Discover 5 Ideal Weekend Getaways From Ahmedabad

If you live in Ahmedabad or if you are visiting for the first time, you will wonder how you can make the best of your trip to this heritage city. To make things easier, here’s a host of things to do on a weekend getaway from Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is unique in its own way and trip planning with family for an exciting weekend is the best way to give them some adventure! Let us give you more reasons to paint the town red while you’re on vacation.

Looking for a getaway from Ahmedabad? Here are 5 must visit places.

1. Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

This definitely takes the cake in our list of weekend getaways from Ahmedabad. Gir is the only other sanctuary that is dedicated to preserving the dwindling big cat species. On 18th September 1965, the Government of Gujarat recognised the large geographical area of Sasan Gir as a sanctuary dedicated to the protection of the Asiatic Lion species. Gir forest is spread across an area of 1412 square kilometers of the main area. The area covered on the drive is approximately 258 km. It’s an easy 345 km drive from Ahmedabad and can be an amazing way to spend the weekend.

 

2. Little Rann of Kutch

Among the many desserts in India, the Greater Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch are the most visited destinations in Gujarat. The Greater Rann of Kutch hosts the Rann Utsav for 4 to 5 months in the winters every year. The Little Rann is a good weekend destination for those who want a quick weekend getaway from Ahmedabad.

The word ‘Rann’ is interpreted as ‘Salty Desert‘ which is what you see when you drive along the 5000 sq km. A drive through this shows you a parched and thirsty desert, dry land and the sun shining bright above your heads. But don’t mistake this dry and arid land for ‘nothing to see’.

The little rann is home to one of the very few Wild Ass sanctuaries across the world. Here you can see this endangered species of Indian Wild Ass in its natural habitat. There are approximately 3000 of them that live in this sanctuary. They can be seen in herds in the months of October and November.

Along with the Wild Ass, you can also see a variety of 32 other mammals like the Chinkara, Blackbucks, Desert Fox, Striped Hyenas, etc. Another highlight is the Sanctuary’s strategic location near the Gulf of Kutch, putting the little Rann on the migration path for many birds.

3. Polo and Vijaynagar Forests

Another beautiful destination on our list of weekend getaways from Ahmedabad is Polo Forest. Best way to indulge in a weekend getaway from Ahmedabad is unearthing secrets inside the forest! Polo and Vijaynagar forests are rich in history, culture, and secrets. Ancient tribals, poojas still being performed in the jungles, a hiding place for rulers and many more mysteries are right here for you to unravel and to enjoy.

Polo forest dates back to the 10th century. It’s believed the city came into existence by the Parihar Kings of Idar. However, it was taken over by the Rathod Rajputs of Marwar in the 15th century. Polo forest is more commonly known as the gateway between Gujarat and Rajasthan. This was owing to the confluence of the Gujarati and Marwari cultures that existed in the city centuries ago.

Spread across an area of 400 km, this deciduous forest is best visited between September and October. It is ideal post the monsoon when the rivers are filled. But you can enjoy the wildlife at any given time of the year. The Gujarat tourism department has noted 32 reptile varieties, 30 mammal varieties, 275 bird species and about 450 species of medicinal plants. Migratory birds are seen during the winter months and wetland birds are spotted during the monsoon season. Some of the animal varieties are flying squirrels, hyenas, waterfowl, panthers, etc.

4. Kumbhalgarh

Rajasthan is one of the many states closest to Ahmedabad. On a long weekend, you can easily find many Ahmedabadis heading out over a long weekend to this history-rich state in India. Apart from Mt. Abu and Udaipur are the most popular choices, Kumbhalgarh ranks 3rd on the list.

Rana Kumbha has designed many a fort in Rajasthan but the Kumbhalgarh Fort is the most impressive and famous. The wall of this fort is 36 km long! Kumbhalgarh has an extremely rich history in the battles that were fought in India. Ranging from Kumbhalgarh being attacked by Emperor Akbar and Raja Udai Singh to where the site on which Kumbhalgarh currently stands that once belonged to the Jain descendants of the Mauryan empire. This historical city has seen it all.

While planning your weekend getaways from Ahmedabad, a trip to Kumbhalgarh serves to give you a peek into nature and history. This place is best visited at any time of the year due to its moderate climate. Also, the wall of Kumbhalgarh fort is said to be the second-longest in the world after the Great Wall of China.

5. Saputara

Unlike any other state with multiple hill stations, Gujarat has just one; Saputara. Understandably it’s the go-to place on every long weekend getaway from Ahmedabad. Located in the Sahyadri mountain range in the Western Ghats, Saputara is a combination of green forests, waterfalls, curvaceous roads, vivid landscapes, and mountains. You definitely can’t go wrong if you’re planning a trip to Saputara. It is located just 4 km from the Maharashtra border so you can easily make Saputara a pit stop while returning from Mumbai too.

Saputara has a rich tribal culture. A visit here can enrich your knowledge of the local tribes. There’s not much information you will find on the tribe though. However, did you know that Saputara means ‘habitat of snakes‘? Yes, and true to that name, the local tribes worship snakes; more so during the festival of Holi.

All of these destinations above are perfect for trip planning with family. We assure you that the young ones will thoroughly enjoy a combination of wildlife and forest journeys. So get out those maps and plan your getaways at the earliest.

You can also leave your contact details in the comments section below so that we can quickly plan that road trip for you!