Tribal Culture & Traditions of Gujarat

Stay at House of Mangaldas-Girdhardas or similar.

Ancient stepwells and ornate 15th-century mosques contrast with contemporary modern Ahmedabad on the opposite riverbank. Spend a day exploring bazaars, mosques, temples, Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhi's headquarters from 1917 to 1930, the magnificent 15th-century Adalaj stepwell and sampling street food.

Ahmedabad’s old town is UNESCO urban heritage awarded and rightly so. It is a labyrinth of 700 neighbourhoods known as pols; a dense cluster of multi-storeyed traditional homes built with a strong sense of community, security and to minimize sunlight & heat of the summer months.

The Sabarmati Ashram showcases the life of Mahatma Gandhi and the independence movement of India, and the Adalaj Stepwell is 15th century, five stories deep and extraordinarily beautiful. These stepwells were vitally important on the ancient caravan trade routes.

Nearby, the semi-nomadic Rabari people still wear traditional dress and their weekly village markets are vibrant gatherings where friends meet, handicrafts and fresh produce are traded, and delicious local snacks are cooked on open fires. In the evening, temple ceremonies take place where ancient traditions continue to link these communities to their ancestral lands.

Overnight at Banaskantha Dist. (North Gujarat Region).

Here, traditional tribal ceremonies for harvests, coming of age ceremonies and ancestor worship still take place in its sacred groves, and local elders are still able to identify hundreds of medicinal plants growing within the forest.

Overnight at Sabarkantha Dist. (North Gujarat Region).

In Santrampur, tribal communities such as the Bhil and Vaghadiya continue to preserve traditional customs through seasonal festivals and community rituals. Many families still rely on the forest for food, medicine, and livelihoods, and local markets are important hubs where artisans sell handwoven fabrics, wooden tools and wild goods, foraged from the forest.

‘Santrampur Fields and Flowers’ in an initiative by the Santrampur Royal Family – rooted in tradition and sustainability. Their focus is on curated, locally sourced products like teas, jams, sherbets, chutneys, and organic flour really highlights the region’s agricultural and cultural richness.

Overnight at Mahisagar Dist, Central Gujarat Region.

The Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is made up of Teak, Bamboo and Mahudo amongst other indigenous trees and as well as being home to panther, the four-horned antelope, blue bulls, hyena, jackal, wild boar and sloth bear, it also contains many medicinal plants and herbs. There are 25 tribal villages in and around the sanctuary which provides an insight into how these communities co-exist with India’s
natural heritage.

Overnight at Panchmahal / Chota Udepur Dist. (Central Gujarat Region).

The distinctive Pithora paintings of The Rathwa tribe are spiritual artworks, with roots tracing back to ancient cave paintings, which adorn their homes and represent pre-Hindu traditions which have been maintained through countless generations.

Overnight at Panchmahal / Chota Udepur Dist. (Central Gujarat Region).

Small organic farms grow local vegetables, millets, paddy, lentils, and herbs, use ancient agricultural practices.

Overnight at Dang Dist. (South Gujarat Region).

The Kotwalia Adivasi community still practice remarkable bamboo basketry traditions creating traditional household items and fishing traps. Experience the ‘Healing with the Forests’ experience at Vansda.

Overnight at Dang Dist. (South Gujarat Region).