Pehle Gujarat Dekho

Vegan Gujarat: A Culinary and Cultural Expedition

  • Useful Information
  • Ahmedabad - Baroda - Bhavnagar - Palitana - Diu - Surendranagar
  • 13 Nights / 14 days
  • Overview
This journey showcases Gujarat’s architectural treasures, diverse landscapes, and cultural richness alongside its naturally vegan-friendly cuisine. It combines UNESCO World Heritage sites in Ahmedabad, the world’s only legally vegetarian city of Palitana, the last refuge of Asiatic lions in Gir, and the striking salt deserts of Little Rann of Kutch, whilst experiencing some of India’s most sophisticated plant-based culinary cuisines. Stemming from traditional principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and vegetarian traditions together with the region’s emphasis on lentils, grains, seasonal vegetables, and creative spice blends, Gujarati specialties like Undhiyu (mixed vegetable curry), Fafda-Jalebi, and Dhokla have emerged. Combine this cuisine with magnificent temples, palaces, and natural wonders and you have a journey that satisfies both cultural and culinary appetites.
  • Highlights
  • Wander through Ahmedabad's UNESCO-listed maze of wooden havelis and secret courtyards
  • Climb Shetrunjaya Hill to discover 3,500 marble Jain temples in Palitana, the world's only vegetarian city
  • Get up close with majestic Asiatic lions on thrilling safari drives in Gir National Park
  • Savor the aromatic delight of Undhiyu, Gujarat's celebratory mixed-vegetable specialty
  • Munch on crispy, savory street food favorites like Fafda, Khakhra, and Gathiya at vibrant local markets
  • Experience the fascinating fusion of Portuguese and Indian influences in Diu's architecture and cuisine
  • Learn the secrets of Kathiawadi cooking with its bold spices and innovative vegetable preparations
  • Watch sunrise over the surreal landscapes of Little Rann of Kutch while spotting wild ass and flamingos
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  • HTA Recommended Hotels
  • Ahmedabad: House of MG, Ahmedabad (A Heritage Hotel) OR Mani Mansion (A Heritage Hotel) OR Mangaldas Ni Haveli - 1 (A Heritage Homestay) OR Mangaldas Ni Haveli - 2 (A Heritage Homestay) OR Jagdip Mehta Heritage House (A Heritage Homestay)
  • Baroda: Madhav Bagh, Baroda (A Heritage Homestay) OR Hotels in Baroda City
  • Bhavnagar: Tree of Life Darbargadh Dared, Vallabhipur (A Heritage Hotel) OR Nilambag Palace, Bhavnagar (A Heritage Hotel) OR Narayani Heritage, Bhavnagar (A Heritage Hotel) OR Gopnath Bungalow, Gopnath, Bhavnagar (A Heritage Hotel) OR Vijay Vilas, Palitana (A Heritage Hotel)
  • Diu: Aramness, Gir National Park OR Taj Gir Serai, Gir National Park OR The Woods at Sasan, Gir National Park OR The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Gir National Park OR Asiatic Lion Lodge, Gir National Park
  • Day Wise itinerary
Day 1: Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, offers a perfect introduction to Gujarat’s rich cultural tapestry. The old city’s “pols”—traditional neighbourhoods featuring elaborate wooden havelis, secret passages, and community gathering spaces—reveal centuries of architectural innovation. Understand sattvic food philosophy and vegetarianism in ancient traditions, where simple, pure ingredients are believed to promote spiritual well-being.
Overnight: Ahmedabad City.
Explore the intricately carved temples at Hutheesing and learn about the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) that forms the foundation of vegetarianism. Join a specialized vegan food tour through the old city with knowledgeable local guides, sampling traditional snacks like fafda-jalebi (without ghee), gota, and pani puri while learning about their cultural significance. The evening concludes with a traditional Gujarati thali dinner at the acclaimed heritage hotels, where the chef prepares a completely plant-based version of this elaborate meal, showcasing the diversity of Gujarat’s vegetarian cuisine.
Overnight: Ahmedabad City.
Baroda, now known as Vadodara, flourished under the progressive Gaekwad dynasty who transformed it into Gujarat’s cultural capital. The breathtaking Laxmi Vilas Palace, four times the size of Buckingham Palace, showcases stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture with elaborate interiors boasting beautiful mosaics, chandeliers, and an impressive collection of weaponry. The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum houses a remarkable collection of Raja Ravi Varma paintings—more than 30 original works by the master who revolutionized Indian portraiture.
The day concludes at Madhav Bagh with a special Maratha-influenced dinner featuring plant-based versions of royal recipes once prepared for the Gaekwad rulers.
Overnight: Baroda City.
Explore vibrant local fruit and vegetable markets where unique ingredients central to Baroda’s cuisine can be discovered, including special varieties of lentils, beans, and indigenous grains and head out on a curated street food experience at Kamati Baug, sampling naturally vegan delicacies like khakhra (crispy flatbread), fafda (gram flour crisps), and fresh seasonal fruit dishes.
Overnight: Baroda City.
Bhavnagar, founded in 1723 by Maharaja Bhavsinhji Gohil, serves as the gateway to Palitana, Jainism’s most sacred pilgrimage site. Begin with exploration of Bhavnagar’s distinctive architecture, including the Nilambag Palace and the Barton Library. Meet with local chefs who explain how the royal kitchens of Bhavnagar adapted Kathiawadi cuisine to suit various religious dietary restrictions while maintaining bold flavors through creative use of spices.
Overnight: Bhavnagar Dist, Gohilwar region, Saurashtra.
A full-day excursion to Palitana, the world’s only city that is legally vegan by decree! Climb the 3,500 steps up Shatrunjaya Hill, home to over 900 exquisitely carved marble Jain temples, each a masterpiece of devotional architecture. Along the way, learn about Jain principles that go beyond their vegan diet to minimize any harm to all living beings, including restrictions on root vegetables and eating after sunset. Experience a traditional meal featuring dishes prepared according to these principles, with creative use of permitted ingredients to create satisfying, flavorful dishes without onions, garlic, or root vegetables.
Overnight: Bhavnagar Dist, Gohilwar region, Saurashtra.
The coastal enclave of Diu presents a fascinating blend of Gujarati and Portuguese influences, evident in its whitewashed buildings, ornate churches, and distinctive cuisine. Explore St. Paul’s Church, the imposing Diu Fort, and stroll through charming villages. The unique coastal vegetarian cuisine here features coconut-based curries, fresh local vegetables, and Portuguese-inspired preservation techniques.
Overnight: Diu.
Visit local kitchens to observe the preparation of distinctive dishes like papaya pickle, coconut curries, and local breads. Unlike mainland Gujarat, Diu’s cuisine incorporates more Portuguese elements while maintaining vegetarian traditions among many communities. Relax at Nagoa Beach and explore the sea caves, while learning how coastal communities have adapted plant-based cooking using abundant local fruits and vegetables. A special dinner features vegan versions of Diu’s Portuguese-influenced dishes, showcasing how cultural fusion has created unique culinary traditions found nowhere else in India.
Overnight: Diu.
Gir National Park is the only place in the world to find Asiatic lion in the wild. Spread across 1,412 square kilometres of forested, hilly terrain, this sanctuary represents the last refuge of these magnificent cats, established in 1965 with a 259-square-kilometre core area declared a national park in 1975. Conservation efforts have dramatically increased lion numbers from barely 20 in 1975 to 674 in the 2020 census. The Asiatic lions are smaller and paler than their African cousins, and have become remarkably accustomed to jeeps and humans, making sightings relatively reliable. The gently rolling, densely forested landscape also harbours a high population of leopards, making Gir one of the best places in India to see these Big Cats.
Overnight: Gir National Park, Sorath Region, Saurashtra.
Morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Gir provide opportunities to spot not only the Asiatic lion but also 37 other mammal species that have thrived under protection. These include chital (spotted deer), sambar (large deer), nilgais (blue bull), chousinghas (four-horned antelopes), chinkaras (gazelles), and rarely seen leopards. The park’s diverse habitat supports over 300 resident bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts beyond just the famous lions.
The region’s cuisine features wild herbs, indigenous millets, and seasonal produce prepared using traditional methods. Experience a special Satvik dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Gir National Park, Sorath Region, Saurashtra.
The princely state of Surendranagar offers glimpses into rural Gujarat’s architectural and culinary heritage and is surrounded by farmland and rural villages. The region is known for its distinctive textile traditions, particularly the Tangalia weaving practiced by pastoral communities. Visit local villages to observe traditional farming practices that continue to grow indigenous varieties of millet, sorghum, and lentils central to the region’s cuisine. It is also possible to embark on a Story of Cotton experience.
Overnight: Surendranagar Dist, Jhalawar Region, Saurashtra.
The Saurashtra region cuisine has a distinctive character, known for minimal use of dairy compared to other parts of Gujarat. Learn to prepare authentic Kathiawadi dishes like bajra rotla (millet bread), ringan no oro (smoky eggplant), and various pulse preparations that form the backbone of rural meals. A special dinner at the palace courtyard features traditional recipes that showcase the ingenuity of Saurashtra’s plant-based cooking traditions, including rare varieties of indigenous millets and pulses prepared according to ancestral methods.
Overnight: Surendranagar Dist, Jhalawar Region, Saurashtra.
Little Rann of Kutch is a remarkable salt desert that transforms into a wetland during monsoons. Experience sunrise and sunset safaris to witness this unique ecosystem’s diverse wildlife, including the endangered wild ass, desert fox, and numerous bird species including flamingos when in season.
Visit local tribal communities and also salt pan workers who maintain one of the world’s oldest salt harvesting traditions. In nearby villages, you may observe traditional cooking methods of Kutchi cuisine featuring millet, sorghum, and indigenous beans prepared with minimal ingredients to create hearty, sustaining meals that have nourished desert communities for generations.
The final dinner will feature the best of regional vegan specialties, including dishes such as bajra rotla (millet bread), papdi no lot (spiced cluster bean curry), and traditional chutneys made from desert berries and local herbs. As the sun sets over the vast salt plains on your final evening, reflect on the rich tapestry of Gujarat’s architectural heritage, natural wonders, and diverse vegan traditions experienced throughout your journey.
Overnight: Little Rann of Kutch, Surendranagar Dist, Jhalawar Region, Saurashtra.
Departure from Ahmedabad Airport.
  • Photos
Shivrajpur Beach
Portuguese and Indian influenced Diu_s architecture
Kathiawadi Thali
Jeep Safari in Gir
Undhiyu - mixed-vegetable specialty
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