Leave Kolkata by an overnight Duronto/express to reach Mumbai the next morning; overnight travel conserves daytime for sightseeing. Book AC 2A/3A or 1A if you want more rest.
Boat service runs roughly 9am–2pm (seasonal); caves open around 9am — visit early to avoid crowds and heat. Check seasonal boat schedules before you go.
High‑speed chair car rail (Vande Bharat) is the fastest comfortable surface link; typical journey ~6–7 hours depending on service. Book AC chair class in advance.
Road transfer ~5–6 hours (approx 215–260 km) depending on route and stops; private car gives flexibility with luggage and schedule. Alternatively take a morning train to Bhavnagar/Palitana if available.
Recommended pilgrim options: Shri Jain Yatri Niwas / Shree Shatrunjay Dharamshala (simple, clean) or local mid‑range hotels for more comfort; most provide vegetarian meals.
Start pre‑dawn to avoid heat and crowds; there are ~3,500 steps to the hilltop. Expect 2–3 hours ascent depending on pace; carry water, light snacks and follow local rest points.
Recommended: return to Ahmedabad (~5–6h) and rest overnight; next day travel to Sankeshwar (less tiring). Alternate ambitious plan: direct drive Palitana → Sankeshwar (~12–14 hours, ~700–800 km) which is very long and not recommended after the climb.
Sankeshwar (Karnataka/Belgaum region) is ~520–600 km from Ahmedabad by road (9–11h). Faster alternatives: flight Ahmedabad→Belgaum (Belagavi) + taxi (~70–90 km) or overnight train to Belgaum/Hubli + taxi. Choose flight or train to reduce fatigue.
Sankeshwar Parshwanath Tirth offers peaceful darshan; morning and evening pujas are customary — confirm local puja times; spend time in darshan and prasadam if available.
Rantej (Rantej Ajitnath Tirth) proximity varies by the specific tirth; many such tirths in Karnataka/Maharashtra are within 1–3 hours from Sankeshwar — confirm exact route locally. Evening darshan at Rantej if timings permit.
If you prefer less driving, consider: Ahmedabad→flight to Belagavi (Belgaum) → taxi to Sankeshwar (70–100 km). Flights reduce 10–12h drive to ~3–4h total transfer time.
Return to Ahmedabad by road/train/flight (if in Karnataka region, allow a full travel day). Optional: If you prefer a different route, do a day trip Ahmedabad→Surat (4–5h by train/car) for Jain temples and textile shopping and return to Ahmedabad at night.
Surat has several beautiful Jain temples and a huge textile market for shopping; plan 3–4 hours for darshan and shopping. Open times vary; many temples are open 6am–9pm.
Girnar is an important Jain tirth; devotees often climb early (or use available transport/ropes where provided). Expect 3–6 hours depending on how many temples you visit.
Major Vaishnava shrine with a lively evening arti; if you want Jain linkages, Dwarka region also has Jain temples — ask local guides for temple locations.