The prosperous state of Gujarat is truly blessed with gorgeous landscapes, monumental architecture, rich biodiversity, and great food. The best way to explore the state is by setting out on a road trip with your loved ones. We have compiled a list of places near Ahmedabad that deserve a spot on your bucket list. By Karan Kaushik
10 places near Ahmedabad within 250 kilometres
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (63km)
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Lush trees whip past you on a drive to Nalsarovar from Ahmedabad, and serenity keeps you company along the way. Housed in the swamps between Central Gujarat and Eastern Saurashtra, the region, which also happens to be the state’s largest wetland bird sanctuary, is packed with a wide variety of birds. You don’t have to be a birdwatcher or a birding enthusiast to be enthralled by Nalsarovar; plenty of locals head here to sit down for a leisurely picnic while watching the birds go about their business. You could also hop on a boat or shop for handicrafts while here.
Modhera (97km)
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Located on the banks of river Pushpavati, Modhera is best known for its famed Sun Temple. The architectural marvel belongs to the Chalukya era and is often termed as a symphony in stone. The temple was built during the reign of King Bhima I in the early 11th century. Dedicated to the Sun God, the temple houses a shrine hall, an assembly hall, and a reservoir. It was designed in such a way that during every equinox, the sun’s first ray falls on the diamond placed on the head of the Sun God’s statue in the main shrine. The Modhera Sun Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
Vadodara (111km)
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Vadodara sits on the banks of the river Vishwamitri. One of the most important cities of Gujarat, Vadodara is known for its architecture and rich culture. Taking a heritage walk and exploring the city’s past is an immersive experience. You can visit places like Kothi, Old Secretariat, Suryanarayana Temple, Tambekar Wada, Nilkantheshwar Mahadev Temple, Kala Bhavan, and Aurobindo Ashram. Any trip to Vadodara will be incomplete without visiting the grand Lakshmi Villas Palace. The palace serves as the residence of the royal family of Vadodara. It was constructed in 1890 during the reign of Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The palace stands as a fine specimen of Indo-Saracenic style and deserves a visit. Other attractions in Vadodara include Kirti Mandir and Qutubuddin Hajiro.
Patan (128km)
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Patan is famous for its Patola sarees and the Rani ki Vav stepwell. The city used to serve as the state capital in medieval times. Numerous Jain and Hindu temples stand as a testament to its glorious past. The prime attraction is the Rani Ki Vav. This intricately carved stepwell was built in 1063 by Rani Udayamati in the memory of her husband Bhimdev I. The stepwell stands on the banks of river Saraswati as a proud reminder of the rich craftsmanship of the bygone era. It was designed in the Maru-Gurjara style of architecture and features more than 500 principal sculptures. Other attractions in Patan are Patan Patola Heritage Museum, Sahastraling Lake and Chudel Mata Temple.
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park (142km)
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You can reach this National Park via Bhavnagar. Featuring a large swathe of yellow grassland, the Velavadar Blackbuck National Park serves as a home for numerous species of birds and animals. Watching large clusters of beautiful and graceful blackbucks is a thrilling experience. The park is home to over 1800 blackbucks, which makes it super easy to spot them in large numbers. The most fascinating ones are the mature male blackbucks which adorn spiralling horns. Other commonly-spotted species include hyenas, foxes, jackals, jungle cats, hares, sandgrouse, larks, and nilgais. Lesser floricans are also present in abundance. From here, you can visit nearby attractions like Nilambaug, Victoria Park, Bortalav, Ganga Deri, and Khodiyar Temple.
Champaner (146km)
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Champaner is a small city in the Panchmahal district, sitting 40 km away from Vadodara. King Vanraj Chavada of the Chavada Dynasty established this majestic land of rich historical heritage. The city is peppered with 23 religious heritage sites that have been restored and ornamented. Champaner reflects the secular principles of architecture from the Mughal Era. The designs are a blend of both Hindu and Islamic construction styles. Significant attractions include Pavagadh Hill and Fort, Jami Masjid, Helical Stepwell, and Kalika Mata Temple. Chamapaner was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. You can club your visit with a trip to the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary.
Polo Forest (152km)
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If you are looking forward to a natural escapade, look no further than Polo Forest. One of the best-kept secrets of Gujarat, Polo Forest is a sheer delight for campers and trekkers. Sequestered in a dense forest and tucked between sacred hills, the place used to serve as a hiding spot for rulers. The ancient city was built around the river Harnav during the 10th century by the Parihar rulers of Idar. Ruins of ancient temples and fortifications still stand to tell Polo Forest’s story. When here, you can also explore quaint little tribal settlements and learn about their relationship with forests. Apart from some really nice trekking trails, Polo Forest also offers nice birdwatching opportunities. You can easily spot the endangered Grey Hornbill and Brown-headed Barbet, who perch themselves on the fig trees here.
Poshina (180km)
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Nestled in the Sabarkantha district, Poshina is famous for its tribal shrines, Jain temples, and an age-old Shiva temple. The town is mostly visited for its crafts. It is known for its attractive terracotta horses, perhaps the finest example of terracotta work in Gujarat. Thousands of cute little terracotta horses stand in rows at the tribal shrine in Poshina as offerings to the local deity. Poshina is also home to families of silversmiths, blacksmiths, and tribal arrow crafters. A visit to this lesser-known hamlet could be an enriching experience, to say the least. From here, you can also explore attractions like Darbrgarh, Sondadh Dam, and royal cenotaphs.
Talaja (225km)
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Located along the Shatrunjaya River, Talaja is renowned all over the country for its gorgeous Jain temples. The city is also known as the birthplace of Narsinh Mehta, a famous 15th-century poet, and saint. Talaja lies in the Bhavnagar district and makes for a nice getaway from Ahmedabad. It is home to as many as 30 ancient Buddhist caves adorned with tastefully done stone carvings. The main attraction here is the Talaja Hills. The hill is dotted with 13 2000-year-old Buddhist caves carved into solid rock. From Talaja, head to Palitana. The erstwhile princely state is home to the world’s only mountain with more than 900 temples. The main temple rests on Shatrunjaya Hill and is dedicated to the first Tirthankara.
Mount Abu (225km)
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Considered as the ‘Oasis of the desert, Mount Abu is situated in the Aravalli Hills. Unlike every other city in Rajasthan, the hill station is away from the heat and sand dunes. Besides its exceptional natural charm, Mount Abu is also known for its Lakes, Jain, and Hindu temples from the time between the 11th to 13th centuries. One of the most famous spots for a day out in Mount Abu is Nakki Lake. The lake is surrounded by hills offering breathtaking views and is ideal for activities such as boating. Another prime attraction in Mount Abu is the Dilwara Jain temple complex. Constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries, these temples are considered masterpieces of temple architecture. For the most scenic views of the hill station, go to Guru Shikhar. The landmark of Guru Dattatreya temple is the highest peak in Rajasthan. One can enjoy the view of the entire Mount Abu city from this point.
Related: Drenched In Grandeur: 8 Heritage Hotels In Ahmedabad For An Immersive Stay
