Kutch Dholavira Wildlife Tour

On arrival in Bhuj (airport/train), meet our representative/driver and transfer to the hotel. Spend the morning in Bhujodi village (a 30-minute drive): a centuries-old weaving hamlet where Rabari artisans produce Ajrakh and Bandhani textiles. In the afternoon, explore Bhuj’s royal heritage. Visit Aina Mahal (Mirror Palace) – an 18th‑century palace of Rao Lakhpatji, famous for its glass-studded hall – and next door Prag Mahal, an Italian-Gothic “stone palace” built in the 1860s. Also see the Kutch Museum (in gothic architecture by Hamirsar Lake), the oldest museum in Gujarat. Proceed toward your hotel for an overnight stay.

Experiences:

Food: Try local snacks at local eateries & restaurants like Green Rock  (farsan snacks like pyaaz kachori, samosa) and a traditional Kutch-style dinner in Bhuj. Try bajra roti, bhat (millet khichdi), or garlic-eggplant curry (lehsuni aloo), accompanied by buttermilk or chaas. Must try Kutchi specialties like undhiyu (mixed-vegetable casserole) and sukhadi (jaggery fudge).

Shopping:

• Bhuj’s famous local market areas have handicrafts (Bandhani, mirror-work, silver jewelry). Bhujodi village artisans sell handloom shawls and blankets. Bhujodi’s Rabari artisans produce Ajrakh and Bandhani textiles.
• You can visit family-run workshops to see looms in action and shop for kutchi shawls, stoles, blankets, and tapestries.
• Visit famous Bhoomi Handicrafts and Khamir to shop for various beautiful artifacts.

Activities:

• Visit Bhujodi Village and explore traditional heritage, textiles, and artwork.
• Visit Aina Mahal & Prag Mahal.
• Visit the Kutch Museum.
• By sunset, stroll around Hamirsar Lake.
• Evening walk through Darbargadh market or visit a local Agariya Aangan folk music program if available.

After an early breakfast, depart Bhuj by road for Dhordo. On arrival, check in to a tented resort or Rann Tent City. After wash and changing, embark on the Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) excursion, Kutch’s highest point (462 m). Climb the hill for panoramic views over the endless salt flats. At the summit stands a 400-year-old Dattatreya Temple. You may also experience the nearby “magnetic hill” effect, where vehicles seem to roll uphill (an optical illusion due to the terrain). Later return before sunset. The sun sinking over the vast Great Rann of Kutch creates an otherworldly orange glow – a must-see spectacle. Enjoy a camel cart ride on the firm white salt flats and listen to local Manganiyar folk music as you wait for dusk. Overnight stay.

Experiences:

Food: Have a local meal, Dal, Rotla, Curries. Dinner at the camp – usually a rustic Gujarati thali. Try local breads (rotla), lentil curries, and chhas (spiced buttermilk) to cool down. Enjoy a traditional Kutch-styled meal around a bonfire.

Shopping:

• Tent City shops sell bandhani sarees, ajrakh prints, embroidered quilts, and silver jewelry.
• Look for mud-craft décor (pots, key chains) made by local artisans.

Activities:

• Visit Kutch’s highest point, Kalo Dungar, for panoramic views over the endless salt flats.
• Pay your homage at the 400-year-old Dattatreya Temple.
• Experience the nearby “magnetic hill” effect, where vehicles seem to roll uphill (an optical illusion due to the terrain).
• Experience the vast Great Ran of Kutch, which creates an otherworldly orange glow.
• Enjoy a camel cart ride on the firm white salt flats and listen to local Manganiyar folk music.

After witnessing sunrise back on the White Rann (the dazzling white ground turns golden). Post breakfast, proceed on your journey to visit Dholavira, a UNESCO-listed Harappan city — large fortifications, the unusual water reservoir system, planned streets, and the ASI museum with artifacts. The ASI museum is typically open 08:00–18:00; site visiting hours vary a bit by season (check ASI/Gujarat tourism updates). After witnessing the changing colours of the salt desert en route, while proceeding back to Dhordo for an overnight stay.

Experiences:

Food:

• Kutch Thali (Bajra rotla, garlic chutney, khichdi, kadhi).
• Sev Tamatar, Gujarati Kadhi, and Buttermilk.
• Local tea at roadside stalls near Dholavira Museum.

Shopping:

Dholavira Handicraft Village Market: Small local stalls selling beadwork, embroidered textiles, wooden carvings, and mirror-work souvenirs.

Activities:

• Visit the 4500-year-old Harappan city on Khadir Bet island is the 5th largest Indus Valley settlement.
• Take a guided site tour of the Citadel & Midtown, Reservoirs & Stepwells, Ceremonial ground, ASI Museum.
• Sunset/Sunrise photography.
• Watch for flamingos and wild asses on the Rann (especially in winter).
• Experience the vast Great Ran of Kutch, which creates an otherworldly orange glow.
• Enjoy a camel cart ride on the firm white salt flats and listen to local Manganiyar folk music.

After breakfast, start a scenic drive from Dhordo to Dasada, a gateway to the Little Rann of Kutch. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and rest. After rest, prepare for an adventurous afternoon with a Jeep Safari at the Wild Ass Sanctuary, home to the endangered Indian Wild Ass and a variety of migratory birds. Post safari, head to the vast salt desert for breathtaking sunset photography, capturing the surreal landscape of white salt flats under the golden hues. (Breakfast & Dinner Included)

Experiences:

Food: Little Rann of Kutch offers earthy and authentic desert flavors:

• Bajra Rotla with Ghee & Garlic Chutney – rustic millet flatbreads with rich ghee, perfect for a hearty start.
• Khichu & Buttermilk – light, comforting, and locally made, reflecting the region’s simple culinary traditions.
• Traditional Sweets – sample local sweet treats that balance the savory flavors of the day.

Special Experiences:

• Campfire Dinner: Enjoy local dishes on the salt flats with folk music.
• Safari Snacks: Roasted nuts, dry fruits, and sweets while watching wildlife.
• Local Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, regional spices, and traditional sweets like laddus or Ghari made by local families.

Shopping: Discover local handicrafts and souvenirs at small shops or resort stalls:

• Kutch Embroidery: Wall hangings, cushion covers, and handbags with mirror work.
• Leather Goods: Wallets, bags, and belts made locally.
• Salt & Spices: Natural salt from the Rann and regional spices.
• Eco-friendly Décor: Mats, baskets, and decorative items from jute and palm fibers.

Activities:

• Watch for flamingos and the Wild Ass sanctuary.
• Bird Watching: See flamingos, cranes, and other migratory birds.
• Photography: Capture the salt desert and wildlife.
• Nature Walks: Explore the salt flats on foot with a guide.
• Cultural Interaction: Learn about Kutchhi traditions and crafts.
• Campfire & Stargazing: Enjoy stories and the clear desert sky at night.

Evening Walk Trail:

Resort - Salt Flats - Observation Deck - Campfire Area.

Start at your resort and stroll across the white salt plains to the observation deck. Pause for photos and enjoy the sunset reflecting on the salt. End at the campfire area for relaxation, snacks, and storytelling under the stars.

Morning start your day with a scenic drive from Dasada to Sayla, a quaint town known for its royal heritage and serene landscapes. Upon arrival, explore the Sayla Palace, an architectural marvel reflecting the rich culture and history of the region. Next, visit the tranquil Sayla Lake, a perfect spot for relaxation and photography, surrounded by lush greenery and occasional migratory birds. In the evening, enjoy birdwatching at the Wetland, where local and migratory birds create a vibrant natural spectacle.

Experiences:

Food:

• Kathiawadi Cuisine - Lasaniya Bataka, Sev Tameta, Bajra Rotlo, Garlic Chutney at Hotel Avadh Kathiyawadi, Sayla Palace Kitchen.
• Sweets & Snacks - Sukhdi, Gathiya, Fafda, Jalebi at Rajwadi Sweet Mart, Sayla Namkeen House.

Shopping:

• Sayla Hand Embroidery- Traditional handmade embroidery & beadwork.
• Bandhani & Handloom Fabrics - Bright tie-dye prints and shawls.
• Local Homemade Products- Pickles, papad, masalas, sweets.

Activities: Enjoy photography at Sayla Lake, birdwatching at the wetland, and a relaxed walk around the palace gardens. Nature lovers can explore small village trails nearby for a glimpse of rural life.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Sayla. “In the morning, you may visit the Swaminarayan Temple (32 Avtaar Mandir) or Jubilee Garden for a quick stroll”. By late morning, depart from Rajkot for Sasan Gir. The drive winds through rural villages and the Gir Region hills. Reach Sasan Gir in the afternoon. Check in to your wildlife lodge or resort. Use the evening to relax or visit the Devalia Interpretation Zone (an enclosed wildlife area). Overnight stay.

Experiences:

Food:

• Lunch: Daksh Resort & Restaurant – Traditional Kathiyawadi thali with Bajra Rotla & Makhan, Sev Tamatar Sabzi, Lasaniya Bataka, Khichdi–Kadhi, and Buttermilk.
• Dinner: Lions Restaurant (near Sasan Market) – Paneer Butter Masala, Veg Handi, Dal Fry with Jeera Rice, Bharela Bhinda, Tandoori Roti, and desserts like Gulab Jamun or Basundi.
• Snacks & Evening Treats: Gir Chowk stalls – Fafda–Jalebi, Dabeli, Bhakhri with Chutney, Lassi, and Sugarcane Juice for a taste of local street flavors.

Shopping:

• Tribal Jewellery: Beaded necklaces, earrings, and bangles made by local Maldhari women.
• Wooden Animal Carvings: Handcrafted lion, peacock, and elephant figurines symbolizing Gir’s wildlife heritage.
• Local Honey: Sourced from the Gir forest area, known for its purity and medicinal qualities.
• Aamras/Mango Pulp: Made by Kesar Mangoes and preserved.

Activities:

• Visit the Swaminarayan Temple (32 Avtaar Mandir) or Jubilee Garden.
• Enjoy a nature walk around the lodge.
• Visit Devaiia Interpretation Zone.
• Some resorts offer village visits to meet the Maldhari tribal community.

Early morning breakfast and begin before dawn for a Gir jungle safari (6:00–9:00 AM slot is most popular). The park is home to ~500 Asiatic lions and many other species. In the cool morning light, you may spot lion prides, panthers, sloth bears, spotted deer, nilgai, and colorful birds. After the 3-hour safari, return to the resort. In the late afternoon, you can opt for a second safari (4:00–7:00 PM) to catch lions at dusk. Later, you can proceed to an evening drive to Kamleshwar Dam if not done already, or simply enjoy the sunset from the lodge with a bonfire. Dinner and overnight stay.

Experiences:

Food: All meals at the resort. Jungle cuisine includes rich Gujarati curries, fresh rotis, and rice. Don’t miss Kuri (savory gram flour cake) for breakfast, and Ghari (sweet puri) or Mawa sweets for dessert.

Shopping: No markets inside the park, but local Kashimira Hammocks or hand-woven textiles may be sold at some lodges.

Activities:

• Morning and afternoon safaris are the highlight.
• Other paid activities: nature trails in enclosed zones, wildlife interpretation center at Sasan entrance.
• A free activity is a village walk in Gir village (with a guide) to see rural life and forests.
• Visit Kamleshwar Dam (15 km north of Sasan, 4 km walk from the main gate) for bird-watching and a possible glimpse of crocodiles and deer at dusk.
• Bonfire & Camping at the lodge.

Enjoy breakfast at Gir. Check out mid-morning and drive back to Rajkot Airport. After dropping you at your destination, the journey will end with wonderful memories of Gujarat’s desert vistas, palaces, and wild Asiatic lions.

Experiences:

Food: Breakfast in Sasan Gir.

Shopping: No nearby markets in Sasan Gir, you can purchase and shop for local souvenirs upon arriving in Rajkot before boarding your plane/train.

Activities:

• Scenic drive to Rajkot.
• Morning Leisure walk.