Western India rewards the curious. In Gujarat, centuries-old craft traditions, stone-carved mosques, and stepwells form the backdrop to a city that birthed a movement—Ahmedabad, home to Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram, is equal parts living museum and energetic bazaar. Goa, once a Portuguese colony, swaps carvings for color: Baroque churches, pastel mansions, feni-scented taverns, and golden sands.

Across five days, you will walk Ahmedabad’s labyrinth of pols (historic residential clusters), admire the filigreed Sidi Saiyyed jali, and descend into the sublime Adalaj Stepwell. Then you’ll fly south to Goa for Latin-quarter strolls, an optional jeep-and-jungle day to Dudhsagar Falls with spice-lunch, and lazy hours by the Arabian Sea.

Practical notes: Gujarat is a “dry” state (alcohol requires a permit and is typically available only at licensed hotel shops), while Goa’s beach scene is social and casual. Summer is hot, monsoon (June–September) is lush but rainy; October–March is peak season. Expect vegetarian feasts up north and seafood-forward plates in Goa—both delicious.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad wears its UNESCO World Heritage City badge with quiet confidence. Wander past carved wooden havelis in Pols, linger at Jama Masjid’s vast courtyard, and feel history at Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhi’s base during India’s independence movement.

Don’t miss the lace-like stone window at Sidi Saiyyed Mosque—an icon of the city—and the serene Sarkhej Roza complex. Leave time for the Calico Museum of Textiles (pre-booking essential) to see India’s textile story stitched in silk and cotton.

Food here is an experience: breakfast jalebi-fafda is practically a ritual, thali lunches are celebratory, and Manek Chowk turns into a neon-lit night food market where pav bhaji and kulfi rule.

• Stay (Ahmedabad): Search stays on VRBO or Hotels.com. Handpicked picks: The House of MG (heritage charm, prime location), Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad (modern rooms, river views), or Hotel Accolade (value, central).
• Getting in: Fly into AMD via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Pan-India trains arrive at Ahmedabad Junction—browse on Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrive Ahmedabad, Gandhi’s Riverfront and Night Bites

Morning: Fly into Ahmedabad (AMD). If you arrive early, grab a classic jalebi-fafda at Hotel Chandravilas near Gandhi Road—this 1900s-era eatery pairs sweet jalebi with savory gram-flour fafda and papaya chutney.

Afternoon: Check in, then head to Sabarmati Ashram. Its simple cottages, Gandhi’s spinning wheel, and archival photos set the tone for the city. Continue to the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque to admire the renowned stone lattice “Tree of Life.” Pause for coffee at Zen Cafe inside Amdavad ni Gufa, an underground art space designed by architect B.V. Doshi.

Evening: Eat like a local at Manek Chowk night market. Try pav bhaji at Mahalaxmi Pav Bhaji, chocolate cheese sandwiches from street stalwarts, and kulfi from Asharfi. Note: Gujarat is a dry state—soft drinks and fresh juices accompany the feast.

Day 2: Old-City Heritage, Stepwells and Thali Traditions

Morning: Join the Ahmedabad Heritage Walk (8:00–10:30 am; starts near Swaminarayan Temple, Kalupur). You’ll thread through pols, peek into bird-feeding chabutaras, and visit Jama Masjid and Teen Darwaza. Post-walk, snack on khaman and patra at Das Khaman House.

Afternoon: Drive 30–40 minutes to Adalaj Stepwell, a five-story subterranean marvel blending Hindu and Islamic motifs. Continue to Sarkhej Roza, often called the “Acropolis of Ahmedabad,” for tranquil stone arcades and reflecting tanks. Lunch on a traditional Gujarati thali—Gordhan Thal loads your platter with kadhi, shaak, rotis, farsan, sweets, and buttermilk.

Evening: Celebrate with a rooftop thali at Agashiye in The House of MG—polite, unhurried service and seasonal dishes make it special. Browse Law Garden Night Market for bandhani textiles, mirrorwork bags, and silver jewelry.

Goa (Base: Panaji & North Goa Beaches)

Goa is sunshine with side stories. Pastel facades and azulejo tiles glow in Panaji’s Fontainhas; Old Goa’s basilicas and cathedrals recall a maritime empire; beach villages trade in sunsets, live music, and late-night conversations.

By day, chase waterfalls or cycle along sleepy islands in the Mandovi River. By night, tuck into fish thalis, recheado-stuffed pomfret, and bebinca for dessert. Sip a classic feni cocktail, but keep it leisurely—the Goan way.

North Goa hums with energy (Candolim, Calangute, Anjuna, Vagator), while South Goa whispers (Benaulim, Cavelossim). This plan bases you near Panaji for easy access to history, food, and beaches.

• Stay (Goa): Explore VRBO and Hotels.com. Favorites: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa (South Goa seafront), Novotel Goa Resort & Spa (Candolim, family-friendly), Holiday Inn Resort Goa (quiet Mobor beach). Budget/hostels: The Funky Monkey Hostel (Anjuna), The Old Quarter Hostel (Panaji). Splurge: The Leela Goa.
• Ahmedabad → Goa (Day 3 AM): Nonstop flights to GOX (Manohar International, North Goa) or GOI (Dabolim, South Goa) take ~1h45–2h15; typical fares ~$60–$140 when booked early on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. An overnight train AMD→Madgaon can take 16–20 hours—see Trip.com Trains.
• Local tips: Taxis and app cabs are common; scooters rent ~₹400–₹700/day (carry license and helmets). Airport to Panaji: ~45 min from GOI; ~45–60 min from GOX depending on traffic.

Day 3: Fly to Goa, Latin-Quarter Stroll, Panaji Eats

Morning: Fly Ahmedabad → Goa. Aim for a morning departure and a midday hotel check-in. Drop bags and freshen up.

Afternoon: Join the highly rated Fontainhas Heritage Walk by Make It Happen to explore Panaji’s colorful Portuguese-era quarter—azulejo signage, bakeries, and Indo-Portuguese homes with balcaos.

Stop for Goan-style coffees and bebinca at Caravela Cafe & Bistro or old-school bakes at Cafe Central.

Evening: Dinner at Ritz Classic (Panjim) for legendary fish thali or Kokni Kanteen for traditional Goan curries (try vindaloo or xacuti with poi bread). Nightcap at Joseph Bar (tiny, atmospheric) or Miguel’s for craft cocktails with petiscos.

Day 4: Dudhsagar Falls 4x4 + Spice Plantation Feast (Full-Day Tour)

Trade beaches for jungle on a classic day out. Ride a 4x4 through Mollem National Park, hike to the foaming curtain of Dudhsagar Falls, then visit a spice plantation for lunch and a guided walk through pepper, cardamom, and nutmeg groves. Wear water shoes; monsoon months can mean stronger flow and occasional access changes.

Book the Full-Day Tour Old Goa Dudhsagar Falls and Spice Plantation for a hassle-free experience, hotel pickup, and an authentic Goan buffet.

After you’re back, dine by the river at Fisherman’s Wharf (Panaji or Cavelossim) for choriz pav, rawa-fried prawns, and live music; or book Gunpowder (Assagao) for slow-evening small plates in a garden setting.

Day 5: Island E-Bike or Cooking Class, Beach Brunch, Fly Out

Morning: If you have a late-afternoon flight, opt for a breezy countryside ride: BLive Electric Bike Tours – Discovery of Divar Island takes you by ferry to pastoral villages, paddy fields, and a panoramic baroque church—photogenic and peaceful.

Alternative for food lovers: hone your spice skills at Chef Kamal's Indian Cooking Classes—learn curry balance and masala mixing, then savor your creations.

Afternoon: Brunch by the beach at Baba Au Rhum (Anjuna; flaky croissants, wood-fired pizzas) or Pousada by the Beach (Calangute; fresh catch, sea breeze). Pack up and transfer to GOX/GOI for your flight—search options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If time allows before departure, sunset at Miramar or Chapora Fort. Quick bites: Vinayak Family Restaurant (Assagao; crab xec xec) or Martin’s Corner (Betalbatim; squid recheado).

Optional Swap: Churches & Spice, Old Goa Classics

If waterfalls aren’t your thing, spend a culture-forward day with a curated route through Panaji and Old Goa. Consider these guided options:

• CULTURAL & HISTORIC DAY TOUR ATTRACTIONS - Churches, Temples & Spice Plantation

  

• Capital City, Churches & Forts Of Goa, Old Goa Churches, Panaji City.

  

• Old Goa Churches, Temples & Spice Plantation With \"Goan\" Lunch

  

Where to Eat & Drink in Goa (Bookmark-worthy)

• Panaji & around: Caravela Cafe & Bistro (Goan breakfasts, bebinca), Kokni Kanteen (traditional thalis), Ritz Classic (crowd-favorite fish thali), Joseph Bar (tiny tavern), Miguel’s (cocktails, petiscos).
• Assagao/Anjuna/Vagator: Gunpowder (modern regional Indian), Vinayak Family Restaurant (homey Goan seafood), Baba Au Rhum (European-leaning brunch), Thalassa (Greek sunset vibes, Siolim).
• South Goa: Martin’s Corner (Goan staples), Fisherman’s Wharf (riverfront live music), Zeebop by the Sea (feet-in-sand seafood).

Getting Around & Practicalities

• Transport: For intercity flights and trains, compare on Trip.com Flights, Kiwi.com, and Trip.com Trains. In Goa, taxis and pre-booked transfers from GOX/GOI are reliable.
• Seasonality: Monsoon greenifies Goa (June–Sep) but can affect Dudhsagar access and sea conditions. Peak beach season runs Nov–Feb—book early.
• Etiquette & permits: Gujarat’s alcohol rules require permits; your hotel can advise. Dress modestly for temples and churches; carry cash for small eateries and markets.

In five compact days, you’ll trace a line from Gandhi’s river to Goa’s sea—stone filigree to seashell souvenirs. Expect vivid flavors, layered histories, and the kind of gentle spontaneity that makes trips memorable long after you’re home.