Board an overnight express toward Songadh (nearest practical rail access for Palitana approach as requested). Book 3A for comfort for 5 people; trains depart late evening so you travel overnight and save daytime for Palitana. Confirm exact train number and platform when booking.
Disembark at Songadh (your chosen stop). Meet pre-booked taxi/tempo to Palitana town (approx 30–60 min depending on exact station/traffic) and check into the hotel/leave luggage. Arrange vehicle pickup in advance for 5 people.
Climb Shatrunjaya to visit the cluster of ~863 Jain temples — one of Jainism's holiest complexes. The climb (several thousand steps) takes 2–3 hours round-trip depending on pace; temples are generally open early (approx 5:00am) until about 6:00pm. Bring water, sun protection and wear modest clothing.
Visit the minor temples, local markets and marble workshops near the base of the hill; buy light snacks, religious souvenirs or sandals for the climb return.
Have breakfast and check out of your Palitana hotel; transfer to Palitana railway station (or Songadh if your booked train departs there) for the scheduled train to Ahmedabad.
Board a day train toward Ahmedabad Junction (Ahmedabad GN/ADI). Typical journey time is around 4–6 hours depending on the train. Book 3A/CC as preferred. You’ll arrive in Ahmedabad in the early afternoon.
Arrive at Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur), check in to the hotel near the station or in the central area, then have lunch. Recommended: Gujarati thali restaurants or popular cafes.
Visit Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram to see historical exhibits and the tranquil riverfront; it’s typically open 9:00am–6:00pm. It's about 6–7 km / 20–30 minutes from Ahmedabad Junction by car.
Walk the old city lanes near Teen Darwaza and Jama Masjid, soak in architecture and street life; Jama Masjid is about 2–3 km from Ahmedabad station (Kalupur).
Visit the magnificent Akshardham complex in Gandhinagar — a major cultural and spiritual complex. Typical visiting hours are roughly 9:30am–6:30pm; confirm for 29 Dec 2025 (some attractions are closed on certain weekdays). Allow 3–4 hours for the temple complex, exhibitions and gardens. Travel time from Ahmedabad Junction ~45–60 minutes by car (approx 30 km).
Drive to Adalaj Stepwell to see the intricate 15th-century stepwell architecture; entry has a small fee and it's open typically during daylight hours. The drive is roughly 30–40 minutes (≈18 km) from Ahmedabad station.
Relax at Kankaria Lake, enjoy the lakeside promenade; the lake area has attractions, light shows and food stalls, and is about 7–8 km from Ahmedabad station.
Breakfast at the hotel and quick shopping in local bazaars (Law Garden for textiles, Rani no Hajiro for handicrafts). These markets are typically within 3–6 km of Ahmedabad Junction.
If you prefer a museum/modern attraction, Science City is a large interactive campus (approx 10–12 km from the station); Calico Museum requires advance booking but is excellent for textile lovers (confirm open days/hours).
Board the booked overnight train to Mumbai (depart late evening). Estimated travel time overnight, arriving Mumbai early on 2025-12-31. Confirm exact departure time and platform when booking.