Jaypore Journeys, in collaboration with Breakaway, presents a curated journey amidst the enthralling cultural landscape of Ahmedabad and Kutch.
From the long history preserved within the walls of the old city in Ahmedabad, to the captivating real-life experiences awaiting a curious traveller in Kutch, this journey offers an immersion into the textile heritage and unique craftsmanship of Gujarat.
Come indulge in a rich, diverse cultural journey, complete with historical context, wrapped with local interactions and cuisine - a journey filled with new friendships, fonder appreciation and understanding on Indian textiles and memories worth a thousand counts.
Ahmedabad stands at the centre of Gujarat’s eclectic milieu while being steeped in the historic cultural traditions of the region. Its streets carry the sights and scents of mount-watering treats while the old quarter offers a charming walk down memory lane.
From the few surviving creators of the coveted Mata-ni-Pachedis to a book store that houses textile tomes, a visit to this capital city offers a ride through unmatched treasures.
Kutch is a study in colors, with the white, stark desert juxtaposed against the array of vibrant textiles adorning the tribes from this desert-island.
The villages that dot Kutch’s arid landscape are home to tribes who produce some of India’s finest handicrafts, with their textiles glittering with exquisite embroidery and mirror-work. The geometric patterns of Ajrakh play alongside the tie-dye wonder of bandhani or the rabari embroidery. The Rann of Kutch leaves many a visitor awestruck and this journey will do the same.
This guided journey offers the opportunity to get exposed to the crafts and meet artisans and influencers who are driving the local communities to produce globally desired textiles and artwork. A textile designer will further enhance this rich cultural experience through a layer of educated facilitation.
At Ahmedabad, take a curated walk around the world-renowned Calico Museum of Textiles among a display of intricate dyeing, weaving, printing and embroidery techniques from across India. Prepare for a heritage walk in the old city exploring old havelis and ranino hajeero, the quintessential amdavaadi market. Also visit the Art Book Centre, to meet Manohar Bhai who will wax eloquent about the best books ever written on Indian textiles and offer some in the bargain!
Savor treats such as panki and sugar cane juice or thaleepeeth, and khichucooked to spiced perfection! Also dig into the special KhansaThali at Agaashiye, a charming house where we soak in the cool evening breeze.
Gather around for a delightful conversation with Villo Mirza, who has done some pioneering work with craft and textiles for SEWA and now runs her own trust working with women on appliqué and patchwork based design. Also offer yourself up to the magic of a hand-painted Pachedi, a kalamkari art form traditional to Gujarat. Made on cotton or silk fabric, a hand-painted Pachedi worked as a personal shrine for communities forbidden from visiting temples.
The deep dive into the textile heritage culture of Kutch takes us through a demonstration of Ajrakh with the textile master Dr. Ismail Khatri, one of the pioneers in the art. Craftsmen work in harmony with their environment, where the sun, river, animals, trees and mud are all part of its making. At Bhuj we are exposed to the tie-dyeing technique known as Bandhani, a laborious all hand done tie-dye printing process. Here we also meet the Vankars known for their extra weft wool weaving over a discussion of challenges faced by them. Also interact with artisans involved in creating wood, leather, pottery and metal crafts of Kutch and the single ikat patola tradition that transforms textiles into art.
No visit to Kutch is complete without an interaction with the Rabari community known for their mud homes decorated with royal colors and mirror-work. Neither can one return from this magical land without a safari around the Little Rann of Kutch, an Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary rich in biodiversity.
Captivating real-life experiences and challenges of the local textile craftsmen, offers a deeper, richer journey into the quality of craftsmanship that Gujarati textiles are all about.
Trip Dates:
20th - 26th February 2015
How do we get to the location?
The best way to get to Ahmedabad is to fly in or take the train from Bombay or Delhi. We can help you with flight/train bookings if need be. All travel within Gujarat for the 6 days is organised by us and built into costs.
What kind of accommodation is provided?
Great in terms of accessibility to the places we want to visit, comfortable places to stay at.
How do we book this breakaway?
Email us at journeys@jaypore.com for details and we will call/e-mail you back.
What if we are not coming from Delhi?
You could fly straight into Ahmedabad from your city, or maybe a hopping flight via Delhi and we will make arrangements for you from there.
Will we get vegetarian food?
Yes, we can cater to vegetarians as well. Please do mention during booking or before travelling of the same.
Is it safe to travel to Kutch?
Yes it is. We work with partners who are sensitive to these issues and committed to ensuring our guests are safe and secure in knowing they're in good hands.
What are the facilities available at the properties?
If you have the inclination to want man-made distractions in the midst of the natural beauty, some of the properties may have TV and the internet but that's really not what you're looking for on this journey.
What are we expected to bring?
We will circulate a travel advisory before you go on the trip.
Is this trip one I can do with my family?
Our journeys are usually designed to cater to people with an average fitness level.
A slow paced, introspective, meditative and workshop oriented breakaway may not appeal to kids. Information on the journeys will be detailed enough for you to determine which might appeal to the whole family. If there is a lot of long travel, walks on undulated terrain required, it will be specified in our detailed itineraries. If looking for wheel chair friendly travel, please check with us on what options we can recommend.
