Planning a Dahod trip on a tight budget? You're in the right place! Just like how we wait for Flipkart Big Billion Days or use PhonePe cashback hacks, exploring Dahod doesn’t have to cost a fortune. At SavePlus India, our mission is to help every traveler enjoy more while spending less—without missing the magic of small-town Gujarat!
Explore Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Located 35 km from Dahod, the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is a lush, green refuge for wildlife lovers. Known for its rare sloth bears, it offers an offbeat adventure for nature enthusiasts on a budget. This forest is also home to civets, leopards, and over 150 species of birds. The surrounding Bhil villages reflect an untouched tribal culture. With minimal entry fees and optional local guides, it's a perfect day trip. Bring a packed lunch and experience Gujarat’s biodiversity up close.
- Encounter sloth bears and birdlife on low-cost nature trails.
- Visit tribal hamlets nearby for a deeper cultural experience.
- The best time to visit is post-monsoon, when the forest is most active.
Cost: ₹50–₹150 per person (including local guide)
Pro Tip: Use IRCTC or Paytm Wallet offers for affordable bus tickets to Ratanmahal.
Enjoy a Picnic at Kali Niketan Dam
Kali Niketan Dam is Dahod’s peaceful escape for budget-friendly picnics, especially during evenings and weekends. Located close to town, it's a favorite for locals who come with tiffins and mats. The dam offers stunning water views, birdwatching, and open spaces for games. You don’t need to spend on tickets or equipment—just nature and peace. Great for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. Watch the sunset with a thermos of chai and your camera ready.
- Enjoy a quiet setting ideal for relaxing, reading, or sketching.
- Carry snacks or buy budget bites from roadside vendors nearby.
- Mornings and post-monsoon evenings offer the best scenic experience.
Cost: Free (₹50–₹100 for snacks)
Pro Tip: Order snacks via Swiggy using Swiggy SavePlus promo codes before heading out.
Shop at Dahod’s Shastri Market
Shastri Market is Dahod’s version of a desi treasure hunt. Packed with street stalls and local shops, it's a paradise for budget shopping. From embroidered kurtis and juttis to home decor and imitation jewelry, you can snag deals under ₹200. Don’t shy away from bargaining—it’s expected and rewarded! UPI payments and mobile wallets are widely accepted. If you plan ahead, this market is also great for festive shopping on a shoestring budget.
- Discover ethnic clothes and accessories at steal prices.
- Vendors often offer better deals to early-morning buyers.
- UPI payments are accepted with occasional cashback on Paytm/PhonePe.
Cost: ₹100–₹500 depending on purchases
Pro Tip: Visit before 2 PM to beat the rush and get “first customer” discounts!
Unwind at Dahod Reservoir Garden
Dahod Reservoir Garden is an underrated green space offering scenic lakeside views and clean walking paths. Perfect for morning walks, evening catch-ups, or solo journaling sessions. This garden is particularly popular among families for weekend picnics. The play areas and shady lawns are ideal for kids, while benches and food stalls cater to adults. Bring your own mat and books for a relaxed outing. It’s well-maintained and surprisingly quiet on weekdays.
- Open lawns and tree cover make it ideal for long stays.
- Local snacks like bhajiya and samosas are available at the gate.
- Free space with minimal commercial interference.
Cost: Free entry (₹100–₹150 for snacks)
Pro Tip: Buy picnic supplies from DMart online with bank cashback offers.
Visit Bavka Temple and Heritage Ruins
Bavka Temple is an architectural jewel tucked 20 km outside Dahod. Built during the Solanki period, the temple stands tall with intricate carvings and heritage charm. Surrounded by greenery and rural landscapes, it offers a spiritual as well as visual experience. It’s also a great offbeat spot for travelers who love photography and serenity. Accessible by local autos or shared buses, it doesn’t demand a large expense. History and culture meet tranquility in this forgotten corner of Gujarat.
- Marvel at Solanki-era temple architecture with zero entry fees.
- Bring your camera for aesthetic shots of rural Gujarat.
- Peaceful, lesser-known spot perfect for weekend escapes.
Cost: Free (₹50–₹100 for transport)
Pro Tip: Use HDFC SmartBuy offers on travel booking platforms like RedBus.
Capture Railway Heritage at Dahod Station
Dahod Railway Station and its colonial-era workshop are slices of British India still standing strong. Perfect for trainspotters, photographers, and history nerds alike. You’ll find stone architecture, vintage signboards, and rustic tracks—elements that reflect a bygone era. The best time to visit is early morning, when trains pull in with steam and nostalgia. Local chai and sugarcane vendors make for perfect pit stops. No costs involved, but plenty of charm to take home.
- Explore vintage trains, station buildings, and colonial designs.
- Ideal for Instagram-worthy photoshoots or railway vlogging.
- Vendors nearby serve refreshments for under ₹15.
Cost: Free
Pro Tip: Check out the old railway colony behind the station—locals often share fascinating stories about British-era trains, and it’s a hidden gem for candid photo ops.
Attend a Tribal Art Workshop
Dahod is home to the Bhil and Rathwa tribes, known for their rich art traditions. Local NGOs and schools occasionally host workshops to teach bamboo craft, Warli painting, and beadwork. These sessions are often priced nominally and provide materials. Tourists can take home handmade souvenirs while learning something new. It’s a great way to experience the region’s cultural heritage up close. Ideal for students, couples, or solo travelers looking for a creative day out.
- Learn hands-on tribal skills while supporting artisan communities.
- Most events include takeaway souvenirs like handmade bracelets.
- Sessions last 1–2 hours and are beginner-friendly.
Cost: ₹100–₹300 per workshop
Pro Tip: Visit during local festivals like Holi or Diwali—many workshops pop up at craft fairs, offering free trial sessions and live demos by tribal artists.
Join the Festive Celebrations
Dahod turns into a celebration hub during festivals like Navratri, Holi, and Ganesh Chaturthi. The entire town joins hands in singing, dancing, and decorating the streets. Most celebrations are free and open to all, often with prasad and music performances. You can participate by dressing up and joining local mandals or garba groups. Even small mohallas organize events that rival big-city fests. No ticket needed—just your spirit and enthusiasm.
- Join Navratri garba nights for free with local communities.
- Enjoy festive food, folk music, and rangoli competitions.
- Many vendors rent traditional outfits starting at ₹50.
Cost: Free (₹100 for rentals if needed)
Pro Tip: Use Ajio festival sale offers to score ethnic wear for less.
Eat Street Food in Dahod’s Khau Galli
Food lovers rejoice—Dahod’s Khau Galli is where flavor meets affordability. From spicy dabeli and crispy bhajiya to creamy kulfi, everything costs less than ₹100. Street food vendors accept UPI and are clustered near MG Road and the bus stand. You can easily build a three-course meal with just a ₹100 note. Cleanliness standards vary, so stick to popular stalls with crowds. It's the ultimate way to taste local without burning your wallet.
- Must-try dishes include dabeli, fafda-jalebi, and sev puri.
- Friendly vendors often recommend off-menu specialties.
- Great for late-night snacks or quick afternoon bites.
Cost: ₹50–₹120 per person
Pro Tip: Look for Zomato Gold or Swiggy coupons when ordering to-go meals.
Take a Day Trip to Jhabua Tribal Belt
Jhabua, a short drive from Dahod, is famous for its tribal markets and earthy charm. The weekly haats feature music, jewelry, and handmade goods. This is your chance to explore the Bhil heartland and interact with artisans directly. Local transport is cheap and easy to access via buses and shared jeeps. The region’s culinary scene features hearty bajra rotis and rustic dal-bati. Perfect for photographers, anthropologists, and curious travelers.
- Wander through vibrant streets with traditional crafts and dance.
- Sample authentic rural meals with fresh ghee and pickles.
- Bus rides cost less than ₹80, making it a budget-friendly trip.
Cost: ₹100–₹250 (including travel and food)
Pro Tip: Use Flipkart Axis Bank credit card offers for travel purchases.
Conclusion
Dahod proves you don’t need luxury to have a great travel story. With just a few hundred rupees, you can explore history, indulge in local food, and immerse yourself in vibrant culture. Thanks to SavePlus India's money-saving tips, promo codes, and UPI hacks, every rupee stretches further. So pack smart, travel lighter, and let Dahod surprise your wallet and soul.
FAQ
What’s the best time to visit Dahod on a budget?
October to February offers pleasant weather and great festive discounts across food and travel.
Are there low-cost hotels in Dahod?
Yes, try OYO Rooms or local stays via SavePlus India’s hotel deals.
Can I use UPI everywhere in Dahod?
Most vendors accept Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm, even in rural areas.
How can I reach Ratanmahal from Dahod?
Local buses or shared autos are available for under ₹100; use IRCTC offers for booking.
What should I pack for a Dahod trip?
Carry cotton clothes, a refillable bottle, and a power bank, and download SavePlus India’s shopping app for active deals.