Morning post breakfast drive to Patan. Visit Rani Ka Vav then visit Salvi Family to see and learn the Patola Weaving Work. Lunch. Continue our drive to Modhera to see Sun Temple. Later proceed to Dasada. Check in. Dinner and overnight stay.
Patan - Patola of Weaving Patan are 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.
Rani Ki Vav (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.
Modhera Sun Temple is finest example of Hindu architecture in Gujarat. The Sun Temple at Modhera dates back to early 11th century CE and was built by King Bhimdev I in 1026 CE. The sanctum was designed to allow the sunlight to illuminate the main statue, no longer in the temple. The quality & quantity of carvings along its walls describing god, other figures & erotic positions are exceptional. In front of the temple is a colossal tank, which was once known as Surya Kund or Rama Kund. The tank has a series of carved steps leading to the bottom. Several miniature shrines adorn the steps of the tank - which is an art gallery in itself
Bhuj is a beautiful little town in Kutch district, Gujarat. It was founded in the year 1510 by a local ruler, called Maharao Hamir. The place was laid siege and take control of by Rao Khengarji I, another ruler who made the town the capital of his kingdom in the year 1549. Bhuj has got its name from the fortress called Bhuia that overlooks the city from this nearby hill. On 21 July 1956 as well on 26 January 2001, the city was struck by a major earthquake which caused a great deal of damage and loss of life and property. Many parts of Bhuj were demolished due to the extensive damage whilst others were repaired. There has been a great deal of progress in the city since the 2001 earthquake, with considerable improvements to roads, transport and infrastructure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.