Board an overnight 3A/SL train from Mumbai to Songadh/Bhavnagar-area (user plans to disembark at Songadh to access Palitana). Book IRCTC early; sleeper 3A is recommended for comfort for 5 people on a night run.
Disembark at Songadh (or nearest scheduled stop) and take a pre‑booked taxi to Palitana (drive ~30–60 minutes depending on exact stop). This gets you into Palitana early to start the temple climb.
Have a hearty local breakfast near the Palitana base (simple Gujarati thali or poha + chai) to fuel the temple climb; options around the temple base are basic but fresh.
Climb (or use palki where available) the Shatrunjaya hill to visit the cluster of ~900 Jain temples — one of the most important Jain pilgrimage complexes; allow time for the steep climb, photography and quiet darshan. Temples are typically open from dawn to dusk (check local hours and dress/footwear rules).
Lunch at a recommended local restaurant serving Gujarati thali or a clean pure-veg place near the town; good to try local farsan and sweet dish to refresh after the climb.
Walk Palitana town, visit small Jain museums or shops for religious souvenirs, and rest at the hotel. This is a low‑key afternoon to recover from the climb.
Check into 2 rooms (one triple/one double) at a mid-range hotel close to the temple base for easier early morning access tomorrow if needed. Book in advance for the Dec holidays.
Have an early breakfast and reach Palitana station/nearby boarding point for the train to Ahmedabad. Confirm the Palitana–Ahmedabad train schedule and platform the night before.
Board the scheduled train from Palitana to Ahmedabad (journey ~4–6 hours depending on service). The user requested using trains for this leg — book 3A/SL as preferred. Arrive Ahmedabad in early/mid afternoon.
Drive from Ahmedabad station to Akshardham, Gandhinagar (approx 25–35 km depending on route; ~45–60 minutes). Prebook a taxi for the roundtrip so you can keep to the Akshardham slot time.
Visit Akshardham temple complex (note: Akshardham is closed on Mondays — you are visiting on Sunday 28 Dec). Enjoy the exhibition, mandir, gardens and evening programs/light show (timings vary; book free tickets online and arrive at the allotted slot). Check exact show & entry timing and mandatory security rules before arrival.
Return to Ahmedabad and dine at Manek Chowk (if early evening) for street food, or choose a sit-down Gujarati thali place such as Gordhan Thal/Agashiye (note: Agashiye requires reservation). Manek Chowk is great for chaats and dinner; check night timings — many stalls open after sundown.
Check in for a 2-night stay in Ahmedabad (one triple + one double or equivalent). Pick a hotel near Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur) or central C.G.Road for easy access to Old City and station.
Breakfast at a known local spot such as Swati Snacks or a hotel buffet for light Gujarati breakfast items (khaman, dhokla, fafda). Swati is popular for clean quick vegetarian fare in the city.
Visit Sabarmati Ashram to learn about Gandhi's life and the independence movement — it's calm and typically open 9:00am–6:00pm; allow 1–1.5 hours for the museum, library and riverside walk.
Walk the Old City: see the exquisite Sidi Saiyyed stone jali (famous window), Teen Darwaza and nearby markets. This area is compact and great for photography and buying textiles; many sites are a short drive from Ahmedabad station (2–5 km).
Try a Gujarati thali at a reputable place: Gordhan Thal for classic thali or Vishalla for a cultural village-style thali experience (both provide authentic Gujarati cuisine). Reserve if possible; lunch 1–2pm.
Drive ~18–20 km from Ahmedabad Junction to the 15th-century Adalaj stepwell; open roughly 7:00am–7:00pm — marvel at carved pillars and cool stone architecture. Allow ~1 hour onsite and 45–60 minutes travel each way depending on traffic.
Return to the city for Kankaria Lake (entertainment zone with evening lights) or Sabarmati Riverfront for a relaxed walk; both are great for families in the evening and have food stalls/activities. Kankaria has small-entry fees for attractions; most public spaces are open until late.
For a lively experience, have dinner at Manek Chowk street vendors (open after 8pm). If you prefer sit-down, try a recommended Gujarati/Indian restaurant near CG Road or Satellite.
If you want an extra heritage highlight, take a half-day trip: Modhera Sun Temple (~100–110 km, 2h drive one way) or Patan (Rani-ki-Vav, ~120–130 km). Both are UNESCO-level sights and worth a half-day; choose only one because you'll leave Ahmedabad tonight. Check opening times (generally 9:00am–6:00pm).
Return to Ahmedabad for a relaxed lunch; try a final Gujarati thali or a multi-cuisine restaurant near the station so you're close to the train departure point later.
Board your scheduled night train back to Mumbai (book 3A for group comfort). The train typically reaches Mumbai early morning on 31 Dec — check exact timetable and platform in advance.
Estimated combination of trains, hotels, local taxis, meals and incidentals for 5 people. This is an estimate — book fares/hotels early (December is peak season) for best rates. All amounts are approximate; taxes/seasonal surcharges may apply.