Threads and Weaves of Rural Gujarat - January 2027
Overview
Gujarat with its vibrant colours, rich textile traditions, intricate artistic craftsmanship and
strong community bonds, it is a captivating region to explore. Join us on this journey
where we visit some of the best craftsmen and women who create magic in their rural
villages.
This 16-day tour covering the best of Gujarat, offers a unique opportunity to explore
centuries-old skills that continue to thrive in the modern world.
We travel through historic cities and remote craft villages, where artisans practice age-
old methods such as Bandhani tie-dye, Patola double Ikat weaving, Ajrakh block
printing and intricate Kutchi embroidery. Each textile reflects the identity, culture and
traditions of the communities that create them.
On the tour we will be able to engage with artisans, understand the cultural significance
of designs, and witness the sustainable practices that define these crafts. From the
looms of Patan to the desert villages of Kutch, the tour is a celebration of colour,
creativity and living heritage. You will also visit a couple of units of the Self-Employed
Womens Association (SEWA), a sustainable empowerment project. Various workshops
are arranged so you will also be able to have a hands-on experience and discover
more about these intricate, artistic textile traditions.
In addition to workshops with hands-on experience, you will also get a true flavour of
traditional life in India, visiting local homes and meeting the craftspeople of the village.
Itinerary
Routing : Ahmedabad –Dasada – Muli – Bhuj – Mumbai
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 15 January 2027 Friday UK - Ahmedabad
Fly from the UK to Ahmedabad. We suggest flying to Mumbai and then connecting to a
domestic flight to Ahmedabad. There is also a direct flight from Gatwick to Ahmedabad that
currently operates thrice a week. Please note flights are not included but we will be happy to
suggest the flights best suited for joining the tour.
Day 2 16 January 2027 Saturday Ahmedabad
Arrive Ahmedabad at midday. You will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city. Stay at
the ITC Fortune Landmark or similar for 3 nights. This is a centrally located modern hotel with a
choice of dining and modern facilities.
Arrive Ahmedabad at midday. You will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city. Stay at
the ITC Fortune Landmark or similar for 3 nights. This is a centrally located hotel with a choice of
dining and modern facilities.
Founded in 1411 on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad is known as the "Manchester
of India" for its rich textile heritage and the ideal place to start our textile exploration of this vibrant
state. We start with a guided tour of the Calico Museum, its collection of historical Indian textiles
is considered by many to be the finest and most comprehensive in the world.
Day 3 17 January 2027 Sunday Ahmedabad
Enjoy a heritage walk in the morning. The old walled city of Ahmedabad is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and the heritage walk is a great way to explore, understand and experience this
ancient city and its culture. Old wooden houses, local haveli house architecture, neighbourhood
planning, bustling markets and different religious places are some of the highlights of the walk.
You will have leisure time to visit some of the local textile shops if you would like to pick a bargain.
A traditional evening meal will be arranged at a nearby restaurant.
Day 4 18 January 2027 Monday Ahmedabad
Visit the SEWA ( Self-employed Women Association) unit in Ahmedabad. This women's
empowerment organisation works towards uplifting the life of women especially in rural areas.
Here you will be able to see the various activities that they do including making products from
recycled material, and a handmade paper unit. A full-day workshop will be arranged where
you will learn about textile patterns and designs, embroidery and making products out of
recycled paper.
Day 5 19 January 2027 Tuesday Ahmedabad-Patan-Modhera-Dasada
Morning drive to Dasada visiting the towns of Patan and Modhera en-route. Patan is
famous for the Patola weaving, The art is preserved by a few families and here you will
get to see first hand how this exquisite fabric is made using double ikat technique, bold
colours, and timeless patterning. This labour intensive art requires precise, mathematical
accuracy in tie-dyeing both warp and weft threads, with sarees often taking 6–10
months to create. You also visit the Rani-ki-Vav, a monumental stepwell built in the 11th
century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the stepwell is not only a marvel
of craftsmanship but also a testament to India’s ancient water-management systems.
You drive on to visit the intricately carved sun temple at Modhera, built during 1026-
27CE. With its intricately carved pillars and temple tank it is a fascinating monument to
visit.
Later drive to Dasada in the Little Rann of Kutch. Stay at the Rann Riders Resort for 3
nights. This is an eco-lodge set on the edge of the Little Rann of Kutch, offering a blend
of rustic charm and modern comfort. Designed with traditional architecture in mind, the
resort features cottage-style accommodations inspired by local village homes.
Day 6 20 January 2027 Wednesday Dasada
Day to explore the nearby village where you will get to experience life in rural Gujarat
and also explore the various communities who practice their very distinct styles of
weaving and embroidery.
Day 7 21 January 2027 Thursday Dasada
Enjoy a safari in the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in Little Rann of Kutch. The sanctuary is
known for its population of Wild Ass, the only place where these are seen. This unique
saline desert ecosystem features arid flats and elevated islands full diverse wildlife
including desert foxes, blue-bulls, and migratory birds like the flamingos. Remainder of
the day will be at leisure to explore this lovely eco resort.
Day 8 22 January 2027 Friday Dasada – Muli
After a leisurely breakfast drive to Muli. Stay at the Ambika Nivas Palace for 2 nights. This
ancestral palace of the royal family of Muli is now open to guests who would like the
experience of staying in a heritage property. Explore the local village in the afternoon.
Day 9 23 January 2027 Saturday Muli
The day will be spent exploring the textile crafts of the region. You will get to see Tangalia
Weaving, a 700-year-old weaving craft practiced by the Dangashiya community. And
also the famous Single Ikat and Double Ikat Patola and Khadi, the hand-woven fabric
made in village homes. We will learn more about cotton, from the farms to the Ginning
process, cotton fibre and cotton weaving.
Day 10 24 January 2027 Sunday Muli – Bhuj
After a long drive we reach the historic city of Bhuj. Bhuj is the gateway to the Kutch
region, known for its vast salt pans, deserts and vibrant textile and crafts. Bhuj will be our
base to explore the White Rann, its villages and crafts over the next few days. Stay at
the Regenta Resort for 5 nights. This is a comfortable property that offers
accommodation in modern rooms and traditional Kutch-style cottages together with
an outside swimming pool.
Day 11 25 January 2027 Monday Bhuj
We start with a visit to LLDC, The Living and Learning Design Centre in Ajrakhpur, one of
India’s finest craft museums, created by the Shrujan Trust to preserve and celebrate the
region’s extraordinary textile and embroidery traditions. We will spend the day at the
centre with a visit to the Living Embroideries of Kutch museum that celebrates the rich,
diverse and awe-inspiring embroideries of 12 different Kutchi communities. The exhibits
include traditionally embroidered textiles as well as specially commissioned pieces and
contemporary expressions – all displaying the highest levels of creative and technical
excellence. We will also have workshops organised for you to learn more.
We will then visit the nearby village of Ajarakpur, one of the most important centres for
natural-dye block printing in India, known for its deep indigo blues, madder reds, and
intricate geometric patterns.
Day 12 26 January 2027 Tuesday Bhuj
The day will be spend at Nirona village learning more about the local arts and crafts,
like copper bell making, lacquer work and Rogan art. We will have a hands-on
workshop with the family that maintains Rogan art in the village. It involves creating
raised, 3D floral, geometric, and "Tree of Life" motifs by painting with thick castor-oil-
based pigments applied with a stylus.
Day 13 27 January 2027 Wednesday Bhuj
Visit a village in Hodka to see how this close-knit community live. This is a great
opportunity to see real life in a rural Kutch village. We will also have a workshop to learn
about Ahir, Meghwal, and Rabari embroidery that incorporates exquisite needle and
mirror work. We will visit the White Rann to see the spectacular white desert and salt
pans.
Day14 28 January 2027 Thursday Bhuj
Explore the historic city of Bhuj including a visit to the Aina Mahal, Prah Mahal and the
historic mansions in town. Afternoon will be at leisure for shopping or a further exploration
of the town.
Day 15 29 January 2027 Friday Bhuj- Mumbai
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Mumbai. Stay the night at the Iconica Hotel, a
modern airport hotel that is convenient for departures.
Day 16 30 January 2027 Saturday Mumbai – UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Map
More Info
Tour information
Tour price : will depend on the size of the group.
: £ 3170 per person ( if group strength is 10-12 persons)
: £ 3820 per person ( if group strength is 6-9 persons )
The tour is based on 2 people sharing a room. It is not mandatory to pay a single room
supplement if you are happy to share a room with another person of the same sex. A
single room supplement is required to be paid only if we do not have another person to
share the room with you or you wish to stay in room on single occupancy.
Single room supplement ( should you require it) : £ 860
Dates :
Departure date from the UK : 15 January 2027 Return back to the UK : 30 January 2027
Duration of the tour : 16 days
Group size :
Minimum group size : 6 persons Maximum group size : 12 persons
Meal Plan : Bed and breakfast.
(while on sightseeing excursions, light refreshments and meals in local restaurants as
mentioned in the itinerary are also included)
Internal Travel :
Comfortable mini-bus that will remain at disposal for the entire tour. For some of the
local tours smaller vehicles and tuk-tuks will be used to enhance the experience and
ease of access to some of the sights.
Tour will be fully escorted and guaranteed to operate for a minimum of 6 persons. You
will have a UK tour leader who will accompany the group for the full tour and
experienced local guides/specialists.
What is included in the holiday price
? Accommodation in the hotels mentioned on twin-share inclusive of breakfast at
the hotels.
? Transport from time of arrival at the airport in Ahmedabad until departure from
Mumbai will be in a private chauffeur driven air-conditioned mini coach (where
necessary local travel using tuk-tuks are also included.)
? Visits to places that are off the beaten track, off the main tourist circuit and local
experiences with interactions with local communities and villagers
? UK tour leader to accompany the whole tour
? English speaking local guide to accompany the tour and specialist guides where
necessary to enhance your local experiences and visits off the beaten track
? All scheduled sightseeing expenses including entrance fees at monuments
? We provide environmentally friendly metal refillable bottles and portable water
along with light refreshments for all journeys
? Textile workshops with local artisans and at centres, as mentioned in the itinerary
? Welcome kit on arrival with eco-friendly cotton tote bags for travel, leather
passport wallets, hand sanitisers, insect repellent spray/cream and baggage
tags.
? 24x7 assistance from our dedicated team in-country for any queries or for
emergency contact.
Excluded
? International flights ( Please note flights are not included but we will be happy to
suggest the flights best suited for joining the tour )
? India visa fees ( Assistance can be provided for the online application process as
it can sometimes be difficult but not the visa fee )
? Travel insurance ( we would request you have a comprehensive insurance that
would cover your holiday )
? Personal expenses like laundry, drinks, tips etc
? Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary.
For more information on the tour do contact us on info@captivatingindia.co.uk or
WhatsApp +44 7778403510 for a call back. We look forward to hearing from you and
having you travel with us.
