Planning a getaway with children is never quite as simple as it sounds. Between snack stops, bathroom breaks, boredom battles in the back seat, and the constant question of “are we there yet?” — a family road trip needs more patience (and more planning) than a solo drive. The good news? Gujarat is full of destinations that are close enough for a weekend, safe enough for toddlers and teens alike, and interesting enough to keep everyone entertained.
At Happy Travels, we’ve driven hundreds of Ahmedabad families to these getaways, and we’ve learned exactly what makes a trip smooth when kids are involved. In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite family-friendly road trip destinations near Ahmedabad, along with practical tips on timing, vehicle choice, and comfort — so your next trip feels like a vacation from the moment you leave your driveway.
Why Road Trips Beat Flights for Family Travel
Before we get to the destinations, let’s talk about why driving is often the better choice for families:
- No airport chaos. No security lines, no liquid restrictions, no lugging a stroller through a terminal.
- Flexible stops. Need to pull over for a diaper change or a tantrum? You can, anytime.
- You control the schedule. Nap times, meal times, and play breaks fit around your child, not a boarding gate.
- More memories per kilometer. Kids remember roadside dhabas, spotting animals from the window, and singing car songs more than they remember airport lounges.
Gujarat’s road network around Ahmedabad is well-maintained, and most of the destinations below are reachable in 2–5 hours — perfect for a long weekend without exhausting anyone.
1. Statue of Unity, Kevadia (~200 km, ~3.5 hrs)
The world’s tallest statue is genuinely a hit with children — the scale alone amazes them. Kevadia has grown into a proper family destination with the Jungle Safari Park, Butterfly Garden, Cactus Garden, and a boat ride on the Narmada. Budget a full day here, or better, stay overnight so kids aren’t rushed.
Family tip: Book the Valley of Flowers and Jungle Safari together — both are stroller-friendly and shaded in parts.
2. Rann of Kutch (White Desert), Dhordo (~400 km, ~7 hrs)
If your kids have never seen a desert, this is unforgettable. The white salt flats stretching to the horizon, camel rides, and the Rann Utsav tent city (during winter season) make it feel like an adventure out of a storybook. It’s a longer drive, so this one works best as a 2–3 day trip with an overnight stay in Bhuj or the Rann Utsav camps.
Family tip: Plan to arrive near sunset — the desert glows gold and the temperature is far kinder to young children than midday heat.
3. Saputara Hill Station (~370 km, ~6.5 hrs)
Gujarat’s only hill station is a favorite for families wanting cooler weather and easy outdoor activities. Boating at Saputara Lake, the ropeway, and the Sunset Point are all low-effort, high-reward stops for kids. The town is small enough that you’re never far from a washroom or a snack stall.
Family tip: The winding ghat roads can cause motion sickness in younger children — carry ginger candies and plan a couple of short breaks on the way up.
4. Champaner-Pavagadh (~150 km, ~2.5 hrs)
A UNESCO World Heritage site combined with a hilltop temple and a ropeway ride — Champaner-Pavagadh is ideal for a single-day family trip. Kids enjoy the ropeway most, and there’s enough open space around the ruins for them to explore safely. Since it’s close to Ahmedabad, this works well even with toddlers who can’t handle long drives.
Family tip: Go early morning to avoid both the heat and the temple crowds.
5. Gir National Park (~350 km, ~6 hrs)
For families with kids who love animals, a jeep safari through Gir — home to the Asiatic lion — is hard to beat. It does require some planning (safari permits book up fast), so reserve your slot in advance. Combine it with a relaxed stay at one of the nearby resorts for a proper 2-day trip.
Family tip: Early morning safaris have better sighting chances and cooler temperatures — worth the early wake-up call.
6. Diu (~380 km, ~7 hrs)
For a coastal change of pace, Diu offers beaches, a fort with sea views, and a laid-back vibe that’s easy on kids. Nagoa Beach is shallow and safe for wading, and the town is small enough to explore on foot or by rented scooter once you’ve parked.
Family tip: Pack sun protection — Diu’s beaches offer little natural shade in the afternoon.
7. Modhera & Patan (~100 km, ~2 hrs)
A shorter, culture-rich option: the Sun Temple at Modhera and Rani ki Vav (the stepwell) at Patan are both visually stunning and easy for kids to walk through, with lots of photo opportunities. This is a great choice if you want a fulfilling day trip without a long drive.
Family tip: Rani ki Vav’s stepped design fascinates children — let them count the levels as you descend.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Family Road Trips
Vehicle choice matters more with kids than with solo or business travel. A few things to consider:
- Boot space for strollers, diaper bags, and extra luggage
- Seating comfort for a car seat or two, plus grandparents if they’re joining
- AC performance for Gujarat’s summer heat, especially on longer drives
For a family of 4–5, our Maruti Ertiga offers a comfortable middle ground — enough room for kids to stretch out without overspending. For larger families or trips involving grandparents, our Toyota Innova Crysta is our most popular choice — spacious, smooth on long highway stretches, and roomy enough for extra bags of snacks and toys. If it’s just a couple with one child, the Maruti Swift Dzire is a budget-friendly, comfortable option for shorter trips like Champaner-Pavagadh or Modhera.
Not sure which one fits your family and route? Our blog post on Sedan vs SUV vs Innova: Which Car Should You Rent for Your Trip? breaks down the differences in detail.
Planning Tips for a Smooth Family Road Trip
1. Time your departure around nap schedules. For younger kids, leaving early morning often means they sleep through a chunk of the drive.
2. Pack a “boredom kit.” Books, small toys, tablets with downloaded shows, and snacks go a long way toward peaceful hours on the road.
3. Build in stops every 2 hours. Even if no one asks, stretch breaks prevent restlessness and car sickness.
4. Check the weather. Gujarat’s summers are intense — an AC-equipped, well-maintained vehicle isn’t a luxury with kids, it’s a necessity.
5. Book a driver who knows the route. A local, experienced driver means fewer wrong turns, better rest-stop recommendations, and one less thing for parents to worry about.
Why Book a Taxi Instead of Self-Driving
Self-driving sounds appealing until you’re 4 hours into a road trip, both parents exhausted, and kids still restless in the back. Hiring a professional outstation taxi service means:
- Parents can actually engage with the kids instead of focusing on traffic
- No driving fatigue on long ghat roads like the route to Saputara
- A driver who knows fuel stops, clean restrooms, and good food stops along the way
- One vehicle, one fixed cost — no fuel receipts or toll juggling
If you’d like to understand how taxi services compare with self-driven rentals for family trips, our post on Car Rental vs Taxi Service: Which Is More Cost-Effective for Your Trip? walks through the real cost and convenience differences.
Transparent Outstation Fares with Happy Travels
We keep our outstation pricing simple and upfront, so there are no surprises mid-trip:
| Vehicle | Rate | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Swift Dzire) | ₹11/km | 300 km/day |
| Ertiga | ₹14/km | 300 km/day |
| Innova Crysta | ₹18/km | 300 km/day |
* Note: Rates may increase during festival seasons, peak holidays, or special occasions.
A ₹400/day driver charge applies, and tolls, parking, and any state border taxes are billed separately. Kilometers are calculated garage-to-garage. You can see the full breakdown on our taxi tariff page.
Booking Your Family Road Trip
Whether you’re headed to the salt flats of Kutch, the hills of Saputara, or a quick day trip to Modhera, the right vehicle and a reliable driver make all the difference when kids are along for the ride. At Happy Travels, our drivers are experienced with family trips — patient with stops, careful with driving, and familiar with the best routes out of Ahmedabad.
Browse our area-wise car rental options to find pickup availability near you, or get in touch through our contact page to plan your family’s next road trip. Learn more about who we are and how we work on our About Us page.
Ready to plan your family adventure? Call Happy Travels today, tell us your destination and how many little ones are joining, and we’ll match you with the right vehicle and an experienced driver — so the only thing you need to plan is what snacks to pack.