Depart on your overnight flight to Ahmedabad
Go beyond the usual India routes on this 17-day adventure through Gujarat, a region where ancient civilisations, wildlife sanctuaries and traditional crafts still thrive.
From the heritage streets of Ahmedabad to the stark beauty of the Rann of Kutch, this itinerary blends history, wildlife and cultural immersion. You’ll meet master artisans in Bhuj, witness blackbuck deer leaping through the grasslands of Velavadar, and step back in time at World Heritage sites like Patan and Modhera.
Gujarat In Depth
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
Day 1
Your adventure begins in Ahmedabad
Days 2 - 3
Ahmedabad
Arrive in Ahmedabad, the cultural capital of Gujarat, where the echoes of Mahatma Gandhi’s life resonate at the Sabarmati Ashram. Explore historic sites like the intricately carved Adalaj Stepwell and delve into local heritage on a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage city.
Day 4
Lothal
Depart from Ahmedabad bound for Velavadar; en route, visit Lothal, a fascinating archaeological site from the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Explore archaeological finds; excavations have discovered the world’s oldest known artificial dockyard, and many artefacts are showcased at the Lothal Museum. Continue to Velavadar for the evening.
Day 7
The Blackbuck National Park
Spend two days here to explore the sanctuary of the endangered blackbuck antelope. Venture on morning and evening safaris to witness these elegant creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll have plenty of time to fully immerse yourself in the serene surroundings and wildlife encounters.
Days 7 - 8
Sasan Gir
Travel to Sasan Gir, the last remaining natural habitat of the Asiatic lion. Explore Gir National Park on an exciting safari, visiting the Gir Interpretation Zone and the Kamleshwar Dam. Allow an extra day for an extended wildlife experience.
Days 9 - 10
Junagadh and Gondal
Drive to Junagadh, exploring the historic Uparkot Fort, believed to have been built in 319BC and ancient Mahabat Maqbara – one of Gujrat’s greatest examples of Euro-Indo-Islamic architecture!
Proceed to Gondal, a town steeped in royal history. In Gondal, there is time to explore the nuances of the area’s history, art, and architecture as you take in sites such as the Riverside Palace and the Vintage Car Museum.
Day 11
Muli
Drive to Muli – historical, artistic, adventurous, cultural, rejuvenating, festive, and romantic! Muli is the only erstwhile princely state in the area. Visit the restored ancestral palace, Ambika Nivas Palace, for a fascinating heritage experience.
After lunch, visit Somasar village to witness IKAT weaving and later explore the famous Swaminarayan Temple adorned with beautiful wooden carvings. Attend the evening AARTI, a spiritual experience in the intimate yet comfortable ambience of Ambika Nivas Palace.
Days 12 - 14
Bhuj
Head to Bhuj, known for its impressive palaces and the many arts and crafts that are being preserved in the surrounding villages.
There is plenty of time to explore the area’s villages, visiting local artisans, workshops, and markets; immerse yourself in their vibrant cultures and witness the intricate skills of the traditional craftsmen.
Days 15 - 16
Little Rann of Kutch
Journey to the Little Rann of Kutch, a surreal landscape and salt marsh habitat with an expanse of wildlife.
Go on safaris to explore the expanse of the Rann. Keep your eyes peeled for the graceful Indian wild ass and various bird species, from flamingos to cranes to pelicans and more.
Allow an extra day to see how the pastoral communities have adapted to life in this challenging environment; you’ll learn about their customs and see how they work.
Day 17
Modhera and Patan
On the journey back to Ahmedabad, visit the historic Sun Temple in Modhera, a wonderful example of ancient Indian architecture. There is also time to explore the Rani Ki Vav stepwell in Patan, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Arrive back in Ahmedabad for a final night, reflecting on your incredible 17-day journey through Gujarat. Depart with memories of cultural heritage, wildlife encounters, and scenic landscapes.
Day 18
Fly home
Depart India for your flight back.
Immersive India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. Meeting people from all walks of life and trying different foods. A well-thought-out tour offering a range of environments all backed up by fabulous hotels and supportive team.
Charles
24 October 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
“Gujarat offers a completely different side to India. You’ll see UNESCO cities, unique wildlife and traditional crafts that are still alive in the villages.”
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
Gujarat, India
Aramness Safari Lodge
Set on the edge of Gir National Park, Aramness Safari Lodge is a world-class wildlife retreat offering luxury in the heart of Gujarat’s teak forests. Surrounded by lions, leopards, and over 300 species of birds, the lodge provides an extraordinary window into one of India’s richest ecosystems
Highlights
Highlights
Teak forest setting,
Private plunge pools
Best for
Families,
Couples,
Gallery
Gujarat, India
Blackbuck Lodge
Set on the edge of Gujarat’s Blackbuck National Park, Blackbuck Lodge brings African-style safari luxury to India’s grasslands. Surrounded by wildlife and crafted with conservation in mind, it’s a peaceful and immersive retreat for travellers seeking nature without sacrificing comfort. With carefully designed cottages, thoughtful eco measures and early-morning safaris, it’s one of the best ways to experience the region’s rare and striking wildlife.
Highlights
Highlights
Rare wildlife sightings,
Peaceful grassland setting,
Best for
Couples,
Nature Enthusiasts,
Photographers
Gallery
Gujarat, India
The House of MG
Once the private residence of a textile magnate, The House of MG is a beautifully restored heritage mansion in the heart of Ahmedabad. Today, it blends opulent colonial-era architecture with modern comforts like a pool, spa, and excellent dining, all within easy reach of the city’s highlights.
Highlights
Highlights
Textile heritage,
Colonial charm,
Indoor pool and spa
Best for
Families,
Couples,
Heritage Enthusiasts
Gallery
Gujarat, India
Rann Riders Resort
Set on the edge of the Little Rann of Kutch, Rann Riders Resort is a rustic but welcoming base for exploring one of Gujarat’s most unique landscapes. Blending local craftsmanship with ecological design, the resort has a distinct village aesthetic and a focus on showcasing the region’s wildlife, wilderness and traditional culture.
Highlights
Highlights
Wildlife safaris,
Traditional-style cottages,
Rural desert setting
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Birdwatchers
Gallery
Gujarat, India
The Bhuj House
Set in the heart of Bhuj, The Bhuj House is a restored heritage haveli offering a rare chance to experience traditional Kutchi culture in a warm and personal setting. With just four rooms arranged around a leafy courtyard, this historic home feels both intimate and atmospheric, a quiet escape from the bustle of the town outside.
Highlights
Highlights
Intimate courtyard setting
Best for
Families,
Groups,
Culture Seekers
Gallery
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in India
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Gujarat, India
Gir Wildlife Safari
Set off on a captivating safari into the Gir National Park, a sanctuary that has evolved into the last bastion for the endangered Asiatic lion since its establishment in 1965. The heart of the park, a 259-sq-km core area declared a national park in 1975, serves as a haven for these majestic creatures and has a remarkable success story of lion conservation – numbers surged from less than 200 in the late 1960s to an impressive 674 in the 2020 census.
The park’s dense forests and rolling hills create a picturesque backdrop for an immersive safari experience. Traverse the undisturbed landscapes, keeping watch for the revered Asiatic lions and a diverse range of wildlife, including chital deer, four-horned antelopes, gazelles, crocodiles, and the elusive leopard. The park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts with over 300 species of endemic and migratory birds.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.