Gujarat Temple Yatra

Dwarka, Somnath & Sacred Heritage Circuit

04N / 05D

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Ahmedabad – Jamnagar (Approx. 300 km / 6 hours)

Welcome to Ahmedabad! Upon arrival, meet our representative and begin your spiritual journey towards Jamnagar, a culturally rich town in western Gujarat.

On reaching Jamnagar, visit:

  • Bala Hanuman Temple – World-renowned for its uninterrupted chanting of “Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram” since 1964, this temple is a symbol of unwavering devotion and a Guinness World Record holder.
  • Lakhota Lake and Museum – A scenic lake in the heart of the city, with the Lakhota Palace sitting on an island. The palace-turned-museum displays a rare collection of medieval arms, sculptures, and pottery from the region’s royal heritage.

Evening is free to explore Jamnagar’s local markets, especially known for Bandhani (tie-dye) textiles, brassware, and traditional Gujarati handicrafts.

Check-in and overnight stay at Jamnagar.

Day 2: Jamnagar – Dwarka & Surroundings (Approx. 150 km / 3 hours)

After breakfast, proceed to Dwarka, one of the Char Dhams and a key pilgrimage site for followers of Lord Krishna.

Upon arrival, visit:

  • Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir) – This 2,500-year-old temple is a masterpiece of Chalukyan architecture. With five stories supported by 72 intricately carved pillars, it houses the black idol of Lord Krishna as Dwarkadhish, the King of Dwarka.

Continue your sacred journey with sightseeing around Dwarka:

  • Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple – One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The massive 25-meter-tall Shiva statue and the temple’s serene surroundings make it a spiritually charged destination.
  • Gopi Talav – A small but sacred lake believed to be the place where the Gopis of Vrindavan reunited with Lord Krishna. Pilgrims collect the special yellow clay known as Gopi Chandan from here.

Then drive across the newly built bridge to Bet Dwarka, now accessible by private vehicles (no ferry required):

  • Bet Dwarka – Believed to be Lord Krishna’s original residential palace. The temple here is over 500 years old and follows the Vaishnavite rituals established by Guru Vallabhacharya. Also visit small shrines dedicated to Rukmini, Radha, and Lakshmi.

On the way back to Dwarka, visit:

  • Rukmini Devi Temple – Located 2 km away, this 12th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna’s consort Rukmini. The temple features exquisite carvings and holds mythological significance.
  • Shivrajpur Beach – A serene Blue Flag-certified beach, ideal for a peaceful walk along clean white sands and clear waters.

Overnight stay in Dwarka.

Day 3: Dwarka – Porbandar – Somnath (Approx. 225 km / 5 hours)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Somnath, stopping en route at Porbandar, the birthplace of the Father of the Nation.

In Porbandar, visit:

  • Kirti Mandir – The ancestral home of Mahatma Gandhi, now converted into a national memorial. Explore his living quarters, personal belongings, rare photographs, and the adjoining museum dedicated to Kasturba Gandhi.

Continue your drive to Somnath, one of the most powerful Shiva pilgrimages.

Upon arrival, explore:

  • Somnath Temple – The first of the 12 Jyotirlingas, this legendary temple has been rebuilt several times throughout history after invasions and stands today in grand Solanki-style architecture, facing the Arabian Sea.
  • Bhalka Tirth – This spiritually significant site is believed to be where Lord Krishna was struck by an arrow while resting under a peepal tree, marking the end of his earthly incarnation.
  • Triveni Sangam – The confluence of three rivers – Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati – a sacred spot for rituals, considered to cleanse the soul.

In the evening:

  • Attend the Somnath Aarti – A divine offering of light, chants, and devotion.
  • Enjoy the Light and Sound Show (optional) – This narrates the rich mythological and historical journey of the temple through stunning visuals and music.

Overnight stay in Somnath.

Day 4: Somnath – Junagadh – Virpur – Rajkot (Approx. 200 km / 4–5 hours)
After breakfast, depart for Rajkot, with enriching stops at Junagadh and Virpur.

In Junagadh, visit:

  • Uparkot Fort – A 2,300-year-old fortress built during the Mauryan Empire, featuring deep stepwells (Adi Kadi Vav, Navghan Kuvo), ancient Buddhist caves, and city views.
  • Ashokan Rock Edicts – A large rock slab bearing inscriptions by Emperor Ashoka dating back to 250 BCE, written in Pali and Brahmi script promoting Dharma and peace.
  • Junagadh Museum – Showcases royal belongings, paintings, manuscripts, weapons, and textiles from the Nawabi era and local dynasties.

Continue to Virpur, a major spiritual stop:

  • Jalaram Bapa Temple – Dedicated to the saint Jalaram Bapa, revered for his compassion, miracles, and the Annakshetra (daily free meals) tradition. Devotees believe prayers here bring peace and blessings.

Arrive in Rajkot by evening. Enjoy free time exploring:

  • Local markets, Popular for mirror work textiles, silver jewelry, Gujarati snacks, and handloom items.

Overnight stay at Rajkot.

Day 5: Rajkot – Gandhinagar – Ahmedabad (Approx. 250 km / 5 hours)

After breakfast, check out and head to Ahmedabad, with a brief halt at Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

In Gandhinagar, visit:

  • Adalaj Stepwell (Vav) – A five-story intricately carved stepwell built in 1499, serving both as a water reservoir and resting spot for pilgrims. The Indo-Islamic architecture and detailed stonework are mesmerizing.
  • Akshardham Temple – A massive spiritual-cultural campus dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. Constructed from pink sandstone, the temple showcases spiritual exhibits, gardens, and the famous Sahaj Anand Water Show (closed on Mondays).

In Ahmedabad, explore:

  • Sabarmati Ashram – The peaceful riverfront residence of Mahatma Gandhi, where the Salt March began. The ashram houses his spinning wheel, personal letters, and photo galleries.

In the evening, you will be dropped at Ahmedabad Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying with you the blessings and memories of Gujarat’s sacred pilgrimage circuit.