Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad

Bored in Ahmedabad and have only a weekend? Make a small vacation work as there are many options for Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad spanning nature, wildlife, heritage, and luxurious staycations.

While there are many things to do in Ahmedabad, it is possible that you have probably ticked them all and want to explore something nearby. In case you can only spare one day to explore then check out these amazing places to visit near Ahmedabad in one day.

But if you are looking for weekend getaways from Ahmedabad then check out these plethoras of options! For the ease of the reader, I have divided the post into the type of vacation you want to take such as Wildlife, Heritage, Beaches, Nature, and Luxury Staycations.

Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad for the wildlife enthusiast

Little Rann of Kutch

Situated about 120 km from Ahmedabad Little Rann of Kutch is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. In spite of being a desert ecosystem, there are options for bird watching such as Greater Flamingoes, Marsh Harrier, and Peregrine Falcon as well as mammals that can be spotted here – Wild ass, Indian fox, Hyenas, Jackal, etc.

LRK as it is commonly known as has salt pans where salt is collected. Visitors can learn its entire procedure and appreciate the hard work that goes into making (refining) it.

It is the smaller version of the Great Rann of Kutch where the Rannutsav takes place.

How to reach: By car – Take SH 18 through Sanand – Viramgam

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Rann Riders, Dasada or Eco Camp, Jogad

Gir National Park

About 350 km away, one can easily reach Gir National park famous for the Asiatic lions. Start early morning to reach for the afternoon safari. Get blown away by the diversity of jungles in terms of plant and animal biodiversity. One can also visit the Jamjir waterfalls nearby and participate in cultural programs by watching the dance of the Siddi tribe.

You may combine this trip by visiting Somnath temple which is 70kms away. You can extend this trip to 3 days by stopping over in Junagadh and visiting  Asia’s longest Ropeway (cable car) – Girnar Ropeway. This is one of my personal favorite weekend getaways from Ahmedabad.

How to reach: By car – Take SH 17: Rajkot – Junagadh – Sasan Gir

Recommended stay duration: At least 1 night

Accommodation: Gir Vanraj Farm or Saavaj Resort 

Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Situated near Vadodara it is 210 km from Ahmedabad. Though you need to be super lucky to spot sloth bears and flying squirrels, this is an amazing deciduous jungle to be in.

How to reach: By car – Take NE1 till Vadodara and then Halol – Ratanmahal

Recommended stay duration: At least 1 night

Accommodation: Jambughoda Palace 

Khadir bet

Known as the pink island the road to Khadir from Lodrani is every wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Pink because it is the breeding ground of flamingoes which you will see on both sides of the roads. Combine it with the Harappan civilization site Dholavira and you have set yourself an amazing weekend.

How to reach: Overnight car journey – NH947 through Viramgam – Dhrangadhra – Khadir

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: In Rapar – Suvidha Guesthouse (they take bookings on phone)

Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

Blackbucks are Blackbuck National Park’s signature species, and there is a guaranteed sighting of the corkscrew horns antelope, either peacefully grazing, crossing the road, or jumping out into a meadow. Only a three-hour drive on the way to Bhavnagar, the golden grasslands are a treat for birdwatchers too.

How to reach: By car or GSRTC bus via Dholera.

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Forest lodge or Blackbuck Safari Lodge

Weekend getaways from Ahmedabad for the Architectural/Heritage enthusiast

Modhera – Patan

The Modhera Sun Temple in Modhera and Rani-ki-Vav in Patan is architecturally mind-blowing and is only 98 km from Ahmedabad. Read up about the history or book yourself a guide there – it will enrich your knowledge about the temple. It is one of the perfect weekend getaways from Ahmedabad.

Patan is a further 43kms and can be easily combined to see the intricate work on 7 stories step well below the ground.

How to reach: By car – Through Palanpur Highway

Recommended stay duration: Not required. Day trip possible.

Accommodation: In Ahmedabad – Fortune Landmark

Vadodara – Pavagadh – Champaner

A weekend in Vadodara which is only 100 km away should not be brushed away. The city itself has a lot to do, see and eat which includes the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Raja Ravi Verma paintings museum, Tambekar Wada, Sevasi Vav, and many more. The next day visitors can go to Pavagadh and pay respect to the goddess Kali on top of the mountain either by climbing the 250 steps or by taking the ropeway to enjoy the view. On the way back visit Champaner Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, read about the must-try street food of Vadodara.

How to reach: By car – NE1

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Fortune Inn Promenade

Bhuj

350 km away, Bhuj offers the best of all worlds – palaces, heritage sites, museums, and shopping and it is the starting point for the White Desert tour known as Rann Utsav. You cannot miss going to Bhuj if you are in Gujarat and fall in love with its colors against the white desert. Read more about Rann Utsav. Read in detail about Things to do in Bhuj.

How to reach: By train – BDTS-BHUJ express runs every night between Mumbai and Bhuj and is an overnight journey 7 hours journey from Ahmedabad.

Recommended stay duration: Atleast 1 night

Accommodation: Click Hotel

Dholavira

Known as one of the five largest sites of the Harappan civilization, the site contains ruins of the Indus Valley civilization. Get awed by the rainwater harvesting systems used in those times in the dry areas of Kutch and many other excavated items. Combine this visit with Khadir bet to get the best of both worlds.

How to reach: Overnight car journey – NH947 to Viramgam – Dhrangadhra – Khadir

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: In Rapar – Suvidha guest house (they take bookings on phone)

Statue of Unity – The longest Statue in the World

While a day trip to the Statue of Unity from Ahmedabad is perfect, the Statue of Unity is slowly gaining popularity as the best weekend trip from Ahmedabad. Thanks to the many activities being inaugurated every couple of months, it guarantees that visitors stay back and enjoy the fullest.  SoU tent city is a great option to spend the night overlooking the statue.

Activities Statue of Unity is a mix of adventure, eco-tourism, as well as wildlife, and visitors can choose what they feel is the best for them. Some of them include River Rafting, Jungle Safari, River cruise, Glow Garden, Arogya Van, Cactus Garden, Zarvani Adventure Zone, Sardar Sarovar Dam, and many more.

How to reach: Train to Kevadia and then a taxi to the Statue of Unity

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Tent city Narmada, The Fern Sardar Sarovar Resort, BRG Budget stay, Ramada Encore

Self-Drive Getaways Near Ahmedabad for the Beaches

Diu

Diu is one of the favorite weekend getaways for many people of Gujarat. Located about 400 km from Ahmedabad, not only does it offer a dose of vitamin sea but also a respite to have some booze officially (Gujarat is a dry state and you do not get alcohol, yes, for a fact). So let the hair loose and get some sand in it.

How to reach: Overnight car/bus journey – Amreli highway

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Kostamar Beach Resort

Mandvi Beach

If you extend your Bhuj trip to 1 more day, you can visit the amazing Vijay Vilas palace and the beautiful and less crowded Mandvi beach. You can do a stand-alone trip here as well which is almost 400 km from Ahmedabad. If you get bored with the beach, head over to Naliya, the coldest place in Gujarat (in winter) to spot the elusive Great Indian Bustard in the sanctuary. Read in detail here about – Why Mandvi is a must visit place?

How to reach: Overnight train to Bhuj and then car to Mandvi beach

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Serena Beach Resort 

Okha

Okha is a port situated over 500 km from Ahmedabad. Well known among marine lovers, there are hundreds of small islands and natural coral reefs near Okha. Dolphins can be easily spotted in their natural habitat. It is an ideal place for island camping. This trip can be combined with visiting Dwarka temple which is 30 km from Okha.

How to reach: Overnight train to Okha and then boat to the islands

Recommended stay duration: Atleast 1 night

Accommodation: In nature camps. Check Sundarvan 

Weekend getaways from Ahmedabad for the Nature enthusiast

Saputara

Saputara is one of the favorite romantic getaways near Ahmedabad as well as from Nashik, especially for honeymooners. It is the only hill station in Gujarat and is located in the Western Ghats, about 400 km from Ahmedabad. It is a place to throng once the monsoon sets its foot to see the green jungles and overflowing waterfalls for trekking.

How to reach: Train to Navsari/Valsad and then car to Saputara

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Homestay at Baradpani

Dang forest – Gira waterfalls

There is a never-ending list of things to see in Dang – wildlife, biodiversity, waterfalls, it is a perfect blend of nature for the nature enthusiast in you. However, the ideal season to visit is monsoon. It is very near to Saputara and can be combined together for a 2N3D trip. Do not miss the firefly festival which happens in July.

How to reach: Train to Bilimora and then car to Dang

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Rural Pleasure Homestay

Luxury Staycations near Ahmedabad

Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur

Udai Bilas Palace combines luxury, heritage, architecture, and nature vacations in just one trip. It is a heritage property located on the banks of Gaib Sagar Lake. One can relax in the many royal suites on the property or take a swim in the infinity pool. There are enough photography options such as the Ek Thambia Mahal, the in-house vintage car museum, birdwatching, and many more.

How to reach: Drive on NH8 from Ahmedabad to Udaipur Highway

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Udai Bilas Palace

Suite at Udai Bilas Palace

Sustainable Tips for weekend destinations from Ahmedabad

• Traveling locally using a train or road by public transport is the best way to explore the places near where you live
• Blend in the culture by wearing the right clothes and eating the local food. This will keep you healthy and give you the feeling of being local.
• Do not litter the places where you go for a picnic. Always use a dustbin.
• Practice ecotourism in national parks or jungles.

I hope you find this list helpful to plan a weekend trip from Ahmedabad. This post can combine as options for weekend getaways from Vadodara as the proximity is almost similar.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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