The privately-run textile museum, situated in one of the smarter areas of the city, proudly claims itself as the "best textile museum in the world". I met a number of people who visited the museum, and they all said they loved it. I would have liked to have seen it too, but as it only allows 20 people to visit in the morning, and 10 in the afternoon you have to be quick. We thought we were quick, but what we didn't realise was that you have to book in advance. Don't make the same mistake as us, phone beforehand, or get your hotel or local agent to book for you.
When we turned up an immovable security guard looked bored by our pleas for admittance. The drivers of the gleaming people carriers waiting outside for the chosen few inside did their utmost to help us, adding that the museum was privately-run, so what could we expect? "They make their own rules," said one driver, who explained that every day he sees crowds of tourists outside the gate trying to get in.
Lesson learned? Unlike us, do your homework and book in advance. Or go to Kachchh and see the textiles being woven, block-printed, painted, embroidered and embellished in situ. There are two good museums in Bhuj which also house Gujarati textiles.
www.calicomuseum.com/
By prior appointment only:
Morning guided Tour: 10.30am to 12.30pm (Entry between 10.15am and 10.30am Restricted to 20 visitors.)
Afternoon guided Tour: 3.00pm to 5.00pm (Entry between 2.45pm and 3.00pm. Restricted to 10 visitors.)
Children under 10 not admitted.
No charge is made for tours.
Sarabhai Foundation, Opp Underbridge, Shahibag, Ahmedabad-380 004, Gujarat, India
+91 79 2286 8172
Google map: bit.ly/GFvuzT
Is this your business?