Ahmedabad – Jambughoda – Chhota Udepur – Champaner – Vadodara – Ekta Nagar – Saputara – Ahmedabad / Surat
Step off the usual Gujarat circuit into the state’s tribal heartland. Spend time in the forest villages of Jambughoda and Chhota Udepur with the Rathwa, Nayak and Bhil communities, see sacred Pithora wall paintings and a weekly tribal haat, then add heritage at Champaner-Pavagadh, the Statue of Unity in the Narmada Valley and the very different tribal culture of the Dang forests around Saputara.
Arrive at Ahmedabad airport and drive towards Vadodara and the Jambughoda forest region, depending on your overnight location. If time permits, visit Vadodara’s heritage attractions on the way. Check in at a heritage resort or homestay and spend the evening at leisure.
The first major tribal experience of the tour. Take a morning walk or drive through the tribal villages around Jambughoda and meet the local Rathwa and Bhil communities with a responsible local guide. Observe traditional houses, farming and village life, and learn about local food, handicrafts and customs.
Visit a village where traditional Pithora paintings may be seen. In the evening, enjoy a tribal cultural programme, if arranged locally. Overnight stay in Jambughoda.
After breakfast, drive to Chhota Udepur and visit the tribal villages in the surrounding region. Meet the Rathwa and Nayak communities with a local guide and visit traditional homes where Pithora paintings are present, learning the meaning behind the horses, animals and symbolic figures.
Visit the Tribal Museum and explore traditional pottery, bamboo work and handicrafts. If the day coincides with a weekly tribal haat, visit the market. Overnight stay in Chhota Udepur or Jambughoda.
A day that combines tribal culture with heritage. Leave Chhota Udepur in the morning and visit Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, exploring the Champaner monuments, Jama Masjid, historic stepwells, Pavagadh Hill and the Kalika Mata Temple. Continue to Vadodara and spend the evening free for local sightseeing. Overnight stay in Vadodara.
Drive to Ekta Nagar and visit the Statue of Unity complex, then explore the Narmada Valley. Depending on available time, enjoy the Valley of Flowers, a jungle safari, the Narmada riverfront and local tribal and cultural attractions. Overnight stay near Ekta Nagar.
Drive south towards the Dang region on a scenic journey through forested Eastern Ghats and Sahyadri landscapes. Visit tribal villages where locally arranged and learn about the lifestyle of the Gamit, Bhil, Kunbi and other communities of the region. Continue to Saputara and spend the evening at Saputara Lake or the view point. Overnight stay in Saputara.
A full day exploring the surrounding tribal region. Visit villages and local craft areas, see traditional houses and rural life, explore local markets if operating that day and visit a handicraft centre. Optional nature excursion. In the evening, enjoy a cultural programme, subject to local arrangements. Overnight stay in Saputara.
Depending on your flight, choose the departure point that suits you. The tour ends after the transfer.