The region of south Gujarat can be explored in 4 to 5 days; I am suggesting a five-day trip. Vadodara is the gateway to south Gujarat, and is well connected with rest of the country via airways and railways.
Day-1: Vadodara
If you reach in Vadodara in the morning, start exploring the city in the afternoon. The major attraction in the city is the Laxmi vilas palace. Built in the 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of the Maratha empire, the palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in India. Major Charles Mant designed it in Indo-Saracenic revival architectural style. With a campus of more than 500 acres and floor space four times larger than the Buckingham palace, it's huge. It will take good part of the afternoon to explore.
Have a ride around the MSW University (lovely medieval buildings) and Kamati baug before it is dark.
Vadodara is famous for the traditional Garba during Navratri; so, it's always advisable to plan your trip during Navratri. There are quite a number of places to have the garba experience at night.
Day-2: Champaner- Pavagadh archeological park day trip
Situated in the adjacent district of Panchmahal, Champaner- Pavagadh archeological park takes about an hour (54 kms) from Vadodara, and can be done as a day-trip. The region used to be the capital of Gujarat state till 1536. At various points of time in the history, the region was ruled by different rulers- Hindu and Muslim Kings. Looking at its archeological, historical and cultural heritage value, the UNESCO has declared it as a World Heritage Site. Though it's still largely unexcavated, one can see the remains of an era gone by. There is a Hindu temple (Kalika Mata) on a nearby hilltop. The temple is accessible by cable car, and can also be reached by foot.
It looks particularly beautiful during the monsoon; winters are the best time though considering the weather conditions- high humidity and temperature during monsoon. Navratri time is good as it generally falls in October- November.
Day-3: Sardar Sarovar Dam and Statue of Unity
One of the most controversial multi-purpose river valley projects, Sardar Sarovar dam is constructed over the Narmada river and supplies water to the arid regions of Gujarat along with Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. The controversy was mostly around the developmental dilemma of benefits accruing to a large number of people at the cost of displacement and loss of livelihoods of certain tribal communities residing in the hills and forests that went under water due to the reservoir. Without going too much into that debate, it's a sight to behold when huge volumes of water flow over the dam during monsoon. One may have a look at the wonderful engineering feat, the second largest dam in the world in terms of concrete used in construction. Today it stands at 138 meters. Situated just about 100 kms from Vadodara, it's a perfect site to spend good part of a day.
A status of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (known as Iron Man of India), a grand leader of Indian freedom movement has been erected on the river bed to pay homage to one of the key architects of modern India. At 182 meters, it's world's tallest statue dwarfing the second tallest statue of Spring Buddha in China at 128 meters. We visited the statue in the evening to witness the sunset; so, the statue was not clearly visible (as in the picture) as light was coming from its backside. So, in order to view it clearly, one needs to visit in the first half of the day (however, one would miss the sunset). It's an amazing feeling to stand beneath the Sardar's feet and feel the greatness of the man quite literally.
After visiting the statue, you can drive to Surat, and check in at your hotel. You can visit the black sand beach- Dumas 15 minutes drive from Surat in the evening or the next morning. It's not the most beautiful beach, but in case you want to catch a glimpse of a beach, you can choose to visit it.
Enjoy a traditional Gujarati Thali at "Sasumaa" restaurant; relish the famous Khaman-Dhokla.
Day-4: Dandi and Dang- Saputara
You can start your day-4 with a visit to Dandi if you are a history buff; it's about 50 kms from Surat and will take 1 and half hours. Dandi beach was the epicenter of the Salt Satyagraha during India's freedom movement. Take a little walk on the beach, visit the memorial nearby, and imagine the great historic event. Then drive towards Saputara, 135 kms away (3 hrs drive from Dandi) in Dang district. If you aren't that inclined towards history, directly drive to Saputara from Surat, about 160 kms from Surat (3 and half hours drive). Depending on when you reach Saputara, visit the beautiful Saputara lake in the afternoon or evening. You will love the peaceful boating in the lake.
Day-5: Saputara
Saputara is an absolutely charming small hillstation with rolling hills, forests, lakes, waterfalls and a rich tribal culture. Next day, enjoy a drive around some of the interesting places like: Gira waterfall (must visit), Table top, Echo point, Sunrise/ sunset point and Town view point. If you are interested in tribal culture and history, there is a museum to explore. Besides, you can get in touch with the forest department for a eco-tourism package to experience the deep-forests, especially the Vansda national park. Monsoons are the best time to visit Saputara to view the gorgeous green forests, gushing waterfalls (not just the Gira fall but numerous small seasonal falls along all the routes) and the Saputara monsoon festival. However, this piece is written as a composite trip for Navratri times (Oct-Nov) to experience the best of Gujarat.
If you are more interested in tribal culture, please read a separate article "Charming Tribals of Dang" in this blog.
Once you are done with Saputara, you can drive back to Surat to take your flight or train to your location. Valsad, an important railhead is also nearby.
*This article has been updated in January 2022; pictures taken between 2009 and 2021.
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