Despite being one of India's most modern and affluent states, Gujarat is known for its diverse rural population and colourful traditional dress. Learn about the people of Gujarat's rural regions by visiting pastoral groups who roam the desert and semi-desert regions of Kutch in the northwest, and also meet the tribal groups of the hills along Gujarat's eastern boundary.

In addition to getting a sense of the living culture of Gujarat's tribes and pastoral groups, you'll gain an appreciation of the traditional art and craft techniques that allow these rural communities to produce such visually stunning costumes and decorative items.

Day 1 Ahmedabad

Arrive at Ahmedabad, a major centre of traditional and contemporary textiles. Many crafts thrive here like Mata-ni-pachedi narrative cloth paintings and block-printing. Stay at House of Mangaldas Girdhardas, a heritage hotel owned by a former textile industrialist family.

Day 2 Gondal

Travel 250km to Gondal and visit the 1748 AD Naulakha Palace which houses the ruling family's private collection of beadwork, textiles, brassware, hand-painted toys and silver crafts. Evening tour of Bharwad and Rabari villages around Gondal. Stay at Riverside Palace or Orchard Palace, both are decorated with textiles from the former Maharanis' collections.

Day 3 Gondal

Drive to Junagadh where museums feature gem-encrusted carpets, wardrobes and tapestery of the Nawab. A historic city, Junagadh has 3rd century BC Buddhist relics, a medieval fort, mausoleum complexes and palaces. Return to your palace at Gondal.

Day 4 Bhuj

Drive 260km to Bhuj, stopping off at Rajkot to see the Watson Museum which has good examples of Gujarat's craftsmanship skills and Rashtriya Shala working to revive hand-weaving. Stay at Hotel Prince.

Day 5 Bhuj

Visit villages of Hindu pastoral groups like the Ahirs and Rabaris, Islamic pastoral groups including the Muthwas and Jaths and Meghwal artisans. Stay at Hotel Prince or at Shaam-e-Sarhad, a rural retreat.

Day 6 Bhuj

Visit the Sodha Rajput immigrants from the Thar Parker area (now in Pakistan) at their respective villages and see their beautiful embroidery techniques. Stay at Hotel Prince or at Shaam-e-Sarhad, a rural retreat.

Day 7 Mandvi

Drive 60km to Mandvi, which is a tie-and-dye centre. Visit the dhow-building yard to see ocean-worthy vessels being hand-built. Stay in air-conditioned tented comfort at the royal resort by the private beach in the palace estate.

Day 8 Mandvi

Visit Rabari villages around Mandvi, including some of the most picturesque in Gujarat, and a Samma village at Pragsar. Overnight at the palace estate.

Day 9 Dasada

Drive 320km from Mandvi to Dasada passing through picturesque old towns and villages. Visit Vadiara and Kharapat Rabaris, Jaths, Bajanias, Mirs and other semi-nomadic communities in and around the Rann. Stay at Rann Riders, an eco-resort designed, using local materials and handicrafts, to resemble a village.

Day 10 Danta

Drive 200km to Danta via Patan and watch the Salvis at work on the Patola, one of the richest silk textiles in the world, woven using the rare double-ikat technique. See 11th century monuments at Modhera's Sun Temple complex, and the 12th century Jain temples of Taranga in Patan. Stay at Danta's Bhavani Villa or the Balaram Palace Resort.

Day 11 Poshina

Drive 70km from Danta to Poshina. Visit the Garasia tribal villages around Poshina and a tribal shrine where Bhils and Garasias from about 90 villages visit. Stay at Darbargadh Poshina.

Day 12 Ahmedabad

Drive 180km to Ahmedabad and visit the Gujarat Vidhyapith's tribal research institute museum, Shreyas Folk Museum, and other museums. Stay at House of MG heritage hotel.

Day 13 Jambughoda

Drive 190km to the world heritage site of Champaner, to visit the majestic 16th century monuments, and proceed to Jambugodha. Stay at a heritage house near Bhilala and Nayaka villages.

Day 14 Chhota Udepur

Drive 60km to Chhota Udepur and the tribal museum. Visit the Rathwa tribal villages around the town and experience their picturesque houses with painted walls and terra cotta horses. Stay at Kali Niketan, a heritage house.

Day 15 Baroda

Drive 100km, and visit the many museums of Baroda.

Day 16 Silvassa

Drive to Silvassa. Visit the tribal villages of the Gamits, Warlis, Kunbis, Kukmas and other groups. Stay at Treat Resort.

Day 17 Silvassa

Visit the tribal museum at Silvassa. Stay at Treat Resort.

Day 18 Silvassa

Transfer to Mumbai or Surat for domestic or international flights