Gujarat and Rajasthan holiday
Description of Gujarat and Rajasthan holiday
This 15-day immersive journey takes you through two of India’s most culturally and ecologically rich states: Gujarat and Rajasthan. In this comprehensive journey through western India you will experience a blend of vibrant cities, wildlife encounters, and ancient heritage.
Beginning in Ahmedabad, you'll explore the bustling old city on a heritage walk before heading into the wild landscapes of Gir National Park, home to the world's last remaining population of Asiatic lions. From here, travel through the grasslands of Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, where wolves, hyenas and huge herds of blackbuck roam, before continuing to the salt flats of the Little Rann of Kutch.
The journey then crosses into Rajasthan to Bera, where you can deep dive into the lives of leopards and shepherds, and track these big cats on foot. Next, visit the mighty fort of Jodhpur and the golden sandstone city of Jaisalmer.
It’s a great place for birders, photographers and explorers. You’ll track the only Asiatic Lions left in the world, explore the last true savannahs of India in search of wolves, hyenas and blackbuck, and roam across the vast salt pans of Kutch, where you can stand among the largest crane congregation on the planet.
By focusing on wildlife conservation areas, locally guided experiences and lesser-visited regions, this holiday helps support responsible tourism while encouraging a deeper understanding of the habitats and communities that make Gujarat and Rajasthan so special.
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1 Reviews of Gujarat and Rajasthan holiday
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026 by Liz Vanstaveren
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The visits to the craftspeople in the villages. The stay at Poshina Palace and visit to tribal villages and the terracotta horses.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be open minded, curious and ready to smile. Tourism in Gujarat is not as developed as in Rajasthan so be prepared for at bit more chaos and compromise.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope it was of benefit to local people - our suitcases are bulging with locally produced materials to take home!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely wonderful - and a good mix of crafts, village visits, local markets, and wildlife. And great thanks to our driver, Suru, and very expert guide, Prashant.
Read the operator's response here:
Responsible Travel
Planet
This journey integrates eco-friendly practices to help minimize the environmental impact of your travels:• Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Rann Riders in Dasada, Asiatic Lion Lodge in Sasan Gir, and Black Buck Safari Lodge in Velavadar are committed to sustainable tourism. These eco-lodges use locally sourced materials for their construction, adhere to water conservation measures, and use renewable energy wherever possible. Additionally, they contribute to preserving the habitats around them by ensuring their operations do not disrupt the surrounding ecosystems.
• Conservation Efforts: Your participation in wildlife safaris at Gir National Park, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, and the Desert National Park in Jaisalmer directly supports ongoing conservation projects. These national parks and sanctuaries are vital refuges for endangered species such as the Asiatic lion, blackbuck, Indian wild ass, and a myriad of bird species. Entrance fees contribute to the maintenance of these protected areas, ensuring these unique habitats are preserved for future generations.
• Minimal Environmental Footprint: All jeep safaris included in this tour adhere to strict government regulations to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife and their habitats. Local guides are trained to operate within eco-friendly guidelines, ensuring that safaris are conducted with respect for the flora and fauna of the region.
• Plastic-Free Initiatives: Many of the accommodations in your itinerary are committed to reducing plastic waste. Refillable water bottles, biodegradable packaging, and eco-friendly toiletries are available in most properties, ensuring that your trip leaves behind the smallest environmental footprint possible.
People
This itinerary not only provides a rich cultural and natural experience but also actively contributes to the local communities through various engagements:• Supporting Local Artisans: Your stays at heritage hotels like The House of MG and Lal Niwas directly support the preservation of local craftsmanship. The House of MG, for instance, features “The Local Artisan,” a gift shop where locally sourced, hand-made products are sold, helping sustain traditional Gujarati arts and crafts.
• Cultural Immersion: At Rann Riders in Dasada, the resort's design and activities focus on highlighting the lifestyle and traditions of the local Bajania and Rabari communities. By staying here, you directly support these communities, as your participation in cultural events, such as traditional dances, helps keep these vibrant art forms alive.
• Empowering Local Communities: The heritage hotels and eco-lodges throughout your journey employ local staff, ensuring that the tourism dollars spent stay within the community. Local guides in Sasan Gir, Dasada, and Jaisalmer provide authentic experiences, sharing their knowledge and love for the region’s natural and historical heritage, while your visits to local bazaars and handicraft centers directly benefit small business owners and artisans.
• Khichan Bird Sanctuary: Your visit to the Khichan Bird Sanctuary helps bring attention to local conservation efforts and supports the village of Khichan, which takes pride in hosting thousands of migratory birds every year. By observing the crane-feeding rituals, you’re also contributing to sustainable eco-tourism in the region.
By choosing this tour, you are supporting responsible travel that not only brings you closer to India's cultural and natural wonders but also contributes to preserving them for future generations.
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