Kolkata β†’ Mumbai β†’ Surat β†’ Palitana β†’ Sankeshwar β†’ Rantej β†’ Ahmedabad: 17‑Day Jain Darshan & Gujarat Heritage Loop (26 Sep–12 Oct 2025)

Day 1: Overnight Travel

Kolkata, India on September 26, 2025

6:00pm

Last-minute packing & check

Finish packing, keep darshan essentials (modest clothing, headscarf, water, walking shoes) and travel documents handy for the Duronto overnight journey.
INR0, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner before boarding (recommended)

Eat a light, hygienic dinner β€” try a trusted local Thali or packed meal to avoid relying solely on onboard catering.
INR250, 45m

9:00pm

Board Duronto (Kolkata β†’ Mumbai, overnight)

Board the Duronto express as scheduled for an overnight journey to Mumbai; sleepers/AC coaches for rest en route. Confirm PNR and coach/seat numbers.
INR0, 12h0m

Day 2: Arrival Mumbai

Mumbai, India on September 27, 2025

7:00am

Arrival & hotel check-in

Arrive Mumbai, transfer to Colaba/Juhu area hotel and freshen up; early check-in if available or store luggage and start light sightseeing.
INR0, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast – Kyani & Co / Irani CafΓ©

Classic Mumbai Irani-cafe breakfast (bun maska, chai, omelette) to soak up local flavours; many cafes open from ~7:00am.
INR300, 45m

10:00am

Gateway of India & Colaba Causeway

Walk around the Gateway, take photos and browse Colaba Causeway street shops for souvenirs; the area is open all day and best visited in the morning to avoid crowds.
INR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch – Britannia & Co. / CafΓ© Mondegar

Try Parsi specialties at Britannia or relaxed cafe fare at Cafe Mondegar; both in Colaba and convenient between morning activities.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Elephanta Caves (optional)

Ferry from Gateway to Elephanta for the UNESCO-style rock-cut caves; ferries usually run from ~9:00am–3:00pm (confirm exact time) and the visit takes 2–3 hours.
INR500, 3h0m

6:30pm

Siddhivinayak Temple (evening darshan)

Popular Ganapati temple with regular aartis and heavy footfall in evening β€” expect queues; temple timings roughly 5:30am–10:00pm, but check day's schedule.
INR0, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner – Bademiya (Colaba) or The Table

For a lively street-to-restaurant contrast: Bademiya for kebabs (open late) or The Table for contemporary dining; Mumbai has options to suit both casual and fine-dining tastes.
INR700, 1h15m

Day 3: Mumbai Temples

Mumbai, India on September 28, 2025

6:00am

Morning darshan – Mahalaxmi Temple

Visit the historic Mahalaxmi Temple early to avoid crowds; temple typically open from early morning to late evening.
INR0, 45m

8:00am

Breakfast – The Nutcracker / Prithvi CafΓ©

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a well-rated cafe near Juhu/Bandra depending on your morning route; good for light continental or Indian breakfasts.
INR350, 45m

10:00am

Bandra Bandstand, Mount Mary Basilica & street shopping

Walk the promenade, visit Mount Mary Basilica (open ~7am–7pm) and browse Bandra's boutiques and street art; easy, scenic half-day activity.
INR0, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch – Candies or local Bandra eateries

Pick from many Bandra cafes serving everything from Gujarati thali to international food; Candies is popular for a relaxed meal.
INR400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Chowpatty & Marine Drive walk

Stroll Marine Drive and relax at Chowpatty beach while sampling local chaat; open all day and pleasant in late afternoon.
INR150, 1h30m

6:00pm

Haji Ali Dargah (sunset visit)

Iconic mosque-shrine on a tidal islet; open roughly early morning to late evening β€” timings vary with tides, so confirm before going.
INR0, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner – Local seafood or vegetarian Thali

Choose a coastal seafood joint near Chowpatty or a comfortable Gujarati thali restaurant; Mumbai caters to both seafood lovers and strict vegetarians.
INR600, 1h15m

Day 4: Sanjay Gandhi Park

Mumbai, India on September 29, 2025

6:00am

Early start – ISKCON Juhu (optional darshan)

If you prefer a quieter spiritual start, ISKCON Juhu has morning prayers and is open early (check temple schedule).
INR0, 1h0m

8:00am

Breakfast – local dosa or kanda bhaji

Fuel up with a South Indian dosa or classic Mumbai breakfast snacks to prepare for the day.
INR250, 45m

9:30am

Sanjay Gandhi National Park & Kanheri Caves

Nature and rock-cut Buddhist caves; park and caves generally open from ~9:00am–5:00pm (closed days vary), so start early for easier access and cooler weather.
INR200, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch – Local restaurant near Borivali

Have a relaxed lunch near the park before heading back to central Mumbai; simple Gujarati or Maharashtrian dishes recommended.
INR350, 1h0m

3:30pm

Shopping – Linking Road / Hill Road (Bandra)

Street shopping for clothes and accessories; lively markets are best in the afternoon/early evening and offer good bargaining opportunities.
INR500, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner – Leopold CafΓ© / Bastian

Choose a popular dining spot in Bandra/Colaba for a memorable final Mumbai meal; reserve if you prefer fine dining.
INR800, 1h15m

Day 5: Relax & Final Darshan

Mumbai, India on September 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast – Irani CafΓ© or hotel

A relaxed breakfast and final packing; keep time buffer if you have morning pickups or temple visits planned.
INR300, 45m

9:30am

Visit any missed temples / local darshan

Use the day to cover any temples or markets you missed earlier (confirm local temple timings; many open 6:00am–8:00pm).
INR0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch – Swati Snacks / Gujarati thali

Sample trusted vegetarian places noted for pure veg fare and clean preparations β€” great before travel days.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Leisure – Khotachiwadi or Colaba promenade

Stroll heritage Khotachiwadi or return to Colaba promenade for postcards, photos and a gentle afternoon.
INR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner & prepare for Surat travel next morning

Early dinner and confirm Surat train/bus/road details for departure the next day; pack light for temple visits in Surat.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 6: Mumbai β†’ Surat

Mumbai β†’ Surat, India on October 2, 2025

6:00am

Early departure to Surat (train/drive)

Board morning train or drive to Surat β€” typical travel time ~4–6 hours depending on service; arrive by late morning for a relaxed afternoon.
INR500, 5h0m

11:30am

Hotel check-in & freshen up

Settle into a centrally located Surat hotel close to old city and temple clusters for easy access to evening darshan.
INR0, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch – Surti thali / Locho & Khaman

Surat is famous for snacks like locho, khaman and thali food; enjoy an authentic Gujarati meal to recharge.
INR300, 45m

4:00pm

Short rest & prepare for evening darshan

Rest at hotel and change into comfortable modest clothes for temple visits; some temples remain open until 7–9pm.
INR0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Evening darshan – local Jain temples

Visit prominent Jain temples in Surat's old city; many welcome devotees in evenings β€” check local temple timings on arrival.
INR0, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner – vegetarian Gujarati or street snacks

Enjoy Surat's clean and flavourful vegetarian cuisine or sample popular evening snacks near the markets.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 7: Surat Markets

Surat, India on October 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast – local Gujarati snacks

Start with local breakfast favourites like fafda and jalebi or light dosas from a trusted outlet near your hotel.
INR200, 30m

9:00am

Textile & sari markets (Chowk Bazaar / Ring Road area)

Surat is India's textile hub β€” explore wholesale and retail markets for sarees, dress material and tailoring options; markets generally open from 9:00am–7:00pm.
INR0, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch – Shreeji or recommended Gujarati thali

Have a leisurely Gujarati thali at a reputable restaurant to taste local preparations and sweets.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Jain temples cluster visit

Spend the afternoon visiting major Jain derasars around the old city; many sites are architecturally rich and spiritually calm β€” timings ~6:00am–8:00pm.
INR0, 2h30m

6:30pm

Evening shopping – local zari & diamond outlets

Surat is also a diamond polishing and zari centre; evening is a good time to explore shops and small showrooms.
INR0, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner – dine at a clean vegetarian restaurant

Finish the day with a relaxed vegetarian meal at a well-reviewed place near your hotel.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 8: Surat Last Day

Surat β†’ Palitana, India on October 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & pack for Palitana

Have breakfast and finalise your bags for an evening road/train transfer to Palitana; carry walking shoes and light daypack for the climb.
INR250, 45m

9:00am

Visit any temples or markets missed earlier

Use the morning to visit a favourite temple again or pick up last-minute textiles or sweets.
INR0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch – popular Surat eatery

Enjoy a relaxed lunch; try local specialties one last time before the overnight journey.
INR350, 1h0m

6:30pm

Depart Surat β†’ Palitana (road/train, ~5 hrs)

Board evening coach/train to Palitana; approximate travel time given in plan ~5 hours β€” expect late-night arrival at Dharamshala and rest for the climb next morning.
INR600, 5h0m

11:30pm

Arrive & check-in at Dharamshala

Arrive Palitana late, check into Dharamshala, rest and keep alarm for early Shatrunjaya climb next morning.
INR0, 30m

Day 9: Shatrunjaya Climb

Palitana, India on October 5, 2025

4:00am

Pre-dawn start – foot of Shatrunjaya Hill

Start early to climb Shatrunjaya Hill for cooler temperatures and peaceful darshan; devotees typically begin at dawn. Carry sufficient water and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees.
INR0, 30m

4:30am

Climb Shatrunjaya hill & darshan

Climb the well-defined steps (several thousand) visiting the cluster of Jain temples β€” plan 3–5 hours including darshan and rest stops; many temples open early morning.
INR0, 4h0m

10:30am

Descend & return to Dharamshala

Return to Dharamshala for rest and a light meal; take care after the steep descent and hydrate well.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch – simple meal at Dharamshala

Have a calm vegetarian lunch and rest β€” keep the afternoon light to recuperate from the climb.
INR200, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening puja & rest

Attend any scheduled evening puja at the Dharamshala or nearby dera; spend the evening in quiet reflection after a spiritual day.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner – simple, sattvic meal

Keep dinner light and sattvic (vegetarian) to prepare for the onward journey the next day.
INR250, 45m

Day 10: Palitana β†’ Sankeshwar

Palitana β†’ Sankeshwar, India on October 6, 2025

7:00am

Morning darshan / quick temple visits

If you wish, revisit any nearby temple for a short morning darshan before departing; early hours are serene and less crowded.
INR0, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Jagat Singh Tirth (en route)

Stop at Jagat Singh Tirth for darshan and brief pilgrimage rites; a calm spot for reflection before the road journey (confirm local opening times).
INR0, 1h0m

10:30am

Depart to Sankeshwar (approx 6 hrs drive)

Continue the journey toward Sankeshwar with an estimated travel time of about 6 hours as per your plan β€” expect highway stops for refreshments en route.
INR800, 6h0m

5:00pm

Arrival & check-in at Sankeshwar

Check into a hotel, rest and prepare for next morning puja. Use the evening to stretch and relax after a long drive.
INR0, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner – local diner

Simple dinner at a trusted local restaurant or hotel kitchen; keep the meal light ahead of next day's travel.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 11: Sankeshwar β†’ Ahmedabad

Sankeshwar β†’ Rantej β†’ Ahmedabad, India on October 7, 2025

7:00am

Morning puja at Sankeshwar

Attend the morning puja at the local shrine; a calm start to the day and a chance to interact with local devotees.
INR0, 45m

9:00am

Depart Sankeshwar β†’ Rantej (approx 5 hrs)

Drive to Rantej as per plan β€” estimated travel time ~5 hours. Take breaks at highway dhabas or clean rest stops.
INR600, 5h0m

2:30pm

Short stop at Rantej & light lunch

Break at Rantej, enjoy a quick local lunch and stretch before the final leg to Ahmedabad.
INR300, 1h0m

4:00pm

Drive Rantej β†’ Ahmedabad (approx 2 hrs)

Complete the drive to Ahmedabad and reach your hotel; evening arrival gives time to rest before multi-day Ahmedabad stay.
INR400, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner – try Gujarati thali at a reputable place

Enjoy a traditional Gujarati thali or a popular vegetarian restaurant near the hotel β€” Ahmedabad dining is famous for its flavours.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 12: Ahmedabad Base

Ahmedabad, India on October 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast – Gujarati snacks (Gordhan Thal / Manek Chowk breakfast stalls)

Begin with local breakfast options like khaman, fafda or a light thali; many places open early and serve hygienic morning meals.
INR250, 30m

9:30am

Hutheesing Jain Temple (Hutheesingh Derasar)

Visit the historic Hutheesingh Jain Temple in old Ahmedabad for peaceful darshan and notable architecture; temple hours usually early morning to evening.
INR0, 1h0m

11:30am

Sabarmati Ashram & Riverfront walk

Explore Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram and walk the Sabarmati Riverfront for a mix of history and leisure; Ashram typically open around 8:30am–6:00pm.
INR50, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch – Swati Snacks / local Gujarati restaurant

Taste well-regarded local vegetarian eateries known for clean, authentic thali and snacks.
INR350, 1h0m

3:30pm

Kankaria Lake (recreation)

Relax at Kankaria Lake, with boat rides, small attractions and a pleasant promenade; attractions generally open until late evening.
INR150, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner – Agashiye (if pre-booked) or local rooftop

For a special evening, Agashiye offers traditional Gujarati fine-dining (reserve ahead) or opt for a rooftop restaurant for city views.
INR1200, 1h15m

Day 13: Jain Darshan

Ahmedabad & Daytrip, India on October 9, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast & depart for Akshardham (Gandhinagar)

Leave early for Akshardham temple complex in Gandhinagar; typical timings ~9:30am–6:30pm β€” check prior to travel and pre-book tickets if needed.
INR0, 30m

9:30am

Akshardham Darshan & campus visit

Spend the morning at Akshardham for its spiritual ambience, exhibitions and cultural shows; plan 2–3 hours for the complex.
INR200, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch – nearby vegetarian restaurant

Have lunch near Gandhinagar or return to Ahmedabad for a late meal β€” choose wholesome vegetarian fare.
INR350, 1h0m

3:30pm

Law Garden & handicrafts

Shop traditional Gujarati embroidery and handicrafts at Law Garden β€” best in late afternoon/evening when stalls are fully open.
INR0, 2h0m

8:00pm

Manek Chowk night market visit

Experience Manek Chowk after dinner time for its famed street food and late-night market (starts ~9:00pm and runs late); a must for food lovers.
INR300, 1h30m

Day 14: Ambaji Excursion

Ahmedabad β†’ Ambaji (daytrip), India on October 10, 2025

6:00am

Early departure for Ambaji (day trip)

Ambaji is a major Shakti peeth and may be a 3–4 hour drive each way from Ahmedabad depending on traffic; start early to maximise time there.
INR800, 4h0m

10:30am

Darshan at Ambaji Temple

Attend darshan at the Ambaji Temple complex; temple hours are extensive but crowds can be heavy β€” plan time for queuing and offerings.
INR0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch – local vegetarian restaurant

Enjoy a simple meal in Ambaji town before returning to Ahmedabad.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return drive to Ahmedabad

Drive back to Ahmedabad, arriving by evening; use travel time to rest ahead of final sightseeing day.
INR800, 4h0m

8:00pm

Dinner – hotel or local restaurant

Relaxed dinner near your hotel and pack for the flight next day back to Kolkata.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 15: Leisure Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, India on October 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast – local favourites

Have a relaxed breakfast and finalise any shopping lists (sweets, handicrafts) to complete before departure.
INR250, 30m

9:30am

Shanku's Water Park / family recreation

If travelling with family, spend a fun morning at Shanku's Water Park or choose another recreation facility; parks typically open around 10:00am (confirm exact hours).
INR500, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch – try an authentic Gujarati thali

Savour a farewell Gujarati thali at a recommended restaurant in the city.
INR400, 1h0m

4:00pm

Free time – final shopping & rest

Use the afternoon for any last-minute bazaars or to rest before the morning flight back to Kolkata.
INR0, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner – light meal & early night

Early dinner and check travel documents for the next day's flight; set alarms and reconfirm airport transfer.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 16: Fly to Kolkata

Ahmedabad β†’ Kolkata, India on October 12, 2025

5:00am

Airport transfer & check-in

Early morning transfer to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport for your flight to Kolkata; arrive 2 hours before domestic departure.
INR400, 1h0m

7:30am

Flight Ahmedabad β†’ Kolkata

Board the scheduled flight back to Kolkata β€” flight times per your booking; keep ID and boarding pass ready.
INR0, 3h0m

11:00am

Arrival Kolkata & end of tour

Arrive in Kolkata and conclude the pilgrimage tour; carry home memories, photos and any prasads collected along the route.
INR0, 30m
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