Your Smart Guide to Gujarat’s Best Travel Destinations

Gujarat Tourism: A Financial Opportunity for Smart Travellers

Gujarat welcomed over 18.59 crore tourists in 2024, making it one of India’s fastest-growing travel destinations. The Statue of Unity alone attracted 58.25 lakh visitors. With the state receiving ₹6,500 crore in tourism budget allocation for 2025-26, infrastructure improvements make visiting these places to visit in Gujarat more accessible than ever.

Smart travellers increasingly use credit cards for bookings, enjoying instant discounts and flexible payment options. RBI data shows 90% of online travel bookings now accept digital payments, making credit cards essential tools for exploring Gujarat’s diverse attractions whilst managing expenses efficiently.

Heritage Destinations: Where History Meets Modern Payment Solutions

Dholavira, Gujarat’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, saw over 21 lakh visitors in 2023-24. Archaeological tour packages typically cost ₹8,000-₹15,000 per person. Using a credit card for such bookings provides several advantages:

Sample Calculation:

• Tour package: ₹12,000
• Credit card cashback (5%): ₹600
• Reward points earned: 120 points (worth ₹120 in vouchers)
• Total savings: ₹720

Ahmedabad, India’s first World Heritage City, offers heritage walks through the historic Pols. These guided tours, priced around ₹2,500 per person, become more affordable when booked with travel credit cards offering instant discounts.

Cultural Circuits and Palace Tours

Vadodara’s Laxmi Vilas Palace and the Champaner-Pavagadh complex attract history enthusiasts year-round. Weekend packages to these places to visit in Gujarat typically range from ₹18,000 to ₹25,000 for couples, including accommodation and guided tours.

EMI Conversion Example:

• Package cost: ₹22,000
• Convert to 6-month EMI at 15% APR
• Monthly EMI: ₹3,848
• Total payment: ₹23,088
• Additional cost: ₹1,088 for payment flexibility

Spiritual Tourism: Managing Pilgrimage Expenses Wisely

Gujarat’s spiritual circuit includes the Somnath, Dwarka, and Ambaji temples. During peak seasons like the Shravan month, accommodation prices surge 200-300%. Early bookings with credit cards lock in lower rates whilst earning reward points.

Pilgrimage Cost Breakdown:

Many pilgrims now prefer the convenience of checking their credit score before major trips, ensuring they qualify for the best travel credit cards with enhanced benefits.

Festival Season Planning

The Rann Utsav in Kutch attracts over 15 lakh visitors annually. Tent bookings range from ₹8,000 to ₹25,000 per night, with peak dates often fully booked. Credit cards with travel insurance provide crucial protection against booking cancellations or medical emergencies during festival visits to these remote places to visit in Gujarat.

Adventure and Nature: Financing Your Wildlife Experiences

Gir National Park Safari Packages

Gir’s Asiatic lion safaris book out entirely during peak season (December-March). Safari packages including accommodation cost ₹15,000-₹35,000 for families. Using credit cards for advance bookings ensures availability whilst providing purchase protection.

Wildlife Tour Financial Planning:

1. Budget allocation: 40% accommodation, 30% transport, 20% activities, 10% contingency
2. Credit card strategy: Use different cards for different expense categories to maximise rewards
3. EMI planning: Convert large expenses (above ₹20,000) to manageable monthly payments
4. Insurance coverage: Verify adventure sports coverage in your card’s travel insurance

Coastal Destinations and Water Sports

Shivrajpur’s Blue Flag beach status has increased tourist interest significantly. Water sports packages at Mandvi and Diu beaches range from ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 per person. Credit cards offering activity-specific insurance provide peace of mind for adventure enthusiasts exploring these coastal places to visit in Gujarat.

Smart Credit Card Usage for Gujarat Travel

Here’s a snapshot of total expenses for a family of 4:

Family Trip Example (4 members, 7 days):

• Flights: ₹32,000
• Hotels: ₹28,000
• Local transport: ₹8,000
• Sightseeing: ₹12,000
• Food: ₹14,000
• Shopping: ₹10,000
• Total: ₹1,04,000

Credit Card Optimisation:

Follow the tips below to optimise your credit card use:

• Book flights with travel-focused cards: Save ₹3,200 (10% discount)
• Hotel bookings with RuPay credit cards: Additional ₹1,400 cashback
• Dining expenses: ₹700 cashback at partner restaurants
• Total savings: ₹5,300

EMI Calculation Formula

For major travel expenses, EMI conversion helps manage cash flow:

EMI = [P × r × (1 + r)^n] ÷ [(1 + r)^n – 1]

Where:

• P = Principal amount
• r = Monthly interest rate
• n = Number of months

Example: ₹50,000 trip cost at 16% annual interest for 12 months

• Monthly rate (r) = 16%/12 = 1.33%
• EMI = ₹4,523
• Total payment = ₹54,276

Reward Points Maximisation Strategy

Making Your Gujarat Journey Financially Smart

Gujarat’s tourism boom presents excellent opportunities for credit card users to save money whilst exploring incredible destinations. From the spiritual energy of Somnath to the wildlife adventures in Gir, smart financial planning enhances every aspect of your journey.

The key lies in choosing the right credit card for your travel style, understanding EMI implications, and maximising reward potential. Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage circuit or an adventure tour across places to visit in Gujarat, responsible credit card usage transforms expensive trips into manageable, rewarding experiences.

Consider applying for an Airtel Finance credit card to unlock travel-specific benefits, complimentary insurance, and flexible payment options. With proper planning and smart card usage, your next Gujarat adventure becomes both memorable and financially prudent. The Airtel Thanks app makes application and management seamless, putting powerful financial tools at your fingertips.

FAQs

1. Which credit cards offer the best rewards for places to visit in Gujarat bookings?

Travel-focused credit cards typically provide 2-4 reward points per ₹100 spent on flights and hotels, plus complimentary travel insurance coverage for popular Gujarat destinations like the Statue of Unity and Gir National Park.

2. Can I use EMI options for booking expensive Gujarat tour packages?

Yes, most premium credit cards allow instant EMI conversion for travel bookings above ₹10,000, with tenure options from 3 to 24 months at competitive interest rates for exploring places to visit in Gujarat.

3. Do credit cards provide travel insurance for adventure activities in Gujarat?

Select premium cards include adventure sports coverage in their travel insurance, protecting activities like parasailing in Diu or wildlife safaris in places to visit in Gujarat like Gir Forest.

4. How can I maximise cashback when visiting multiple places to visit in Gujarat?

Use category-specific cards: travel cards for bookings, fuel cards for road trips, and dining cards for restaurant expenses to optimise rewards across different spending categories throughout Gujarat.

5. What’s the best way to manage credit card bills after a major Gujarat trip?

Monitor spending through mobile apps, set up automatic payments for minimum amounts, and consider EMI conversion for large expenses to maintain healthy cash flow whilst building positive credit history.