Photography group tour Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh – 11 days
11 days | 27 February to 9 March 2026 | € 1555
Discover the untouched spirit of tribal Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, step into a world rarely seen by outsiders
€ 1150 per person, based on a shared twin room
Highlights of the trip
Witness the artistry of transformation
Experience the mesmerizing process of face-painting and body decoration as Rathwa villagers prepare for days of ceremonial dancing and spiritual rituals.
Village processions and tribal dance
Follow the colorful rhythms of the village as locals gather, sing, and perform powerful traditional dances that express their identity and joy.
Authentic tribal markets
Visit lively village markets where people shop for festival goods an explosion of textures, fabrics, ornaments, and interactions just waiting to be photographed.
Evening holi rituals
Join the night-time Holika Dahan, a sacred fire ceremony symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Watch as villagers, painted and adorned, gather around the flames in song and celebration.
Walk across fire
Witness the breathtaking ritual of walking barefoot on burning coal, a dramatic test of spiritual strength and endurance, believed to purify the soul and invite blessings.
Dramatic “Golferiyo mela” swing ritual
See two men suspended on either end of a large wooden pole, spinning at incredible speed a striking symbol of strength, faith, and cosmic balance.
Meet pithora painters
Visit a family of tribal artists who create Pithora wall paintings, ritual murals meant to bring protection and prosperity. Learn about the spiritual symbols and cultural narratives behind this rare art form.
Terracotta tradities
Explore a pottery village where artisans craft terracotta horses and votive figures believed to carry prayers to the gods.
Sacred site visit
Explore a pottery village where artisans craft terracotta horses and votive figures believed to carry prayers to the gods.
General description
For centuries, the remote village of Kavant has served as the spiritual and cultural heart of the Rathwa tribe, one of Gujarat’s most vibrant and deeply rooted indigenous communities. Each year, during Holi, this quiet region transforms into a powerful tapestry of color, rhythm, and ancestral ritual. The Kavant Festival is not choreographed or commercialized, it is a spontaneous celebration of life, nature, and tribal identity.
As part of this rare journey, you’ll also cross into neighboring Madhya Pradesh, where other tribal communities mark Holi in their own sacred and communal ways, broadening your perspective on the rich mosaic of Central India’s indigenous traditions.
Unlike mainstream festivals, Kavant remains virtually unknown to both domestic and international tourists. With minimal outside influence, it offers a rare and privileged window into authentic tribal life. Rathwa men and women dressed in ceremonial attire and adorned with handmade jewelry and peacock feathers gather to sing, dance, exchange goods, arrange marriages, and honor their ancestral spirits.
Holi here is more than color: it is a deeply spiritual event rooted in reverence for the land, the gods, and the wisdom of generations past. Villagers carry symbolic totems, performing traditional dances to the sounds of drums and flutes in an atmosphere both hypnotic and profound.
This exclusive photography tour has been created in close collaboration with acclaimed local photographer Parvez Shaikh,link to his bio offering participants a unique opportunity to document one of India’s last untouched tribal festivals in a respectful and immersive way.
This trip is accompanied by a dedicated Heart of India Travel staff member who speaks Dutch, French, and English, as well as a professional local photographer. This ensures you receive personalized support and expert photographic guidance in your own language.
Photography & ethics
27 February to 9 March 2026
€ 1555 per person, based on a shared twin room.
27 February to 9 March 2026
€ 1555 per person, based on a shared twin room.
Travel schedule
Today you start your adventure with an (often evening) flight from your home airport to Ahmedabad, the vibrant capital of Gujarat.
Upon arrival at Ahmedabad Airport, you will be welcomed by our English speaking driver, who will take you to your 3*hotel. The afternoon is at leisure, giving you time to rest and acclimatize. You can explore the area, or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation.
In the evening, you’ll meet your fellow travelers, as well as Parvez and Nicole, your guides for this unique photography journey.
It’s a relaxed moment to get to know each other, share your expectations, and start building the connection that will enrich the experience over the days to come
After breakfast, depart from Ahmedabad to Chhota Udepur, located in a tribal region with limited tourism infrastructure. You will stay in a neat, no-frills hotel that offers a clean and authentic experience.
In the afternoon, enjoy some relaxed time to connect with your fellow travellers and ease into the rhythm of the journey. Join an informative session with Parvez and Nicole to learn about the tour’s focus, approach, and practical tips including answers to frequently asked questions.
Early this morning, you’ll drive to Kavant to witness the vibrant and emotional Kavant Festival a celebration of transitions, family bonds, and a successful harvest, expressed through color, music, and dance.
On the way, you’ll see groups of tribal people making their way to the festival, on foot or in shared transport, dressed in striking traditional attire. Women from each village wear coordinated dupattas and skirts, while men sport matching turbans and skirts, each subgroup expressing its identity. Both genders are adorned with bold silver jewelry and carry accessories like sunglasses, lighters, and radios a unique visual experience that reflects the spirit and pride of the Rathwa community.
This morning, you’ll visit a vibrant village market where local men prepare for the Kavant Festival, surrounded by tribal crafts, traditional goods, and festive energy.
In the evening, witness Holika Dahan the symbolic bonfire marking the start of Holi. Rathwa villagers gather in ritual dress, singing and drumming as they light pyres and offer grains and flowers for blessings. Watch as men apply ceremonial face paint, preparing for the sacred festivities ahead. A powerful and rare glimpse into Holi through the eyes of the Rathwa tribe.
This morning, you will take part in a photo review session with Parvez to analyze your shots, receive personalized feedback, and refine your visual storytelling.
In the afternoon, visit the Tribal Museum of Chhota Udepur, which showcases objects, tools, traditional costumes, and dwellings of the Rathwa and Nayaka communities offering a valuable immersion into their cultural heritage.
In the evening, you will experience an intimate Holi celebration with the Rathwa community: ancestral rituals such as walking barefoot on embers, ritual dances, tribal music, and local drinks a powerful and authentic moment, far from mainstream festivities.
This morning, you’ll join photographer Parvez for a photo review session to refine your visual storytelling.
Late in the morning, you will set out to explore the surrounding villages, where the Rathwa community celebrates Holi with drums, folk songs, and vibrant dances.
A highlight of the day is the spinning pole ritual, where two men suspended from a wooden beam spin at high speed a spectacular display of strength and ancient tradition.
Soak up the festive atmosphere, interact with the locals, and discover traditional tribal art before returning to your accommodation in the evening.
In the morning, take time to rest and reflect.
Later, visit a Rathwa home to see vibrant Pithora paintings ritual wall art created to invite health, fortune, and ancestral blessings, filled with symbolic figures like horses, elephants, and goats.
In the late afternoon, explore Singala, a sacred site central to Rathwa spirituality, offering a deeper understanding of their beliefs and rituals.
Early morning, visit the lively Saturday cattle market in Chhota Udepur, where tribal groups like the Rathwas, Bhils, and Nayaks gather.
Men in red turbans and women in colorful skirts and silver jewelry trade vegetables, grains, and livestock. It’s a vibrant glimpse into tribal culture and the local economy.
Check out from your hotel this morning. You’ll have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing at your own pace.
You will be picked up approximately four hours before your return flight and transferred to Ahmedabad Airport for your departure.
Please note that you will be traveling through a tribal region where no luxury accommodations are available. However, we have carefully selected clean and comfortable hotels that provide all essential amenities, including:
Included in the price
Not included
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