India Vegan Tour
14 Day Vegan Tour in Gujarat
An enchanting journey in the home state of India’s Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. From exploring the stunning hilltop Jain temples in India’s only 100% vegetarian city, going on safari to observe the Asiatic Lions of Gir National Park, and the salt flat badlands of the epic Rann of Kutch, to off-the-beaten-track villages, being guests of local families at their palatial palace homes, and taking in stunning sunsets on the sandy shores of the Arabian Sea!
What's included?
Vegan Meals
38 Vegan meals
(14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 11 dinners)
Accommodation
13 Nights Accommodations
(a combination of heritage hotels, a hilltop royal mansion, charming lakeside bed & breakfast, jungle retreat, beachside resort, Raja’s palaces, desert lodge, and countryside royal retreat)
Tour Transport
- Private Air-Conditioned Mini-Bus
- Jeeps
- Local Cars & Rickshaws
Also Included
- Daily Local Cultural Lessons
- Daily Hindi Language Lessons
- Vegan Cooking Class
- Traditional Yoga Lessons
- Live traditional Music and Folk Dances
- Exploring Local Bazaars and Markets
- All Local Guide Fees
- All Sites Entry Fees
- Vegan Meals with Local Families
- Guests of Local Grassroots Education Program
- Guests of Local Village and Communities
- Jungle Jeep Safari in the last habitat in the wild in the world for Asiatic Lions
- Desert Jeep Safari in the last habitat in the world for India’s Wild Donkeys
- Sunrise Jungle Hike and Bird Watching
- Visit the Most Sacred Pilgrimage Site in the Jain Religion
Even More Included
- Hike to the Epic Hilltop Jain Temples of Palitana atop Shantrunjaya Hill
- Visit Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram
- Guests of the Gandhi University in Ahmedabad
- Explore the 1535-built Portuguese Diu Fort
- Visit Local Temples
- Participate in an Ancient Aarti (Hindu Ritual) ceremony
- Introduction to Hinduism Program
- Introduction to India’s favorite past time – Cricket
- National Park Fees
- Palace, Forts, and Museum Entry Fees
- Heritage Walk in Old Diu
- Complimentary Refill Water bottle and Unlimited Drinking Water
- Complimentary Juices, Hard Drinks, and Beers on “Dinner & Drinks” nights
- Vegan Welcome Package and Tote Bag
- Airport arrival pick up *
- and all other activities, entertainment, and entry fees as per the itinerary
* Airport pick-up is provided only if you arrive a day or two earlier than the tour date, and stay at our hotel. If you will be arriving three days or more early, please arrange for your airport pick-up.
What’s NOT included?
International airfare, personal travel insurance, visa fee to India, gratuities/tips, laundry, camera fees at national parks and monuments (where applicable), and other items of a personal nature.
Tour Dates & Pricing
India – 14 Days Gujarat Vegan Tour 2024 (November)
$3,225 (USD)
- MAXIMUM 14 PEOPLE
- 1 PERSON (ALL OUR TRIPS ARE GUARANTEED DEPARTURES)
- Starts on November 3, 2024 (Sunday)
- Begins at 10:00 am
- Finishes on November 16, 2024 (Saturday)
- Ends at 3:30 pm
- Starts from AHMEDABAD (GUJARAT STATE)
- Finishes in AHMEDABAD (GUJARAT STATE)
India – 14 Days Gujarat Vegan Tour 2025 (March)
$3,550 (USD)
- MAXIMUM 14 PEOPLE
- 1 PERSON (ALL OUR TRIPS ARE GUARANTEED DEPARTURES)
- Starts on March 2, 2025 (Sunday)
- Begins at 10:00 am
- Finishes on March 15, 2025 (Saturday)
- Ends at 3:30 pm
- Starts from AHMEDABAD (GUJARAT STATE)
- Finishes in AHMEDABAD (GUJARAT STATE)
All Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages Adventures runs on a twin share basis. If you are a single traveler, we will pair you up with another single traveler of the same gender. If you would like to have your own room throughout the trip, upon making a booking, please select “yes” for Single Supplement and the cost shown below will be added to your total adventure cost.
$690 for 14 days: Gujarat, India Vegan Adventure
India is famous for its diversity – both in its culture, its people, its sights, its sounds and not to be overlooked – in its cuisines. Home to 23 recognized official languages, over 844 dialects, 8 different religions, over 2000 ethnic groups by some counts, and a countless number of different cuisines, India’s diversity is like no other. From the birthplace of India’s non-violence independence movement and the back alleys and bustling bazaars of Ahmedabad to the palm- fringed beaches along the Arabian Sea and the desolate badlands of the Rann of Kutch – this Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages tour 14-Day Vegan Tour in Western India brings this diversity alive!
Join us on this epic vegan adventure and travel back in time as we explore remote off-the- beaten-track villages learning about the diverse communities who have called India’s Jewel of the West their home for centuries. Be guests of local families who will share their vibrant culture and traditions, along with the rich history of their ancestors. Indulge in delicious local vegan cuisines and learn the secret behind some of the region’s tastiest dishes in local home kitchens. Take in the stunning beauty of the wilds of Gujarat as we venture out into the jungles of Gir – one of the last remaining habitats in the wild of the Asiatic lion, and out into the striking Rann of Kutch – the last refuge of India’s wild donkeys. Step into the enchanting hilltop temples of Palitana and relax seaside in the sun-soaked old Portuguese colonial outpost of Diu.
From the serene ashram of India’s Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and the wild hinterlands of the jungles of Gir, to the bustling metropolis of Ahmedabad, and the charming old Portuguese colonial seaside outpost of Diu, from royal palaces, peaceful well-off-the- beaten-path villages and desert plains, to hilltop temples and mountainside lakes, this all- encompassing 14-day vegan trip in Gujarat will leave you with lifelong impressions and memories of an ancient land and its cultural diversity!
Itinerary
Get day to day insight of the tour.
DAY 1 AHMEDABAD
Namaste! Welcome to Ahmedabad, the economic capital of Gujarat – one of the staunchest “veg” states in India where vegetarians make up roughly 62% of the state’s population, which is well above the national average of 30%. Up until 1970, Ahmedabad was Gujarat’s capital before it was moved just outside the city to the newly developed capital of Gandhinagar. Established over six centuries ago, Ahmedabad has been a prosperous trading hub ever since it was founded and also thrived during the Mughal rule of India. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (of Taj Mahal fame) is said to have spent a decent portion of his life here. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River that divides the city into two sections – the old city on the eastern side and the new city on the western side. Ahmedabad would take on a new life when the city’s first textile mill was set up in 1862, owing to the plentiful amount of cotton grown in the state, establishing the city not just as a trading post, but as a manufacturing center as well. By 1905 there were 33 textile mills in the city. Nicknamed the Manchester of the East, Ahmedabad is still a major textile hub and is the world’s 3rd largest manufacturer of denim. In one of India’s fastest-growing states, Ahmedabad is one of India’s fastest growing cities and according to Forbes Magazine, is the 3rd fastest growing metro in the world. As one of India’s fastest-growing cities and one of the most “vegetarian popular” municipalities in India – it is also home to the world’s first 100% veg Subway, Pizza Hut, and Domino’s Pizza. But even as multi-nationals, skyscrapers, and mega-malls pop up across its already teaming skyline, if you look closely you’ll see that the city’s colorfully rich, diverse, and historical cultural heritage is still very much alive, and still – very much intact. Ahmedabad is a place where every community who has settled here over the centuries and the diversity of this ancient 600-year-old-city is evident everywhere you go, around every corner you turn – seen in its fusion architecture and local wears, tasted in its many cuisines, and listened to in its sounds of devotion from hypnotic temple aarthi ceremonies and church bells to the mesmerizing call to prayers that emanate from local mosques. Our adventure begins here – in the heart of Ahmedabad, in the heart of Gujarat, where we will start with our orientation meeting and light local vegan snacks before setting out into the streets of this ancient capital for a delicious feast and your first official taste of Gujarat – at one of only a few all-vegan restaurants the city has. So tonight – please make sure you bring your appetite and be ready to eat!
Highlights of the Day:
- Detailed Orientation Meeting where you will get to know your fellow travelers and adventure leaders better, discuss the adventure ahead, and have our Introduction to Gujarat’s History, Cultures, and Diversity Presentation.
- First Hindi Language Lesson.
- Special vegan feast at one of Ahmedabad’s few vegan eateries
Vegan Meals Included: Snacks & Dinner
Sign me up for another Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages). There is nothing to compare! I must say that it is (still) the most exciting and fantastic tour I have been on or could ever dream of!… What filled our souls was the immersion in the images, sounds, colors, smells, people, and life in the real Indian towns, large and small, that Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages) shared with us. It is impossible to convey the personal impact of this tour. It was amazing! Thank you so much.
DAY 2 AHMEDABAB
Namaste! Good morning, Ahmedabad! After our traditional morning yoga session and a hearty breakfast of delicious local delights specially veganized for us, we’ll set out into the streets of Ahmedabad where we’ll focus on the life and times of India’s founding father, Mahatma Gandhi, and the non-violent struggle for freedom he led to achieve India’s independence after 3 ½ centuries of occupation. Our first stop today will be at the Kochrab Ashram. Established on May 25, 1915, this rented bungalow was gifted to Gandhiji by his friend, Barrister Jivanlal Desai. This was Gandhiji’s first home in India after returning from South Africa and is where he began his practice of Satyagraha (“satya” = “truth”; “agraha” = “insistence” or “holding firmly to”), or non-violence resistance. He created controversy here by taking in an untouchable. From the Kochrab Ashram, we’ll make our way to the Gujarat Vidhyapeeth – Gandhian College, which was established by Gandhi in 1920 as a replacement for the British schools teaching “English education”, where we’ll learn about the institution’s unique programs to educate and encourage students to be “people of character, ability, culture, and dedication following the ideals given by Mahatma Gandhi. These ideals include adherence to truth and non-violence, participation in productive work with a sense of dignity of labor, and acceptance of equality, among others. From the college, we’ll settle down for a vegan fusion lunch at an all-vegan café before visiting the Sabarmati Ashram – home of Gandhi’s non-violent freedom movement where he made his home and base. As the sun sets over Ahmedabad, we’ll return to our heritage bed & breakfast where you’ll have time to relax before joining local vegans from Ahmedabad for a vegan feast of Gujarati classics where we’ll learn about the local vegan scene, where it’s come from, where it is now, and where it’s heading.
Highlights of the Day:
- Traditional morning yoga session to start the day.
- Visit the Kochrab Ashram, Gandhi’s first home in India after returning from South Africa where he began his practice of Satyagraha (“Satya” = “truth”; “agraha” = “insistence” or “holding firmly to”), or non-violence resistance.
- Guests of the Gujarat Vidhyapeeth – Gandhian College founded by Gandhi as a replacement for the British schools and colleges, will learn about this unique educational institution focusing on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi including adherence to truth and non-violence, the acceptance of equality of religions, and programs where as part of their curriculum students regularly participate in community work, social service and follow self-reliant living standards.
- Visit Sabarmati Ashram – home of Gandhi’s non-violent freedom movement where we’ll learn about India’s extraordinary path to independence through non-violence.
- As the moon rises over the Sabarmati, we’ll enjoy our last night in the big city sitting down with fellow vegans from Ahmedabad for an eclectic feast of Gujarati classics all specially veganized for us.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners
What a trip! My daughter and I took the Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages) trip to Gujarat (Badlands, Beasts, Temples & Beaches). I had high expectations about going to India (Bucket List place!) and VegVoyages surpassed all of them. The level of detail is so high, each place we stayed was completely unique, we felt that we were part of a family with our guides, the people were warm and friendly, and the food THE FOOD was amazing! Oh yeah, and we saw lions on safari! Really what more can I say? Other than that, it was obvious that within our small group, there were over half that were repeat customers - and that says a lot. I hope to join them and go on another trip within a few years!
DAY 3 & 4 PALITANA
From the bustling streets of Ahmedabad, we journey south to Palitana, the most important pilgrimage site in the Jain religion and the world’s first 100% vegetarian city. A faith devoted to strict vegetarianism, Jainism is based on the principles that all living creatures should be treated with mutual respect and no one life is greater than the other. Resting at the foot of Shatrunjaya Hill, Palitana is the base camp of one of India’s most extraordinary pilgrimage sites. Here we’ll climb up 3,800 steps to the summit where over 850 meticulously carved temples adorn the remarkable, tranquil spiritual peak. The most sacred Jain pilgrimage site in the world, the stunning temples that sprawl out across the peaks of Shatrunjaya Hill were built atop the auspicious ground where Adinath (a.k.a. Rishabhanatha), the first of the Jain Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers), is believed to have meditated. The term Tirthankara comes from the word “tirtha” – which means a passageway across the cycles of death and rebirth we must all overcome. So, a Tirthankara has overcome these cycles and created a passageway for others who, through the Tirthankara’s teachings, can see the pathway out of the cycle of death and rebirth. This is similar to the “end objective” (or beginning objective – whichever way you want to look at it) in Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as having similarities to reaching heaven in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. While here we’ll be staying outside the town at the hundred-year-old country retreat of the Gohil Rajputs, where as guests of the old royal family we’ll learn about the way of life in the countryside here in the shadows of Shatrunjaya Hill.
Highlights of the Day:
- Introduction to the Jain Religion and the Principles of Jainism. Jainism is among India’s early religions and its adherents today total about five million.
- Explore the ancient ruins of Lothal – one of the Indus Valley Civilization’s most flourishing cities. Recognized as the first major seaport in the region, the once-thriving trading outpost is also recognized as one of the earliest and most important sheltered harbor ports in the world, its history dating back to approximately 2,500 BC (some accounts date it back even further to 3,700 BC).
- Climb 3,800 steps that stretch over 3.5 kilometers to the sacred summit and spiritual peak of Shatrunjaya Hill– a stunning sight to put it lightly! Built by generations over 900 years from the 11th century onwards – the hilltop temple complex contains over 863 ornately carved temples, and over 3000 temple structures in and around the hill made from marble, bronze, and stone – making it the largest temple complex in the world. For devout Jains, it is believed that you must climb to the top of the mountain at least once in your lifetime to be able to eventually reach “nirvana”.
- Participate in local community education programs.
- Taste our way through the mouthwatering cuisines of local Jain dishes – all specially veganized just for us (as these dishes are usually full of ghee, milk, and cream).
- Guests of the local royal family at their palace retreat home in the countryside village outside of Palitana.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfasts (x2), Lunches (x2), and Dinner & Drinks (x2)
I went on a phenomenal tour of Rajasthan / India with Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages). The guides are friendly, caring, knowledgable, and interesting, the food is delicious and memorable, and the sights are spectacular. We stayed at a number of gorgeous castles during our trip. I cannot imagine a better tour of India! Thank you Sinjee and Zac!
DAY 5 & 6 DIU
Bidding farewell to the village of Adpur and the spectacular temples of Palitana, we head out for the western coast of Gujarat to the 16th-century colonial Portuguese island settlement of Diu. Nestled off the coast in the Arabian Sea, the island is a unique fusion of history, sun, sand, and sea. The town is a maze of winding streets filled with colorful buildings and ornate cathedrals; the centerpiece being the massive and impregnable Portuguese Fort built between 1535 and 1541 (and reconstructed in 1545 after a long siege). In the 1600s, the Dutch, French, English, and Portuguese, among others, were all vying for their piece of the lucrative trade of spices, cotton, tea, and other goods from Asia. The Portuguese were the first to come on the scene – arriving roughly a century earlier than the other European powers, where they first set foot in India in the coastal city of Calicut (Kerala) in 1498. The Portuguese would go on to establish several settlements along India’s western coast, including Diu, which they would control for almost 4 ½ centuries. It’s interesting to note that the Portuguese would be the last of the European colonialists to leave India, not seceding their settlements until 1961. Diu itself had been a Portuguese enclave officially from 1535 until 1961 – that’s 426 years! Today, Diu is one of eight union territories in India. Though only a small island geographically at 12 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide, Diu is rich in history and culture and has a diverse fusion of different ethnicities, communities, and cultures that all make up the unique heritage of the island. We’ll spend two days here off the western coast of Gujarat taking in the relaxed pace of the old Portuguese settlement and exploring the island’s historical sites and natural beauty.
Highlights of the Day:
- Traditional morning yoga sessions.
- Explore the epicenter of the old Portuguese colony, the formidable Fort of Diu. Eyed for its strategic location, Diu is situated on an important trading section of the coast on the Arabian Sea, at the mouth of the historically commercially important Gulf of Cambay.
- Cultural Culinary Experience, introduction to Indian-Chinese Cuisine, also known as Indo-Chinese, Cuisine. A unique fusion where Chinese spices and cooking methods are adapted to fit the Indian palate, its origins trace back to the Chinese who settled in Calcutta between the late 1700s and 1900s.
- Learn about life in old downtown Diu as we explore a series of colorful – albeit sleepy, backstreets, alleys, and winding lanes home to faded churches, local shops, decaying fort walls, goods stores, and even caves.
- Enjoy the sunset over the Arabian Sea at the Island’s best sunset viewpoint.
- Enjoy Beer tasting, local rum, fresh lime sodas, and vegan snacks.
- Two days chilling at a seaside resort, right near the beach.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfasts (x2), Lunches (x1), and Dinner & Drinks (x1)
I sought out Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages) because I was looking for a trip I could take where I wouldn't have to try to explain what a vegan eats in a foreign language and end up starving or getting sick. I went on the 8-day India tour and was blown away. Not only was the food amazing (I was so stuffed the whole time) but the attention to detail from start to finish was above and beyond. There is no way I would have had such a deep cultural experience if I had tried to plan this trip on my own. I was so hooked that I decided to go with them again on the Thailand tour last month. Now I am ruined for life. I don't think I ever want to travel without them. Good thing for me they have lots more adventures to discover. Do yourself a favor and give them a try. I dare you to be disappointed
DAY 7 & 8 SASAN GIR (GIR NATIONAL PARK)
Saying goodbye to the Arabian Sea, we’ll drive across the plains of Gujarat to the jungles of Gir – home of the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic Lions in the wild where we’ll be staying just outside the sanctuary on the edge of the forest. This will be our home for the next two days, as we learn about and explore the wilds of Gir, the communities that call it their home, and the national park’s incredible residents – including the awesome Asiatic Lions. The last home of the Asiatic Lion, Gir National Park is a mixture of thick forests, banyan trees, rivers, and streams. In addition to being home to Asiatic Lions, the protected reserve also provides sanctuary and refuge to a plethora of other wildlife from 38 species of mammals including leopards, deer, antelope, wild boar, bears, jackals, Blue Bull, Indian gazelle, to approximately 300 species of birds, and 37 species of reptiles. The protected range of the Asiatic Lion stretches over 1,400 square kilometers (545 square miles), with 258 square kilometers being the national park, and the remaining square kilometers being part of a protected reserve. The fact that the Asiatic Lions once roamed freely from Bengal to Turkey – and some say to the Balkans – but now are just found in this very small pocket of Gujarat – is a sad statement indeed. However, the Asiatic lion population here has been one of the relatively few success stories in wildlife conservation and protection. In the early 1900s, only 20 lions were believed to have still roamed the forests here, as of today, the number of these fantastic felines has grown to 674. This gives us hope that when proper policies and actions are implemented – highly endangered species’ populations cannot only be revived – but thrive.
Highlights of the Day:
- Traditional morning yoga sessions.
- Introduction to Sasan Gir, Asiatic Lions, and one of the unique communities who have called the surrounding areas their home for generations – the Siddi (or Siddhi) people, who are part of the region’s cultural diversity.
- Jeep safaris into the wilds of Gir National Park where we’ll be on the lookout for the abundance of wildlife that calls these jungles their home, including their most famous residents – Asiatic Lions!
- Traditional folk music and dance.
- Jungle hikes and bird watching with a local naturalist.
- Special vegan fusion feasts for lunch and dinner.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfasts (x2), Lunches (x2), and Dinners (x2)
Did the Green Triangle (North India trip) in January and loved it!! They took care of us from pick up to drop off and we never had to worry about food—it was all vegan! Expert guides patiently answered our questions and were great company. And made some great friends on our tour!
DAY 9 & 10 MULI
Over the next two days, we’ll spend our time well off the beaten track in the hinterlands of Gujarat in the rustic yet charming town of Muli, where we’ll be personal guests of the old royal family at their 1930’s 1930s-built home, the delightful Ambika Niwas Royal Palace. Settling here over five centuries ago after migrating from what is now the Sindh Province of Pakistan, our host’s family tree traces back to legendary kings who ruled over vast areas of northwest-central India between the 9th and 14th centuries. This historical, picturesque town will be our home for the next two days as we join our friends, and the royal family of Muli, and learn about local village life, culture, and customs in the Gujarat countryside! This includes learning about India’s important history with cotton. A major commodity for the earliest trading empires in the region, cotton has been a pivotal part of the local economy and social fabric here for thousands of years. The cultivation of cotton is believed to have started in 2500 BCE in the Indus Valley Civilization (which Lothal where we visited, included). Hindu hymns dating back to 1500 BCE mention cotton in their verses and Alexander the Great’s army started wearing cotton after they invaded India, finding the new fabric much more suitable for conditions not only here, but in other areas, they occupied. Historians, merchants, and traders alike from the Middle East and Greece noted the quality of Indian cotton textiles. So, while here, in the cotton belt of Gujarat – we’ll learn all about cotton from farm to factory to fabric and the age-old tradition of this “home-spun” product that continues to this day to be the livelihood of many living in rural India. We’ll also have our first introduction to India’s incredible step-wells, which illustrate the people’s long tradition of trying to attain a harmonic balance between humans, nature, and the heavens.
Highlights of the Day:
- Traditional morning yoga sessions.
- Guests of the Royal Family of Muli at their palace residence for 2 days where they will share with us their history, culture, way of life, and delicious family recipes – all specially made vegan for us.
- Explore the village where we’ll learn about the local way of life and visit sacred grounds linked to the community’s history here.
- Guests of a local Vishnu temple for their aarti (Hindu ritual) ceremony.
- Guests of a local Surya (Sun) temple for their aarti (ritual) ceremony.
- Farm to Factory to Fabric Program – where we’ll delve in and learn firsthand about the cultivation and spinning of homegrown cotton to make clothes, which is not only the livelihood of many in rural India but is also synonymous with India’s non-violent struggle for freedom.
- Morning traditional yoga sessions (based on the early practice forms of yoga from its birthplace in India).
- Learn about the unique architectural concept of “step-wells” in India that date back to the 2nd and 3rd millennium BC Indus Valley Civilizations. At one time there were 3,000 step-wells in Rajasthan & Gujarat, today it is estimated that there are only 120 active step-wells still in existence in Gujarat – which is said by many historians to be the origin of step-wells in India.
- Join the royal family in the palace courtyard for an evening of traditional folk music and dance, followed by a traditional vegan feast.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfasts (x2), Lunches (x2), and Dinners (x2)
India (Vegin’ Out in the Rajput) was amazing, and even more fascinating than we anticipated. However, what really made the trip blissful was the exceptional hospitality lavished on us by the entire Veg Voyages team. We can honestly say that we have made numerous trips all over the world but we have never had the level of hospitality that we received on this recent trip. I have never before been invited to a tour leaders’ home (thank you Jay and Singh Ji), and trust me we appreciated the personal touches. You guys went above and beyond the call of duty at every instance before, during, and after the trip. The design of the trip itinerary and Jay’s amazing commentary took it to the next level. We were not just shuffled past the obligatory photo ops. Through your insight, we got a glimpse of the “real” India, and got to interact with Indians on a “person to person” basis.
DAY 11 LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH
After yoga and breakfast at the palace, we’ll set out into the wild outback of Gujarat to explore the intimidating yet stunning badlands of the Little Rann of Kutch! An incredible and fascinating vast salt-cracked barren desert; the epic dry salt marsh landscape stretches out endlessly as far as the eyes can see! At 4,954 square kilometers, the formidable, cracked earth terrain of the Little Rann of Kutch is not only home to plenty of out-of-this-world mirages and some pretty cool sunsets, but also a surprisingly vivid range of wildlife – including being the only home in the wild and final refuge of the lovely chestnut brown Indian Wild Ass, or Ghudkhur. Often referred to just as Khur for short, the Indian Wild Ass once roamed freely throughout western India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and southeastern Iran. Now unfortunately the last remaining populations can only be found here in and around the Little Rann of Kutch. Listed as a threatened species and thankfully strictly protected, the population of the Khur has grown over the years here, and luckily, these charming equine beasts’ numbers have now risen to approximately 4,800. The Little Rann of Kutch is also home to a plethora of other wildlife from gazelle, blue bull, wolf, and Indian foxes, to falcons, babblers, bustards, and the majestic Greater and Lesser Flamingos.
Highlights of the Day:
- Jeep safari out into the badlands of the protected Little Rann of Kutch to see India’s last Wild Donkeys. Rich in biodiversity, these epic flatlands are home to over 35 species of mammals, 29 species of reptiles, and 314 species of birds. The marshland is also home to 107 species of algae and 93 species of invertebrates including 25 species of zooplankton and 4 crustaceans.
- Special local Kutchi cuisine made vegan, especially for us.
- Visit local saltpan farms and learn about the history of salt and the difficult life of salt farming in the Little Rann of Kutch where it has been “farmed” for the past 5,000 years by the local Agariya people.
- Take in the sunset over the arid, mirage-like marshlands that are a common haunt for our fancy feathered friends the Greater and Lesser flamingos that come to congregate here to lay their eggs and bring up their chicks.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
This tour surpassed all my expectations! We got to do all kinds of activities we never would have on our own in rural India. It was so nice not to have to worry about anything. Just show up and everything was planned and taken care of for us. Unforgettable and such sweet memories from this amazing trip with Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages)!
DAY 12 & 13 POSHINA
From the arid plains and salt marsh deserts of Gujarat, we make our way to the foothills of the Aravalli Mountains, the oldest mountain range in India and one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world! Stretching roughly 692 kilometers from northeastern Gujarat to Delhi, this impressive ancient mountain range means “line of peaks”. We’ll make our way well off the beaten path today to an ancient village that is set in the shadows of the Aravalli Range. Inhabited by tribal communities from the Rabari, Garasia, Bhil, and other Adivasi (indigenous people) tribes, among others, the area is known for its rich tribal history, temples, shrines, and rituals. Our home here will be at the formidable, but charming, ancestral fort palace of the old royal family of the region, whose ancestors have called this remote, scenic region near the border of Rajasthan their home for centuries. Over the next two days our hosts will introduce us to the local tribal communities of the area, their traditions, way of life, cooking styles, local folk music and dance, and arts. We will also enjoy a delicious cooking class where we’ll learn under the guidance of our hosts in their home kitchens how to make their traditional family recipes that have been passed down for generations and are all specially veganized just for us. We’ll also explore an 11th-century Jain Temple, a sacred ancient Shiva Temple, and one of India’s most beautiful step-wells where we’ll learn about “stepwell” culture – which has been a lifesaver for many local communities in these more isolated, arid landscapes. The Adivasi communities are also known for their terracotta horses that act as offerings and methods of communication and appreciation to the gods and spirits, which as you’ll see with the thousands of terracotta horses found around Poshina at Adivasi shrines and temples, is a true testament to the strong connection the tribal communities have to this land.
Highlights of the Day:
- Traditional morning yoga sessions.
- Visit the epic Rani-ki-Vav stepwell! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rani-ki-Vav translates to “Queen’s Stepwell”. Located on the banks of the Saraswati River this stunning stepwell was built by a local queen in the 11th century as a memorial for her husband. 64 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 27 meters deep, the stepwell has 500 main sculptures and over a thousand carvings.
- Enjoy sunset over the surrounding foothills of the mighty Aravalli Mountain range around the campfire accompanied by our favorite local snacks, delicious local vegan dishes, and live local folk music and dance while taking in the alluring charm of picturesque Poshina!
- Introduction and lesson to India’s favorite national pastime – cricket, where we’ll join the locals to play this most beloved of India’s games.
- Explore the local village and bazaars of Poshina.
- Introduction to the local tribal communities of Poshina where we’ll learn about the Rabari, Garasia, Bhil, and other Adivasi (indigenous people) tribes, their traditions, way of life, cooking styles, local folk music and dance, and arts.
- Learn about the Adivasi communities’ traditional rituals of terracotta horse offerings, which act as methods of communication and appreciation to the local gods and spirits.
- Visit marvelously carved local Jain and Hindu temples dating back to the 11th century.
- Cultural culinary experience with our hosts who also happen to be great chefs for a mouthwatering cooking class where we’ll learn to cook up a Gujarati vegan feast!
- A festive farewell party complete with striking views, traditional folk music and dance, local snacks, cold beverages, and a delicious vegan feast for dinner!
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfasts (x2), Lunches (x2), and Dinners (x2)
Just completed the greatest vacation of my life with Vegan Travel Asia (Vegvoyages) to India. While the food was the best ever, the courtesy and professionalism of the staff far exceeded any tour I have ever experienced. This is a high-quality organization with an incredible itinerary, enlightened guides, and clean accommodations. I am signing up for another tour.
DAY 14 POSHINA to AHMEDABAD
After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to our hosts and the countryside of Gujarat, and head back to Ahmedabad where our adventure ends back in the big city. During the journey back, we’ll stop on the outskirts of the city where we’ll visit the grandest of Gujarat’s famous step-wells, Adalaj Vav! Built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, Adalaj Wav is five stories deep and complete with ornate carvings depicting both Hindu and Islamic symbolism. From the stepwell, we’ll continue into Ahmedabad stopping for a tasty vegan lunch at one of our favorite vegan eateries in the city. Our journey ends on arrival back at our hotel after lunch. If your flight is on the same day, please arrange to have it in the evening in case of any delay. Thank you for choosing Gujarat and thank you for traveling with Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages!
Highlights of the Day:
- Traditional morning yoga session.
- Explore the very impressive Adalaj Vav Stepwell! 5-stories deep, this incredible stepwell descends 75 meters to the well at the bottom with carved pillars all along the way. Adalaj Vav (or Wav) was not just a beautifully artistic engineering achievement, but it was very practical to supplying water for weary travelers, pilgrims, and caravans alike who plied these early trade routes. In addition to water, Adalaj Wav was designed to provide cool chambers within its walls along with the steps – a welcome retreat from Gujarat’s hot summer days.
- Vegan lunch of delectable fusion dishes at one of our favorite vegan eateries in the big city of Ahmedabad.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
I've done a lot of traveling in my life, but never on a tour with a group. However, as a vegan, I thought I would try it. WOW. Every expectation I had was blown. Each day it felt like I lived a year of experiences. India was magical, the people were wonderful, I have new friends now, I ate amazing food and saw amazing things. I now know why so many of the people in our small group were repeat customers. I will definitely book with Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages) again. And yes, if you are interested in the Badlands, Beasts, Temples, and Beaches (Gujarat) trip, we did see lions!