17-Day Jain-Friendly Pilgrimage & Leisure Loop: Kolkata → Mumbai → Surat → Palitana → Shankheshwar → Rantej → Ahmedabad → Kolkata (Sept–Oct 2025)

Day 1: Travel Day

Kolkata, India on September 26, 2025

7:00pm

Board Duronto Express to Mumbai

Evening departure on the Duronto Express for an overnight journey to Mumbai; comfortable option for elderly travelers with sleeper berths. Confirm platform and boarding time with the rail app and keep tickets & ID handy.
CURRENCY1500, 12h0m

8:00pm

Dinner onboard / packed meal

Have a light, Jain-friendly dinner packed or ordered onboard (no onion/garlic option where possible). Overnight trains may serve food but bringing home-prepared or dharmashala-provided meals is easiest.
CURRENCY300, 0h30m

10:00pm

Rest

Settle into your berth and rest well for the arrival in Mumbai the next morning.
CURRENCY0, 8h0m

Day 2: Mumbai Arrival

Mumbai, India on September 27, 2025

7:00am

Arrival & rest at accommodation

Arrive in Mumbai and transfer to the hotel or relative's home; rest and freshen up after the overnight train. Plan a relaxed morning — many temples/attractions open later in the morning.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

9:00am

Breakfast — Pure Jain option

Breakfast at Soam (or similar) for light, pure vegetarian/Jain options; check opening hours (many open by 9am). Confirm the restaurant's Jain preparations in advance.
CURRENCY300, 0h45m

11:00am

Siddhivinayak Temple darshan

Popular Ganapati temple with managed queues for darshan; worthwhile for devotees. Temple is usually open from early morning to late evening — expect queues; free entry but special queue costs extra, so check current timings online.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Maharaja Bhog / Pure Jain thali

Enjoy a pure Jain thali at Maharaja Bhog or a dedicated Jain restaurant; confirm no onion/garlic preparations. Many thali places serve both lunch and dinner — check opening hours for lunch service.
CURRENCY500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Nehru Science Centre & Planetarium

Interactive science exhibits and (subject to schedule) planetarium shows; great for light, indoor learning and elderly-friendly paths. Nehru Science Centre typically opens around 10:30am–6:30pm and is closed on some weekdays — check show timings and closed days before visiting.
CURRENCY150, 2h0m

6:15pm

Marine Drive sunset walk

Leisurely, accessible walk along the Queen's Necklace to watch the sunset; minimal walking and plenty of seating. Open public waterfront — ideal early evening activity.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Soam / Maharaja Bhog (Jain thali)

Return to a trusted pure-Jain restaurant (Soam or Maharaja Bhog) for a wholesome dinner; confirm advance reservation for a group to avoid waiting.
CURRENCY600, 1h0m

Day 3: Colaba & Coast

Mumbai, India on September 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — local Jain-friendly cafe

Light breakfast near South Mumbai (idli, upma, fruit) at a café that can prepare Jain-style dishes; confirm no onion/garlic.
CURRENCY250, 0h45m

9:30am

Gateway of India & Taj Mahal Palace view

Iconic waterfront landmark and photo stop; short walks, accessible promenade, and optional boat rides (boat hours typically morning–early evening). Check boat operator timings before planning a ride.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Colaba (Jain options)

Have lunch in Colaba at a restaurant offering Jain dishes (many cafés can prepare special requests); markets nearby make it convenient for an early/late lunch.
CURRENCY400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Colaba Causeway market shopping

Shop for souvenirs, textiles, and accessories on this bustling street market; mostly flat walking but expect crowds — use a slow, planned route and seating breaks as needed. Typical market hours ~11:00–20:00; confirm shop timings for specific stores.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Girgaon Chowpatty + snacks

Evening beach scene with snack stalls — choose Jain-friendly snacks (bhel/fruit chaat without onion/garlic). The beach is open any time; verify vendor hours and hygiene standards before ordering.
CURRENCY150, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (Jain thali)

Classic Gujarati/Jain thali experience at Shree Thaker; confirm hours (typically lunch & dinner sittings) and request strict Jain preparation.
CURRENCY450, 1h0m

Day 4: Indoor Fun

Mumbai, India on September 29, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast — hotel / relatives (Jain options)

Relaxed breakfast at accommodation or with relatives; plan a light Jain breakfast to keep energy for indoor activities.
CURRENCY200, 0h45m

11:00am

Snow Kingdom (R City Mall)

Indoor snow-themed park — climate-controlled, wheelchair-friendly areas, and a short, fun experience for all ages; check opening hours (usually 11:00–20:00) and book tickets to avoid queues.
CURRENCY500, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — mall foodcourt (Jain choices)

Eat at R City Mall food court where several outlets can prepare Jain meals; confirm with the outlet on the spot and avoid cross-contamination.
CURRENCY350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Optional KidZania (R City) / indoor leisure

KidZania is great if young family members are present; it's mostly seated/indoor activities. Check KidZania’s session times and age rules before booking; adults can accompany children in limited numbers.
CURRENCY700, 2h0m

6:00pm

Visit relatives

Spend the evening with relatives — an easy, meaningful low-energy activity to connect and rest.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner — Status Restaurant (Jain menu)

Dinner with Jain menu options at Status Restaurant; call ahead to confirm Jain preparations and reserve a table for the group.
CURRENCY500, 1h0m

Day 5: Beach & Temple

Mumbai, India on September 30, 2025

7:30am

Juhu Beach morning visit

Early morning stroll along Juhu Beach to avoid crowds; sample Jain-style pav bhaji / snack stalls that offer plain items — confirm no onion/garlic.
CURRENCY150, 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast — local Jain snacks

Have a light breakfast near Juhu (dabbawala-style or small cafés that can accommodate Jain requests).
CURRENCY200, 0h45m

12:30pm

ISKCON Temple Juhu

Peaceful temple complex with accessible paths and prasadam (confirm Jain diet compatibility before accepting food). Temple timings typically include mid-morning and evening aratis — check the daily schedule.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Lunch — Juhu area (Jain options)

Lunch at a trusted Jain-friendly eatery near Juhu; many coastal cafés will accommodate a Jain thali request if informed in advance.
CURRENCY400, 1h0m

5:00pm

Linking Road / Bandstand stroll

Evening stroll for light shopping and seaside views; Linking Road has many boutique shops while Bandstand is a quieter promenade. Shops generally open until 9pm; plan slow walking and rest stops.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Swati Snacks (Jain menu)

Enjoy Jain-friendly Gujarati favourites at Swati Snacks; confirm menu items and hours (many outlets close by 10pm).
CURRENCY400, 1h0m

Day 6: Local Visits

Mumbai, India on October 1, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast — relatives / hotel

Relaxed start with breakfast at the accommodation; keep the morning light for an easy aquarium visit.
CURRENCY200, 0h45m

11:00am

Taraporewala Aquarium

Small, centrally located aquarium with marine displays and accessible viewing; typically open 10:00–18:00 but occasionally closed for maintenance — check current status before visiting.
CURRENCY50, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — local Jain restaurant

Casual lunch with relatives, opting for a Jain meal at a nearby dhaba or vegetarian restaurant.
CURRENCY300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Last visits to relatives / light shopping

Use the afternoon for short family visits and light shopping — prioritize low-walking shops and transport by car for elderly comfort.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — New Maheshwari Bhojanalay (Jain food)

End the Mumbai stay with a pure Jain meal at New Maheshwari; confirm closing time and reserve if a larger group.
CURRENCY450, 1h0m

Day 7: Mumbai → Surat

Mumbai → Surat, India on October 2, 2025

7:30am

Board Vande Bharat Express to Surat

Morning Vande Bharat offers a fast, comfortable rail link to Surat (approx 3–4 hours). Book seats in advance and arrive at the station with time for assistance boarding if required.
CURRENCY800, 3h30m

11:30am

Arrival & check-in in Surat

Reach Surat, transfer to the hotel and rest; choose accommodation close to the sights to reduce intra-city travel time.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Jain Upvas Bhojanalay option

Enjoy a pure Jain lunch at a recommended local bhojanalay; confirm opening hours for lunch service.
CURRENCY350, 1h0m

5:30pm

Gopi Talav Lake (boating + musical fountain)

Pleasant evening at Gopi Talav with boating and scheduled musical fountain shows (check fountain show times as they run only during set evenings). The lake area is flat and elderly-friendly.
CURRENCY200, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Jain Upvas Bhojanalay / local Jain restaurant

Dinner at a dedicated Jain eatery in Surat; confirm kitchen practices and any group booking needs.
CURRENCY300, 1h0m

Day 8: Surat Sights

Surat, India on October 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — hotel / local Jain cafe

Start with a light Jain breakfast available at your hotel or a nearby café; plan to be early to beat the heat if doing outdoor activities.
CURRENCY200, 0h45m

9:30am

Sarthana Nature Park & Zoo

Large, well-maintained zoo and nature park offering shaded paths and benches — ideal for gentle walking and wildlife viewing. Typically open around 9:00–18:00; check exact timing.
CURRENCY100, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Surat local (Jain options)

Have a relaxed lunch at a Surat eatery that offers Jain meals; Surat has many pure vegetarian restaurants — confirm no onion/garlic usage.
CURRENCY350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Surat Castle & Dutch Garden

Visit the historic Surat Castle and the nearby Dutch Garden; both are low-walk heritage sites, but verify opening hours (generally daytime).
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

6:00pm

VR Mall recreation & shopping

Indoor mall for comfortable shopping, rest, and possible cinema visits — open typically till 10pm. Ideal evening for elderly-friendly leisure.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner — Shiv Sagar (Jain menu)

Dinner at Shiv Sagar or equivalent with Jain menu options; confirm the restaurant’s ability to serve Jain-specific meals.
CURRENCY300, 1h0m

Day 9: Coastal Day

Surat, India on October 4, 2025

7:30am

Dumas Beach morning visit

Early visit to Dumas Beach for a quiet seaside walk; avoid late afternoons due to crowds and stick to well-populated areas. Beach is open any time but prefer morning for comfort.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast — nearby cafe / Jain-friendly

Breakfast at a hygienic cafe that can provide Jain options before heading to the Science Centre.
CURRENCY200, 0h45m

12:30pm

Science Centre & Planetarium (Surat)

Interactive science centre and planetarium shows suitable for all ages; planetarium show timings vary — check the schedule in advance. Centres usually open during daytime hours.
CURRENCY100, 2h0m

4:00pm

Textile shopping at Ring Road

Surat is famous for textiles — a short, planned shopping session at Ring Road textile markets for sarees/bolts. Use a driver to minimize walking between shops and plan rest breaks.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Jalaram Khichdi (Jain options)

Simple, comforting Jain-friendly dinner at Jalaram Khichdi or similar; verify menu and opening hours for late dining.
CURRENCY200, 1h0m

Day 10: Surat → Palitana

Surat → Palitana, India on October 5, 2025

7:00am

Travel by car/bus to Palitana

Drive from Surat to Palitana (approx 6–7 hours); depart early to arrive by evening for light darshan. Arrange comfortable transport with regular stops for the elderly.
CURRENCY800, 6h30m

2:00pm

Lunch en route — packed Jain meal

Carry a packed Jain lunch or stop at a hygienic dhaba offering plain vegetarian options; plan the stop at a clean rest area.
CURRENCY250, 0h45m

5:00pm

Evening light darshan at Taleti temples

Arrive at Taleti (base of Shatrunjaya) for a gentle evening darshan at the foothill temples; good time for a relaxed initial darshan before the hill climb next morning.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Palitana Jain Dharamshala

Stay and dine at a Jain dharamshala in Palitana offering pure Jain meals — most dharamshalas serve sattvik food and are accustomed to pilgrims' needs.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

Day 11: Shatrunjaya Darshan

Palitana, India on October 6, 2025

4:00am

Early start — climb Shatrunjaya Hill (palkhi/doli option)

Begin the traditional early-morning climb to Shatrunjaya to beat heat and crowds; palkhi or doli services are available for elderly or those unable to climb the steps. Confirm palkhi timings and booking with the dharamshala in advance.
CURRENCY500, 4h0m

8:30am

Main darshan — Adinath Bhagwan Temple

Primary darshan of Adinath (rinpoche) and the cluster of hill temples; spend time in the main mandir complex which is the key pilgrimage purpose for many visitors.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch & rest at Dharamshala

Return to the dharamshala for a restful lunch and rest period — midday rest important after the hill visit.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Jagatsingh Tirth — nearby tirth

Short evening visit to Jagatsingh Tirth for additional darshan; easy walking, quieter than the main hill and suitable for a gentle stroll.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Pure Jain food at Dharamshala

Simple, sattvik dinner served at the dharamshala — confirm timings and portions suitable for elders.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

Day 12: Palitana → Shankheshwar

Palitana → Shankheshwar, India on October 7, 2025

7:30am

Travel Palitana to Shankheshwar by car

Depart Palitana for Shankheshwar (approx 5–6 hours); travel early with a comfortable vehicle and planned stops.
CURRENCY700, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch en route — Jain-friendly stop

Stop at a clean vegetarian restaurant en route for a Jain-friendly lunch; confirm preparations with staff before ordering.
CURRENCY300, 1h0m

5:00pm

Parshwanath Bhagwan darshan (Shankheshwar)

Evening darshan at Shankheshwar Tirth — the temple complex is pilgrim-focused and usually open through the evening; verify timing with the local temple committee.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner & stay at Jain Dharamshala

Overnight at a Jain dharamshala with pure sattvik meals; arrange bedding and any special needs in advance.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

Day 13: Shankheshwar → Rantej

Shankheshwar → Rantej, India on October 8, 2025

8:00am

Morning travel to Rantej

Short drive (approx 3.5–4 hours) to Rantej; depart after breakfast for a relaxed journey and arrive by early afternoon.
CURRENCY300, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — local Jain dharamshala

Simple Jain lunch at the dharamshala or local tirth; keep dining times flexible based on arrival time.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ajitnath Bhagwan darshan (Rantej)

Afternoon darshan at Ajitnath Temple with easy walking; local shrines often have fixed hours but late-afternoon darshan is common — check local timings.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner & rest at Jain Dharamshala

Dinner served at the dharamshala with pure Jain food; ensure any dietary restrictions are communicated to the dharamshala staff.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

Day 14: Rantej → Ahmedabad

Rantej → Ahmedabad, India on October 9, 2025

9:00am

Drive to Ahmedabad

Short drive to Ahmedabad (approx 2–3 hours) with an early start to maximize the afternoon and evening in the city.
CURRENCY400, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — local Jain restaurant in Ahmedabad

Enjoy a Gujarati/Jain lunch near your hotel; Ahmedabad has many reputable Jain establishments — call ahead to secure a seat.
CURRENCY400, 1h0m

4:30pm

Sabarmati Riverfront walk

Leisurely stroll along the developed Sabarmati Riverfront with benches and cafes; ideal for a calm evening and accessible for wheelchairs/walking aids. Riverfront hours typically span early morning to late evening.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Rajwadu / Atithi (Jain food section)

Dine at Rajwadu or Atithi which both offer Jain-friendly sections/menu items; reserve and confirm Jain-specific preparation.
CURRENCY600, 1h0m

Day 15: Heritage Tour

Ahmedabad, India on October 10, 2025

9:00am

Adalaj Stepwell (Adalaj ni Vav)

Architectural marvel with stepped terraces and shaded areas — accessible via steps and short walks; open roughly 9:00–18:00, but verify seasonal hours.
CURRENCY50, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Gujarati/Jain thali

Have a traditional Gujarati/Jain thali at a recommended local restaurant; confirm sattvik cooking methods if strictly Jain.
CURRENCY350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sabarmati Ashram

Visit Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram for a calm, historical experience with easy pathways and accessible exhibits — open during daytime hours.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening — Manek Chowk (street food, Jain stalls available)

Explore Manek Chowk’s evening market for shopping and Jain-friendly street food stalls (many vendors prepare Jain snacks). Manek Chowk is busiest after sunset; check vendor hours and prefer earlier evening to avoid late crowds.
CURRENCY200, 1h30m

Day 16: Family & Museums

Ahmedabad, India on October 11, 2025

9:00am

Kankaria Lake (toy train, zoo, gardens)

Large recreational lake complex with toy train, zoo, and wheelchair-accessible promenades — open morning to late evening (verify attraction hours for the zoo/train).
CURRENCY100, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — lakeside Jain-friendly cafe

Lunch at a café near Kankaria that can provide Jain options; confirm menu in advance and avoid rush hours for seating comfort.
CURRENCY350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Auto World Vintage Car Museum

Indoor museum showcasing vintage cars and memorabilia — a seated, low-movement attraction ideal for interest and photos; typically open 10:00–18:00 but confirm before visiting.
CURRENCY200, 1h30m

5:30pm

Hathisingh Jain Temple (evening darshan)

Visit Hathisingh Jain Temple for evening aarti/darshan; temples usually have fixed morning and evening timings — check local notices for the precise aarti time.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — local Jain restaurant

Final Ahmedabad dinner at a recommended Jain restaurant — reconfirm preparations and make a reservation for a stress-free meal.
CURRENCY450, 1h0m

Day 17: Return Home

Ahmedabad → Kolkata, India on October 12, 2025

9:00am

Relax / light shopping

Leisurely morning for last-minute shopping, packet any gifts, and final rest before your flight. Keep purchases small and near the hotel to avoid long transfers.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — light Jain meal

Have a light, early lunch with Jain options and ensure you have comfortable travel clothing for the flight home.
CURRENCY300, 0h45m

2:00pm

Flight Ahmedabad → Kolkata (CCU)

Mid-afternoon flight back to Kolkata; arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure for domestic check-in and assistance if needed. Confirm flight time and terminal in advance.
CURRENCY4000, 2h30m

6:00pm

Arrival in Kolkata

Touchdown in Kolkata, collect luggage and transfer home — conclude the looped pilgrimage and leisure itinerary.
CURRENCY0, 0h30m
0