Day 1: Arrive in Bhuj

Arrive Bhuj and transfer to your hotel. The historic city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar, a hill,overlooking the present day Bhuj town. Bhuj is a typical example of a desert town located between two geographical features - Bhujiyo Dungar on the east & Hamirsar Lake on the west. Bhuj, the major town of Kutch, is an old city established in 1510. With its surrounding wall, the atmospheric bazaar area, crenelated gateways, old palaces and striking temples the town still retains a medieval character. Every Feb/Mar it hosts the annual Rann Utsav festival. Overnight stay in Bhuj.

Day 2: Bhuj - Visit Ajrakhpur and Bhujodi

After breakfast visit the Banni Villages. Visit Ajrakhpur and Bhujodi. The artisans of Ajrakhpur specialize in Ajrakh – a Block Printed cotton cloth used tradi-tionally by local herdsmen with natural dies. Its geometrical and nonfigurative motifs of-ten mirror those appearing in Islamic – influenced Indian architecture.Later stop at Bhujodi – a village skilled in traditional Bandhani (tie & dye), block printing and weaving. Here you can view live demonstrations and buy anything from shawls to blankets from the artisans directly. Bhujodi is also a centre for Piltoom weaving, Mewada Embroidery & Wood Carving. Nearby is the Hiralakshmi Crafts Park – a nonprofit under-taking by the Ashapura Group of Companies that works with artisans throughout Kutch to show their skills and retail their crafts. Not far from Bhujodi is Shrujan, a non-profit working to complement rural women's in-come through the enhancement and marketing of their embroidery products. Shrujan has a store, design centre, manufacturing unit and an impressive collection of embroideries on site. One can also tour the campus which utilizes traditional and environmentally sensitive architecture. Types of Embroideries: Aahir Embroidery, Soof Embroidery, Chakan Embroidery, Jat Fakira Embroidery, Jat Garasiya Embroidery, Kambiro & Khudi Embroi-dery, Katri Embroidery, Kharek Embroidery, Mukko Embroidery, Neran Embroidery, Pakko Embroidery, Rabari Embroidery. Overnight stay in Bhuj.

Day 3: Bhuj - Rann of Kutch

Today after breakfast visit local villages in Bhuj. Amidst the Desert land of infinite dimensions, are suspended, quaint little villages. These are the last villages on the India-Pakistan border. Here you will come across master craft people' exposing their traditional art, turning our master pieces every day. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they use - will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum leaving you spellbound. During Rann utsav we will enjoy visit to Rann. The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat, India. It is about 7500 km² in area and is reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world. Nearly 32 cultural troupes from various districts of Gujarat will participate in the Dance and Musical
Carnival. Overnight stay in Bhuj.

Day 4: Bhuj - Excursion to Mandvi

After breakfast proceed for day excursion to Mandvi. Mandvi is located on the banks of the Rukmavati River, barely one km from the Arabian Sea at the Gulf of Kutch. The town has a very pleasant climate throughout the year, and it was a summer retreat of the Kutch Maharaos. The centre of attraction at Mandvi is the Vijay Vilas Palace, a royal abode set in the middle of well-laid gardens with water channels and marble fountains. The architect and craftsmen from Jaipur designed and constructed the palace in 1920 AD. The palace has all the elements of Rajput architecture and draws largely on the plan of palaces of Orchha and Datia. The central high dome on the pillars, the Bengal domes on sides, the windows with colored glass, carved stone Jaalis, domed bastions at the corners, extended porch and other exquisitely stone carved elements, make the palace worth visiting. It owns a private beach, maintained in an eco-friendly manner to preserve its pristine beauty. It is an example of the traditional skill of craftsmen of early 20th century. Visit Ship building yard. On the banks of the Rukmavati River, just south of the bridge, you can visit the still-active shipbuilding yard. Craftsmen still assemble ships out of wood, for local or international guests, and you can feel free to watch them work. It gives us an opportunity to watch handmade ship being built which will make one truly appreciate craftsmanship. The process is long and elaborate and shoddy workmanship means risking sailors' lives. Later drive back to Bhuj. Overnight stay in Bhuj.

Day 5: Bhuj - Departure

After breakfast it’s time to check out. Transfer to airport/railway station for your onward flight or back home.