Gujarat Introduction for First-Time Visitors12N/13D

Gujarat Introduction for First-Time Visitors

Start & City : Ahmedabad

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Highlights

Spend a night in a tent on the White Rann and watch the salt flats turn from white to orange to pink between sunset and sunrise.

Follow a forest guide into Gir on two open-jeep safaris, one at dusk and one at dawn, to look for the Asiatic lions that number 891 at the latest census.

Stand in the Aina Mahal's Hall of Mirrors in Bhuj, designed by a Kutchi craftsman who spent 18 years learning glass and architecture in Europe.

Join the evening aarti at Somnath, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, on the same shore where a temple has been raided and rebuilt for a thousand years.

Cross the 2.32 km Sudarshan Setu to Beyt Dwarka, the island where tradition places Krishna's home.

Walk Diu's Portuguese fort and its empty beaches, in a town where alcohol is legal.

Walk into an Ahmedabad pol, a gated courtyard cluster of wooden houses, then stand in Gandhi's room at Sabarmati Ashram.

Look out from the 153 m viewing gallery of the Statue of Unity, at 182 m the tallest statue in the world.

Essence of Journey

The experiences that capture the true spirit of the entire trip.

Day	Route	Distance	Major Highlights
Day 1	Arrive Ahmedabad	~20 km	Airport pickup, rest
Day 2	Ahmedabad to Bhuj	~340 km, 6 to 6.5 hrs	Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Hamirsar Lake
Day 3	Bhuj to Bhujodi to Hodka to Dhordo	~85 km, plus stops	Weavers, Hodka village, White Rann sunset
Day 4	Dhordo to Bhuj to Jamnagar	~360 km, 7 hrs	Sunrise on the Rann, Bala Hanuman Temple
Day 5	Jamnagar to Dwarka	~141 km, 3 hrs	Lakhota Lake, bandhani bazaar, Gomti Ghat
Day 6	Dwarka, Nageshwar, Beyt Dwarka	~80 km	Dwarkadhish, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Sudarshan Setu
Day 7	Dwarka to Porbandar to Somnath	~233 km, 4.5 to 5 hrs	Kirti Mandir, Somnath Temple, evening aarti
Day 8	Somnath to Sasan Gir	~45 km, 1 hr	Morning aarti, afternoon Gir safari
Day 9	Sasan Gir to Diu	~100 km, 2.5 hrs	Dawn safari, Diu Fort, St Paul's Church
Day 10	Diu (local)	~30 km	Naida Caves, Nagoa Beach, free day
Day 11	Diu to Ahmedabad	~360 km, 6.5 to 7 hrs	Manek Chowk night market
Day 12	Ahmedabad to Kevadia	~200 km, 4 hrs, plus local	Sabarmati Ashram, old-city pol, Sidi Saiyyed
Day 13	Kevadia to Vadodara airport	~95 km, 2 hrs	Statue of Unity, departure
	Total road distance	about 2,100 km	Distances are approximate and rounded

About

If this is your first trip to Gujarat, you probably have a list: the White Rann of Kutch, the lions of Gir, the great temples of Dwarka and Somnath, and perhaps the Statue of Unity. The problem is that they are spread across a much bigger state than the map suggests.

This 13-day private tour links them all in one easy loop of about 2,100 km. You sleep in a tent on the white salt desert, look for wild Asiatic lions on two safaris, join the evening prayers at Somnath, unwind on the beaches of Portuguese-era Diu, and fly home from Vadodara, so there’s no need to double back to Ahmedabad at the end.

You travel with your own car and driver, English-speaking local guides at key stops and hotels chosen with overseas travellers in mind. It’s the simplest way to see the best of Gujarat for the first time.

What Is This Gujarat Tour?

This 13 days private Gujarat tour package for the first-time visitors. It covers the White Rann of Kutch with a night in a desert tent, Bhuj and its craft villages, Jamnagar, Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka, Porbandar, Somnath, 2 jeep safaris in Gir National Park, 2 nights in Diu, Ahmedabad’s UNESCO old city and the Statue of Unity. It includes 12 nights’ accommodation, a private car and driver, local guides, safari and entry permits, and daily breakfast. Indicative prices start at about ₹1,43,514 per person (Premium tier, based on two sharing).

The Best of Gujarat in One Trip

The White Rann of Kutch

A vast, flat plain of white salt that glows orange and pink at sunset and silver under a full moon. You sleep in a comfortable tent (with a proper bed and attached bathroom) at Dhordo, so you see the salt at both sunset and sunrise.

Kutch crafts and palaces

In Bhuj, stand in the 18th-century Hall of Mirrors at Aina Mahal, created by a local craftsman who spent 18 years learning his trade in Europe. Then watch Vankar weavers at their looms in Bhujodi and walk through the painted mud houses of Hodka, buying directly from the artisans.

Dwarka and Somnath: two of India’s holiest temples

Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Krishna and one of Hinduism’s four Char Dham sites
Beyt Dwarka, the island tradition names as Krishna’s home, reached by the new 2.32 km Sudarshan Setu bridge
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Somnath Temple, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, rebuilt many times over a thousand years and standing right on the shore. Join the evening aarti (prayer ceremony)

Gir: the only wild Asiatic lions on earth

Two open-jeep safaris, one at dusk and one at dawn, with a forest guide. Fewer than 200 lions were left in the late 1960s. The 2025 census counted 891.

Diu: Portugal on the Indian coast

Two relaxed nights in a small island town that was Portuguese until 1961. Explore the sea fort and the white Baroque St Paul’s Church, then spend a free day on calm beaches such as Nagoa. Alcohol is legal here, unlike the rest of Gujarat.

Ahmedabad and Gandhi’s Gujarat

Walk inside a traditional pol, a gated old-city lane of carved wooden houses, in India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. See the famous carved stone windows of Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, and stand in Gandhi’s room at Sabarmati Ashram. On the way to Somnath, visit Kirti Mandir in Porbandar, where Gandhi was born.

Statue of Unity

End the trip at the world’s tallest statue, 182 metres high, and look out from its 153-metre viewing gallery over the Narmada river.

ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES

Tier labels follow the standard of the room and the property, not a star count. Where a property is named, it is a real hotel we plan to use. Where it is not, the tier is a standard, not a name: flagged honestly rather than guessed. The ground team confirms every property before each departure.

Destination	Nights	Premium	Luxury	Ultra-Luxury
Ahmedabad	2	Novotel Ahmedabad	Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad	House of MG, heritage hotel
Bhuj	1	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure (standard room)	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure (superior room)	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure (suite or heritage stay)
Dhordo	1	Tent City Dhordo, standard AC tent	Tent City Dhordo, luxury tent	Best available premium tent or resort, confirmed before departure
Jamnagar	1	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure (standard room)	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure (superior room)	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure (suite)
Dwarka	2	Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, Dwarka	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure; Dwarka has few high-end rooms	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure; Dwarka has few high-end rooms
Somnath	1	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure (standard room)	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure (superior room)	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure (suite)
Sasan Gir	1	The Fern Gir Forest Resort	Woods at Sasan	The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
Diu	2	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure (standard room)	Beach resort, best available hotel, confirmed before departure	Best available beachfront suite, confirmed before departure
Kevadia	1	Tent City Narmada	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure (superior room)	Best available hotel, confirmed before departure (suite)

Gujarat Tour Package Accommodation Categories

WHY BOOK THIS WITH BIZAREXPEDITION

A 13-day Gujarat itinerary for first-time visitors, planned and run by BizareXpedition from start to finish.

One loop, about 2,100 km. Kutch comes first (Days 2 to 4), then Saurashtra's temples, lions and beaches (Days 5 to 11), then Kevadia (Days 12 and 13), with the flight home from Vadodara. The only stretch driven twice is the 85 km between Bhuj and Dhordo.
A night inside the White Rann. You are at Dhordo for sunset on Day 3 and sunrise on Day 4, so you see the salt in both lights.
Two Gir safaris, dusk and dawn. The afternoon of Day 8 and the first light of Day 9 give two separate chances to see lions. Permits are booked before the trip is confirmed, because winter slots sell out.
Permits sorted before you land. The White Rann entry permit for foreign nationals, the Gir safari permits and the Statue of Unity tickets are arranged in advance. Your guide can also point you to the free tourist liquor permit for Gujarat.
A rest day in Diu. Days 9 and 10 in Diu come after four days of temples and driving, and before the last long road day.
A registered company, not a middleman. BizareXpedition Services Pvt. Ltd. (CIN U63090UR2016PTC007433), headquartered in Haridwar, plans and runs the trip itself.

3-TIER PRICING SUMMARY

Tier	Per couple	Per person	Standard
Premium	Rs.287,028 to Rs.309,990	Rs.143,514 to Rs.154,995	Standard rooms, tents and best-available hotels
Luxury	Rs.411,012 to Rs.443,893	Rs.205,506 to Rs.221,946	Superior rooms and named luxury properties
Ultra-Luxury	Rs.608,328 to Rs.656,994	Rs.304,164 to Rs.328,497	Suites and the best property at each stop

Gujarat Tour Package 3-Tier Pricing Summary

The upper figure allows for date and season variance of about 8%. Prices are indicative and confirmed on request.

Why This Is the Ideal First Gujarat Tour

All the icons, no backtracking. Kutch first, then the Saurashtra coast, then the Statue of Unity. The only road you drive twice is the short 85 km between Bhuj and Dhordo.
Ends near your flight. You fly home from Vadodara, two hours from the Statue of Unity, instead of driving back to Ahmedabad.
A night on the salt. You see the White Rann at sunset and sunrise, not just on a rushed day trip.
Two chances to see lions. One safari at dusk, one at dawn.
A proper rest day. Diu comes after the busy temple days and before the last long drive.
Permits sorted before you land. Your White Rann permit, Gir safari permits and Statue of Unity tickets are all arranged in advance.

BEST TIME TO VISIT GUJARAT

Season	Months	What to expect
Peak	November to February	White Rann is dry and walkable, Tent City at Dhordo is open, Gir is open. Cool days and cold nights on the Rann; carry layers.
High	About 20 December to 5 January	Busier Tent City and fuller hotels. Expect higher rates and book early.
Shoulder	16 October to early November, and March	Gir opens on 16 October. The White Rann may not yet be fully dry in October, and Tent City opens later. In March it gets warmer and Tent City closes early in the month.
Closure and caution	Every Monday; 16 June to 15 October	The Statue of Unity is closed on Mondays, so the trip is dated to avoid Monday on Day 13. Gir safaris are closed from 16 June to 15 October.
Monsoon	June to September	The Rann floods and Gir is closed. The trip is not sold in this period.

Gujarat Tour Package Season Adjustments

PRACTICAL NOTES

Visa: most visitors need an Indian tourist visa, often available online as an e-visa. Check the rules for your nationality before booking flights.
Safety. You travel in a private car with a driver, and every hotel is confirmed before you arrive. Ordinary precautions apply: keep valuables in the hotel safe, carry a copy of your passport, and use bottled water.
Drinking water. Drink sealed bottled water only. Your driver keeps a supply in the car.
Dress code. Cover shoulders and knees at temples and remove shoes before entering. A light scarf is useful. Nights on the Rann and at Gir in winter are cold.
Photography. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside the Dwarkadhish Temple or the Somnath complex, and are left at the deposit counter. Ask before photographing people, especially in craft villages.
Alcohol. Gujarat is a dry state. Foreign visitors can apply for a free temporary tourist permit, usually approved within about a day. Diu, a Union Territory, has its own rules.
White Rann permit. Everyone needs it, and foreign nationals need to give passport and Indian visa details. BizareXpedition applies before your arrival.
Long driving days. Days 2, 4 and 11 are each six to seven hours on the road. Start times are early, and lunch is taken on the way.
Lions. Sightings in Gir are likely across two safaris but never guaranteed. The forest department sets routes and slots.
Tipping. Tipping is appreciated but not required. Most guests tip the driver and guides at the end of the trip.
Connectivity. Mobile data works in the cities. Signal may be weak at Dhordo and at Gir.
Food. Gujarat is largely vegetarian, and the temple towns serve vegetarian food only. Non-vegetarian food is easiest to find in Diu and in the larger hotels.

Booking Summary

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Adults: 2, Child: 0, Infant: 0

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Itinerary (Day Wise)

This 12-night, 13-day private tour is an easy introduction to Gujarat, linking its best-known sights in one loop of about 2,100 km. It starts in Ahmedabad and heads west to Bhuj for the Aina Mahal's Hall of Mirrors and the craft villages of Bhujodi and Hodka. You then spend a night in a tent on the White Rann of Kutch, watching the salt at both sunset and sunrise. From Kutch, the route runs through Jamnagar to Dwarka, with visits to the Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and the island of Beyt Dwarka. Next you stop at Gandhi's birthplace in Porbandar and join the evening aarti at Somnath. Two jeep safaris in Gir, at dusk and dawn, give you two chances to see wild Asiatic lions. After that come two relaxed nights on Diu's Portuguese coast. Back in Ahmedabad, you walk the UNESCO-listed old city and visit Sabarmati Ashram. The trip ends at the Statue of Unity, with your flight home from Vadodara. A private car and driver stay with you throughout, and English-speaking guides meet you at key stops.

Day 1

ARRIVE AHMEDABAD | GATEWAY TO GUJARAT

Route: Arrive Ahmedabad airport, transfer to hotel

Your driver meets you at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and takes you to the hotel. Nothing is scheduled today. Flights from Europe and the US often land late at night or in the early morning, and the next six days include long drives.

If you arrive early and feel like moving, Adalaj Stepwell is about 20 km north of the city. Its five storeys of carved sandstone date to the late 15th century, and the shaft stays several degrees cooler than the street above. Locals used it as a place to rest in the heat, and it still works that way.

Experience of the Day

Airport pickup and hotel check-in
Optional evening walk along the Sabarmati Riverfront
Early night before the drive to Kutch

Food

Recommended: Agashiye, the rooftop restaurant at House of MG, for a Gujarati thali in a heritage setting.

Must-Try: Gujarati thali: dal, kadhi, farsan, rotli and one or two sweets.

Activities to Do

Rest and adjust to the time zone
Short walk on the riverfront if you feel like it

Optional Nearby Excursions

Adalaj Stepwell, about 20 km north (allow 2 hours)

Day 2

AHMEDABAD TO BHUJ | INTO KUTCH

Route: Ahmedabad to Bhuj, about 340 km, 6 to 6.5 hours by road

The road runs north-west across flat farmland and salt pans. Kutch is almost an island: the Gulf of Kutch lies on one side and the Little and Great Rann, salt marshes that flood every monsoon, on the other. That isolation is why the region grew its own rulers, crafts and dialect.

You reach Bhuj by mid-afternoon. The Aina Mahal was commissioned by Rao Lakhpatji around 1750 and designed by Ram Singh Malam, a Kutchi craftsman who had spent 18 years in Europe. He set European glass, mirrors and tile into a Kutchi palace, and the Hall of Mirrors is the result. Part of the building was damaged in the 2001 earthquake and restored as a museum. Next door, the Prag Mahal is a 19th-century Italianate palace built for a later ruler.

Bhuj is small enough to walk. Finish the day at Hamirsar Lake, in the middle of town, where families gather at sunset.

Note: Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal keep their own opening hours, and some sections are closed for restoration. Your guide confirms what is open on the day and adjusts the order.

The Human Story

Ram Singh Malam left Kutch as a young man, learned glass-making, clock-making and architecture in Europe, and came back to work for the Rao. The Aina Mahal is the largest piece of that training still standing.

Experience of the Day

Hall of Mirrors at the Aina Mahal
Italianate rooms of the Prag Mahal
Sunset at Hamirsar Lake
Old town lanes around Shroff Bazaar

Food

Recommended: A Kutchi thali at a family-run restaurant in the old town.

Must-Try: Kutchi dabeli, the sweet-spicy potato roll from Kutch, with peanuts and pomegranate.

Shopping

Shroff Bazaar and the old town for Ajrak block-print cloth, mirror-work embroidery and silver.

Activities to Do

Guided visit to Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal
Walk through the old town bazaars
Sunset at Hamirsar Lake

Optional Nearby Excursions

Kutch Museum in Bhuj, if you prefer to keep tomorrow morning free (allow 1 hour)

Day 3

BHUJ TO DHORDO | WEAVERS, VILLAGES AND THE WHITE RANN

Route: Bhuj to Bhujodi to Hodka to Dhordo, about 85 km direct, 1 hr 45 min plus stops

Start with Bhujodi, a weaving village about 8 km from Bhuj, where Vankar families weave wool and cotton shawls on handlooms. The drive continues north into the Banni grasslands and to Hodka, a village known for leather work, embroidery and mud houses with painted walls. Both stops are places where the crafts are made, so you can watch the work and talk to the people doing it.

You reach Dhordo in the afternoon and go out to the White Rann for sunset. The White Rann is a salt marsh. The monsoon floods it with rain and sea water. In the dry months the water evaporates and leaves a crust of salt, flat and white to the horizon. The crust reflects almost all the light that falls on it, which is why the plain looks brightest around sunset and under a full moon.

Dinner and the night are at the tent camp in Dhordo, in a tent with a proper bed and attached bathroom.

Note: The White Rann sits in a border security zone. Every visitor needs an entry permit, and foreign nationals need to supply passport and Indian visa details. BizareXpedition applies for it before you arrive. Tent City at Dhordo operates in the cooler months, roughly November to February. See Season Adjustments.

The Human Story

The Vankar weavers of Bhujodi and the artisan families of Hodka sell directly from their homes and workshops. Buying there keeps the money in the village.

Experience of the Day

Watch a weaver at work at Bhujodi
Walk through Hodka's painted mud houses
Sunset on the White Rann, salt underfoot
Night in a tent in Dhordo

Food

Recommended: Dinner at the Tent City restaurant, a Kutchi and Gujarati buffet.

Must-Try: Bajra rotla with ringan no olo (smoked aubergine) and garlic chutney.

Shopping

Bhujodi for woollen shawls and stoles; Hodka for leather goods and embroidered pieces.

Activities to Do

Weaving and craft village visits
Sunset on the White Rann
Evening folk music at the camp when programmed

Optional Nearby Excursions

Rann Utsav evening programmes, when the festival is running (November to February)

Day 4

DHORDO TO JAMNAGAR | SUNRISE ON THE SALT, THEN WEST

Route: Dhordo to Bhuj to Jamnagar, about 360 km, 7 hours by road

Sunrise on the White Rann is the second half of last night's visit. The salt crust is at its whitest in the low light, and the air is cold enough to need a jacket. You are back at the camp for breakfast and on the road by nine.

Today is one of the three long driving days, about seven hours in all. The road returns to Bhuj, then runs south and east out of Kutch and across the top of Saurashtra to Jamnagar. You arrive in the late afternoon.

In the evening, visit the Bala Hanuman Temple on the shore of Ranmal Lake. Devotees have chanted Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram here without a break since 1 August 1964, and the temple is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for it. The evening ceremony is the busiest of the day.

Note: This is the longest drive of the trip. Kala Dungar, the high point of Kutch, is a rewarding detour but adds about two hours, so it is offered only if you want to start later and arrive in Jamnagar after dark.

Experience of the Day

Sunrise on the White Rann
Evening ceremony at Bala Hanuman Temple
First views of Saurashtra's coast

Food

Recommended: A Kathiawadi thali at a restaurant in the city.

Must-Try: Jamnagar kachori, a local snack, at a market stall.

Activities to Do

Sunrise at the Rann
Drive to Jamnagar
Evening visit to Bala Hanuman Temple

Optional Nearby Excursions

Kala Dungar viewpoint, the highest point in Kutch (adds about 2 hours, needs the same permit)

Day 5

JAMNAGAR TO DWARKA | THE LAKHOTA ISLAND AND THE COAST ROAD

Route: Jamnagar to Dwarka, about 141 km, 3 hours by road

Start at Lakhota Lake. The small fort at its centre sits on an island reached by two causeways and houses a museum of sculpture and local antiquities. Jamnagar is also known for bandhani, the tie-dye textile, and the bazaar in the old city sells it by the metre and as ready-made scarves.

The road to Dwarka runs west through flat coastal country, about three hours in all. You reach Dwarka early in the afternoon. In the evening, walk to the Gomti Ghat, where the Gomti meets the sea, and watch the lamps come on around the Dwarkadhish Temple.

Note: Cameras and mobile phones are not allowed inside the Dwarkadhish Temple and are left at a free deposit counter. Shoes and socks come off. Rules on entering the inner sanctum for non-Hindu visitors are reported differently by different sources. Your guide checks with the temple on the day and tells you what is possible.

Experience of the Day

Lakhota Lake and its island fort
Bandhani bazaar in Jamnagar
Gomti Ghat at sunset

Food

Recommended: A vegetarian thali near the temple.

Must-Try: Fresh sugarcane juice from a roadside stall on the drive.

Shopping

Jamnagar's old city for bandhani scarves and dupattas.

Activities to Do

Lakhota Fort and museum
Bandhani market
Evening at Gomti Ghat

Optional Nearby Excursions

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, about 14 km from Jamnagar, October to March
Narara Marine National Park coral walk at low tide, about 55 km from Jamnagar, December to March

Day 6

DWARKA | BEYT DWARKA AND NAGESHWAR

Route: Dwarka to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga to Okha to Beyt Dwarka and back, about 80 km in all

The Dwarkadhish Temple is best visited at first light, when the queues are shorter and the temple is at its quietest. Expect a wait of about an hour even so. The temple is dedicated to Krishna, whom tradition places here as king of Dwarka.

After breakfast, drive out to the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the Dwarka tradition. Then go on to Okha and cross to Beyt Dwarka over the Sudarshan Setu, a 2.32 km bridge opened on 25 February 2024. Before the bridge, the crossing was by boat. Beyt Dwarka is the island where Krishna is said to have lived, and it has its own temples and a fishing community.

Return to Dwarka for a free afternoon. The town is quiet after the morning crowds.

Note: Photography restrictions apply at Beyt Dwarka's shrines as well. Your guide will tell you where cameras and phones are allowed.

Experience of the Day

Dawn darshan at Dwarkadhish Temple
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Crossing the Sudarshan Setu to Beyt Dwarka
Free afternoon in Dwarka

Food

Recommended: A Gujarati thali at a restaurant near the temple, vegetarian throughout.

Must-Try: Prasad from the temple, offered as a small sweet.

Shopping

Small shops near the temple for shell handicrafts and religious souvenirs.

Activities to Do

Early temple visit
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Beyt Dwarka via the Sudarshan Setu

Optional Nearby Excursions

Gopi Talav, a pond about 20 km from Dwarka with a small temple, on the way back if time allows

Day 7

DWARKA TO SOMNATH | GANDHI'S BIRTHPLACE ON THE WAY

Route: Dwarka to Porbandar to Somnath, about 233 km, 4.5 to 5 hours by road

The road follows the coast to Porbandar, where Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869. Visit Kirti Mandir, the memorial built beside the family's house, then continue to Somnath. You reach the town in the afternoon.

Somnath is the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The site has been raided and rebuilt many times, and Mahmud of Ghazni's raid in 1024 is the best known. The present temple was completed in 1951, after independence, under a plan Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel started. It stands on the shore, and an arrow pillar on the sea wall carries an inscription saying there is no land between this point and Antarctica. Come back for the evening aarti.

Note: Phones and cameras are not allowed inside the Somnath complex and are left at the deposit counter. Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered.

Experience of the Day

Kirti Mandir, Porbandar
Somnath Temple on the sea shore
Evening aarti at Somnath

Food

Recommended: A vegetarian thali in Somnath town.

Must-Try: Fresh tender coconut water on the coast road.

Activities to Do

Kirti Mandir visit
Somnath temple visit
Evening aarti

Optional Nearby Excursions

Triveni Sangam and Bhalka Tirth, a short drive from Somnath, on the free morning of Day 8 if you want a slower start

Day 8

SOMNATH TO SASAN GIR | LION COUNTRY

Route: Somnath to Sasan Gir, about 45 km, 1 hour by road

Attend the morning aarti at Somnath, then drive an hour inland to Sasan Gir. Check in and have lunch. The first safari is in the afternoon.

Gir is the only place in the world where wild Asiatic lions live. In the late 1960s fewer than 200 remained. The 2025 census counted 891 in Gujarat, up from 674 in 2020. Maldhari herders have lived in and around the forest for generations, and the lions share the landscape with their livestock and with leopards, chital, sambar and crocodiles.

The safari is by open jeep with a forest guide and driver. Sightings are not guaranteed. The forest department sets the routes and slots each season, and permits are booked online ahead of time.

Note: Gir is closed to safaris from 16 June to 15 October each year. Safari permits sell out early in winter, so dates are locked before the rest of the trip is confirmed.

The Human Story

The Maldharis, a pastoral community, have lived in the forest for generations. Your naturalist can explain how they and the lions have shared the same ground.

Experience of the Day

Morning aarti at Somnath
Afternoon jeep safari in Gir
Evening at the resort on the forest edge

Food

Recommended: A Kathiawadi thali at the resort.

Must-Try: Bajra rotla with jaggery and ghee, sev tameta (tomato and crisp gram-flour noodles), and chaas.

Activities to Do

Morning aarti at Somnath
Afternoon safari
Naturalist talk at the resort

Optional Nearby Excursions

Devalia Safari Park, a fenced 4.12 sq km zone with 45-minute bus tours, as a fallback if a jeep slot is unavailable

Day 9

SASAN GIR TO DIU | SECOND SAFARI, THEN THE COAST

Route: Sasan Gir to Diu, about 100 km, 2.5 hours by road

The second safari starts at dawn. Cats are most active in the cool early hours, and the forest is quiet. After breakfast, drive to Diu, arriving in the early afternoon.

Diu is an island town connected to the mainland by a bridge. The Portuguese held it from the 16th century until Indian forces took it in December 1961, and the town still has their fort, whitewashed houses and churches. In the afternoon, visit Diu Fort and St Paul's Church, a 17th-century Baroque church with a carved white facade. Diu is a Union Territory with its own rules, and alcohol is legal here.

Experience of the Day

Dawn safari in Gir
Diu Fort and its sea walls
St Paul's Church
Sunset on the fort ramparts

Food

Recommended: A seafood restaurant in Diu town.

Must-Try: Fish curry and rice, or grilled prawns.

Shopping

Small shops in town for seashell crafts.

Activities to Do

Morning safari
Drive to Diu
Diu Fort and St Paul's Church

Optional Nearby Excursions

A sunset walk on the fort's western wall

Day 10

DIU | A FREE DAY BY THE SEA

Route: Diu local sightseeing, about 30 km in all

Diu is the rest day. Naida Caves, cut into the rock by centuries of stone quarrying, make good photographs when the sun comes through the openings. Nagoa Beach is a long horseshoe of sand with calm water, and Ghoghla Beach is quieter. If you want to see Panikotha, the small island fort just off the coast, boats leave from the jetty.

There is no fixed programme. Sleep in, swim, or wander the town.

Note: Diu is a Union Territory, so its alcohol rules differ from the rest of Gujarat. Alcohol bought in Diu cannot be taken into the rest of Gujarat.

Experience of the Day

Naida Caves
Nagoa Beach
A quiet lunch by the water

Food

Recommended: A beach restaurant at Nagoa.

Must-Try: Grilled fish with Portuguese-style seasoning.

Shopping

Seashell handicrafts and dry fish shops in the old town.

Activities to Do

Naida Caves
Beach time
Boat trip to Panikotha

Optional Nearby Excursions

Panikotha island fort by boat (allow 2 hours)

Day 11

DIU TO AHMEDABAD | BACK ACROSS SAURASHTRA

Route: Diu to Ahmedabad, about 360 km, 6.5 to 7 hours by road

This is the last long drive of the trip. The road crosses Saurashtra and joins the highway to Ahmedabad. You arrive around four in the afternoon.

In the evening, walk to Manek Chowk in the old city. By day it is a jewellery and textile market. After the shops close it turns into a night food market, and stalls fill the square until late.

Note: A daily flight between Diu and Ahmedabad is reported. It takes about an hour and a quarter, but times change with the season. It is not included and can be quoted as a swap for this drive.

Experience of the Day

Highway drive across Saurashtra
Manek Chowk after dark

Food

Recommended: Manek Chowk night market.

Must-Try: Sandwiches, pav bhaji and kulfi, whatever is being served that night.

Shopping

Law Garden night market for mirror-work textiles and handicrafts.

Activities to Do

Drive to Ahmedabad
Evening in Manek Chowk

Optional Nearby Excursions

Law Garden night market, if you would rather shop than eat

Day 12

AHMEDABAD TO KEVADIA | GANDHI'S ASHRAM AND THE OLD CITY

Route: Ahmedabad to Kevadia, about 200 km, 4 hours by road, plus about 15 km of local sightseeing

The morning is for Ahmedabad. Start at Sabarmati Ashram, where Gandhi lived from 1917 to 1930 and from where he set out on the Dandi Salt March on 12 March 1930. His room, spinning wheel and desk are kept as they were.

Then walk through the old city, which became India's first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017. The old city is laid out in pols, clusters of wooden houses around a shared courtyard, entered through one gate. The gates were closed at night, and each pol held a community that looked after its own. Your guide will take you inside one, and to the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, known for its carved stone window screens.

After lunch, drive south past Vadodara to Kevadia, about four hours. You arrive around five in the evening, in time to see the Statue of Unity from a distance in the last light.

The Human Story

Many of the old-city pols are still lived in by the families who built them. Your guide arranges access with a resident, so the visit is a welcome, not an intrusion.

Experience of the Day

Sabarmati Ashram
A walk through an old-city pol
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
First sight of the Statue of Unity at dusk

Food

Recommended: Lunch in the old city.

Must-Try: Khichdi and kadhi, Gujarat's comfort meal.

Shopping

The Khadi Gramodyog shop at Sabarmati Ashram for handspun cotton.

Activities to Do

Guided visit to Sabarmati Ashram
Old city pol walk
Drive to Kevadia

Optional Nearby Excursions

The light and sound show at the Statue of Unity, if your arrival time allows (extra ticket)

Day 13

KEVADIA AND DEPARTURE | THE STATUE OF UNITY

Route: Kevadia to Vadodara airport, about 95 km, 2 hours by road

The Statue of Unity is the last stop. It is 182 metres tall, the tallest statue in the world, and it honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of independent India. It was opened on 31 October 2018. The viewing gallery is at 153 metres, and from it you can see the Narmada river and the dam downstream.

After the visit, your driver takes you to Vadodara airport, about two hours away. Book onward flights after 3:00 pm to leave a margin.

Note: The Statue of Unity is closed every Monday, including national holidays. The trip is dated so that Day 13 does not fall on a Monday.

Experience of the Day

The Statue of Unity from the 153 m viewing gallery
The Narmada river and the dam
Departure from Vadodara

Food

Recommended: Breakfast at the hotel before the Statue.

Must-Try: A light lunch at the airport or on the drive.

Activities to Do

Statue of Unity visit
Drive to Vadodara airport

Optional Nearby Excursions

Valley of Flowers and other Kevadia attractions, if you choose a later flight (seasonal)

Tour Information

Your complete guide to a hassle-free and enjoyable trip.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Payment Terms

Important factors to consider before your trip!

Cancellation

Need To Know

Be Responsible Traveller

Minimize Plastic Use : Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to reduce the need for single-use plastics. Many destinations have water refill stations and eco-friendly stores.
Support Local and Sustainable Businesses : Eat at local restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and choose tour operators that prioritize sustainable practices and support the local community.
Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats : Avoid disturbing wildlife or their natural habitats. Stick to designated paths and observe animals from a distance without feeding or touching them.
Dispose of Waste Properly : Follow local guidelines for recycling and waste disposal. If facilities aren't available, carry your waste with you until you can dispose of it responsibly.
Educate Yourself and Others : Learn about the local environment, culture, and customs. Respect local practices and traditions, and share your knowledge about responsible travel with others.
Choose Sustainable Activities : Engage in eco-friendly activities such as hiking, snorkeling, or visiting national parks. Avoid activities that exploit animals or damage the environment.
Leave No Trace : Follow the principle of "Leave No Trace," which means leaving natural areas as you found them. Pack out all trash, avoid picking plants, and refrain from carving or writing on rocks or trees.
Plant Trees Whenever Possible : Participate in local tree-planting initiatives or plant trees in your own community. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide oxygen, and help support biodiversity, making them vital for a healthy environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) & People Also Ask — Gujarat Introduction for First-Time Visitors

We help you prepare for your trip and ensure an effortless and enjoyable travel experience.

How many days do you need for a Gujarat tour?

Thirteen days is enough to cover Kutch, Saurashtra and the Statue of Unity in one trip. The route covers about 2,100 km by road and has three drives of six hours or more. Each stop has time for what it is known for: a night on the White Rann, two safaris in Gir and a full day in Diu.

What is the best time to visit Gujarat?

November to February is the best time to visit Gujarat. The White Rann is dry, Tent City at Dhordo is open, and Gir is open for safaris. Gir opens on 16 October and closes on 16 June. The monsoon from June to September floods the Rann and closes the park.

Is Gujarat safe for tourists?

Yes, Gujarat is a reasonable choice for first-time visitors when you travel with a driver and confirmed hotels. Here you have a private car, a driver and local guides, and every hotel is booked in advance. Take ordinary precautions with valuables and use bottled water.

Do foreigners need a permit to visit the White Rann of Kutch?

Yes, every visitor needs an entry permit for the White Rann, and foreign nationals must provide passport and Indian visa details. The permit is issued through the Gujarat government portal or at the Bhirandiyara checkpost. BizareXpedition applies for it before you arrive, and the fee is included.

Can you see Asiatic lions in Gir, and is a sighting guaranteed?

Gir is the only place in the world where wild Asiatic lions live, but a sighting is never guaranteed. The 2025 census counted 891 lions in Gujarat, up from 674 in 2020. The trip includes two jeep safaris, one at dusk and one at dawn, which gives two separate chances.

Can foreigners drink alcohol in Gujarat?

Gujarat is a dry state, but foreign visitors can get a free temporary tourist permit, usually approved within about 24 hours. Drinking in public is not allowed, and possession is limited to personal amounts. Diu, a Union Territory, has its own rules, and alcohol is legal there.

Can non-Hindus visit Somnath and Dwarkadhish temples?

Visitors of other faiths are generally reported as welcome at both temples, but sources differ on access to the inner sanctum at Dwarkadhish. Phones and cameras are not allowed at either and are left at a free counter. Your guide checks the current rules with the temple on the day.

Is the Statue of Unity open on Mondays?

No, the Statue of Unity is closed every Monday, including national holidays. It is open from about 8:00 am to 6:00 pm the rest of the week, and the viewing gallery is at 153 metres. The trip is dated so Day 13 never falls on a Monday.

Do I need a visa for Gujarat?

Yes, most overseas visitors need an Indian tourist visa, which can usually be applied for online through India's e-visa portal. Requirements depend on your nationality, so check the current rules before you book flights. Your passport and visa details are also needed for the White Rann permit.

How much does a private Gujarat tour cost?

This 13-day Gujarat tour costs about Rs.287,028 to Rs.309,990 per couple at the Premium tier, or Rs.143,514 to Rs.154,995 per person. Luxury runs Rs.411,012 to Rs.443,893 per couple, and Ultra-Luxury Rs.608,328 to Rs.656,994. These are indicative figures that vary by date and availability.

How is this different from BizareXpedition's Gujarat Mount Abu tour?

This trip adds Kutch and the White Rann and ends at the Statue of Unity, and the Mount Abu tour runs through Jamnagar, Dwarka, Somnath, Diu, Gir, Junagadh, Gondal, Ahmedabad and Ambaji to Mount Abu. Choose this one for the White Rann and the Statue of Unity, and the Mount Abu tour for Rajasthan's hill station.

Can I fly instead of taking the long drives?

Yes, some long legs can be replaced by flights. A daily Diu to Ahmedabad flight is reported, taking about an hour and a quarter, and Bhuj has an airport. Schedules change by season, so flights are quoted separately and are not included in the base price.

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