Gujarat's Tribes & Wildlife

India

Culture | Wildlife

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages

13 days £3,995 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Gujarat is a rich addition to India's twenty-eight states. Birthplace of the 'Great Soul' Gandhi, and spiritual homeland of the 1920's independence movement, India's 'Jewel of the West' is also known, surprisingly, as the 'Manchester of India', on account of its long-standing textiles industry. But Gujarat conceals another less obvious, but equally compelling side: it is home to wildlife and tribal communities found nowhere else.

See the endangered Asiatic Lion in its final stronghold at Gir National Park. In the salt pans of the Little Rann of Kutch, stand amid the natural habitat of Demoiselle Cranes, Woolly-Necked Storks, Pelicans, Brahminy Ducks, and other avian species teeming on this flat expanse. Look out for the monarch of the pans: the Wild Ass. And at Blackbuck National Park, let experts lead you to the spiralled-horn cousin of the Arabian Oryx, as well as elusive Jungle Cats and Indian Foxes.

Support community initiatives by gaining a unique insight into Gujarati tribal village life in the Little Rann of Kutch. Meet the skilled weavers of the Banni, and artisanal nomadic jewellers of Bhuj.

Let Gujarat enchant you with a seamless blend of Man and animal.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit Mahatma Gandhi's home in Ahmedabad
  • See endemic wild asses in their salt pan sanctuary
  • Delight in Dasada's carnival of birdlife
  • Learn of Kutch's age-old local textiles techniques
  • See the indigo block printers of Ajrakhpur
  • Black-maned Asiatic lions in Gir National Park
  • Endangered blackbuck in Gujarat
  • Sight the striped hyena on Velavadar's grasslands

Places Visited

Ahmedabad - Dasada - Little Rann of Kutch - Little Rann of Kutch - Bhuj - Banni tribal villages - Gir National Park - Velavadar - Blackbuck National Park

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
3 Game Drives in Little Rann of Kutch
4 Jeep Safaris at Gir N.P
3 Jeep Safaris at Blackbuck N.P. 
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary & Map
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Day 1 : Arrival Ahmedabad

After clearing customs on arrival in Ahmedabad, you will be met by our representative who will escort you to your hotel.

Known as the Manchester of the East - on account of its meteoric rise in cotton manufacturing comparable to England's 19th century manufacturing heartlands in the Northwest - Ahmedabad awaits you on this your first day. Rest in the opulent surroundings of your heritage hotel, or perhaps head out into the city where Gandhi launched his peaceful yet unforgettable independence struggle.

All day at leisure.

Overnight in The House of MG, Ahmedabad

Meal plan: n/a

The former capital of the state of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is one of the fastest growing cities of the last decade. It is located on the banks of the Sabarmati river and earned the nickname 'Manchester of the East' while under British rule for its developing textile industry. Ahmedabad is home to a fascinating mix of architecture, ranging from British colonial to early Indo-Saracenic.

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Day 2 : Ahmedabad - Little Rann of Kutch

Walk off a hearty breakfast on a guided heritage walk through the old walled city of Ahmedabad. Toward mid-morning, drive to Little Rann of Kutch, stopping en route to see the 11th century Sun temple at Modhera.

While the Little Rann of Kutch might be considered by some to be India's bleakest, dustiest, most desolate region, its geological status as a great saline wetland has protected it from human interference. The upshot is a pristine ecology, home to the last remaining population of Khur, or Asiatic Wild Ass.

Arrive and check in at the lodge. Enjoy a p.m visit to a special Tribal Village renowned for weaving a divine cloth. Meet the few artisans who can spin ‘Mata-ni-Pachedi – Cloth of Mother Goddess” . These cloths throw a spiritual lifeline to banished castes when undergoing their Hindi ceremonial rites. 

Stroll through the village, meeting local craftsmen to learn more about this art.

Toward evening, return to your semi-rural eco-resort for dinner.

Overnight in Rann Riders, Little Rann of Kutch

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 3 : Little Rann of Kutch

Head out on a morning safari on the margins of India's great salt pans in the wonderfully-named Little Rann of Kutch. Aside from being a sanctuary for the incredibly rare Asiatic Wild Ass, other mammals of the Rann include the bizarre-looking Nilgai (Indian gazelle), White-Footed Desert and Indian foxes, Wolf, Jungle Cat, pale and even long-eared hedgehogs.

The Rann's avifauna is an embarrassment of riches: winter wayfarers like Crested Larks, fabulous Hoopoes, Desert Wheatears, Warblers and Shrikes. In Dasada, you'll spot raptors like Marsh, Montagu and Pallid Harriers, Aquila Eagles, & Falcons.

See with your own eyes salt being harvested on an industrial scale by Gujarat's salt farmers, the Agariyas.

Break for lunch, then shift focus to Gujarat's thriving tribal culture. Join the Meer and Rabari people to admire their celebrated embroidery work. Wander through old mud-brick villages. Even go on a camel cart ride to enhance this photogenic experience.

Overnight in Rann Riders, Little Rann of Kutch

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

These salt pans are the natural habitat of the rare Asiatic wild ass 

Known as the last sanctuary for the Indian wild ass (Khur or Ghudkar), the Little Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh that was once part of the Arabian Sea. The only other two subspecies of wild asses live in the high arid plateaus of Tibet, making this the most accessible place to visit wild asses in their natural environment. More than a meter tall at the shoulder and two meters in length, wild asses are very agile and can run long distances at a speed of 50 km/h. This ability makes them more similar to wild horses and far more captivating than their domesticated cousins. The Little Rann spreads across nearly 5,000 km sq and plays an important part in the ecology of the Gujarat region. It is home to a variety of wildlife, such as the endangered Indian wolf, jackal, Indian fox, desert fox, chinkara and spiny-tailed lizard. 

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Day 4 : Little Rann of Kutch

Head back into the  limitless expanse of the not-so Little Rann of Kutch. Dine alfresco with a lavish breakfast in the Rann's otherworldly surroundings.

In the afternoon visit Nawa Talao, a lake and birding mecca where demoiselle and common cranes gather in large flocks during the winter months. Greater and lesser flamingo are seen here in large numbers, as are great white pelicans, black-necked stork and black-headed ibis, among other fabulous waders. Northern pintail, common teal, spot-billed duck, mallard, gadwall, wigeon, garganey, shoveler, cotton pygmygoose, pochards, tufted duck, lesser whistling duck, brahminy and comb duck are among the many visitors to the lake. Waders include pratincoles, lapwings, sandpipers, ruff, and many others from among the 241 avian species found in this biodiverse wetland.

Return after sunset to your cozy lodge to trade claims to the many lakeside species you saw today. 

Overnight in Rann Riders, Little Rann of Kutch

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Dasada, located on the peripheries of a salt marsh named the 'Little Rann of Kutch', is a popular bird-watching destination. The marsh ecosystem and nearby lakes attract many large flocks of different bird species between October and March. Some of the villagers, whose homes border the desert, are farmers, while other villagers are artisans. The unique crafts of Dasada tribes are embroidery and silk weaving.  

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Day 5 : Dasada - Bhuj

Begin your day with breakfast and a scenic drive to Kutch. Along the way, make a stop at the LLDC Museum of Textiles and explore the fascinating world of Indigo Block Printers in Ajrakhpur. Time-permitting, we'll try to stop in at Bhujodi, the renowned weavers' village. Continue journey to Bhuj.

Comprising a loose affiliation of tribal peoples, Bhuj serves as the headquarters of Kutch. Its diverse population includes nomadic, semi-nomadic, and artisanal tribes, all contributing to the region's rich folk art and culture. Kutch is renowned for its embroidered garments featuring mirror-work, camel wool shawls, chunky silver jewelry, and intricately carved woodcraft. A travel day punctuated by some fascinating stops.

On arrival in Bhuj, check in to your lodge. 

Overnight in Hill View Resort, Bhuj , Cabana Room

Meal plan: Breakfast

The walled city of Bhuj is the headquarters of the Kutch district and is named after the Bhujia Fortress, which overlooks the city from a nearby hill. Bhuj is known for its wide variety of handicrafts, like Kutchi embroidery with mirror work and hand printed textiles. The region is littered with many sites associated with the Indus Valley Civilisation. 

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Day 6 : Bhuj

Embark on an exploration of the Banni Region of Kutch today. Rise at daybreak to make the most of this captivating day ahead. Delve into the remote areas of the Banni Region to visit the clannish Jat and legendary Pathan tribe (the Pathans derived from Afghan Pashtuns). Afterward, make your way to the White Rann and Nirona Village to learn a thing or two about exquisite Lacquer Works, Copper Bell craftsmanship, and intricate Rogan Art.

In the late evening, return to Bhuj, concluding a day filled with cultural discoveries and artistic encounters.

Overnight in Hill View Resort, Bhuj , Cabana Room

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Banni villages are a cluster of  many small villages, such as Bhirandiyara, Hodka and Nirona, where you can see local tribes and their textiles. Some of the most important embroidery work is Rabari, Ahir, Bavalia (or ‘Kutchi Bharat’), Sindhi, Aari and Soof (or ‘Sodha Bharat’). Mutva embroidery in Banni (Dhorado village) is famous for Gotam stick or Sindhi Kadai. In the Banni area, the embroidery work is also done on leather shoes (or ‘Mojdi’), purses, belts and wallets. The Hodko village in Banni is famous for Meghwal embroidery and leather work.

The Bhirandiyara village is famous for its bungas (local houses/huts) with intricate interior/exterior designs and wood carvings. The community living here is called Meghwal and they are famous for their unique embroidery work.


Every hamlet in the mud house Hodka village has their own distinct designs and patterns, because the people of Hodka use dung and natural earth-toned dyes to decorate their houses. The name 'Hodka' is derived from the Gujarati word “Hodi” meaning Boat, as the shape of the Jheel is believed to be in the shape of a boat. It is believed to have been set up by the Halepotra clan. ‘Halepotra’ literally means the ‘Son or the descendant of Halaji’, who is believed to have immigrated from Sindh. The village is famous for its  exquisite silver jewellery and other crafts like decorative mirrors, lamps, hand fans, wall hangings, leather, clay, wood, metal and mud work.


Nirona is home to about six different crafts. Meet Mr. Abdul Gafur Khatri, (subject to confirmation) who, together with his five brothers, belongs to the last family of Rogan Painters. Rogan Art involves using a Metal Stick and Castor-Oil based colours to create incredible works of art. 


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Day 7 : Bhuj - Gondal

Between the textile town of Bhuj and the sprawling lion's den of Gir National Park, we break the journey in Gondal.

Consume an early breakfast, then it's onward to this concept town dating from the late 19th century, in what was then a semi-autonomous princely state of pre-Independence India. A fortified town located on the river Gondali, Gondal boasts the beautiful 17th century Naulakha Palace complex, and its adjoining private vintage car museum featuring an iconic collection of early 20th century automobiles inherited by the present Maharaja.

Arrive on the grounds of your tranquil heritage hotel, rest and have dinner. 

Overnight in Orchard Palace, Gondal , Deluxe

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 8 : Gondal - Gir

Breakfast and farewell to Gondal as we hit the road to one of India's National Parks par excellence: Gir. En route to seeing the last redoubt of the Asiatic Lion on the Subcontinent, we'll stop in at one impressive roadside attraction: the fabulously fretted stonework of the Mahabat Maqbara complex in Junagarh. This late 19th century mausoleum forms a spectacular tribute to the then Nawab of Junagarh.

On your evening jeep safari in the park, you'll trundle over hilly tracts of dry deciduous forests, acacia scrub, evergreen and semi-evergreen flora and grasslands, all fed by rivers and streams. Gear up for Gir's distinctive carnival of wildlife. And who can ever forget? You are now in the final stronghold of the monarchs of the Acacia scrubland: namely, Panthera leo persica, aka the Asiatic Lion. At present there are nearly 300 purebred lions in the park, and none anywhere else on the planet. Reason enough to go? 

Recover from the experience over dinner back at your lodge.
 

Overnight in Woods of Sasan, Gir National Park , Woods Studio

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 9 : Gir (National Park)

With morning and afternoon safaris to savour, breakfast never tasted so good. Hop on the jeep and explore this protected ecology. Sometimes hiding in the scrub, sometimes out in the open, the park reveals a multitude of exotic characters. A roll-call of Gujarati fauna goes something like this: Panther, Chital, Nilgai (or Bluebull), Sambar, Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara and Wild boar. Gir is also one of the major habitats of chousingha and chinkara, harder to spot in the teak forests along the game drive trails. Feathered species of Gir include Crested Serpent Eagle, endangered Bonelli's Eagle, Crested Hawk-eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Indian Eagle-Owl, Rock Bush-Quail, Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-headed Oriole, Crested Treeswift and Indian Pitta. Almost forgot the daddy of them all: the Asiatic Lion.

What you miss in the morning, you might just see in the evening.

Dinner back at the lodge.

Overnight in Woods of Sasan, Gir National Park , Woods Studio

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Home to the rare Asiatic lion, Gir National Park is comprised of 1412 square kilometres of deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen flora, acacia, scrub jungle, grasslands and rocky hills.  Outside of Africa, Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in the world where you can spot lions roaming free in the wild.  While there were approximately only 20 lions in the park during 1913, the 2015 census indicates there are now 523 of these magnificent creatures.  Gir Forest also provides homes to the chousingha – the world’s only 4-horned antelope, jackal, striped hyena and India fox.  The park, home to 200 species such as white-backed and long-billed vultures, has also been declared an important area by the Indian Bird Conservation Network.  Keep an eye out for more than 40 species of reptiles and amphibians near Kamleshwar, a large reservoir where you may spot a Marsh crocodile or snakes. 

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Day 10 : Gir - Velavadar

Sit back in the jeep and savour a final safari in Gir national Park. It's a long way to the next gem of Gujarat's protected ecology, Velavadar, so after stealing a final peek at the lounging lions, we return to the hotel before departing on the blacktop to Blackbuck National Park to see another of Gujarat's highly-adapted species, the twirl-horned blackbuck antelope.

Flat land, dry grasses and herds of antelope have always attracted visitors to this park's grassland ecosystem. Successful conservation programs for the blackbuck, wolf and lesser florican (a bustard) are ongoing. Considered to be an endemic Indian species, the lesser florican, which once lived throughout the country, has become endangered in recent decades. Today, the largest population is in this park. Local wolf numbers are increasing, as are striped hyena, with sightings quite frequent during daylight. Look out also for Indian Fox & Jungle Cat.


Upon arrival at your wilderness lodge, check in and rest up before tucking into dinner in these placid surroundings.

Overnight in Blackbuck Lodge, Velavadar

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar is spread over 36 kilometres squared and is predominantly flat grassland. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including blackbucks, hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, and the endangered lesser florican, which has its largest population in this park

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Day 11 : Velavadar

Awaken to the swaying sounds of the grasslands. Breakfast over, it's time to gear up for a morning safari with a local naturalist.

Arguably, India's most distinctive antelope, the blackbuck is not the most skittish antelope, meaning the naturalist can observe them gamboling through the savannah in a natural state of behaviour. If you happen to be present during rutting season in February and March, see the males clash with their formidable, twirling horns.

Enjoy an evening reprise back in the passenger seat of your jeep as your naturalist guide shows you a different side to the park.

Return to your lodge to replay over dinner what wildlife moments you saw in the fading light of sunset. 

Overnight in Blackbuck Lodge, Velavadar

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar is spread over 36 kilometres squared and is predominantly flat grassland. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including blackbucks, hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, and the endangered lesser florican, which has its largest population in this park.

Read more
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Day 12 : Velavadar - Ahmedabad

After breakfast and a morning safari with your naturalist guide, bid farewell to Velavadar, as the tour starts to wind up and you return to where you started, in Ahmedabad.

Returning to the familiar surroundings of your city retreat, spend what's left of the day at leisure. Even plan a final outing where the dinner choices are obviously abundant.

Overnight in The House of MG, Ahmedabad

Meal plan: Breakfast

The former capital of the state of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is one of the fastest growing cities of the last decade. It is located on the banks of the Sabarmati river and earned the nickname 'Manchester of the East' while under British rule for its developing textile industry. Ahmedabad is home to a fascinating mix of architecture, ranging from British colonial to early Indo-Saracenic.

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Day 13 : Ahmedabad - Departure

At the appointed hour, be transferred to the airport to board the flight home. Or why not stay smitten with India that bit longer by arranging an extension with us?

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

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The House of MG

Ahmedabad (2 nights)

The House of MG is a premier boutique heritage hotel in he UNESCO World Heritage City of Ahmedabad. One of the oldest buildings in the city, it wonderfully represents the architectural colonial heritage architecture of the early 20th century. The hotel has 38 beautifully appointed rooms, offering all modern amenities in a grand but homely ambience.

This building is designed and built by craftsmen. It’s restoration over the last two decades (and ongoing), is handcrafted. Every item of furniture and textile are hand made, primarily from repurposed material. Using seasonal ingredients, its restaurant serve slow-cooked and fresh food. Sustainably-aware and community-minded, many of the hotel's staff are sourced from surrounding villages. The gift shop proudly sells artisanal products. The hotel's hospitality mirrors how guests are treated in the Mangalda's family home. Hence, when checking in to The House of MG, in some ways it feels like coming home!

Visit hotel's site
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Rann Riders

Little Rann of Kutch (3 nights)

The completely renovated cottages, whose design harks back to the Kooba houses of the Bajania and the bhunga structures of the Rabari shepherds – neighbouring communities of ours – have now been divided into three separate categories. This allows guests to choose the accommodation that is most suitable to their requirements. No matter the category, each cottage is fully equipped with modern facilities and stylish bathrooms and furnished with lovely local fabrics, high-quality furnishings and bed linens.

The grounds of the resort have also been comprehensively re-designed, with water-hungry lawns and exotic trees being gradually replaced with more ecologically appropriate native communities of flora. The idea is to create a more natural and diverse habitat supporting a richer mix of native fauna species that delivers a *unique accommodation and rejuvenation*.

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Hill View Resort

Bhuj (2 nights)

Hill View Resort is the combination of innovative design and crafted luxury and set apart by an unprecedented level of personalised hospitality, private spaces and bespoke journeys. Here, We Combine comfort, personalized service and exceptional values. The Hill View Resort offering so many Rooms, Gym Facilities and many more Facilities and it is ideally situated in Bhuj – Kutch, Near Hill Garden, Airport Ringroad. 
 

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Orchard Palace

Gondal (1 night)

The Orchard Palace was built as an annex of the Huzoor Palace, the family residence, in the late-19th century to host personal guests of the Maharajas. Converted into a seven-room heritage hotel, it is appointed with 1930s and ‘40s art deco furniture, antiques and handicrafts. Its inimitable art-deco styling echoes the days of 'palm & pine' under British imperial rule. Its enduring legacy also hearkens back to the strong ties that still bind India and Britain. 

Visit hotel's site
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Woods of Sasan

Gir National Park (2 nights)

The resort is built in and around an 8-acre mango orchard with over 280 trees that yield a sizable mango crop in the summertime, and attract a variety of insects, birds and wildlife. An oasis of quiet, lush greenery that merges into the forests of Gir, the 38-key property is a serene blend of contemporary spaces and culture-inspired interiors that merge into the landscape. With spaces designed for clear, natural lighting and an uninterrupted view of the orchard or the forest, one may enjoy living within nature with all the conveniences that the heart desires.
Biophilic design calls for a connection between nature and the built environment. At Woods at Sasan, an intermingling of nature and architecture reconnects the self to the living world and makes for a healthful and rejuvenating environment for guests.
The Guest Stays are designed to catch the gentle rays of the rising sun and reduce exposure to the mid-day heat, an architectural intervention that contributes to approximately 26% energy savings. The resort has also minimised plastic use by 90%.
More that 40% of the staff are locals – as Woods at Sasan grows, so does the local economy. The resort also plays an active role in supporting and preserving local culture and crafts.

Visit hotel's site
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Blackbuck Lodge

Velavadar (2 nights)

Situated on the edge of Velavadar National Park, the cottages of the Blackbuck Lodge offer luxury amidst the wilderness. Relax on the veranda outside your cottage, enjoy the expanse of the savannah during the day and the animals grazing closeby, and gaze up at starlit skies at night. Rooms are fitted with all amenities to make your stay comfortable.

Visit hotel's site
Extensions

Nubra Valley Extension (5 days)

Remote villages & jaw-dropping scenery

On The Tiger Trail (9 days)

On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha

The Golden Triangle (5 days)

Marvel at India's most incredible forts and palaces

Kolkata & Sunderbans (6 days)

Discover colonial Kolkata and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve

Wildlife of Tadoba & Pench (9 days)

A real life Jungle Book.

Kolkata & Darjeeling Snapshot (7 days)

Ideal extension to Bhutan

Himalayan Extension: Ladakh to Kashmir (5 days)

Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway

Beaches (1-7 days)

After exploring the busy cities, there's no better place to relax than one of India's paradisiacal beaches

Treks & Walks (1-12 days)

Himalayan treks, village walks and more

Hill Stations & Mountains

Escape the city and unwind among some of the most breathtaking mountain and hill scapes the world has to offer.

City Extensions (1-4 days)

Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.

Highlights of the Subcontinent (22 days)

Discover iconic sights of India, Nepal & Bhutan

Journey through the Indian Himalayas (20 days)

Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh

Monks, Tribes & Rhinos (20 days)

Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife

Classic Bhutan & Assam Cruise (18 days)

Experience Bhutan's rich culture, colonial Kolkata and rural life in Assam

Himalayan Silk Road & Tak Tok Festival (16 days)

Travel India's forgotten Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh

Glimpse of India & Nepal (16 days)

Golden Triangle and the Himalayas

Textile Tour of India (16 days)

Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival

Big Six of India (15 days)

Spot tigers, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino & elephants

Treasures of Maharashtra (15 days)

Mighty sea fortresses, rock-cut cave temples, and verdant hill stations

Best of Bhutan & Bengal (15 days)

Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan

Nagaland: Festival of the Headhunters (15 days)

Aoling Festival, wildlife in Assam & natural beauty of Manipur

Taste of South India (15 days)

Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India

Journey Through Rajasthan (15 days)

Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages

Kerala & Karnataka Explorer (14 days)

Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns

Spirit of South India (14 days)

Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala

Himalayan Wildlife of Ladakh (14 days)

Track the Himalayan brown bear & snow leopard on a once-in-a-lifetime trip

Roof of the World - Ladakh to Kashmir (14 days)

Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures

Best of Assam & Meghalaya (14 days)

Wildlife, diverse cultures & rural life in hidden North East India

Birds & Wildlife of Rajasthan (14 days)

Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan

Heart of India (14 days)

Take in the highlights of central India

Glories of Gujarat (14 days)

Tribal villages, temples, salt flats & the world's last Asiatic lions

Hampi and Beyond (14 days)

Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms

Tribes & Temples of Eastern India (14 days)

Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh

Taj, Tigers & Temples (14 days)

Perfect mix of classic sights and off-beat places for first-timers to India

Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival (14 days)

Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland

Kerala Calling (14 days)

Charming towns, spice plantations & idyllic backwaters

Best of Bengal & Sikkim (14 days)

Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism

Tribes of North East India (14 days)

Remote tribal cultures in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland

Delicacies of North India (14 days)

Discover the huge diversity of North India's cuisine

Wildlife of North East India (14 days)

Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans

Kerala - Trekking the Western Ghats (13 days)

Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot

Hidden Rajasthan (13 days)

Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife

Big Cats of India (13 days)

Track India's tigers, leopards & lions

Gujarat's Tribes & Wildlife (13 days)

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages

Maha Kumbh Mela Festival (13 days)

Once in 12 years - the largest gathering of humanity on earth

The Himalayan Silk Road with Sophie Ibbotson (13 days)

Expert-led trip through Kashmir and Ladakh

High Indus Valley of Ladakh (12 days)

Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh

Glimpse of India (12 days)

Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala

Markha Valley Trek (12 days)

Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys

Essential Rajasthan (10 days)

Discover the forts, palaces, villages and desert of Rajasthan

Living Bridges of Meghalaya (7 days)

Waterfalls, hills and living bridges in North East India

Classic Kerala

Tea, spices, backwaters & beaches

Reviews

Thanks for organising such a great trip to NE India Rahul - everything went seamlessly! We loved the fact that we could book an individual tour but still have flexibility with our itinerary once we were there, enabling us to take in the Si Donyi Festival at Daporijo and also be the first guests to stay overnight in a local village hut with our hosts in Papi, which was fantastic. Our guide was super. He had a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humour! It’s hard to pick a highlight as the whole trip was both fascinating and at times, humbling. We’ll never forget the amazing people, scenery & culture we experienced whilst there and are glad we had the opportunity to visit such an intriguing part of the world. We would certainly consider travelling with you again in the future.

Hazel Fairall , Tribes of North East India, India

I`m very pleased with the way the trip was arranged for me, it was well organised and went very well. The itinerary was just the right pace to enjoy everything without rushing too much. It was never going to be cheap for 1 person travelling alone but I thought it was very reasonably priced.

Dewi Evans , Tailormade North East India

This trip was very well put together and ticked all the boxes that we had requested. The accommodation throughout the tour was of a high standard and our experiences in the national parks was wonderful spotting many different animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, lions, jungle cat plus countless number of birds. Thank you Rahul for tailoring this trip to our requirements.

Nigel & Margaret Turner , Tailormade India Wildlife & Birding tour

We went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.

Rachel , Spirit of South India, India

I would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.

Tracey & Gary , Tailormade India

This was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.

Keith Lewis , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

This was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.

Richard Williams , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

Thank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.

Vik , Kerala Calling, India

A really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.

Ann Holgate , Tailormade India

What an excellent service! Rahul adapted, extended and improved our trip so many times without a qualm and we ended up with the trip of a lifetime. The destinations are unusual and interesting but everything has been checked out by the team and works brilliantly. I can`t wait to do another trip.

Penelope Smith , Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival, India

The tour was an amazing experience for our first visit to India. The country, its people and its cuisine were friendly,delightful, colourful and exceeded all our expectations. Travel the Unknown have put together a superb unique package that we have no hesitation in recommending to anyone with an interest in food and culture.

Elaine & Neil Smith , Delicacies of North India, India

I`m sure I could not have found a better operator for the type of complicated Indian tour I wanted to undertake on a limited budget. India is an intimidating country to visit, and I suspect that some operators look down on the first time visitor, or disparage their requirements. Travel the Unknown, by contrast, helped me all the way, and their local guides were superb.

Andrew Martin , Tailormade North East India
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