🕉️ Ahmedabad–Dwarka–Somnath Pilgrimage – 6 Days
“A Sacred Journey Through Gujarat’s Eternal Faith and Coastal Heritage”
The spiritual soil of Gujarat resonates with legends, devotion, and timeless traditions. The Ahmedabad–Dwarka–Somnath Pilgrimage is one of the most sacred circuits in India, guiding devotees through ancient temples, coastal shrines, and riverside sanctuaries. Over six days, this journey traces the footsteps of Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, and many saints who left behind echoes of divinity. It’s more than a pilgrimage — it’s a journey of the soul, seamlessly blending history, faith, and scenic beauty.
This 6-day itinerary by Nature Craft Tours offers travelers a detailed and comfortable route through some of the most divine corners of Gujarat — from the vibrant streets of Ahmedabad to the holy shores of Dwarka and Somnath.
🌇 Day 1 – Arrival in Ahmedabad: The Gateway to Gujarat
Begin your spiritual journey from Ahmedabad, the state’s largest city and a perfect starting point for exploring Gujarat’s cultural and religious heritage. Known as the “Manchester of India” for its textile history, Ahmedabad is also home to serene temples, grand mosques, and the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Major Attractions:
- Sabarmati Ashram: The peaceful abode of Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the Sabarmati River. A place of introspection and non-violence.
- Akshardham Temple (Gandhinagar): A marvel of architecture dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, adorned with intricate carvings and a tranquil garden.
- Adalaj Stepwell: A 15th-century architectural gem, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Solanki dynasty.
- Hutheesing Jain Temple: A masterpiece of white marble dedicated to Lord Dharmanath.
Distance Highlights:
- Ahmedabad Airport to City Centre – Approx. 12 km (30 minutes)
- Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar – Approx. 25 km (45 minutes)
Stay Options:
- Luxury: Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad, Courtyard by Marriott
- Mid-range: Lemon Tree Premier, Regenta Central
- Budget: Ginger Ahmedabad, Hotel El Dorado
🏰 Day 2 – Ahmedabad to Dwarka (Approx. 440 km / 8 hrs)
Early morning, depart for Dwarka — the sacred city that once served as Lord Krishna’s kingdom. Situated on the western coast of the Arabian Sea, Dwarka is one of the four revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.
En Route Attractions:
- Jamnagar: Stop at Bala Hanuman Temple, famous for its continuous chanting of “Sri Ram, Jai Ram” since 1964 — recognized by the Guinness Book of Records.
Evening in Dwarka:
- Dwarkadhish Temple: A five-storied temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, built with soft limestone and supported by 72 pillars. The evening aarti here is a truly divine experience.
- Gomti Ghat: A holy bathing spot where the Gomti River meets the Arabian Sea.
- Sudama Setu: A pedestrian bridge offering scenic views of Dwarka’s coastline.
Stay Options in Dwarka:
- Luxury: Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, The Dwarika Hotel
- Mid-range: Hotel Roma Kristo, Hotel Krishna Inn
- Budget: Hotel Guruprerna, Hotel City Inn
🌊 Day 3 – Dwarka Exploration: Pilgrimage & Seaside Serenity
Spend the day exploring the divine and coastal heritage of Dwarka. The city’s spiritual aura blends beautifully with its maritime charm, offering both devotion and peace.
Places to Visit:
- Rukmini Devi Temple: Located 2 km from the main shrine, this temple symbolizes the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Goddess Rukmini.
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, about 17 km from Dwarka.
- Bet Dwarka Island: A sacred island accessible by ferry from Okha Port, believed to be Lord Krishna’s residence with his consort Rukmini.
- Gopi Talav: A serene pond associated with the legends of the Gopis’ devotion to Krishna.
Optional Excursions:
- Visit Okha Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.
- Shop for conch shells, handicrafts, and religious artifacts in Dwarka Bazaar.
Stay Recommendations:
- Luxury: The Dwarika Hotel
- Mid-range: Hotel Roma Kristo
- Budget: Hotel Shree Darshan
🌅 Day 4 – Dwarka to Somnath via Porbandar (Approx. 240 km / 5 hrs)
Depart from Dwarka after breakfast and head to Somnath, another highly revered pilgrimage site. En route, visit Porbandar — the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.
Places to Visit in Porbandar:
- Kirti Mandir: A memorial built in honor of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi.
- Sudama Mandir: A temple dedicated to Sudama, the childhood friend of Lord Krishna.
- Porbandar Beach: A quiet and clean seafront perfect for short strolls.
Arrive in Somnath by Evening:
Somnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a symbol of spiritual endurance. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, standing today as a majestic architectural marvel facing the Arabian Sea.
Places to Visit in Somnath:
- Somnath Temple: Experience the evening aarti and Sound & Light Show that narrates the temple’s glorious history.
- Bhalka Tirth: The sacred site where Lord Krishna is believed to have left his earthly form.
- Triveni Sangam: The confluence of three rivers – Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati.
Stay Options in Somnath:
- Luxury: The Fern Residency, Lords Inn
- Mid-range: Safari Resort, Hotel Somnath Sagar
- Budget: Hotel Somnath Atithigruh, Hotel Shubh Suvidha
🛕 Day 5 – Somnath & Nearby Excursions
Dedicate this day to deeper exploration around Somnath. Apart from the main temple, the surrounding area offers spiritual serenity and natural beauty.
Suggested Visits:
- Prabhas Patan Museum: A historical museum showcasing ancient relics from the original Somnath Temple.
- Gir National Park (Optional): Located 65 km from Somnath, this sanctuary is home to the rare Asiatic lions. Jeep safaris can be arranged with prior booking.
- Junagadh: A heritage city near Gir featuring the ancient Uparkot Fort and Mahabat Maqbara.
Distance Highlights:
- Somnath to Gir National Park – 65 km (1.5 hrs)
- Somnath to Junagadh – 90 km (2 hrs)
Stay Options:
- Luxury: The Fern Residency
- Mid-range: Safari Resort
- Budget: Hotel Atithigruh
🚗 Day 6 – Somnath to Ahmedabad (Approx. 410 km / 8 hrs)
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Ahmedabad. You can either drive directly or stop en route at Rajkot to explore a few attractions.
En Route Attractions (Optional):
- Watson Museum, Rajkot: Showcases the cultural heritage and royal history of Saurashtra.
- Swaminarayan Temple: Known for its intricate carvings and spiritual ambience.
- Gondal Naulakha Palace: A royal palace famous for its marble interiors and heritage artifacts.
Return Journey:
Arrive in Ahmedabad by evening. Conclude your 6-day pilgrimage with blessings from Dwarka and Somnath, carrying memories of devotion and tranquility.
🛤️ How to Reach
- By Air: Ahmedabad (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport) is the nearest major airport, connected to all major Indian cities. Porbandar and Rajkot also have domestic airports.
- By Train: Ahmedabad, Dwarka, Veraval (for Somnath), and Rajkot are well-connected via express and superfast trains from Delhi, Mumbai, and other metros.
- By Road: Gujarat has excellent road infrastructure with NH8 and NH51 offering scenic and smooth connectivity between major pilgrimage destinations.
🏨 Accommodation Overview
| Destination | Luxury | Mid-Range | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | Hyatt Regency, Courtyard by Marriott | Lemon Tree Premier | Ginger Ahmedabad |
| Dwarka | Hawthorn Suites | Hotel Roma Kristo | Hotel Shree Darshan |
| Somnath | The Fern Residency | Safari Resort | Hotel Atithigruh |
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
- October to March: Pleasant weather, ideal for temple visits and sightseeing.
- April to June: Warm but manageable; fewer crowds at temples.
- July to September: Monsoon brings greenery but occasional travel delays.
Festivals to Experience:
- Janmashtami (August): Dwarka comes alive with lights, processions, and divine chants celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth.
- Maha Shivratri (February/March): Somnath witnesses grand festivities with devotees from across India.
- Kite Festival (January): Ahmedabad’s sky fills with colorful kites, marking the start of Uttarayan.
🎒 Travel Tips
- Book temple accommodations or nearby hotels in advance during major festivals.
- Carry light cotton clothes, a hat, and sunscreen for coastal areas.
- Respect temple dress codes — modest attire is preferred.
- Try authentic Gujarati thali meals in Ahmedabad and Kathiawadi cuisine in Saurashtra.
- Plan early morning temple visits to avoid crowds and experience peaceful aarti.
📜 Itinerary Summary
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ahmedabad | Sabarmati Ashram, Akshardham, Adalaj Stepwell |
| Day 2 | Ahmedabad → Dwarka | Jamnagar Bala Hanuman Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple |
| Day 3 | Dwarka | Rukmini Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Bet Dwarka |
| Day 4 | Dwarka → Porbandar → Somnath | Kirti Mandir, Somnath Temple, Bhalka Tirth |
| Day 5 | Somnath | Prabhas Patan Museum, Optional Gir Safari |
| Day 6 | Somnath → Ahmedabad | Rajkot Sightseeing, Return Journey |
🌄 Conclusion – The Call of Divine Gujarat
The Ahmedabad–Dwarka–Somnath Pilgrimage is a timeless journey that bridges faith and heritage. Each temple narrates stories that transcend centuries — from Krishna’s Dwarka to Shiva’s Somnath, from Gandhi’s Ahmedabad to Porbandar’s calm shores. This six-day pilgrimage invites you to rediscover devotion in its purest form while immersing in Gujarat’s coastal splendor, culture, and hospitality.
🌿 Presented by Nature Craft Tours
At Nature Craft Tours, we curate journeys that touch the heart and spirit. Join us on this sacred circuit through Gujarat — where every sunrise begins with devotion and every sunset ends with blessings.