Garacia Tribes / Gowala Tribes (Balaram / Posina)

Garacia tribes are mainly found in Sasabkantha district of Gujarat that is located around the hills bordering of Gujarat and Rajasthan. These tribes are primarily farm labour or sheepherders, known for their unique culture & traditions. They have whitish faces, sharp nose and glittering eyes. The Gowala and Garacia tribes are second cousins to each other, differing only in the manner of living. Communities such as Garasia, Bhils and the pastoral Rabaris have settled in Poshina. The Garasia are known for their colorful clothes, the Rabaris for their silver ornaments. Pastoral people like the Rabaris who keep camels, sheep and goat. Poshina is home to a tribal shrine where you find the staggering scene of thousands of terracotta horses standing in rows as offerings to the local goddess. A visit to the homes of the potters who make these striking horses is an excellent glimpse into tribal culture. There are some other villages where we found these communities like Iqbalgadh, Balundra etc.

Champaner
Champaner is 47 KMS northwest of Vadodara. The UNESCO listed world heritage site of Champaner is one of Gujarat's most remarkable archaeological zones. Champaner is famous for its exquisite mosques, of which the Jama Masjid is the most impressive. The sculptural hill of Pavagadh with its ruined fort rises beside Champaner in three levels. The 16th century with mosques that is considered perfect example of the Gujarat Sultanate’s Indo- Saracenic architecture. The mosque with in the fortified city is called SharKiMasjid. It is noted for its slender minarets with intricately carved basis. The Jami Masjid has intricate latticework screens and a magnificent pavilion at the entrances to the spacious courtyard which is enclosed by domed galleries. The central dome is three storeys with an opening that allows light into the prayer hall. The similar Nagina Masjid has exquisite sculptures on the pillars. Pavagadh temple is the site for Kali temple.
Masjid = Mosque

Dholavira
Dholavira is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological sites in India, belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. It is located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, which is surrounded by water in the monsoon season. It is one of the most impressive Haprappan cities excavated in INDIA. One of the remarkable features of Dholavira is the sophisticated water conservation system of channels and reservoirs, the earliest found anywhere in the world and completely built out of stone, of which three are exposed. They were used for storing the fresh water brought by rains or to store the water diverted from a nearby rivulet. The most significant discoveries at Dholavira were made in one of the side rooms of the northern gateway of the city. The Harappan had arranged and set pieces of gypsum (a kind of mineral) to form ten large letters on a big wooden board. At some point of time the board fell down flat on its face. The wood decayed, but the arrangement of the letters survived. The letters of the signboard are comparable to large bricks that were used in nearby wall.

Diu
Diu beach Gujarat is one of the finest beaches in India, attracting tourists from all over the world. The island of Diu Gujarat lies across Ahmedpur-Mandvi. Diu beach in Gujarat is a sensuous blend of sun, sand and sea. Diu beach island is a real pleasant spot with soft sands, wondrous waters, swaying coconut canopies, captivating churches and fantastic forts. It is the fusion of the nature and history that comes across at Diu in Gujarat. he weary weight of this unintelligible world can, for a while , be lightened and the waking soul can hear the music of the spheres. It is an island retreat gently rocked by the wind and the wave from the Arabian Sea. It offers you undisturbed peace and an unusual holiday. Diu is a beautiful place with it's splendid and to serve tourist with all of the best services. It has a very great heritage and a rich culture, formed by the mixture of local Gujarati culture and the foreign Portuguese culture. The all over 6 beaches make the trip best to offer all from water sports to bath or sunbath.

Vadodara
This city was before known as Baroda. Vadodara name derived from, originally 'Vadpatra' because of the abundance of banyan trees on the banks of the Vishwamitri. From Vadpatra it derived its present name Baroda or Vadodara. Baroda started with the accession of Maharaja Sayajirao III, reigning 1875-1939, is credited with the most significant development of the city and bold socio-economic reforms. He brought in changes to textile and other manufacturing processes that moved Baroda towards the booming industrial center it is now.
Laxmi Vilas Palace:
The Laxmi Vilas Palace is a mix of Indo, Islamic and European architecture. The states become prosperous under Sayajirao Gaekwad who is responsible for the building of the Laxmi Vilas Palace. The work of building the palace was commissioned to Major Mant and it was completed after his death by Chisolm in a 720 acre garden landscaped by a designer from Kew. As these architects were known for their ethic style, inside the palace is equally impressive in its profusion of marble, mosaic & work of arts. The palace has a three mosaic covered courtyard filled with palms, European statuary, Italian marble and stained glass. The palace is open for viewing with the permit from the office.
Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum:
The museum has the royal collection of art treasures and works of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo as well as modern western and Indian paintings, Greco-Roman exhibits, Chinese and Japanese art, and a large collection of contemporary Indian art as well as collections of Raja Ravi Verma.
Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum:
The haveli is well-known for its fresco paintings that show scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, incidents from Krishna’s life. The former residence of Vadodara emperor, this building has outstanding wall paintings.
Sayaji Bagh (Baroda Museum):
The Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery located at Sayajibaug was founded in 1879 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad. It is also popularly known as Kamati baug. This museum is widely recognized for its rich collection of sculptures, antiques, painting & menu scripts, and Indian and Foreign coins. The museum and the picture gallery are two separate two-storied buildings. The picture gallery houses a large collection of paintings by European master. Section of the museum display Indian musical instruments and exhibits related to the natural history.

Surat
Surat stands on the hanks of the River Tapti and was once one of western India's major ports and trading towns. Parsis first settled in Surat in the 12th century; they had earlier been centred l00km south in Sanjan, where they had fled from Persia five centuries before.
In 1573 Surat fell to Akbar after a prolonged siege. It then became an important Moghul trading port and also the point of departure for Mecca-bound Muslim pilgrims. Surat soon became a wealthy city. In 1612, the British established a trading factory, followed by the Dutch in 1616 and the French in 1664.Surat is no longer of any importance as a port, but it is a major industrial centre, especially for the manufacture of textiles and chemicals, and the processing and finishing of diamonds. Thc city is probably best known these days, however, as the site of an outbreak of pneumonic plague in 1994. Despite its industrial importance Surat is of little interest to travelers, except those with a fascination for urban decay, mayhem, noise and pollution.
In and around Surat
There are a number of beaches near Surat. Only l6km away, Dumas is a popular resort with locals. Hajira is 28km from the city and Ubhrat is 42km out, while Tithal is 108kn away and only five km from Valsad on the Mumbai to Vadodara train line. Twenty-nine km south of Surat, Navsari has been a headquarters for the Parsi community since the earliest days of their settlement in India. Udvada, only 10km north of Vapi the station for Daman, has the oldest Parsi sacred fire in India. It is said that the fire was brought from Persia to Diu, on the opposite coast of the Gulf of Cambay, in 700 AD. Sanjan , in the extreme south of the state, is the small port where the Parsis first landed. A pillar marks the spot.

Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar is fifth largest city of Gujarat and second largest city of Saurastra. Bhavnagar is known as the cultural capital of Saurastra. Bhavnagar is a coastal city, located in the eastern coast of Saurashtra, known as Kathiawar. Bhavnagar is city of education and culture, known as cultural capital of Saurastra.
Major tourist attraction of Bhavnagar is Takhteshwar Temple, Gandhi Smriti Museum, Clock Tower & Gaurishankar Lake. Palitana, 56 kms from bhavnagar is one of the most picturesque places of pilgrimage in India. Founded as a port in 1743, Bhavnagar is still an important trading post for the cotton goods manufactured in Gujarat. The Bhavnagar lock gate keeps ships a float in the city's port at low tide. On the surface, Bhavnagar isn't the most exciting place to visit and few travellers get here. It does, however, have an interesting old bazaar area with overhanging wooden balconies, countless little shops, lots of local colour and not a tourist in sight.

Gondal
Gondal was the princely state ruled by Jadeja Rajput. Gondal main attractions are its palaces & buildings. The state became distinguished for its number of educational and public institutions.
Naulakha Palace
The Naulakha Palace was erected around 1748 AD in the Darbargadh or walled palace complex of the rulers, and since then has been extended by successive rulers. Naulakha Palace is a festival of stone carving with jarokha balconies. The former living quarters of the palace have been converted into a private museum exhibiting textiles, brassware, royal wardrobes, and library, silver caskets that carried gifts and messages for Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji. Guests staying at the Riverside Palace or Orchard Palace are given a guided tour of the Naulakha Palace. Vintage Car Collection
This is very much interesting for car lovers. Its collection includes a 1910 New Engine, The Delage D8, Daimler, and the grand 1935 Mercedes seven-seat saloon are examples of supercharged European cars of the 1920s and '30s known for their superbly crafted bodywork and high performance. American cars in the collection include a 1935 Packard two-door convertible coupe, the 1930s Buick convertible and the 1935 Ford convertible. Imposing American cars of the 1940s and '50s include a 1941 Cadillac saloon, a 1947 Cadillac convertible, a 1947 Buick convertible, a 1947 Oldsmobile, the 1940s Studebaker convertible, the 1947 Lincoln V12, and the 1950s Cadillac Eldorado limousine. Most of cars are restored to original. This museum is open morning 0900 Hours to 1200 Hours & 1500 to 1700 Hours. Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy
The Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy has been industrialized herbal drugs according to very old principles from the 1910s. A visit to the pharmacy is arranged for guests. The palace management can also set up arrangements with the Ayurvedic doctor at the hospital for counseling or treatments. Ayurvedic massages can also be provided in the rooms.

Patan
Patan Patola of Weaving
Patan is famous for Patola weaving. Salvi community of people is working with Patola. The queen of textiles is the Patola woven by only few families of Patan. The technique used to weave the patola is the rare double ikkat style which involves dyeing both the wrap threads in the pattern of the final fabrics before setting them on the loom. Patan is also one of the centers for Mushroo, fabrics woven as a combination of silk & cotton with the latter forming the backing. While in Preparing Patola colouring and design pattern are evolved on each thread. Different colour and pattern are matched exactly on horizontal and vertical threads in weaving. The patola was traditionally woven in a sari length of 5 to 9 yards by 45" to 54" width. The range now extends to include tablecloth borders scarves, handkerchiefs.
Patan Patola Weaving,Patan Timings: 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM
Closed on special festival
Rani Ki Vav, Patan Step Well - Architecture It was built by the queen Udaymati, the wife of Bhimdev. It is the best example of such architecture for water wells that is peculiar to Gujarat. There are wonderful carved images in the niches of the walls of this multi storied step well. It was one of the largest and the most sumptuous structures of its type. It became silted up and much of it is not visible now, except for some rows of sculptured panels in the circular part of the well. Among its ruins one pillar still stands which is the proof not only of the elegance of its design, but also excellent example of this period. A part only of the west well is extant from which it appears that the wall had been built of brick and faced with stone.

Rajkot
This bustling town was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra and is also a former British government headquarters. Mahatma Gandhi spent the early years of his life here. The Gandhi family home, the Kaba Gandhi no Delo, now houses a permanent exhibition of Gandhi items. The prestigious Rajkumar College dates back to the second half of last century and is regarded as one of the best private schools in the country. It was one of five schools set up by the British for the education of the sons of nobility (rajkumar means prince).
Tourist Attractions
1. Kaba Gandhi No Delo
Kaba Gandhi No Delo is the ancestral home of Mahatma Gandhi. It now houses the Gandhi Smriti, a permanent exhibition of Gandhiji's items.
2. Hanging Bridge
Hanging Bridge is located in Morbi of Rajkot. It was made from wire ropes and wood, during the British rule. The bridge is 165 feet long and 4.5 feet broad and has been constructed over the River Machchhu. Crossing the bridge is a sensational experience for the visitors.
3. BAPS Swaminarayan Temple
This temple was built in 1998-99 by Swaminarayan Sampradaya. It is situated on Kalavad Road near Mahila College. The temple boasts of one of the largest auditorium in the state, having a capacity of thousands.
4. Race Course
Race Course is a large ground located in the heart of the city. It houses various places of interest, like Baalbhavan, Children Traffic Park, Fun World, etc. It also has various sports facilities like Olympic-standard Indoor Stadium, International-quality Cricket ground, Football ground, Hockey ground & Volleyball ground, along with a gym and swimming pool.