Who has not been enchanted by Amitabh Bachchan walking in the corridors of magnificent Somnath Temple and taking you down the lane of history and devotion in Gujarat Tourism commercial. If not, in another advertisement, you will find him amid the only colony of Asiatic lions in the world. So when you zeroed down on Gujarat for your dream trip, I will try to make things easier for you.
Now, starting from the basics,Gujarat is divided into two geographic divisions: southern part is Saurashtra region and the northern is Kutch. This post excludes Kutch region as it is impractical to cover both circuits in 5 days or so.
Day-1 : Reaching Ahmedabad..exploring the city.
Try to reach Ahmedabad with a morning flight or train so that you are having enough time before the night fall. Ask me why? Because you may want to spend some time in India’s first UNESCO heritage city. Visit old city: starting point can be beautifully Swaminarayan Mandir in Kalupur with its beautiful colour scheme, Sidi Sayed Mosque ( famous for intricate jali work), Juma Masjid. Don’t miss Sabarmati Ashram (make sure you reach before sunset- the closing time). Depending on time at your hand, you can go to Akshardham Temple also. For authentic Gujarati Thali, go to Gopi Dinning Hall or Rajwadu.
Swami Narayan Temple, Ahmadabad
Have done with Ahmedabad, for the next day you may be willing to be in Somnath. Take the night train from Ahmedabad to Veraval. Train Somnath Express. 10:10 p.m. -06:00 a.m.
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Day-2 and 3: Somnath and Diu
The train will leave you at Veraval. Take auto or cab to Somnath. It is just 6 km away. In Somnath head directly to Sagar Darshan Atithi Gruh of Ambani (Just in the backyard of temple). Online booking available. (Look for no other option for stay and food). If it is not a huge rush day, it will not take more than 2-3 hours in darshan and temple visit.
Somnath temple holds in its belly one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Now you have two options; Spend a day in Somnath or having done Darshan, go to Diu straightaway. Because of its beautiful beaches and unhurried life, you may be willing to spend some quality time in Diu. Diu is just 80 km away from Somnath. Not sure about the public transport, you may have to take a private taxi for around 2000 rupees.
Diu is a nice small coastal city to relax and enjoy sunrise and sunset with your loved ones. And don’t forget to witness old Portuguese buildings. Visit Fort +Church+Sunset Point. Don’t miss Gangeshwar Temple too. (Ours sunset wasn’t that good as the clouds lingered on)
Diu Fort..one of the oldest port in India that too built by Portuguese.
Thus in 2 days, you can experience both Diu and Somnath comfortably.
Day-4 Gir National Park
In the lap of Girnar Mountain ranges, lies the Gir National Park..the only home to last remaining population of Asiatic lions. It is somewhere between Somnath and Diu and you may not want to miss the opportunity to witness the roaring kings of the forest. So how to reach Gir? You need to be at a place called Sasan (around 80 kms. away from Diu). So if going by public transport, you need to go first to Una from Diu and from Una take a bus to Sasan (Private taxi is also an option if you are okay with some extra burden on your pocket). Jeep Safari to Gir starts from Sasan and you need to book in advance. (On spot Safari booking not possible and remember the national park is closed during monsoon). The long dried grass in the region reminds you of the movie Ghost and the Darkness. After Safari, you can buy Mango pulp from Sasan market (mangoes of the region are quite famous).
Towards Gir
Having done Gir, now you need to head back to Somnath again for catching train to Dwarka. It will take less than 2 hours to reach back Somnath. If you wish you can visit the temple again as the train is late night.(Somnath-okha express. 22:35-7:28).
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Day-5 Dwarka
So you will reach Dwarka around 8 in the morning. Take a hotel near temple. Depending on the rush, it won’t take more than 2-3 hours in temple. Magnificent temple..with big colourful flag on top.
Dwarkadheesh Mandir..sorry couldn’t manage a pic without never ending wires.
After visiting main temple, book a cab/bus seats for four point visit.
A. Rukmani temple B. Gopi Talaab c. Nageshwara Jyotirling D. Beyt Dwarka(an island). Don’t forget to visit market around temple. This will consume your whole day and if you happen to go back to Ahmadabad same night then start early for four points..Beyt Dwarka will take a lot of time and it shouldn’t be missed too.
Arabian Sea..one of the steamer will take you to Beyt Dwarka..a small island.
For going back to Ahmadabad you can take a night train or bus. It will take 11-12 hours from Dwarka to Ahmadabad. If you have next day to dispense with, stay overnight in Dwarka and start afresh next day morning.
The whole itinerary may seem quite hectic to you but you will feel quite accomplished and satisfied having done that all and as the saying goes love the journey and don’t be intent on arriving, and the journey loves you back.
DELHI NOMAD 