Board an overnight AC 3-tier train from Mumbai to Songadh per your plan so you arrive early morning near Palitana; book 3A berths for comfort for 5 people and confirm berth allocations together. Trains typically depart late evening and run overnight — check IRCTC for exact train numbers & PNR.
You requested to get down at Songadh; note this station is a long road transfer to Palitana (expect several hours by road). Arrange a pre-booked 7-seater taxi/innova for the transfer so the group travels together. If you want a much shorter transfer, consider changing to Palitana (PIT) or Bhavnagar (BHU) station — both are closer to the temple complex.
Have a local Gujarati breakfast (poha, fafda, thepla) or simple hotel buffet to refuel before the climb; small eateries by the temple base offer good local options.
Shatrunjaya hill has over 800 marble temples and is a major Jain pilgrimage. Many visitors climb early, but an afternoon visit is also rewarding; a ropeway / porter service is available (check current ropeway operating hours — typically morning to late afternoon). Hire a local guide or porter if desired; plan the climb to allow time for darshan and photo stops.
Enjoy a warm Gujarati thali (vegetarian) at a recommended local restaurant or your hotel — simple, filling and suitable after the climb; confirm restaurant hours in advance (many close by 9pm).
Catch the evening train from Palitana to Ahmedabad (multiple overnight options exist); book AC-3 tier for the group. This uses the return-by-train preference. If you insisted on boarding at Songadh, you'll need to return there — that will increase travel time; using Palitana station is far more logical.
Arrive in Ahmedabad, transfer to your hotel and freshen up. Early arrival gives a full day of sightseeing; if you arrive late, shift the day’s activities accordingly.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Swati Snacks (famous for Gujarati & regional dishes) or another popular cafe; plan to start sightseeing after breakfast. Confirm opening times (many cafés open by 8–9am).
Visit Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram to see his living quarters, exhibits and riverside setting — it’s close to Ahmedabad Railway Station (~3–4 km) and gives historical context to Gujarat.
Explore the old walled city: Jama Masjid (beautiful 15th-century mosque) and the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque (famous stone lattice 'Tree of Life' window). These are within ~3–4 km of Ahmedabad Junction and excellent for photos and heritage.
Have a traditional Gujarati thali lunch (Gordhan Thal or similar popular thali spots) for an authentic, filling meal. Many thali restaurants are open by 12pm–3pm.
Visit Law Garden for handicraft shops and street shopping near CG Road, then return in the evening to Manek Chowk for famous street food (open late night). Distances from Ahmedabad Junction: Law Garden ~6 km, Manek Chowk ~3–4 km.
Head to Manek Chowk in the old city for a lively street food dinner (pav bhaji, chaat, kulfi) — it’s a must-do Ahmedabad experience and operates nightly from evening to late night.
Drive ~18 km from Ahmedabad centre to Adalaj Stepwell (adorned stepwell with intricate carvings). Open usually 9am–6pm, great for photography and historical interest; allow ~1–1.5 hours.
Visit Science City (interactive exhibits; usually open mid-morning to late afternoon) or Kankaria Lake (toy train, lakefront, zoo and evening light show). Both are family-friendly and open daily — check specific exhibit timings at Science City.
For a special Gujarati dining experience, book Agashiye (rooftop at House of MG) in advance; otherwise choose a well-reviewed hotel restaurant. Confirm reservations as places can be busy during year-end dates.
Drive to Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar (approx. 25–35 km from Ahmedabad Railway Station / city centre depending on traffic). Plan for morning arrival to avoid late-day crowds.
Visit Akshardham complex; typical opening hours are about 9:30am–6:30pm and it is CLOSED on Mondays — you are visiting on Tuesday so it will be open. The gardens, exhibitions and temple architecture are the main draws; allow 2–3 hours. Note: some exhibitions / water shows may have additional timings and ticketing.
Have an early dinner (thali or restaurant of choice) and proceed to the station for your overnight train to Mumbai. Confirm train departure time (you indicated leaving Ahmedabad on 30/12; select a late-evening/overnight train that arrives in Mumbai on 31/12).
Board AC 3-tier overnight train back to Mumbai. Book berths for all 5 passengers together and reconfirm arrival time in Mumbai (expected early morning on 31 Dec).
Estimated total cost including trains (both ways), car transfers, hotels (1 night Palitana, 3 nights Ahmedabad), meals, local transport, small entry/guide/ropeway fees and a 10% contingency. This is an estimate only; book trains, hotels and taxis early for best fares.