JOYS OF SLOW TRAVEL

Why travel at a pace that allows you no time to pause and immerse yourself in the essence of a place? Leave your to-do lists behind, and let Gujarat lead you where it will...

- SHEETAL VYAS

With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and vibrant traditions, Gujarat offers a multitude of ways to travel the state. There are also many ways to immerse in the local way of life through homestays, ecologically sensitive hotels and travel operators to reduce the impact of travel without compromising on the experience.

RUSTIC CHARM

Saputara-Dang

Dang district, in the southeastern part of Gujarat, is a lush region with dense forests and stunning landscapes. The region is also home to several indigenous tribal communities, including the Bhil, Warli, Kunbi, Gamit and Dubla tribes.

Dang is the perfect place for a rural retreat - where travellers can completely reset their lives and priorities. Rural Pleasure (rural pleasure.com) offers a clutch of packages in village Subir that immerse visitors into the rich cultural heritage and customs of the tribal communities. The organisation focuses on activities that closely involve nature: ploughing fields, seeding, plucking fruits/vegetables, crop harvesting, bathing in rivers and more.

Not too far away, Saputara, 'the abode of snakes', in the Sahyadri range is Gujarat's only hill station with an altitude of 1,081m. The verdant town has a museum showcasing the culture of local tribes. Ahmedabad-based Invincible NGO (invinciblengo.org), dedicated to India’s youth, conducts interesting treks to this beautiful spot.

Saputara is 91km/2hrs from Nashik, and Dang is 138km/3hrs.

THE WHITE PLAINS OF KUTCH