5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Gujarat in July 2023

1. Day 1: Ahmedabad
   10 minutes (3.2 km) from Ahmedabad Junction railway station

   Start your day by visiting Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi lived for several years. Spend your afternoon at the Calico Museum of Textiles, which houses an extensive collection of traditional Indian textiles. In the evening, head to the Kankaria Lake, a popular picnic spot, to unwind.

2. Day 2: Vadodara
   1 hour 40 minutes (106.9 km) from Ahmedabad

   Spend your morning exploring the stunning Laxmi Vilas Palace, a remarkable example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, which features a range of art, archaeology, and ethnology exhibits. End your day by taking a stroll through Sayaji Baug, a large park with a zoo and a variety of attractions.

3. Day 3: Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
   1 hour 40 minutes (53.2 km) from Vadodara

   Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, which features a wide range of historical sites and ruins. Spend your afternoon trekking up the Pavagadh Hill to the Kalika Mata Temple, which offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside. End your day by enjoying the famous Gujarati thali at a local restaurant.

4. Day 4: Somnath
   9 hours 30 minutes (424.1 km) from Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

   Visit the famous Somnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, in the morning. Spend your afternoon exploring the Bhalka Tirth, which marks the spot where Lord Krishna was hit by an arrow. End your day by enjoying the sunset at the nearby Triveni Sangam, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean meet.

5. Day 5: Dwarka
   2 hours 30 minutes (230.2 km) from Somnath

   In the morning, visit the Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, and take a dip in the Gomti River. Spend your afternoon at the Beyt Dwarka, an island known for its ancient temple and beautiful beach. End your day by watching the evening Aarti at Dwarkadhish Temple.

Recommendations

Aside from the itinerary, we recommend visiting the Rann of Kutch, a vast salt desert known for its stunning landscapes and cultural experiences. You can also consider taking a day trip to the Gir Forest National Park, home to the endangered Asiatic lion. To maximize your fun during the trip, try the local street food, shop for traditional handicrafts, and watch a Gujarati play or movie.

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