Gujarat with Temples, Lions and Beaches

Today after breakfast, drive to the sacred town of Dwarka. Here, you’ll be visiting Hindu spiritual sites such as the Dwarkadeesh Temple and Gomti Ghat. In the afternoon, take a trip to Bet Dwarka, a tiny island, where you’ll visit an old Temple of Krishna. The trip from Okha on the mainland to the temple is by a local boat. En-route to Bet Dwarka, visit Nageshwar Temple - one of the 12th Jyotirlingam of Shiva, Rukmini Temple and Gopi Talav. Return back to Dwarka.

This morning, depart to Porbandar (75 km/1.5 hrs approx.) and visit Kirti Mandir – the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Later, proceed to Somnath (130 km/2.5 hrs); on arrival, visit Bhalka Tirth & Somnath Temple - one of the most ancient temples in India (believed to have been built by the Gods) showcasing some of finest temple art and architecture - where you can also attend the evening Sound and Light Show.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel. Drive to the beautiful beach destination of Diu - a tiny island and a Union Territory of the country infused with Portuguese history. Spend the day at leisure; laze and relax on the beach.

This morning after breakfast, day is at leisure to enjoy the wide variety of water sports facilities available at the Nagoa Beach (one of the most beautiful as well as clean beaches in India). Later, visit the 400-year-old Gothic architecture styled St. Paul's Church (the last remaining fully-operational church in Diu), Diu Museum (old church turned into museum now; exhibits interesting antiques) and the colossal Diu Fort, which was built between 1535 and 1541 AD).

After breakfast, proceed to Gujarat’s most popular wildlife destination, Sasan Gir. Sasan Gir or the Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, is the home of the endangered and only Asiatic Lion population in the world. The forest area covers an area of 1412 sq. km. According to the 2015 census, a healthy number of 523 lions roam in the jungle. In the afternoon, Visit Gir Interpretation Zone also called Devaliya National Park (a part of Gir National Park) at Devaliya and get opportunities to spot wild lions from close. Also, visit the Crocodile breeding farm, and Gir Information center where you will watch a movie on a lion in the evening.

This morning, get ready for open Jeep Safari in the Gir National Park. Later, drive to Junagadh; a princely state once, the ancient town shines with fascinating historical significance and monuments. Visit Uperkot Fort, the oldest part of Junagadh believed to be over 2000 years old, Uperkot fort boasts a fascinating amalgamation of Hindu, Islamic and Buddhist influence in its architecture. See the 250 BC dated Ashoka’s Rock Edicts, carved out of large granite stones, with ancient Indian language inscriptions written on it; Mahabat Maqbara - a lavish-looking mausoleum of erstwhile Nawab of Junagadh; Junagadh Museum, which preserves the treasures and amazing artifacts of the rulers of Junagadh. In the evening, transfer to Rajkot. 

This morning after breakfast, proceed to Ahmedabad. On arrival, visit Gandhi Ashram, then proceed to one of Gujarat’s largest temple - Akshardham Temple. Last visit is to the spectacular five-story Adalaj stepwell built-in 1499 with intricate art on its walls; it is also the only stepwell in Gujarat with three entrance stairs. In the evening, transfer to Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey.