Gujarat is one of India’s lesser-visited regions where vast salt flats, the Arabian Sea and the last hunting grounds of Asiatic lions make for a varied and eye-opening itinerary. Travelling overland from Ahmedabad, after making the most of Mumbai, introduces the influences of diverse dynastic rulers who’ve left their mark within Hindu temples, centuries old mosques and elaborate European-inspired façades and colonnades.
Gujarat glows green, shimmers in silver moonlight and is splashed in watercolours for cultural celebrations – if you think you know India, reflections of Gujarat stand things on their head.
![]()
Overnight sleeper trains, heritage tours with local guides and visits to artisan workshops in remote tribal villages, encourage interaction with Guajarati people, on their level. This type of experience creates a two-way cultural exchange, a special moment for both sides. Small guided groups and personalised tailor made tours also allow authentic and unobserved encounters to evolve quietly and naturally, as well as allowing opportunities to stay in smaller, locally owned accommodation.
Yes, you might well get stared at in Gujarat or asked to appear in ‘selfies’. It’s because not many western travellers head this far west – you’ll be something of a trailblazer. Expand horizons, enjoy the ride.