Weekend getaways from Ahmedabad offer a quick respite when taking a long holiday is out of the question. If you live in Ahmedabad consider it a blessing in disguise. With so many weekend getaways from Ahmedabad just 3-4 hours away you don’t have to look any further. Ahmedabad is the 7th largest metropolitan in the country as per researches and one of the safest places as well. It is a beautiful place with so much to see and explore such as the Sabarmati Ashram, Bhadra Fort and Jhoolta Minar. Now, when it is already the weekend it is time that you pack your bags and explore the other places around as well.
Ahmedabad, the majorly visited city of Gujarat, attracts tourists from all over India and beyond. But, what most of them fail to notice are the easy getaways that surround the city like hidden jewels. Rich in heritage, these places are just as high on diversity, flora and fauna. So, the next time you plan on a holiday to West India, make sure the places listed below find a way into your travel log book. This weekend, don’t just stay at home and binge-watch your favorite TV show. Travel to these places near Ahmedabad till you can walk no more. You will often find commercials on the TV talking about tourism in the Indian States and the Gujarat tourism ad is done by the very famous Amitabh Bachhan. It is absolutely true when he uses the tagline which says “kuch din toh guzaro Gujarat mein”. Ahmedabad is a place from where you can go almost anywhere. The other good part is that it is surrounded by a number of places apt for weekend trips. If you are a resident then it is even better for you to choose from one of the weekend getaways from Ahmedabad.
A quick weekend break to rejuvenate your body and soul could be well worth it. If you plan to travel solo, there are a many places near Ahmedabad you can choose from. Sometimes, one should throw caution to the wind and go on a road trip to a nearby destination. If you have no place in mind, here are some nearby places from Ahmedabad. Pack light and travel solo for an experience you will not forget. Say goodbye to those work blues. If the work at your office has gotten to you, it is time that you sit back and plan a trip to refresh yourself. You need to give yourself a much needed break away from the hectic schedules of office and home and getaway to some place where all that you need to do is focus on you – on you relaxing and enjoying the pleasures of life without having to worry about submitting a project or making a presentation. Yes, we have been through the same situation before and thus wish to help you with this list of places that could be considered for short breaks from Ahmedabad.
Gujarat is booming. The state has progressed significantly in the past decade. Businesses are thriving. If you happen to live in Ahmedabad, a breather would do you good. While the city is always on the move, you want to take a step back and, well, smell the roses. All you need is a plan for a weekend hiatus. At Tripoto, we will help you select a place perfect for a weekend getaway.
Some of the best trips of your life are solo adventures. It gives you time to reflect and recuperate after a hectic week at work. Here are a few weekend getaways from Ahmedabad you could consider visiting:
1. Patan -
This ancient fortified town dating back to 745 AD is rich in historical value. There’s plenty of tourist attractions like forts, lakes, step wells and places of worship to keep you on your toes. When in Patan don’t miss out on visiting the Ran ki Vav or the Queen’s step well, one of India’s latest entrants to the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. The old city which is warm and inviting will leave you reeling in a glorious past. A short 3-hour drive will take you to Patan. This city is known for being historically important. It has been as the centre of research among archaeologists. It is home to famous temples like Dargah and Jain temples. The spirituality of the place will have a positive impact on you. Bask in its glory!
2. Champaner -
Of all the short distance places around Ahmedabad the city of Champaner nestled within the Pavagadh hills is just 2 hours 15 minutes away. The most famous tourist attraction is the Champener-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. Entrance gates, palaces, tombs, mosques, temples and stepwells dating back as far as the 8th century dot the park’s landscape taking you back in time to a rich ancient medieval history. If you are the one who is into monuments and structures, Champaner – Pavagadh is the place for you. Around three hours away from Ahmedabad, this destination is listed as an elite spot for the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Right in the centre of the city is the archeological park that is the hub of attraction for tourists and locals. You may find visiting this place better during the months of October through February. Plan a two day trip for your family and yourself here. The town’s name has been derived from a flower. It took 23 years for the city to be constructed. There is a lot to see here, including the mosques of Champaner, Sikander Shah’s Tomb, Helical Step well, Brick Tomb, Pavagadh Fort, Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, among other places. If you do not have the time, just visit a few important places. You can take a bus here from Vadodaro (45-minute journey).
It is one of the buzzing places near Ahmedabad. If you love history, you will love a short visit to the city of Champaner that’s buried amidst an ancient medieval civilization. Attracting tourists from near and far is the Champener-Pavagadh Archaeological Park within whose confines lie the remnants of 8th century old stepwells and temples as well as tombs, mosques, palaces and entrance gates which stand as a test of time. Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park has quite the scenic beauty to wrap you into. Loaded with history, it is surrounded by Hindu structures including temples and religious structures dating way back to the 16th century. The place is an ideal blend of greenery and human sites. Another travel destination of a park among places near Ahmedabad would be Blackbuck National Park. You might however need to book a forest guest house for the night here.
3. Mount Abu -
Just 5 hours away is Rajasthan’s only and popular hill station offering a pleasant retreat from the heat. Rolling hills dotted with several hindu temples and set amidst flowing rivers and lakes, cascading waterfalls and evergreen forests is enough to take your breath away. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway from Ahmedabad, Amount Abu is the place to be. Situated at an altitude of around 4000 ft and surrounded by the beautiful Nakki Lake, Mount Abu should definitely feature on the list of best places to visit near Ahmedabad. Since it is Rajasthan’s lone hill station, it definitely has a lot to offer. If you want to get away from the sweltering heat of the city, a weekend trip to Mount Abu should be high on your list. This favourite tourist hotspot has a number of famous landmarks like Sunset Point to keep you enthralled, and relaxed. This is the only hill station of Raasthan and it takes about 5 hours to reach Mount Abu from Gujarat.
The main attractions here are the pleasant climatic conditions, the scenic beauty and the lakes. You can also shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts out here. The other popular attractions here are the Dilwara group of temples, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Peace Park and the Nakki Lake. Mount Abu is a renowned hill station that offers you and the family the chance to escape from the city. The hill station is known for its natural beauty, green hills, serene lakes, beautiful temples and other religious places of worship. The Jain community consider it an important pilgrimage site. It might be cold here but who minds a little winter chill? Tripoto recommends you visit some of the well-known places here like Nakki Lake, the Sunset Point and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, among a host of other places. If you are a history buff, pay a visit to Dilwara Jain Temples, the Adhar Devi Temple, and Achalgarh Fort. Mount Abu features on most people’s list of best weekend getaways from Ahmedabad. If the hills are your haven, Mount Abu in nearby Rajasthan is where you should be. Hills dotted with Hindu temples and surrounded by evergreen forests, cascading waterfalls and gushing rivers and lakes is what makes Mount Abu one of the prime weekend getaways from Ahmedabad.
4. Udaipur -
Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ and with a best tourist destination award to prove it, Udaipur sparkles in its completely natural setting of grandiose. Embellished with forts, palaces and temples this ancient city is a marvel. When you’re done taking in its architectural beauty take a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola or go hiking or trekking on its mountain ridges. In Udaipur you’ll never be lost for things to do. A break from the maddening crowd will do you some good. A visit to Udaipur is definitely worth the visit. It is not only the land of palaces and monuments but of unmatched beauty. A boat ride on Pinchola Lake is a relaxing adventure. The art scene and energy of the local bazaar is what will truly captivate you. Take a horseback ride through the countryside. This is one of the most romantic places all over the country and the world too. The beauty of this princely city can impress anyone.
History buffs, nature lovers and peace seekers will have the best time of their life here and there is a lot of good news for the shoppers as well. The beautiful City Palace of Udaipur serves as a visual treat and exploring it feels like a tour of nothing less than a fairy land. Apart from this, the beauty of the Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh Sagar are worth mentioning as well. For a shopping spree, you should definitely check out the wooden toys, Raasthani handicrafts, clothing, paintings, lovely jewelry and antique pieces. It takes around 5 hours to reach Udaipur from Ahmedabad. Head on to neighbouring Rajasthan and get as close to beauty and grandiose as you possibly can when you visit the city of Udaipur. Udaipur has earned the distinction of being hailed as the best tourist destination in India. The city is a marvel dazzling with palaces, forts, and temples and there’s no place better than a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola to soak in the city’s grand history and architecture. Widely acclaimed as the ‘Kashmir of Rajasthan’, the city of Udaipur is located at a convenient distance of 258 kms from Ahmedabad, thus making it a potential vacation getaway. With the natural grandeur and human maneuver, the city is more than splendid. Surrounded by forts, castles and lakes, it is over flowing with the monuments that our kings those days have left us. The structural design, details and construction are all eye-catching and will exceed your expectations. For a worth-while vacation without discomfiture to your pocket, start packing your bags today!
5. Daman and Diu -
Natural scenic beauty, inviting beaches and cheap alcohol all but make Daman an ideal destination for a short weekend trip. The place is not short on history either with a rich historical culture dating back to over 2000 years. A Saturday evening on the beach truly calls for a weekend of fun with loud live beachside music to get you into the swing all night long. Its beachside hotels are the perfect place to enjoy all the gaiety. Just a little over 5 hours away on the west coast of India is the captivating beauty of the most famed beach destination in Gujrat. Known for their clean and pristine beaches, the twin islands of Daman and Diu offer up an invigorating experience for all those who are in need of it.
You can drink and party the night away on its soft, sandy beaches or take in some sight-seeing of century’s old forts and monasteries during the day. If you are looking to escape to a beachside city, Diu should be high on your list of places to visit. Nagoa beach offers tourists an escape from their mundane lives. Towards the evening, make your way to Diu Fort and experience Portuguese architecture at its best. You should also find the time to visit a quaint fishing villages called Vanakbara. The small fishing boats and the peace the place offers will attract you to stay there a little longer that planned. You can also visit museums in the vicinity like Sea Shell museum as well as some local churches. Diu is should be considered when deciding on places to visit near Ahmedabad for a perfect short trip.
6. Gir National Park -
If you are looking for a ‘wild’ weekend, a trip to Gir National Park should be in the offing. Spread across a vast area, the park is home to the lion. The experience of visiting the park is well worth the journey. Indulge in some bird-watching with 250 bird species on display. Among the other wild animals, you can catch a glimpse of the leopard, hyena and chinkara, among others. The crocodile breeding farm is also a famous landmark. One should also embark on an evening safari. Are you a wildlife lover? Then the Gir National Park should catch your attention more than any other place on this list. This place is known to be the habitat of the Asiatic Lions and these mighty beasts are a sight to watch.
Apart from spotting a lion, this park has much to offer you in terms of safaris and jungle tours, bird watching and other such soothing activities. You will see a different you, all revved up when you return from Gir. The Gir Forest National Park is the peaceful abode of wildlife in their natural habitat. It is a picture of peace and tranquility broken only by the sounds of birds and beast. Early morning trips into this wildlife sanctuary are the best time to spot wildlife and with a little bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of a lion or two.
7. Mandu -
Mandu is widely regarded as an architectural delight. If you are a history buff, you should definitely take a trip here. This quaint city was the result of the union of Prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. It is also home to one of the oldest erected monuments in India. It is one of the best places to visit near Ahmedabad. Mandu is a beautiful city who architecture and monumental ruins bring the ancient world to light. The place is indeed like travelling back in time with its forts, palaces and structures. About 7 hours away by road from the city of Pune, we thought it would be worth delving in to the history of our country and thus included this place on my list of short breaks from Ahmedabad. You will surely return having been enriched and with loads of pictures to tell of your adventures and experiences.
8. Silvassa -
This quaint hill station is surrounded by the Western Ghats and beautiful greenery. A weekend here will relax and rejuvenate you for another week at work. The place has a Portuguese heritage and it is a great place for history enthusiasts. The local cuisine and handicrafts will definitely catch your fancy. If you are looking for an escape from the city, Silvassa makes for a great weekend getaway from Ahmedabad. Try the Portuguese influenced Silvassa that is surrounded by the Western Ghats and eye soothing greenery. Not only do you get a slice of what the culture and cuisine of the Portuguese but one is also blessed with a number of historical places to visit as well.
The cathedral is a star attraction here and is well worth the time and money spent in planning a weekend here. Take time to visit this place that is just 376 kilometers away and you will be wanting more of it. A place much away from the noise of the city and also a perfect getaway for all types of people, this is one of the best weekend getaways from Ahmedabad. The place has extreme scenic beauty and was earlier on a Portuguese colony. If you are a history buff, you can take all your time and explore the whole town full of old buildings and Roman Catholic churches and find out about the years of glory of this region and you can be rest assured that you will never run out of resources. There is also good news for the adventure seekers and all thanks to the mesmerizing waterfall draining to form a large water body and a beach. This is a place perfectly suitable for all sorts of water sports. It takes around 6 hours to reach Silvassa from Ahmedabad.
9. Kutch -
The white salt desert should be a major reason why you should visit this place. A trip during winter is recommended as the place comes alive. The Rann Festival which is organised during the months of December and February attracts huge crowds. However, if you want to avoid crowds, visit the place after the peak season. The area is known for various crafts, embroidery work as well as animal sanctuaries. You can also pay a visit to Bhuj before Kutch. The beautiful beach there is sure to be relaxing.
10. Bhuj -
For a weekend of historical exploration, a visit to Bhuj is essential. The city has a long and well-known history of being ruled by kings. There are quite a few places of historical significance as a result. It will expose you to several milestones in South Asian history through its architecture. One can also visit some of the remains of the Indus Valley Civilization as well as places which have a relation with the Mahabharata and Alexander the Great's entry into India. About 6 hours from Ahmedabad, this is a historic city and a perfect place to explore real Guarat.
The alleys with the typical houses and buildings are the best attractions. These have traditional Gujarati styles of architecture and designs on them which tell you a lot about their building styles and how it has evolved from the earlier days. This is no doubt one of the best weekend getaways from Ahmedabad. The whole town is built around the Bhuiyo Dungar Hill from where it derives the name. The other attractions here are the Aina Mahal, The Kutch Museum, which is known to be the oldest here and the bell tower in the Prag Mahal.
11. Nasik -
Located on the banks of river Godavari, this city is home to the famous Kumbh Mela organised every 12 years. Despite being spiritually relevant, the place is perfect for a short break. The waterfalls and vineyards are great stress relievers. The Sula wine industry has blossomed here over the years. A visit to one of the vineyards could be quite relaxing. A journey to Nasik will definitely be worth your while.
12. Maheshwar -
A small town with so much to offer, this place is in Madhya Pradesh and it takes around 7 hours to reach this place from Ahmedabad. The Maheshwari sarees which were introduced by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar more than 250 years ago are a hit till date. You can also stay at the Ahilya Fort, which has been turned into a luxury hotel and visit the Rajareshwara Temple and the Holkar Fort. You can also sit at the ghat and watch people involved in their daily activities.
13. Gandhinagar -
Gandhinagar is the newest capital of Gujarat and is perfect for a weekend sojourn. The place is steeped in history and is known as an architecturally well-planned city. An interesting place to visit here would be the Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park. The kids would love the fact that it is the world's second largest hatchery of dinosaur eggs. The theme park is home to reptiles, nilgais, peafowls and langurs. A day spent here is definitely worth the journey as it is one of the best places near Ahmedabad.
14. Wankaner -
Wankaner means water of the River Machhu. It is well known for its art and architecture. The place is well connected by road and rail. One must take the time to visit Ranjit Vilas Palace, known for its Gothic arches and columns, oriental marble balconies and Franco-Italian window panes. It also boasts of a good range of automobiles. There is never a dull moment here. Known as one of princely states in the pre- independence Era, the main attraction here is the beautiful Ranjit Vilas Palace, which is still the official residence of the Royal Family of Wankaner.
The palace is built in typical European style and the neat detailing is an evidence of the classic taste of the royal family. The summer palace which is equally beautiful is now turned into a Heritage Hotel but the name Royal Oasis remains the same. This is not very far from Ahmedabad and the other attractions here include the Nagabhava Temple, Maa Khodiyar or Matel Temple, Shahbava Dargah, the Macchu Dam and Hills.
15. Vadodara -
A little under than 2 hours from Ahmedabad is the teeming city of Vadodara which offers a refreshing change of scenery. Palaces, historical monuments, museums and beautiful gardens are the city’s pride. A road trip is the perfect way to set about this journey when the weekend comes calling.
16. Rann of Kutch -
Being the only white desert of India, Kutch has quite the view to mesmerize you with. It is also one of the few places around Ahmedabad that does not give off the religious vibe from the very start, making it an ideal location for you if you’re more of an Atheist looking for a Western India trip. Striking and dreamlike does not even begin to describe the exquisiteness that this place has to offer. Located at a distance of 400 kms from Ahmedabad, it is convenient enough for a quick night stay. Lightly populated, it is also home to major cultural towns like Dholavira, Mandvi and Bhuj. From crafts to embroidery and annual functions, July to March would be the perfect time to pack your bags for a stay here.
17. Ambaji Temple -
Built by Brahmins, Ambaji Temple attracts people from all religions far and wide. Open seven days of the week, it has been welcoming its crowd of devotees for ages now. Entirely built of white marbles alongside gold cones, the temple has only one entrance. It is believed that Goddess Amba has prohibited her disciples from constructing other doorways. Among major religious functions are the frequently conducted ‘havans’ and reading of the Vedic texts called ‘Viso Yantra’. Located no more than 70 kms from Ahmedabad, consider it the easiest way out of your usual idol worship- given the temple has none.
18. Pirotan Island -
If you’re up for a 5 hour drive, nothing but a great time awaits you. Pirotan Islands, barely at a distance of 272 kms from Ahmedabad, is one of the most sought after short holidaying destination for Gujaratis. If you’re a solo traveler, you can make the best of the solitude here. The islands are mostly desolate, except the tourists. When the tide is low, you can even uncover and explore the varied marine vegetation and animals. Travelling here is easy, and if boat rides fascinate you, expect to be pleasantly surprised by the one that takes you straight to the island. Locally located are also Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar Lakhota Lake and Lakhota Fort palace, so plan your weekend accordingly and get started!
19. Saputara -
Being the only hill station of Gujarat, this is very popular among tourists, especially the locales. It is like a coolant unlike the dry climate of Ahmedabad. Saputara is a promising part of the weekend getaways from Ahmedabad with its scenic beauty and the even more beautiful lake which we find here. Patches of luscious greenery with a blend of the blue waters looks soothing. This place is about a couple of hours drive from the main city and you need not less than 2 days to explore it to the fullest.
20. Nal Sarovar -
It is a beautiful bird and one of the best wetland sanctuaries in the whole country. It has a record of being a home to more than 250 varieties of birds especially during the winter season. The lake which serves as the main attraction here is perfect for boating too. Boats can be hired everyday from sunrise to sunset and a sail along the lake proves to be very relaxing. Nal Sarovar Sanctuary is about 65 kilometres west from Ahmedabad.
21. Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar -
This temple is situated in Gandhinagar and just about 45 minutes drive from Ahmedabad. This is one of the largest temples of the state and was established in 1992 by the Bochanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. This is undoubtedly one of the best and easiest weekend getaways from Ahmedabad and there is also a lot to see over here. They have the beautiful temple along with the research centre, green garden full of shady trees and blooming flowers and the light and sound shows in the evening.
22. Hingolgadh -
Known mainly for the beautiful Hingolgadh Sanctuary, this place is about 3 and a half hours drive from the main city of Ahmedabad. This place is marked by lush greenery, forests and hills. The government declared this place a protected site in the year 1980 and it is now looked after and managed by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research which is also known as GEER.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend of activity or just some relaxation, these places near Ahmedabad have everything in store for you. Their proximity to the city makes it that much easier to give in to your impulse and head on out. I will help you choose a place based on your state of mind. If you are planning a trip for your family, the site can recommend places to stay at when you reach your location. All you need to do is round up the troops and make a move. Are you excited about the prospect of just chilling near the pool this weekend? You could live that fantasy.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend of fun or just plain relaxation, list offers the best weekend getaways from Ahmedabad. Their close proximity to the city make them popular local getaways. A two-day weekend is enough to take in the sights and sounds. It saves you time and money. All you need to do is settle on a destination and then hit the road. Take the time out to pamper your senses and enjoy some alone time. It not only relaxes you, but makes you appreciate life. You might not get to visit all these place near Ahmedabad for a perfect short trip. However, you can always try to take mini vacations every once in a while. It will be well worth it.