Glories of Gujarat

India

Culture

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

14 days £3,195 pp (was £3,395 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.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Still relatively unexplored, Gujarat is a treasure trove of history and culture. Begin your journey in Ahmedabad, the hometown of India’s founding father Mahatma Gandhi. Set foot on the expansive, bewitching salt marsh in the Little Rann of Kutch. Make your way to the Banni tribal villages and appreciate the famous art and craftsmanship of the local people. Visit the awe-inspiring temple town of Palitana and finish your Gujarat trip in Gir National Park, the last refuge of the endangered Asiatic lion.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ancient stepwell of Rani ki Vav
  • See the endemic wild asses of Dasada
  • Trek the Rann of Kutch salt marsh
  • See the carnival of birdlife at Dasada
  • Endemic wild asses on the Rann's expansive salt pans
  • Kutch textiles and walled city of Bhuj
  • 19th century Italian Gothic palace built for the Rao of Cutch
  • Asiatic lions in Gir National Park
  • Awe-inspiring temple town of Palitana

Places Visited

Ahmedabad - Sidhpur - Dasada - Little Rann of Kutch - Bhuj - Aina Mahal - Prag Mahal - Banni tribal villages - Gondal - Gir National Park - Palitana

What's Included

Airport transfers
Accommodation
Ground transport with driver
Experienced guides
Sightseeing & relevant entrance fees
Game drives in Gir National Park
Some meals (refer to itinerary)

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Itinerary & Map
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival

Arrive in Ahmedabad, where you will be met in the Arrivals Hall by a Travel The Unknown representative holding your name placard. From there you'll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure.

** Did you know, you can arrive a few days earlier into Udaipur in Rajasthan, explore the lake city and then get the 3-hour train to Ahmedabad? Contact us if you would like to arrange this pre-tour extension.

Overnight in The House of MG, Ahmedabad

Meal plan: n/a

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Day 2 : Ahmedabad

Today be taken on a full day sightseeing tour of Ahmedabad, visiting key landmarks such as the Sabarmati Ashram, the Hutheesing Jain Temples, Jama Mosque, and rounding off our city tour at the Sarkez Roza & Dada Hari stepwells. The stepwell is a subterranean feature that dominated Western Indian civic architecture from the 7th to the 19th century.

Return to your hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure. 

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 3 : Ahmedabad - Sidhpur - Patan - Modhera - Dasada

Head out of Ahmedabad en route to Dasada at the gateway to the Little Rann of Kutch. Make timely diversions en route to some notable human achievements. First to the stone-carved stepwell at Adalaj and another, called the Rani Ki Vav in Patan. The journey stops into Siddhpur at havelis belongings to the town's Vohra Muslim community (aka Sunni Bohras). Enriching sights just get better at the 11th century Sun Temple in Modhera.

In Dasada, check into your eco-friendly resort, where dinner and relaxation awaits you.  

Overnight in Rann Riders, Little Rann of Kutch

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The magnificent east-facing Rani Ki Vav ('Queen’s Step Well') was constructed during the Solanki dynasty, between 1022 and 1063 AD. It is the oldest and the grandest stepwell in the state of Gujarat. The stepwell is decorated with many beautiful sculptures devoted to Vishnu in the forms of Dus-Avatars Kalki.

The 11th-century Sun Temple at Modhera is easily one of the finest examples of devotion in Western India. Built by King Bhimdev with the aid of donations from the people, the temple features a beautiful domed central portion designed so that sun light falls on a bejewelled statue of the Hindu Sun-God Surya, to whom the temple is dedicated.

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Day 4 : Dasada - Little Rann of Kutch - Dasada

Start the morning with a safari at the Little Rann of Kutch, home turf of the Asiatic wild ass. In this great salt marsh, chances are favourable of spotting an array of other hooved species, too, including the elegant blackbuck (Indian antelope), nilgai or blue bull (India’s largest antelope) and the graceful chinkara (Indian gazelle). The main carnivores of the Little Rann of Kutch are the endangered Indian wolf, desert fox, Indian fox, jackals, desert and jungle cats, and hyenas. Avian life in the region includes large birds, like flamingos, pelicans, cranes and storks.

Return to lodge for breakfast and rest. After lunch we go exploring pastoral settlements and rural villages along the Rann of Kutch. Communities to meet include the Vadiara and Kharapat Rabari, known for their fine embroidery work. Encounters also with the silk weavers of Dasada and the Bharward shepherds and Ambala goatherds.

Return to you hotel for dinner and an evening's relaxation. 

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.  

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 5 : Dasada - Bhuj

After breakfast leave for Bhuj. En-route stop by for up to 2 hrs at the Living and Learning Design Centre, part of the Craft Museum. Lunch can be arranged there. Continue on the road the Bhuj, making a smart detour at Ajrakhpur. This Gujarati village is locally famed for the beautiful art of block printing, using alluring patterns and colors - indigo, henna turmeric, pomegranate, iron mud - that epitomise the colours of India.

Overnight in Kutch Safari Resort , Bhuj

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Built in 1797, Pragmal Palace stands on the other side of the Aina Mahal. The building displays a strong British influence through the floral patterns on its tower and Corinthian pillars.
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Day 6 : Bhuj

We'll do our exploring locally today, staying within range of Bhuj and the resort. Start out at Aina Mahal, the 18th century Palace of Mirrors. Next to the resplendent mid-19th century Parag Mahal, designed by Henry Saint Wilkins in the Italian Gothic style for the Rao of Cutch, Pragmalji II.

Local sightseeing continues apace with a drop-in at Gujarat's thriving cottage industry, at a house specialising in the manufacturing of tie-dye textiles.

Return later in the afternoon to your resort. Dinner on-site. 

Overnight in Kutch Safari Resort , Bhuj

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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. 

The Aina Mahal, currently a museum, was built under Rao Lakhpatji. It now stands as a storehouse of the culture and history of Kutch. The building bears the mark of its architect, Ramsang Malam, who was influenced by the European style during his long stay in Holland.

Designed for the then Rao of Cutch by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins in the Italian Gothic style, team numbered Italian artisans and their wages were paid in gold coins. The result is a spectacular hybrid of architectural odds and ends. 

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Day 7 : Bhuj - Banni Villages - Bhuj

A day dedicated to the Banni villages, a collective of 40 settlements long excelling in textile handicrafts. First visit is to Nirona, chosen for its exquisite crafts of laquer work, bell-making, & the award-winning ancient art of 'rogan' painting. Moving on to Ludiya village and the Meghwal community. This village is an aesthetic delight. Meghwalis attain mastery of embroidery, as well as traditional crafts and furniture. A characterful village, Meghwal's dwellings are built from baked mud and mirrors.

Lunch at local Kutchi house and then witness embroidery work. Try delevoping an appreciation for kharek - embroidery traditionally practiced by the Sodha community. And Paako: embroidery done on a frame of wooden beams with decorative tikris and beads. End an edifying experience with a classic demonstration of quilt-making.

Return to resort for dinner and rest. 

Overnight in Kutch Safari Resort , Bhuj

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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 8 : Bhuj - Gondal

Breakfast nice and early before hitting the highway to the princely state of Gondal.

Check in to your heritage hotel on arrival. Settle in to its agreeable surroundings. In the evening, taste the past at the vintage car museum. These mechanical antiques offer a glimpse into an India now gone. See some truly beautiful and rare vehicles from an era of elegance.

Return to your hotel for dinner. 

Overnight in Orchard Palace, Gondal

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 9 : Gondal - Gir

Embark on an exciting excursion to Gujarat's great national park at Gir, stopping en route at the stunning mausoleum of Mahabat Maqbara at a place called Junagadh. Proceed to near the southern tip of Gujarat to this ecologically-vital location. What makes Gir truly stand apart is that it plays host to the rare and regal Asiatic lion, providing sanctuary for this endangered king of cats. Grasp this once-in-a-lifetime chance to see them in their natural habitat.

Later, arrive at your lodge. Drop your bags and revel in these wonderful natural surroundings. Dine in-house. 

Overnight in Gir Birding Lodge, Gir National Park

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

An entire day set aside for covering some of the 1,412 square kilometres of this massive wildlife sanctuary. Take both a morning and afternoon open-jeep safari on rough ground in the very real prospect of seeing the lions at close quarter, besides a whole host of other wild things.

Return by sundown to your wilderness lodge to feel the magic of India after dark. Dine in-house. 

Overnight in Gir Birding Lodge, Gir National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 11 : Gir - Palitana

Sunrise over the national park. Before moving on to the next chapter of the tour, bask in the beauty of Gir, on a game drive or a nature, birding or village walk.

Tuck into a hearty breakfast then we take the road to Palitana. Upon arrival there, check into your accommodation. For the rest of the day, get out there and explore this sublime place for yourself. This spectacular former royal palace, now firmly established as a heritage hotel, offers great views over Shetrunjaya hill and the historic Palitana temples.

Come and go as you please. Enjoy a a different kind of dinner experience in house. 

Overnight in Vijay Vilas Palace, Palitana

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Palitana is the most sacred pilgrimage centre for Jains, with more than 1300 temples carved in marble. No one is allowed to sleep there overnight, including the priest, because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods.

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Day 12 : Palitana

Rise early and let yourself be at the mercy of a quintessential India experience. Atop the Shatrunjaya Hills and crowned with 863 temples are the one-and-only Palitana temples. Seen to be believed, the stonework on this Jain spiritual complex alone is enough to attain nirvana. Rising from hills 2,000ft above sea level, the architectural refinement and sacred ambience of this temple complex is hard to overstate. Keeping the best till last, this ancient site has inspired awe among countless devotees and visitors alike for generations. Prepare to become the next in a long line.

Scaling 3500 steps from the town can make even the most ardent devotee weary, so you can commission a palanquin on direct payment basis if required. Spend a couple of hours struck dumb by the craft that has gone into each temple's detailed carving, beautiful idols, jewelled statues and intricate torans.

Return to your heritage hotel for dinner.

N.b. Photography at the Palitana temples is strictly prohibited.

Overnight in Vijay Vilas Palace, Palitana

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Vijay Vilas Palace was build in 1906 by Yuvraj Vijay Sinhji of Palitana, a member of the same Gohil Rajput clan as the Maharajahs of Bhavnagar. The palace was used as a country retreat, enjoying a splendid location in the hills with great views of the Shetrunjaya hills and the magnificent Palitana temples.
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Day 13 : Palitana - Ahmedabad

After breakfast, start the journey back to Ahmedabad. Check into hotel and rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in The Ummed, Ahmedabad

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 14 : Departure

After breakfast, check out and transfer to airport at the appropriate time for your return flight home.
If India's infinite charms beckon you more, we can suggest extensions in Mumbai, Delhi or other parts of India. 

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 (2 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*.

Visit hotel's site
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Kutch Safari Resort

Bhuj (3 nights)

On the outskirts of Bhuj in the Rann of Kutch Iies Kutch Safari Resort. An ideal home base for excursions into the deeper landscape of the white desert, Kutch Safari Resort is where you'll experience the unique lifestyle and beautiful traditional Banni Villages known for their handicrafts. Kutch Safari Resort transports you into a different home away from home. The resort is located 14 km from Bhuj on the White Rann road enroute Dhordo and Dholavira, by the Rudramata Dam. It has a serene view overlooking the large water body and a giving a chance to connect with nature.

Visit hotel's site
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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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Gir Birding Lodge

Gir National Park (2 nights)

The Gir Birding Lodge stands as a testament to transformation. Once barren, the land now flourishes with Kesar Mango orchards and other shade-giving trees, attracting a rich variety of birds to the property. This means your birdwatching experience begins before you even step outside. Bordering the Gir National Park, the lodge spans 22 acres, offering an ideal base for exploring the majestic forests. Its prime location gives guests a unique advantage when it comes to spotting Gir Lions and other wildlife. Whether you're keen to explore the Maldhari areas on nature walks, embark on a safari through the Gir Forests, or find the best spots for birdwatching and photography, the lodge's experienced naturalists are ready to guide you on birding walks, hide photography, or herpetology excursions.

Visit hotel's site
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Vijay Vilas Palace

Palitana (2 nights)

The Vijay Vilas Palace resort is situated inside a vast area of 700 Acres, blessed with the most beautiful, serene white sand and among the largest private beach in India. We offer you a holiday of a lifetime – inviting beach benches/umbrellas, Machhan, Snooker table, self-contained comfortable rooms, two restaurants (adjoining resort & at the private beach), barbeque nights, bonfire, just about everything you could dream of on a holiday.
The Resort provides the most spacious Heritage Room and Heritage Villas for the guest’s comfort. Our Heritage Rooms are around 100 years old but well decorated with keeping the modern taste in mind, it fulfills the requirement and needs of the guest who stays here for a day or month. The beauty of nature and simplicity of the resort will make you feel homely.
Our resort has 6 Heritage Rooms and 14 Heritage Villa with all modern facilities.

Visit hotel's site
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The Ummed

Ahmedabad (1 night)

The Ummed Ahmedabad, Gujarat's first 5-star luxury hotel, is situated just 2 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Designed to highlight elegant Indian aesthetics with modern touches, this urban retreat provides a convenient stay for visitors to Ahmedabad. Every corner of The Ummed is adorned with exquisite artwork, original teak wood furnishings, and gleaming green marble. The spacious windows in the cosy rooms and suites offer stunning views of beautifully manicured gardens or the enticing outdoor swimming pool.

Visit hotel's site
Extensions

Himalayan Extension: Ladakh to Kashmir (5 days)

Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway

Nubra Valley Extension (5 days)

Remote villages & jaw-dropping scenery

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

City Extensions (1-4 days)

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

On The Tiger Trail (9 days)

On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha

Wildlife of Tadoba & Pench (9 days)

A real life Jungle Book.

Hill Stations & Mountains

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

Treks & Walks (1-12 days)

Himalayan treks, village walks and more

Beaches (1-7 days)

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

Kolkata & Darjeeling Snapshot (7 days)

Ideal extension to Bhutan

Highlights of the Subcontinent (22 days)

Discover iconic sights of India, Nepal & Bhutan

Assam & Arunachal Explorer (20 days)

Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife

Journey through the Indian Himalayas (20 days)

Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh

Classic Bhutan & Assam Cruise (18 days)

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

Textile Tour of India (16 days)

Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival

Glimpse of India & Nepal (16 days)

Golden Triangle and the Himalayas

Himalayan Silk Road & Tak Tok Festival (16 days)

Travel India's forgotten Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh

Taste of South India (15 days)

Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India

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

Hidden Treasures of Western India (15 days)

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

Journey Through Rajasthan (15 days)

Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages

Big Six of India (15 days)

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

Culture & Wildlife of Rajasthan (14 days)

Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan

Kerala Calling (14 days)

Charming towns, spice plantations & idyllic backwaters

Best of Assam & Meghalaya (14 days)

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

Snow Leopards & Bears of the Himalayas (14 days)

Track the rarest animals in remote Ladakh

Treasures of Tamil Nadu (14 days)

Towering temples, colonial towns & hill stations

Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival (14 days)

Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland

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

Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures

Taj, Tigers & Temples (14 days)

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

Spirit of South India (14 days)

Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala

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

Hampi and Beyond (14 days)

Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms

Wildlife of North East India (14 days)

Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans

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

Best of Bengal & Sikkim (14 days)

Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism

Tribes & Temples of Eastern India (14 days)

Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh

Kerala & Karnataka Explorer (14 days)

Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns

Hidden Rajasthan (13 days)

Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife

Big Cats of India (13 days)

Track India's tigers, leopards & lions

Kerala - Trekking the Western Ghats (13 days)

Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot

Gujarat's Tribes & Wildlife (13 days)

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages

The Himalayan Silk Road with Sophie Ibbotson (13 days)

Expert-led trip through Kashmir and Ladakh

Mini Kumbh Mela Festival (13 days)

Experience the Magh Kumbh Mela in Allahabad

Glimpse of India (12 days)

Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala

Markha Valley Trek (12 days)

Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys

High Indus Valley of Ladakh (12 days)

Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh

Tigers & Bears of Central India (11 days)

Wild at Heart in India

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

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

I have been on 3 tailor made trips with Travel The Unknown and have found them to be knowledgeable and reliable. We`ve stayed in some wonderful places and have had some unusual and satisfying experiences that go beyond the standard tours.

Joan Edmunds (USA) , Tailormade India

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

Wow, India is incredible and Travel The Unknown put together a trip that really showed the diverse nature of the country and cultures, from the busy capital Delhi to the splendour of the Taj Mahal and then off the main tourist trek with an overnight sleeper train to Varanasi on the Ganges, the Hindu religious capital with bathing , washing and cremations alongside the river - an astonishing experience. We then moved to the forgotten North East corner where there is a tribal culture in an area seemingly cut off from the rest of India. Our destination was the Living Root Bridges which are unique and remote. Just want to go back to India for more...

Ken Sankey , Living Bridges of Meghalaya, India

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

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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