The Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat, was constructed by the Gaekwad family, a prominent Maratha family, who ruled the Baroda State. Major Charles Mant was credited to be the main architect of the palace.
Inaugurated in the year 1955, the complex of Gandhi Smriti, also known as the Gandhi memorial, is located in the central area of Bhavnagar, and lies just opposite to a clock tower. The museum was inaugurated in the year 1955, and currently showcases books, rare photos and memorabilia linked to the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, popularly known as Sidi Saiyyid ni Jali locally, built in 1572-73 AD is one of the most famous mosques of Ahmedabad. The mosque is entirely arcuated and is known for its ten intricately carved stone lattice work windows (jalis) on the side and rear arches.
Mahabat Maqbara was a mausoleum of Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai, this place was once home to the Muslim rulers, the Nawabs of Junagadh. It was built by Nawab Mahabat Khan II of Junagadh (1851–82). The monument’s a seemingly perplexing mixture of Indo-Islamic, European, and Gothic architecture.
This masjid near the royal palace, very large and imposing, was for the exclusive use of the Sultans. It has five mehrabs. At the front, the entrance has an arched doorway with a large dome, with smaller domes at the four sides and minarets on either side embellished with a projection which is inclined chhajja. The other two openings flanking the central doorway are embellished with jharokhas.
Patola is a holy silk cloth. It is believed that by wearing Patola containing religious and miraculous powers. It was this quality which made the people of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia value the Patola above all treasures. (Double Ikat) Patola from the area of Patan glorifies this heritage with its unique gem like qualities, gorgeous colors, designing and durability.
On the fourth tonk which is the highest point in Gujarat lies the shrine of Gorkhnath who is revered highly in the nath sampradaya of hinduism, a 'dhuni' lightened by him also lies in the vicinity. Also his footprints lie there.
There are Dioramas of tribes like Rathwa, Bhil, Nayak, Tadvi, etc. Tribal objects, weapons, ornaments, agriculture tools, clay wares, costumes, wooden images, etc. are on display. There are nearly 861 exhibits in this museum.
Nageshvara is one of the temples mentioned in the Shiva Purana and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. There is a giant statue of Lord Shiva in the temple complex.
Commissioned by Maharaja Takhatsinhji in 1893 AD, Takhteshwar temple is one of the oldest temples in Gujarat. Takhteshwar temple is perched on a hillock boasts finest Gujarat style of architecture, making it one of the most appealing temples in Bhavnagar. Supported on 18 ornately carved pillars, the temple has a beautiful main hall, featuring a three-eyed Lord Shiva idol.
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur is the first Temple of the Swaminarayan Sampraday sect. As per the will of Swaminarayan, the administration of the Swaminarayan Sampraday is divided into two Gadis (seats) - NarNarayan Dev Gadi and LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi.
Taj, Tigers, Leopards, Lions of India - The World"s Greatest Land of Big Cats View the rich birdlife of India at the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur. Meet the Royal Bengal Tigers at Ranthambore National Park and the Spotted Leopards at Jawai, with these Big Cats roaming the semi-arid desert lands of Rajasthan. Combining this with a visit to the ancient capital of India - Delhi, the Wonder of the World - The Taj Mahal, The great Palaces and Citadels of Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Gujarat is the state of elegance and colours and Ahmedabad as its capital is a hub of colours and aristocracy. The markets here are a mixture of culture and modernity. Ahmedabad is known as the 'Manchester of India' due to a huge number of cloth mills present here.
While Handicrafts from Gujarat are exported to far off places all across the world, you can buy it all from Kapasi Handicraft Emporium. They include pottery and handicrafts made out of brass and rare metal work, wall hangings, vases, marble art pieces and more.
Next visit the beautiful Kutch Village of Bhirandiyara, a cluster of about 20 houses and every member of the village is an artisan in some way. The town is most famous for its fresh MAAVO, milk reduced to a thick fudge-like consistency & sweetened with sugar. The local meghwal community is known for its fine embroidery & colourful mud bhungas which is major tourist attraction.
Visit some local markets in Bhuj. The craftsmen in and around Bhuj have good hands on Khadi work, block print, tie and dye, colourful thread work and embroidery work. Also the handloom products of Bhuj are famous all over because of its finished intricate mirror work and brilliant colour combinations.
Ludiya village inhabited by the Meghwal Community, flaunts beautifully painted circular huts organized around the temple. Between the vibrant Kanjari Blouse of the women & the men hunched over the various corners carving wood. The village is an aesthetic delight.
Visit the Calico museum of textile – the premier textile museum of the country. Its outstanding collection of Indian fabrics exemplifies handicraft textiles spanning five centuries and attracts large numbers of visitors from the general public, as well as increasing numbers of Indian and international research scholars.
Located about 50 and 20 Km to Bhuj are the villages of Dhamadka and Dhaneti where you can see traditional ajrakh block printing using natural dyes and the traditional embroidery work of the Ahir community in Dhaneti.
Less than 100 km away from Bhuj, this sanctuary is spread over an area of about 7505.22 sq. km. in the Kutch District of Gujarat. This wildlife sanctuary is considered as one of the largest seasonal saline wetland areas.
A Batik creation involves 3 basic steps – waxing, dyeing, and scraping (removing). Local legends share stories of the Batik practice of block printing being carried to Kachchh during the time of the Ramayana by seasoned, master craftsmen.
A major center of the Ajrakh block-printing technique. Ajrak is the name of a block printed cloth with deep crimson red and indigo blue background, bearing symmetrical patterns with interspersed unprinted sparkling white motifs. The highly valued Ajrak has also been made in Kutch for the Maldharis or cattle herders’ communities since the time Khatris migrated from Sindh in the 16th century.
Exploring the old temple of Lord Ram and Jain temples. The people live in clusters and have narrow alleys and streets. Some of the houses still have heritage touch on the facades, one can also see harmony in different communities of Hindu’s, Jain’s and Muslim’s. At every corner you can see Tea stalls where people are gathered and doing chit chats. The atmosphere is very lively.
Jetpur is a textile town and one of the largest centers for screen-printing, block printing and yarn dyeing workshops in the country. It is famous for cotton saree industry. Jetpur is a pleasure for textile enthusiasts who can visit and experience the process of printing and dyeing. Here dye work is done in bulk by screen printing.
Here we can see women working on spinning and making thread spinning for looms, quite interesting to see and post that you enter in shop filled with stuff like cloth, home stuff, slippers , bags etc.
Mata-ni-Pachedi is a traditional art of painting the image of goddesses on a piece of cloth found in the temple which is of a multicolored animated images of gods and goddesses, devotees, followers, flora and fauna with a narrative story.
Pethapur village in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is a hub of wood block makers, who supply customized blocks to the centres of block printing. Wooden block making has been a popular profession among the inhabitants of Pethapur for about 300 years.
Sumrasar is a weaving village and specializing in Suf, Rabari and Garasia Jat embroidery. Visit the home of local weaver and learn about this art. We will also have an opportunity to visit the local school and interact with the friendly school kids. The village set up is very interesting to observe the daily village life.
The unique art form of Tangalia with its dotted splendor is practiced by the Dangasia Community in Bajana. Dangasia is the only community having the knowledge of this weaving technique. Women of Bharwad community are often seen wearing dotted wrapped skirts of Tangalia weaving.
Bandhani is an expression used in Gujarat for textiles where different designs are produced by tying individual parts of the fabric before dying. The Gujrati word‘ Bandhavun’ is derived from the Sanskrit word for tying ‘Bandhan’. The people engaged in producing designs on fabric as a result of tie-dying technique are known as ‘Bandhej’.
