makbara, and scenic hills and lakes. The town's museum features Nawabi carpets, tapestries, and precious stones.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day7

    Gondal - Jamnagar (By Surface)

    After breakfast, drive to Jamnagar in your Compass-approved vehicle.

    Jamnagar, a modern city with medieval forts, palaces, and oil refineries, is also known for marine aquariums and bird sanctuaries. The Vanza communities are renowned for Bandhani tie-and-dye textiles.

    Sightseeing includes:

    • Pratap Vilas Palace: A fusion of European and Indian architecture with ornate domes and carvings.

    • Lakhota Fort: Located in Lakhota Lake, now housing the Lakhota Museum with a whale skeleton and medieval artifacts.

    • Darbargadh Palace: A 16th-century royal residence blending Rajasthani and European styles.

    • Willingdon Crescent: A market area with modern arcades, where you can find Bandhani textiles.

    • Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary: A sanctuary with diverse flora and fauna, including over 220 bird species.

    Visit the Vanzas for Bandhani tie-and-dye saris.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day8

    Jamnagar - Bhuj Via Rajkot (By Surface)

    After breakfast, drive to Bhuj, stopping at Rajkot to visit the Watson Museum. The museum features colonial artifacts and traditional tribal handicrafts. Also visit Rashtriya Shala, which supports weaver communities following Gandhian principles.

    Continue your drive to Bhuj.

    Explore Lilapur Village for embroidery, Bhujodi for weaving, Dhamanka for block printing, and Dhaneti for traditional Ahir work. Government permits may be needed; Compass India Inc. will assist.

    On the Little Rann of Kutch, visit Anjal Wild Ass Sanctuary, the last habitat of the Asian Wild Ass, along with wolves, jackals, blackbuck, and nilgai.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day9

    Excursion Tour to Dholavira

    After breakfast, visit nearby villages known for their embroidery, weaving, block-printing, and Rogan painting.

    Explore Dholavira, a Harappan site and one of India’s largest. Discover ancient artifacts, inscriptions, and evidence of advanced town planning.

    Overnight stay at the hotel in Bhuj. 

  • day10

    Bhuj to Mandvi (By Surface)

    After breakfast, drive to Mandvi.

    Mandvi, a historic trading center, offers crumbling fort walls and a lighthouse. The pristine Mandvi Beach, lined with palm trees, is ideal for relaxation. Visit a dhow building yard to see traditional seafaring vessel construction.

    Overnight stay at Mandvi.

  • day11

    Mandvi Sightseeing and Village Excursion

    After breakfast, visit Vijay Vilas Palace, known for its Rajput and Orchha architectural blend. Explore Wind Farms Beach, Bandhni Bazaar, and Topansar Lake. Visit nearby villages with Bhunga houses and Tunda Vandh for traditional handicrafts and Rabari embroidery.

    Relax at the beach and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day12

    Mandvi - Dasada (By Surface)

    After breakfast, drive to Dasada.

    Dasada offers a base to explore wetlands and Rabari handicrafts. Visit craftspersons to see Rabari Embroidery. Dasada is also a gateway to the Little Rann of Kutch, where you can spot the Indian Wild Ass and other wildlife in the salt desert and marshes.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day13

    Exsursion Tour to Patan

    After breakfast, drive to Patan to see the Patola textiles, famous for the Double Ikat technique.

    Visit the 11th-century Sun Temple of Modhera, known for its architectural marvels, erotic sculptures, and intricate carvings.

    Return to Dasada and relax in the evening.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day14

    Dasada - Ahmedabad Airport Departure

    Breakfast will be at the hotel. Later, drive to Ahmedabad airport for your flight for Mumbai.

    'TOUR ENDS WITH MEMORIES'

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