Catch an overnight 3AC train from Mumbai to Songadh (user requested deboard). Overnight trains are the most time-efficient for this plan and keep daytime free for visiting Palitana.
Consider taking a train to Bhavnagar Terminus or Palitana station instead of Songadh; both are much closer to Palitana (short taxi), reduce long road time and cab cost.
Get off at Songadh early morning (as requested) and meet pre-booked private cab/tempo traveller for the road transfer to Palitana; the drive is long (several hours) so expect to rest en route.
Climb (about 3,500 steps) or use local paid palanquin/porter service if required; the complex is the most important Jain pilgrimage spot and worth several hours of quiet worship and photography. Temples are typically open 6:00am–6:00pm — confirm local timings on arrival.
Check in to pre-booked hotel or guesthouse (2 rooms for 5 people typical: 2 double + 1 extra bed), rest and dinner; book in advance for year-end travel.
Lunch in town and taxi to Palitana railway station for the afternoon train to Ahmedabad; confirm train seat reservations (3AC preferred for group comfort).
Board direct train from Palitana to Ahmedabad (several trains run; travel time ~5–7 hours depending on service). This is the train leg the user wanted between Palitana and Ahmedabad.
Depart Ahmedabad hotel for Akshardham in Gandhinagar (about 30–45 minutes by taxi). Confirm temple timings before travel — typical visiting hours are morning 8:30–12:30 and evening 3:00–8:00 but check live as schedules can change.
Visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham (Gandhinagar) — admire the architecture, exhibits and the spiritual atmosphere; allow 2–3 hours for darshan, exhibitions and photo stops.
Visit Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram to see the museum, Gandhi’s living quarters and the peaceful ashram grounds; the ashram is usually open 8:00am–12:30pm and 2:00pm–6:00pm (confirm timings).
Explore UNESCO-listed old city pols, Jama Masjid and small streets; if you like street food, consider Manek Chowk at night (it becomes a famous food market after sunset).
Estimated overall cost for the trip following the user’s Songadh plan (trains + private transfer, 2 hotel nights, meals, local transport & buffers). These are estimates — book trains and hotels early (December end is busy). Alternative cheaper routing (arrive Bhavnagar/Palitana directly) is recommended to reduce road time and cost — see notes.
Total divided by 5 people gives roughly INR 10,200 per person as a planning estimate (based on 3AC trains, 2 hotel nights, private Songadh→Palitana cab, meals and local transfers).