Five days in Gujarat on a shoestring budget

  1. Day 1: Ahmedabad Heritage Walk
    20 minutes (3 km) from Ahmedabad Junction

    The Heritage walk takes you through narrow lanes and introduces you to the rich history of Ahmedabad. Starting from the Swaminarayan Mandir, it covers eighteen historically significant sites. The walk lasts for around two hours.

  2. Day 2: Modhera Sun Temple and Rani ki Vav Stepwell
    3.5 hours (100 km) from Ahmedabad

    The Modhera Sun Temple is an architectural marvel dating back to the 11th century. Rani ki Vav, an 11th-century stepwell, was built in memory of Bhima I, a Chaulukya dynasty king. If you have time, visit the nearby Patan and explore its ancient step-wells.

  3. Day 3: Lothal and Ahmedabad Calico Museum of Textiles
    3.5 hours (85 km) from Modhera

    Lothal, one of the oldest Indus Valley Civilization sites, is a must-visit for any history enthusiast. It was a major trading hub, and the museum on the site provides a fantastic insight into their culture. The Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad displays an impressive collection of ancient and modern textiles.

  4. Day 4: Great Rann of Kutch
    6 hours (350 km) from Ahmedabad

    Famous for its white salt desert, the Great Rann of Kutch is a mesmerizing place that stretches over 7505 km. Best visited during the winter, the nearby Kutch festival is also worth visiting. The festival brings together a kaleidoscope of musicians, artists, and performers.

  5. Day 5: Sabarmati Ashram
    56 minutes (8 km) from Ahmedabad Junction

    Mahatma Gandhi's famous ashram, located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, served as a base for India's freedom struggle. It's an informative place where you can learn about Gandhi's philosophy. You can end your day with a ride on the vintage carousel in the famed Kankaria Lake amusement park.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Ahmedabad Heritage Walk (2 hours, free)
  • Modhera Sun Temple and Rani ki Vav Stepwell (5 hours, 400 INR)
  • Lothal and Ahmedabad Calico Museum of Textiles (6 hours, 300 INR + 50 INR)
  • Great Rann of Kutch (10-12 hours, 2000-2500 INR)
  • Sabarmati Ashram (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 2750-3250 INR (37-44 USD)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add visits to the Gir National Park in Junagadh, Somnath Temple, and Dholavira, a Harappan-era archaeological site. If you have less time, reduce your stay at the Great Rann of Kutch and skip the Kutch festival. Also, consider traveling by bus or train, which is more economical than hiring a taxi or a car. Some places may be closed on certain days, so make sure to check before visiting and adjust your itinerary accordingly.

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