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There is no better way to spend a day in Gujarat than on a bike ride that takes in both the Modhera Sun Temple and Rani ki Vav in Patan. Some 30km separate the two, yet they stand as among the finest examples of medieval architecture in India. The full circuit from Ahmedabad and back comes to roughly 230km.
If you're searching for the Modhera Sun Temple distance from Ahmedabad or how to reach Modhera Sun Temple from Ahmedabad, the short answer is- a straightforward highway run of around 100km. The Ahmedabad to Rani ki Vav distance is a little further at 125km. How to reach Rani ki Vav from Ahmedabad follows much the same route through Mehsana.
If you are planning a day ride from Ahmedabad to Modhera and Rani Ki Vav, having your own two-wheeler gives you the flexibility to manage your stops and travel at your own pace. You can check bike rental options in Ahmedabad and choose a bike that suits the distance and route.
Quick Summary
Ahmedabad to Modhera
The temple is about a 100km or 2.5 hour ride from the city. One might wonder whether to go via Kadi or Mehsana, but the choice is clear. While Kadi is some 5km shorter, it means more town roads and local traffic for the same amount of time. Via Mehsana on NH-48 is the way to go; the road is excellent with better signage. Head north on the NH-48 and follow the Becharaji/Modhera signs once you are in Mehsana town. That is the only part of the route that can be confusing, so just stick to the main road.
Rani ki Vav (Patan)
From Ahmedabad this is a 125 km run, taking 2.5 to 3 hours. The route is up NH-48 to Mehsana (75km) then west on NH-754 toward Patan (50km). In the city, look for the stepwell in the northern part near the Saraswati river. If you are doing both sites, the state road from Modhera to Rani ki Vav is in reasonable shape; put 45 minutes on the clock for the 30km leg.
Putting it together
We suggest a loop: Ahmedabad to Modhera, on to Patan and back. You will get the best morning light on the carvings at Modhera, while Rani ki Vav looks very good in the midday to afternoon sun. Figure on 8 to 9 hours of riding and site seeing for the 230km total.
Getting there early is key. Leave by 6am as the Sun Temple opens with the sunrise. Rani ki Vav does not open until 8am, though both close at 6pm. Stick to the October-March period for cool mornings and decent light; the midday heat on the highway from April to June is something best left to others.
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At Modhera
King Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty had this built in 1026 AD in honour of Surya. The alignment is such that the equinoxes shine right into the sanctum. Plan for at least an hour and a half here. The Surya Kund, a large stepped tank with hundreds of shrines, will take 30 to 40 minutes of your time. From the upper steps in the morning it makes for a fine photograph. Then there is the Sabha Mandap with its pillars and the Guda Mandap, the main shrine. Entry is Rs.25 for Indians, Rs.300 for foreigners.
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Rani ki Vav
A UNESCO site and perhaps the finest stepwell in India, this was commissioned in the 11th century by Queen Udayamati for her husband King Bhimdev I. It is seven stories deep and home to over 500 sculptures of deities and dancers. A camera cannot do the artistry justice. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours minimum and do not hurry. The fee is Rs.40 (Rs.600 foreign).
Food and fuel
Mehsana is the logical place to stop for a Gujarati thali, being halfway to Modhera. There are several good spots by the main junction. If you made a 6am departure, a 10am breakfast after the temple is ideal. For lunch, Patan has options near the stepwell. Make sure to put fuel in the tank in Ahmedabad before you head out, though there are stations in Mehsana and central Patan if necessary.
Why a rental?
An ONNBikes rental plus fuel will set one back between Rs.700 and 1,100 for the day, and you are in complete control of the pace. An outstation cab may cost upwards of Rs.2,500 and you are at the mercy of the driver’s schedule. A bus is cheaper but slow and inflexible.
To book with ONNBikes, use the app or website and confirm online for your chosen dates and model in Ahmedabad; no deposit is needed. You will need to be present at pickup with a valid two-wheeler licence and a government ID like an Aadhaar card.
Costs by vehicle for the 230km circuit:
A few tips for the road: NH-48 is a divided highway, so stay left and use your indicators. Do not try to overtake from the left. In Mehsana town, have some patience with the slower traffic. And carry your own water and snacks; neither monument has provisions inside. Aim to be back before dark. The highway is fine at night but tiring after a long day.
If you have time, there are a couple of add-ons in the area. The Patola weaving houses in Patan’s centre are worth a visit to see the double ikat silk work – heritage families will let you watch, though a purchase is expected. Or the Sahastralinga Talav, a free-entry tank complex with Shivalinga ruins, is just 2km from Rani ki Vav and will take 30 minutes.
Questions people search before this trip
Some of the more common queries we see from those planning a trip out of Ahmedabad:
Q1: What is the precise distance to the Modhera Sun Temple?
A1: Put it down at 100km or so, taking the Mehsana route on NH-48. Expect a 2 to 2.5 hour ride.
Q2: And to Rani ki Vav?
A2: A straight 125km via Mehsana and NH-754. If you are making your way from Modhera, add another 30km to that.
Q3: Is it feasible to do both in a single day?
A3: Quite comfortably. Make an early start from Ahmedabad at 6am for Modhera, have lunch in Patan and put in some time at Rani ki Vav in the afternoon. You will be back by late afternoon given the sites are only 30km from one another.
Q4: Should I take the Kadi or Mehsana route to get to Modhera?
A4: Go with Mehsana. The roads are better and the signage is easier to follow; any time you save is minimal. Kadi might look shorter on paper but you will have to contend with more traffic in town.
Q5: What about entry charges?
A5: At Modhera it is Rs.25 (Rs.300 for foreigners) and Rani ki Vav is Rs.40 (Rs.600 for non-Indians). Both allow photography, though Rani ki Vav requires a separate permit for tripods.
For those looking to ride this circuit from Ahmedabad, ONNBikes can be of service with scooters and bikes from Rs.300 a day. There is no deposit required and booking is done online.
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