Weekend Getaways Near Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat. Many tourists visit Ahmedabad to enjoy the thriving cultural tradition of Gujarat, know about different religious communities as well as ethnics. Popular festivals of this 'Manchester of the East' include Makar Sakranti which is marked by the celebration of an international Kite Festival that’s well worth the stiff neck. Also, the Navratri nights are celebrated with the folk dance of Gujarat – Garba Dhandiya at venues across the city. Tourists love being part of all this.

Well, apart from this Ahmedabad boasts of many more attractions. The city is not just about being 'Ahmedabad'. It is surrounded by a number of fun-filled destinations that you can consider for picnics and weekend getaways. You can indulge into lots of fun provided you know about them. Here's some information:

Sardar Sarovar dam is the largest dam on the river Narmada. At the entrance, tourists can find a map and an interpretation center. Guide is also available for the tourist to take you through six points around the dam site such as a garden, a beautiful site view of the flow of water from the dam, the first lock gate of the main canal, a lake where boating takes place, trekking site with a nature education camp for students. There is also the Surpaneshwar Shiva temple near the site, which was laid by the Government to replace the original ancient temple that was water-logged by the dam. At the bottom of the dam is the Kevadia colony where the employees of the dam reside and where there are also places for tourist to stay.

• Location: Near Rajpipla, at the distance of 1163 km away up the river Narmada from the sea.
• Best time to visit: During Monsoon season, especially when the dam overflows.

• By Road: Rajpipla, Bharuch, Dabhoi and Chanod are accessible by buses. This Sardar Sarovar dam can be reached by private vehicle too.
  

• By Rail: The nearby railway station is at Bharuch.

• By Air: The nearby airport is at Vadodara

The Polo forest is located in Vijayanagar taluka in Sabarkantha districts. It is close to Vanaj forest area, river Harnav and site of the dam. Currently, the camping, educational seminars and wildlife trainings are organized here. The polo forest is naturally enriched with a range of flora and fauna. The river side view of the forest provides the tourist with a not-to-miss opportunity to experience nature. This camp site is surrounded with a number of archeological structures, you would love to explore and know about.

• Location: It is approximately 120 km from Udaipur, 150 km from Ahmedabad and 70 km from Himatnagar.
• Best time to visit: Best time to visit Polo forest is during Monsoon as well as winters.

• By Road: The Polo Forest area is accessible by the National Highway 8. Public transport is also available to and from here, but enquire around in advance, since it is not always accessible.

• By Air: The nearby airport is at Vadodara.

Jambughoda is famous for its Wildlife sanctuary. The Jungle offers you to commence Rappelling, Rock Climbing, Trekking, Overnight Camping and Flying Fox. There are many interesting as well as outstanding places to visit in and around Jambughoda such as Jand Hanuman which has indications to Pandavas of Mahabharata, Kada Dam, Hathini Mata Water Fall, Sardar Sarovar Dam and Sukhi Dam.

• Location: Jambughoda Jungles is approximately 70 Kms from Vadodara and 25 Kms ahead of Pavagadh towards Bodeli.
• Best time to visit: Best time to visit Jambughoda is during Monsoon as well as winters.

• By Road: The nearby bus station is at Shivrajpur and Bodeli.
• By Rail: The nearby railway station is at Shivrajpur.
• By Air: The nearby airport is at Vadodara.

These picnic spots can be considered best for weekend getaways which are meant to let you have a break even if you are short of time or money. You don't need to travel much and you reach your destination, only to rejuvenate self and family!