5 Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad (The Self-Drive Edition)

Author : Drivezycar India | Published On : 21 Feb 2026

Escaping the Concrete Jungle

Ahmedabad is a city that never really stops. Between the business deals at SG Highway and the bustle of the Walled City, it’s easy to get burned out. But the best thing about Ahmedabad isn’t just the city itself—it’s where you can go when you need a break.

Within a 300 km radius, the landscape shifts dramatically. You can go from the dusty plains to lush forests, from ancient architectural marvels to the world’s tallest statue.

The problem? Trains are too rigid, and buses are too crowded. To truly unwind, you need the freedom to stop for bhajiya at a roadside stall or chase a sunset without worrying about a departure time.

This is your guide to the Top 5 Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad, categorized by “Driving Time” so you can plan the perfect self-drive escape.

Category 1: The “Sunrise & Back” (Under 2 Hours)

Perfect for when you only have Sunday morning but want to feel like you’ve traveled.

Thol Lake Sanctuary: The Birdwatcher’s Paradise

• Distance: ~30 km

• Drive Time: 45 Minutes

• Best Car Choice: Hatchback (Swift/i10) or Open Jeep (Thar)

The Vibe:

Thol isn’t just a lake; it’s a mood. In winter (Nov-Feb), it turns into a pink canvas of flamingos. It is the closest place to the city where you can hear absolute silence.

The Drive:

Head out via the SP Ring Road towards Sanand. The last 5 km is a narrow village road, flanked by fields. Rolling down the windows here feels therapeutic.

Pro Tip:

Leave at 5:30 AM. The gates open at 6:00 AM. If you reach by 9:00 AM, the birds (and the magic) are gone.

• Rental Cost Est: ₹1,200 (Compact Car for 12 hours)

Category 2: The “Nature Retreat” (Under 4 Hours)

Ideal for a full Saturday trip or a quick overnight camping plan.

Polo Forest: The Hidden Jungle of Gujarat

• Distance: ~150 km

• Drive Time: 3.5 Hours

• Best Car Choice: SUV (Creta / Scorpio / XUV)

• Why SUV? The internal roads inside the forest can be rough, and you might want to drive slightly off-road near the river.

The Vibe:

Polo Forest looks like it belongs in The Jungle Book. Ancient Jain temple ruins (15th century) are hidden inside lush greenery. During the monsoon, this place is magical.

The Drive:

Take the Gandhinagar – Himmatnagar Highway. The road is smooth until Idar.

• Pit Stop: Stop at Idar Gadh (the massive rock fort) for a quick photo. The climb is tough, but the view from the bottom is imposing enough.

What to Do:

• Trek to the Echo Point.

• Dip your feet in the Harnav River.

• Warning: There is zero mobile network inside the forest. Download offline maps before you leave Himmatnagar.

Category 3: The “Modern Marvel” (Under 4 Hours)

Statue of Unity (Ekta Nagar): A World-Class Drive

• Distance: ~198 km

• Drive Time: 3.5 Hours

• Best Car Choice: Sedan (Honda City / Dzire) or Innova (for families)

The Vibe:

Standing at 182 meters, the Statue of Unity is awe-inspiring. But Ekta Nagar has developed into a full tourism hub with a Jungle Safari, Cactus Garden, and Glow Garden. It’s clean, organized, and feels international.

The Drive:

You will take the National Expressway 1 (NE1) to Vadodara and then the State Highway to Kevadia.

• Driving Joy: The NE1 is a driver’s dream. Cruise control at 100 km/h is smooth sailing.

• Caution: Do not overspeed. The interceptors are active.

The Plan:

• Leave Ahmedabad at 7:00 AM.

• Reach Statue of Unity by 11:00 AM.

• Watch the Laser Show at 7:00 PM.

• Drive back (or stay at the Tent City).

Category 4: The “Hill Station” Escape (Under 5 Hours)

Mount Abu: The Cool Neighbor

• Distance: ~225 km

• Drive Time: 5 Hours

• Best Car Choice: Powerful Diesel Car (Innova / Fortuner / Swift Diesel)

• Why: The climb up the mountain requires torque. A weak petrol engine with 5 passengers and AC on will struggle on the steep inclines.

The Vibe:

Yes, it’s cliché. But sipping hot tea at Nakki Lake while the mist rolls in is a timeless experience. It is the only hill station in Rajasthan and the go-to spot for Amdavadis escaping the 45°C heat.

The Drive:

Take the Palanpur Highway. The road is excellent 4-lane tarmac until the Abu Road turn-off.

• The Ghat Section: The 20 km climb is fun for drivers who love corners. Just be careful of the monkeys!

The “Dry State” Warning:

You can drink in Mount Abu. You cannot bring bottles back down. The checkpost at the bottom is very strict with Gujarat-registered cars.

Category 5: The “Wild Adventure” (Under 7 Hours)

Gir National Park: Into the Lion’s Den

• Distance: ~350 km

• Drive Time: 7 – 8 Hours

• Best Car Choice: Innova Crysta / XUV700

• Why: It’s a long haul. You need comfortable seats and good legroom.

The Vibe:

The only place in the world (outside Africa) to see Asiatic Lions in the wild. Driving through the buffer zone itself feels adventurous.

The Drive:

Ahmedabad -> Rajkot -> Junagadh -> Sasan Gir.

• Food Stop: Stop at Chotila for Kathiyawadi food. The spicy Sev Tameta is mandatory.

• Road Condition: The stretch from Junagadh to Sasan can be broken in patches. An SUV handles this best.

Budgeting Your Trip (Self-Drive vs. Taxi)

Is it worth renting a car for these trips? Let’s look at a Polo Forest Day Trip (300 km total).

Verdict: If you own a car, take it. If you don’t (or don’t want to ruin your sedan on forest roads), renting is cheaper than a taxi and gives you total privacy.

Conclusion: Just Go

The beauty of a self-drive getaway is the spontaneity. You don’t need to wait for a ticket confirmation. You don’t need to explain your route to a driver.

You just book the car, throw a bag in the trunk, and hit the SG Highway. Whether it’s the silence of Thol or the roar of a lion in Gir, Ahmedabad has an escape waiting for you.

Weekend Coming Up?

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FAQ 

Q1: What are the best weekend getaways from Ahmedabad?
Popular options include Thol Lake, Polo Forest, the Statue of Unity, Mount Abu, and Gir National Park.

Q2: Are these places suitable for one day trips from Ahmedabad?
Yes. Thol Lake and nearby spots work well for one-day trips, while others are better for overnight stays.

Q3: Is self-drive better than taxis for weekend trips?
For privacy, flexibility, and cost control, self-drive usually works better for full-day or weekend trips.

Q4: What is the Ahmedabad to Polo Forest distance by road?
The distance is around 150 km and takes roughly 3.5 hours by car.