Rann Utsav Special Tour

• Day 1: Arrive Ahmedabad

  On your arrival at the Ahmedabad International Airport, you will be received by a Trans India Holidays representative and will be escorted to the hotel. You will then be assisted you with the check in formalities. Ahmedabad: India’s first world heritage city, Ahmedabad dates back to the 15th century. Located on the banks of river Sabarmati, it is one of the prosperous cities of the country. Sultan Ahmed Shah is primarily responsible for the development of city and gets its name from the ruler. Known as the ‘Manchester of the East’, one of the highly industrialized cities in India and India’s Textile City, Ahmedabad has myriad charms for all its visitors. The old city of Ahmedabad, listed as UNESCO heritage is a fascinating mix is labyrinthine by lanes called ‘polls’, exquisite carved wooden mansions and havelis and charm of the bygone era. Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.

• Day 2: In Ahmedabad

  After early breakfast at hotel, proceed for heritage walk of Ahmedabad City. The guided walk of two and a half hours (0730 -1000 hours) takes you through pages of the city’s history from its birth from a 10th century AD ancient site known as Ashaval to the present walled city re-founded during the period of Ahmedshah and onwards. The walk tour starts from the Swaminarayan Mandir to the Jama Masjid, covering in between the numerous pols, havelis, decorative facades, workplaces of artisans and number of magnificent Hindu and Jain temples. The sightseeing tour includes the following: Calico Museum: Housing the finest collection of textiles, clothes, furniture, crafts in the country and the world it offers a display of antique and modern Indian textile. Come across exquisite pieces made for the British, Portuguese, India’s royal households and historic tokens. Galleries to dedicate to embroideries, bandhani tie-and-dye, textiles made for overseas trade and woollen shawls from Kashmir. In addition, tribal crafts such as kutchi silk-and-cotton, hand-crafted patola silk sarees, mashru weaving are displayed in spectacular wooden havelis from Patan. Sidi Sayed mosque: Built in 1573, it is one of the must-visit sights of the Old city. It is one of the most famous mosques of Ahmedabad. The mosque has ten screen windows (jails) on the side and rear arches. It is a marvel of architecture, masterpiece of carvings and a reminiscent of the ancient city. Gandhi Ashram: Set along the Sabarmati River, the beautiful ashram complex of Ahmedabad is a part of India’s recent chapters of history. It served as headquarters to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation during his struggle for India’s Independence. A refuge from the hustle-bustle of the city and one of the foremost tourist attractions in Ahmedabad. Take a look at handicrafts, handmade paper and spinning wheels. Hathee Singh Jain Temple: Built in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant, it is one of the Ahmedabad's best ornate Jain temples. Built of pure white marble and profusely decorated with rich carvings it is a sight worth paying a visit. Dada Hari Vav: Dating to the 15th century, the step is well known as ‘vav’ is a part of the tales of the old city. Steps lead to lower platforms that ultimately ends as small, octagonal well. The depths are cool, even on the hottest day though long abandoned, it has an undeniable charm. Sarkhej Roza: Known as the "Acropolis of Ahmedabad" due to 20th-century architect Le Corbusier's famous comparison the design of Sarkhej Roza to the Acropolis of Athens. In its days of glory, it was a prominent centre of Sufi culture in the country. Adalaj Stepwell: One of the finest step wells in India, Adalaj has to its name, many interesting tales from history, fascinating architecture, and unrivaled craftsmanship. Queen Rudabai built this well in 1499 to provide travellers with a cool and pleasant refuge from the summer heat. The octagonal stepwell is five storeys deep, with a long flight of steps descending to the water. Marvel at the exquisite stone carvings with subjects range from eroticism to daily activities. Manek Chowk: This shopping area is the vegetable market early in the morning, jewellery and spice market during the day time and a foodie’s delight at night. The entire area is buzzing with food stalls and shops offering delightful taste of Sev Puree, Bhel and Pani Puree. Move onto main course of your choice and onwards to desserts. Overnight stay at Ahmedabad.

• Day 3: Ahmedabad – Ajrakhpur – Bhujodi – Bhuj (350 Kms / 7 hrs Approx)

  After breakfast, check out of the hotel. Begin your drive to Bhuj, the gateway to the beautiful Rann of Kutch. En-route visit Ajrakhpur. Visit the popular block printing by Dhaneti tribe and watch them crafting some fine creations. Observe the embroidery by the Ahir tribe. These block printing villages are home to the famous Ajrakh craftsmen of the region. Later drive to visit Bhujaodi. Watch the artisans weave thick shawls and blankets on pit looms dug into the crouch mud houses (Bhungas). The ancient tradition of weaving shawls and blankets from coarse sheep hair came into existence centuries ago essentially as a form of barter between the "rabari" community (the nomadic grazing community) and the vankars (weavers). The nomads brought the sheep hair and the weavers crafted fine-quality warm shawl and blankets. Continue drive to Bhuj. On arrival, complete check-in formalities. Overnight stay at Bhuj.

• Day 4: Bhuj – Banni Villages – Dhordo (85 kms/ 3 hrs)

  After breakfast proceed to visit the Banni Villages en-route. Banni means “a cluster of village”. Meet tribes of Jat, Harijan, Meghawal and Mutva, etc. in various villages like Hodka, Ludiya and Dhordo. In Banni area of Kutch the community of Meghwal-Harijans who migrated from Rajasthan create fascinating wall hangings, waistcoast, pouches, etc. with Khambira, Kharek, Kudi Stiches in their embroidery. Minute mirror designs similar 'Moti Bharat' or beadwork on handheld fans, bracelets, toys and belts are the speciality designs of the region. Next, visit Hodka village. In the local language Gujarati, the word ‘Hodi’ which means ‘boat’. Since, the villages here are called jheels, where potable water is available. Hodka is famous for its beautiful embroidery and mud work. Later visit Ludiya village. Come across women busy creating intricate embroidery work, mud-work and wall painting for decorating homes. Dhordo: Known as the “tent city” especially during the Rann Utsav, Dhordo is a rare beauty set in the eerie landscape of ethereal white-sand-salt-marsh. The beauty of the landscape is beyond words and under moonlight, it’s one of the best views you have ever come across. A burst of colors comes from beautiful traditional mud houses (Bhungas) with mirror work and its fine Mutwa embroidery with tiny mirrors. On arrival in Dhordo, complete check-in formalities. You will be assisted to your lavish tented accommodation. Overnight stay in Dhordo.

• Day 5: In Dhordo

  Start the day with breakfast. Later, explore the beauty and charms of the Rann of Kutch. Kalo Dungar or Black Hill is the highest point in Kutch. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Great Rann of Kutch is possible. Pay a visit to the traditional villages of Dhordo. Enjoy camel cart safari or birdwatching, etc. In the evening drive to white desert to witness the grandeur of sunset by camel cart/bus. The colors of the setting sun add to the beauty of the landscape as does the moonlight on a full moon night. Post dinner enjoy the culture of Kutch along with entertaining performances of folk music & dance. Overnight stay at Dhordo.

• Day 6: Dhordo – Bhuj Departure (80 Kms / 2 hrs Approx)

  Today after breakfast transfer to Bhuj airport for onward journey.

Book your dream holiday