Ahmedabad is known for its exquisite textiles and handicrafts, and starting our first day exploring the Calico Museum of Textiles will transport you back in time to the historic and artistic world of Indian textiles. Moving on, Sabarmati Ashram brings insight and learning value for those interested in Indian politics and history. We will end our day by indulging in some street foods and chaat, such as Aloo Tikki and Dabeli at the Manek Chowk market.
We will immerse into the blend of Indo- Islamic, Gothic and Mughal architecture of Kirti Mandir, Nyay Mandir, and Laxmi Vilas Palace. Later, we will take a stroll in the Sayaji Baug, admire the beautiful fountains, and green landscapes. Lovers of classical music can visit the Sursagar Lake for the ‘Sangeet Sankalp Saptah’, a musical event held in May every year.
Known as the land of diamonds and textile industries in Gujarat, Surat offers the famous Chintanamani Jain Temple and the Mughal Sarai with plaques dating back to the Mughal era. The Dumas Beach, located far from the city, is a secluded destination for enjoying a relaxing evening watching the sunset.
The Watson Museum, containing an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits of tribal life and culture of Saurashtra will start our day. Next, we will proceed to the Rashtriya Shala, an institute for handloom weaving and woodblock printing. Ending our journey on a gastronomical delight, adding taste to our taste-buds by sampling traditional delicacies of Kathiyawadi Thali at one of the many Rajkot's Thali houses.
If you have more time, it's worth extending a few hours at Sursagar Lake and catching the musical night market to enjoy Gujarati classical music. If you have less time than 4 days, you can skip the Surat section of the itinerary and add two more days in Ahmedabad, dedicating extra days to the old parts of the city around the Jama Masjid mosque. Otherwise, it's recommended to stick to the itinerary as the trip covers the best of Gujarat within 4 days.