Temple Tour of Gujarat

Arrive in Ahmedabad and transfer to your hotel.

Later proceed for a city tour of Ahmedabad.

• Gandhi Ashram, founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 on the Sabarmati River, was key to India’s freedom movement.

• Sidi Sayed Mosque, built by Ahmed Shah’s slave, Sidi Sayed, features a renowned stone window tracery. This exquisite, delicate carving is a world-famous example of transforming stone into filigree.

• Hutheesingh Jain Temple: Built outside the Delhi Gate in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant, the Hutheesingh Temple is the best known of Ahmedabad’s many ornate Jain temples.

• Adalaj Step-well, 17 km north of Ahmedabad, is a remarkable example of ancient rainwater harvesting and architecture.

• Akshardham in Gandhinagar, built with 6,000 tons of pink sandstone, showcases intricate Hindu sculptures and a gold-leaf statue of Lord Swaminarayan. Set in Sahajanand Van garden, it features rosewood columns and a high dome. The temple is closed on Mondays.

Overnight stay at Ahmedabad.

Today after breakfast, proceed for a day excursion to Dakor and Pavagadh.

Dakor, originally known for the Danknath temple dedicated to Shiva, later became a Vaishnavite center with the establishment of the Ranchhodraiji temple in 1772. Today, it is a prominent pilgrimage and trading center, offering puja and ritual-related items.

Pavagadh, near Vadodara, is home to the Mahakali Temple, one of Gujarat's three main Shaktipeeths.

Later drive back to Ahmedabad for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Dwarka, arrive at Dwarka, and transfer to your hotel.

Dwarka, an ancient city and major Hindu pilgrimage site, houses the Dwarkadhish Temple, believed to be Lord Krishna's capital. Marine excavations suggest the existence of 'Dwarawati' from the 'Krishna Lila.' A key feature is Sabha Mandapa, a 60-pillared hall with 2,500-year-old scriptures and jharokhas overlooking the Gomati River. Evening Aarti at the temple is a must-experience.

Overnight stay at Dwarka.

After breakfast, visit Bet Dwarka and Nageshwar temple. 

• Bet Dwarka, located 30 km from Dwarka, is an island surrounded by the sea. Accessible by road via Okha, visitors can reach Bet by taking a short boat ride from Okha port jetty.

• Nageshwar Temple, on Gujarat's Saurashtra coast, enshrines the Nageshwar Mahadev Jyotirlinga, believed to offer protection from poison. It attracts thousands of pilgrims, with prayers here offering liberation from poison.

• The Rukmini Temple, built in the 12th–13th century, honors Rani Rukmini, the Vidarbha princess who eloped with Lord Krishna. Located 1.5 km north of Dwarka, this small temple is an architectural gem, adorned with stunning paintings and sculptures.

• Gopi Talav: This is the place where Lord Krishna used to play with his Gopikas. There is a small pond where it is said that Lord Krishna used to play with the Gopika Strees (Gopika Women).

Overnight stay at Dwarka.

Begin the day with an early morning visit to Dwarkadhish Temple to witness the Aarti.

After breakfast, drive to Somnath, stopping en route at Porbandar, a coastal heritage town rich in history and culture. Known as Sudamapuri in ancient texts, Porbandar was a hub for trade with Africa and Arabia. It is also the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.

Visit Kirti Mandir, Gandhi's ancestral home turned museum, and Bharat Mandir, showcasing a relief map of India and historical figures.

Later, continue to Somnath and transfer to your hotel.

Somnath is famed for its legendary shore temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, housing the Jyotirlinga. The temple, a symbol of resilience, has been rebuilt multiple times after destruction, with the current structure completed in 1950.

Visit Bhalka Tirth, where Lord Krishna is believed to have left his human form, marking the end of his earthly journey.

Overnight stay at Somnath.

After breakfast, drive to Bhavnagar, arrive in Bhavnagar, and transfer to the hotel.

Bhavnagar, founded in 1723 by Bhavsinhji Gohil, was a maritime hub near the Gulf of Khambhat. Attractions include Gaurishankar Lake, Takhteshwar Temple with hilltop views, and the unique Lock Gate, which maintains water levels for ships.

Overnight stay at Bhavnagar.

Early morning proceeds for an excursion to Palitana.

Palitana: A 56kms drive from Bhavnagar. Palitana, at the foot of Shetrunjaya Hill by the Shetrunjaya River, is home to 863 stunning marble temples built over 900 years. The sacred 600-meter ascent to the hilltop is typically made on foot, with dolis or lift-chairs available for convenience.

OR

Visit Nishkalank Mahadev Temple in Koliyak near Bhavnagar.

Legend says Lord Krishna sent the Pandavas on a pilgrimage to atone for war sins, instructing them to pray where a black cow and flag turned white. At this spot, Shiva appeared as a Linga, and the sea uniquely recedes here for a few hours daily.

Pilgrims wait for the receding waves to have Darshan and return before the tide rises. The waves are especially active on Full Moon and New Moon days.

(The visit of this temple is bounded to time. As the temple is in the middle of the Sea, it depends upon the tides – if it is low tide the temple can be visited but as the water level rises visiting the temple is not allowed.)

Overnight stay at Bhavnagar.

After breakfast, drive back to Ahmedabad. Arrive in Ahmedabad, and in time, transfer to the airport/railway station to board your flight/train for onward journey to your next destination.