Gujarat Travel Guide: Exploring the Best of Western India
In Addition to my last blog on Gujarat Tourism, I tried to plan a trip for you in case if you are planning to visit Gujarat, a vibrant state in Western India, is a captivating blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From ancient archaeological sites and bustling modern cities to serene beaches and captivating wildlife sanctuaries, Gujarat has something to offer every traveler. This itinerary will guide you through a journey to some of the most captivating destinations in Gujarat, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Planning Your Gujarat Adventure
This itinerary focuses on the following destinations in Gujarat:
- Ahmedabad
- Saputara
- Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
- Rani ki Vav
- Lothal
- Dwarka
- Somnath Temple
- Statue of Unity
- Great Rann of Kutch
- Gir National Park
- Bhuj
- Patan
- Modhera
- Vadodara
- Surat
To make the most of your trip, consider these essential aspects:
Best Time to Visit: Gujarat experiences hot summers and pleasant winters. The ideal time to visit is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Transportation: Gujarat boasts a well-developed transportation network, allowing you to traverse its diverse landscapes with ease
- Trains: Gujarat is well-connected by rail, with frequent trains from major cities across India.
- Buses: State-run and private buses offer extensive connectivity within Gujarat, making it an affordable and convenient option. Traveling from Ahmedabad to Modhera, for example, you can find bus ticket prices starting from INR 550 per head. Amenities vary depending on the bus operator and type of bus, with options like Volvo, Luxury, AC, Non AC, AC Seater, and Sleeper Buses
- Taxis/Cabs: Hiring a taxi or cab provides flexibility and comfort, especially for traveling between cities and exploring nearby attractions.
- Flights: Gujarat has several airports, including Ahmedabad and Vadodara, with connections to major cities in India and abroad.
Accommodation: Gujarat offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. You can find hotels, resorts, and homestays near all the destinations mentioned in this itinerary.
Food: Gujarati cuisine is renowned for its vegetarian delicacies and unique flavors
Suggested Itinerary:
This itinerary is designed as a circular route, starting and ending in Ahmedabad. The suggested mode of transportation is by car, which offers the most flexibility for exploring the diverse landscapes of Gujarat.
Day 1: Ahmedabad - Arrival and City Exploration
- Arrive at Ahmedabad Airport/Railway Station.
- Check in to your hotel and freshen up.
- Embark on a sightseeing tour of Ahmedabad, visiting iconic landmarks like:
- Sabarmati Ashram: The historic ashram where Mahatma Gandhi lived and worked.
- Sidi Saiyyed Mosque: Known for its intricate stone latticework windows.
- Bhadra Fort: A 15th-century fort with historical significance.
- Kankaria Lake: A beautiful lake with a variety of recreational activities.
- In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Sabarmati Riverfront promenade.
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Gujarati cuisine.
- Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.
Day 2: Ahmedabad - Lothal - Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
- After breakfast, start your road trip towards Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
- En route, visit Lothal, an ancient Indus Valley Civilization archaeological site. Lothal is unique for its ancient dockyard, one of the world's earliest, showcasing the maritime trade and urban planning of this era. Five daily trains run from Ahmedabad's Gandhigram station to Lothal-Bhurkhi station, 6km from the site
- You can choose from two routes to reach Champaner-Pavagadh: Ahmedabad - Vadodara - Champaner-Pavagadh, or Ahmedabad - Balasinor - Champaner-Pavagadh
- Arrive at Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park beautifully showcases a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, with palaces, mosques, tombs, and temples awaiting exploration
- Explore the historical city of Champaner, founded by Rajput King Vanraj Chavda in the 8th century
- Visit the Kalika Mata Temple, perched on Pavagadh Hill, offering panoramic views
- Overnight stay near Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
Day 3: Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park - Vadodara
- Spend the morning further exploring the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
- Travel to Vadodara, taking approximately 3 hours
- In Vadodara, explore hidden gems like the Sayaji Baug, a sprawling park with a zoo, planetarium, and museum, and the Laxmi Vilas Palace, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture
- Overnight stay in Vadodara.
Day 4: Vadodara - Statue of Unity
- After breakfast, visit the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Explore the surrounding attractions, including the Valley of Flowers, the Museum, and the Shrestha Bharat Bhavan.
- Consider taking a helicopter ride for a breathtaking aerial view of the statue and the surrounding area
- For those interested in exploring the area further, consider nearby road trips to Poicha, Zirwani Waterfall, Shoolpaneshwar WildLife Sanctuary, and Dediapada
- Overnight stay near the Statue of Unity.
Day 5: Statue of Unity - Surat
- In the morning, continue exploring the attractions around the Statue of Unity.
- Later in the day, proceed to Surat, a city renowned for its textile industry and diamond trade
- Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Surat.
Day 6: Surat - Saputara
- After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Saputara, a hill station in the Sahyadri Range.
- Enjoy the cool climate and picturesque landscapes of Saputara.
- Visit the Saputara Lake, the Sunset Point, and the Tribal Museum.
- Engage in activities like boating, trekking, and exploring the local markets.
- The nearest railway station to Saputara is WAGHAI (WGI)
- Overnight stay in Saputara
Day 7: Saputara - Gir National Park
- After breakfast, drive towards Gir National Park, the last abode of the Asiatic lion
- Embark on a thrilling jeep safari to spot lions, leopards, and other wildlife in their natural habitat
- Visit the Devalia Safari Park, an enclosed area within Gir National Park, for a closer encounter with the animals
- Relax and rejuvenate amidst nature at the tranquil Kamleshwar Dam
- Overnight stay near Gir National Park.
Day 8: Gir National Park - Somnath
- After breakfast, visit the Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- Explore the nearby Veraval Beach and the Girnar Hill.
- The nearest airport to Somnath is Rajkot Airport
- Overnight stay in Somnath.
Day 9: Somnath - Diu - Dwarka
- Consider a day trip to Diu, a coastal town with pristine beaches, historical forts, and a laid-back atmosphere
- Continue to Dwarka, an ancient city and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- There are two main routes from Ahmedabad to Dwarka: NH 47 (451 kilometers) and NH 947 (470 kilometers)
- Check in to your hotel and visit the Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna.
- Overnight stay in Dwarka.
Day 10: Dwarka - Bhuj
- After breakfast, visit the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- Explore the Rukmini Devi Temple and the Bet Dwarka island.
- Proceed to Bhuj, the gateway to the Great Rann of Kutch.
- Check in to your hotel and visit the Aina Mahal, the Prag Mahal, and the Kutch Museum.
- Overnight stay in Bhuj.
Day 11: Bhuj - Great Rann of Kutch
- Embark on an excursion to the Great Rann of Kutch, a vast salt desert that transforms into a surreal landscape during the full moon
- Visit the Kala Dungar (Black Hill) for panoramic views of the Rann.
- Experience the unique culture and traditions of the local communities
- Consider visiting the Dholavira, an ancient Harappan city with remarkable archaeological remains
- Overnight stay in Bhuj.
Day 12: Bhuj - Patan - Modhera
- After breakfast, depart for Patan.
- Visit Patan, home to the Rani ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of stepwell architecture
- From Patan, you can take a bus or hire a private car to Rani ki Vav
- Continue to Modhera, known for its Sun Temple, an architectural marvel from the 11th century
- If you are traveling in January, you might be able to witness the vibrant Modhera Dance Festival
- Overnight stay in Modhera.
Day 13: Modhera - Ahmedabad
- In the morning, take some time to explore Modhera.
- There are two bus routes from Patan to Modhera: via Mehsana and via Chanasama
- Later in the day, drive back to Ahmedabad.
- Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.
Day 14: Ahmedabad - Departure
- After breakfast, depending on your flight/train schedule, you can revisit some of the attractions in Ahmedabad or explore the local markets for souvenirs.
- Depart from Ahmedabad Airport/Railway Station.
Accommodations
Here's a table with hotel options near each location:
| Location | Hotel Name | Rating | Price Range | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modhera | Modhera Sunrise Resort | 3.8/5 | INR 2,765+ | www.makemytrip.com |
| Patan | The Grand Raveta | 8.8/10 | from $34 | www.agoda.com |
| Rani ki Vav | Hotel Tulsi | 4.5/5 | INR 2,208+ | www.goibibo.com |
| Vadodara | Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace | 7.5/10 | from $50 | www.expedia.com |
| Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park | Champaner Heritage Resort | 8.6/10 | $73 per night | www.trivago.com |
| Statue of Unity | Tent City Narmada | 4.2/5 | INR 10,999+ | www.goibibo.com |
| Saputara | Aakar Lords Inn | 4/5 | www.makemytrip.com |
When searching for accommodations, especially in Modhera, remember to compare prices and look for deals with free cancellation to find the best option for your budget
Permits and Reservations
While most locations in this itinerary do not require special permits, it's essential to make advance reservations for certain attractions and activities:
- Gir National Park: Safari permits for Gir National Park can be booked online in advance through the official website (girlion.gujarat.gov.in)
- Statue of Unity: Tickets for the Statue of Unity can be booked online to avoid long queues
Conclusion
This itinerary provides a comprehensive framework for exploring the wonders of Gujarat. From the ancient ruins of Lothal, one of the world's earliest dockyards, to the architectural marvels of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, where Hindu and Islamic styles converge, Gujarat offers a journey through time and culture. Witness the majesty of the Asiatic lion in Gir National Park, its last remaining habitat, and stand in awe of the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue, a testament to human ingenuity. Don't miss the surreal beauty of the Great Rann of Kutch, a salt desert that shimmers under the moonlight, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the local communities. Remember to adjust this itinerary based on your interests, time constraints, and budget. With its rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality, Gujarat promises an enriching and memorable travel experience.
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