Gujarat
A Handcrafted Tour of Culture, Textiles, and Tradition
January 9 - 22, 2027
This handcrafted tour will take us deep into Gujarat, a region rich in heritage, color, and craftsmanship. We’ll explore ancient architecture like temples, stepwells, museums, bustling markets, and historic towns. You’ll meet remarkable communities such as the Rabari, Jat, Ahir, and Meghwal of Kutch, communities whose textile traditions have inspired generations of makers around the world.
We will visit artisans’ home studios to learn embroidery, weaving, pottery, and applique. Ahmedabad the textile hub of India, and Bhuj are home for block printing and dyeing. Through these workshops the artisans will share the century-old traditions that are still quite alive and well in the region of Kutch.
Come away with me to the world of desert and sand, awaken your senses though spices, colors and aromas, feel the textures of handloom textiles and hand embroidered art, experience the block printing and science behind it, learn about what contemporaries are doing for the sustainability in Gujarat to preserve the land and waterways of the state.
After all it all begins and ends with one step at a time. I hope every step you take on this tour brings you joy and laughter. This tour is about sharing India’s hospitality, people and their love for art and compassion for sharing their knowledge.
Join Sujata for the trip of a lifetime!
Everything I do, believe, and share through my art is connected to my roots in India. My memories of the place I grew up, the colors and textures of the markets, the balance between chaos and creativity of everyday life, are woven throughout all of my work. I would love for you to join me on this journey, so I can share the magic of that world with you!
- Sujata Shah | સુજાતા શાહ
Textiles and Architecture of Gujarat
Experience Gujarat through its textiles and built environment, where pattern, texture, and structure echo across disciplines. From intricate weaves and handwork to carved facades and historic architecture, this journey invites you to see connections, gather inspiration, and translate it into your own creative language. Along the way, engage with local artisans and communities, witnessing traditions passed down through generations, sharing stories, and gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural context that shapes these crafts. This shared experience adds richness and meaning, connecting you not only to the work, but to the people behind it.
Ahmedabad Markets and Culture
Wander through the dynamic markets of Ahmedabad, where layers of history and culture unfold in every street. Observe the interplay of textiles, spices, architecture, and everyday commerce, while connecting with local vendors and artisans. This experience invites you to slow down, absorb the details, and find inspiration in the authenticity of place and people. Explore the museums, historic architecture of temples, mosques and step wells around Ahmedabad, where light, symmetry, and intricate carvings reveal a deep understanding of design and craftsmanship.
Kutch Culture and Crafts
Step into the living traditions of Kutch, where craft is an integral part of daily life. Engage with artisan communities, witness time-honored techniques in embroidery, weaving, and dyeing, and experience how culture, environment, and creativity are deeply intertwined. This journey invites you to connect with the people behind the craft and find inspiration in their stories, processes, and sense of place.
Tour Highlights
Please note that the activities and workshops are subject to change due to local conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Demonstrations & Workshops
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Embroidery traditions
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Block printing
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Natural dyeing
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Hand weaving
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Rogan painting
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Copper bell making
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Artisan home visits
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Stitch & reflect sessions with Sujata
Culture
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Ahmedabad markets
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Rabari communities
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Jat communities
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Ahir communities
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Meghwal communities
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Artisan villages
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Local cuisine
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Daily life in Kutch
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Cultural exchanges with artisans
Architecture
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Historic stepwells
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Ancient temples
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Mosques & shrines
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Traditional havelis
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Textile museums
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UNESCO Ahmedabad
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Intricate stone carving
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Historic city walks
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Architectural inspiration
About Sujata
Sujata Shah is an award-winning quilter, designer and the author of Cultural Fusion Quilts. Her memories of her home country, India - the colors and textures of the markets, the balance between chaos and creativity of everyday life - are woven throughout all of her presentations and workshops.
After having lived in the United States for 40 years, she still returns home often to explore the evolution of handicraft and reconnect with the places that inspire her.
Trip Details
Dates & Locations
January 9 - 22, 2027
The tour begins at our hotel in Ahmdedabad at 6pm on January 9th for an introductory dinner and ends after breakfast on January 22nd in Bhuj.
We will spend:
4 nights in Ahmedabad
1 night in Dasada
2 nights in Muli
6 nights in Bhuj
Who Will Be On the Tour with Me?
Your on the ground team in India will be lead by Sujata Shah and her husband, Nilesh with the assistance of Niyati Kukadia, a professional guide who specializes in the textiles and handcrafts of the Gujarat region.
You will also be joined by 11 other textile lovers!
Travel Requirements
US Passport - must be valid for at least 6 months after the last day of your trip and have 2 blank pages
Visa - if travelling from the US, you are required to get a visa to enter India as a tourist. You can apply for the visa here. (Be sure to make sure you are applying directly through the official link - there are lots of scams out there!)
If you are joining us from the US, you can find all the requirements and recomendations from the government here. If travelling from other countries, be sure to check with your governmental agency to make sure your paperwork is in order well before the trip!
Cost & Payment
Double Occupancy Only: $6500
Payment is charged in US dollars
A $500 trip deposit is required to hold your spot on the trip. Further payment is due in 2 installations. We will send out an invoice for the amount 2 weeks before the due date.
August 10: $3000
October 10: $3000
Balance payments must be made by Zelle or check. Credit cards are accepted for the initial deposit only.
If you would like to pay for your trip in full immediately, just let us know and we'll send you an invoice for the outstanding amount.
What Is Included
All lodging
Air-conditioned coach and driver
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day
All entry fees, activities, and gratuities
Experienced and knowledgeable local guide
What Is Not Included
Airfare
Passport and visa fees
Travel insurance (required)
Personal or medical expenses
Any additional charges associated with our stays including laundry or minibar fees.
Meals or snacks outside of our itinerary
Alcohol
Planned Activities
We will send you a detailed itinerary closer to the date of your tour and while we intend to stick to that schedule, travel in India can sometimes require flexibility due to factors beyond our control. These moments often lead to unexpected discoveries and meaningful experiences.
We hope you will bring a spirit of adaptability and openness, trusting that any changes made will be in the best interest of the group and the overall quality of the trip. Rolling with the unexpected is part of the adventure!
Food
India offers a vibrant and diverse culinary experience and meals are an integral part of cultural immersion. While we aim to provide safe, authentic, and varied dining options throughout the trip, please note that we are unable to accommodate individual dietary restrictions, preferences, or food allergies. Due to the nature of group travel and local kitchen practices (where cross-contamination is common) it is not possible to guarantee allergen-free meals or adhere to special dietary requests.
All that being said - if you're a vegetarian, you're going to love India as there are many vegetarian options available!
We will also see many exciting and intriguing food options on the street and in the markets, however eating this food is not recommended.😁
Accomodations
We will be staying in 4 and 5 star hotels as well as a Home Stay while in Bhuj. The hotels provide amenities such as gym, pools, and laundry service.
Mobility + Health Requirements
Travel to India requires good general health and the ability to participate in full-day activities. You will be walking up the stairs, on slopes and on the streets, which can be both crowded, busy and uneven. The weather may be more hot than you are accustomed to, and air conditioning may not be available at every location. You will need to be able to walk at least a mile and a half (with a break if needed). Some of the workshops and tours will require you to be able to stand for along period of time and you will need to be able to sit on the floor occasionally.
If you have any chronic medical conditions, mobility limitations, or dietary restrictions, please consult with your doctor to ensure this trip is suitable for you. Due to the nature of group travel, we cannot accommodate travelers who require significant mobility assistance or ongoing medical supervision.
Travel insurance with medical coverage is required.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your participation in the tour, please notify us in writing.
The $500 deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel on or before October 28, 2026, any payments made beyond the deposit will be refunded in full.
For cancellations received after October 28, 2026, no refunds or credits will be issued for any payments made.
The final balance for the tour is due no later than October 10, 2026. Failure to make payment by the due date may result in the cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of all payments made.
Cancellation by Sujata Shah Tours
Sujata Shah Tours reserves the right to cancel the tour at any time due to insufficient enrollment, force majeure events, government restrictions, safety concerns, or any other circumstances that may adversely affect the quality of the tour or the well-being of participants.
Should Sujata Shah Tours cancel the tour, participants will receive a full refund of all payments made to Sujata Shah Tours. This refund shall constitute full settlement of any claims arising from the cancellation.
Sujata Shah Tours is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred by participants, including but not limited to airline tickets, travel insurance premiums, visa fees, hotel accommodations, or other travel-related expenses that may be non-refundable or non-transferable.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of cancellation, travel delays, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances.