Nadiad is a city in Gujarat and the administrative centre of Kheda district, known for the Santram Mandir and the Mai Mandir and as the birthplace of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It sits on the Ahmedabad–Mumbai main railway line, which makes it an easy place to reach and a practical base for the surrounding Charotar region.
For a visitor, the layout is simple to grasp. Santram Mandir stands in the centre of the town, with Marida Darwaja and Amdavadi Darwaja nearby, and the city is served by Nadiad Junction railway station and a major bus stand. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the choice changes depending on your budget and the purpose of your trip.
Best areas to stay in Nadiad
1. Central Nadiad around Santram Mandir
This is the most useful base for a first visit. Santram Mandir is located in the centre of the town, and the old temple draws visitors on the day of the full moon. Staying in this central area puts you within walking distance of the temple and of Marida Darwaja and Amdavadi Darwaja, which are also nearby.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone whose trip centres on the temples and the old town gates. Expect the widest choice of places to stay here, from simple rooms to more comfortable options. Because this is the busy heart of the city, expect street noise and activity around you, and plan on walking or taking short rides rather than driving between sights.
2. The area around Nadiad Junction railway station
Basing yourself near the railway station is the most practical choice if you are arriving or leaving by train or using Nadiad as a stop on the Ahmedabad–Mumbai line. Nadiad Junction is a major station in Kheda district with four platforms, and two branch lines run from it, one to Modasa and one to Petlad.
It suits travellers passing through, those making early departures, and anyone who values easy connections over proximity to the sights. The kinds of places you find here are geared to transit, with straightforward rooms for a night or two. The trade-off is that you are away from the temple and the old town, so you will need a ride to reach the centre.
3. The southern part of the city
A new bullet train station, part of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, is under construction in the southern part of the city. This makes the southern side worth considering if your plans involve the evolving rail links or if you prefer to stay away from the busiest central streets.
It suits travellers who want quieter surroundings and do not mind being a short ride from the temple area. Accommodation here is more limited than in the centre, so book ahead if you settle on this side. Check the current status of the rail project before you commit, since construction work is ongoing.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple rooms and basic lodgings, most plentiful in the central area and around the railway station, where the focus is on a convenient bed rather than facilities.
- Mid-range: comfortable rooms with more space and amenities, typically found in the centre within reach of Santram Mandir and the old town gates.
- Splurge: the largest and most comfortable rooms in the city, again concentrated in the central area, where you trade a higher rate for space and a central location.
Best area for a first visit
Central Nadiad around Santram Mandir is the best base for a first visit. The temple sits in the centre of the town, and Marida Darwaja and Amdavadi Darwaja are nearby, so the main sights are within easy reach on foot. It also gives you the widest choice of places to stay and the easiest access to the rest of the city.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I am arriving by train?
The area around Nadiad Junction railway station. It is a major station in Kheda district on the Ahmedabad–Mumbai main line, with branch lines to Modasa and Petlad, so it is the most convenient base for onward travel.
Where should I stay to be close to the temples?
Central Nadiad. Santram Mandir is located in the centre of the town, and the Mai Mandir is another of the city's known temples, so the centre keeps you closest to them.
When is the busiest time around Santram Mandir?
The old temple is visited by people on the day of the full moon, so expect more activity in the central area around that date.
How do I reach Nadiad from outside Gujarat?
The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 65 km away. Nadiad is also well connected by bus to Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Gandhinagar, Surat and Rajkot.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.