🐪 Gujarat Wildlife & Temple Circuit – 9 Days
“Where Sacred Heritage Meets the Roar of the Wild”
Gujarat, the land of lions and legends, is a destination that beautifully blends spirituality with the call of the wilderness. From the golden temples on the coast of Somnath to the untamed grasslands of Gir and the saline expanse of the Great Rann of Kutch, this nine-day journey takes travelers through a captivating landscape where ancient faiths and exotic fauna coexist in harmony. The Gujarat Wildlife & Temple Circuit is a profound experience for those seeking a pilgrimage for both the soul and the senses.
🕉️ Overview of the 9-Day Gujarat Wildlife & Temple Circuit
This thoughtfully curated 9-day circuit combines the spiritual essence of Gujarat’s most revered shrines with the thrill of its world-famous national parks and sanctuaries. Beginning from Ahmedabad, the journey flows through Dwarka, Somnath, Gir National Park, Junagadh, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, and the mesmerizing Rann of Kutch before returning to Ahmedabad.
- Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Route: Ahmedabad → Dwarka → Somnath → Gir → Junagadh → Velavadar → Bhuj (Kutch) → Ahmedabad
- Theme: Spiritual & Wildlife Heritage
- Best For: Pilgrims, Wildlife Enthusiasts, and Cultural Travelers
🌆 Day 1 – Arrival at Ahmedabad: The Gateway of Western India
Begin your expedition from Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s cultural and historical hub. The city, founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411, stands as a treasure trove of Indo-Islamic architecture and vibrant traditions. After arrival, visit some of the city’s top attractions:
Places to Visit:
- Sabarmati Ashram: The peaceful retreat of Mahatma Gandhi, located on the banks of River Sabarmati, still echoes with the spirit of India’s freedom movement.
- Adalaj Stepwell: A magnificent example of ancient water architecture, built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai.
- Akshardham Temple (Gandhinagar): A spiritual masterpiece dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, known for its intricate carvings and grand cultural shows.
Distance:
Ahmedabad Airport to City Center: Approx. 12 km
Stay Options:
- Luxury: Hyatt Regency, 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)
After breakfast, embark on a long yet scenic drive to the sacred city of Dwarka — one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites of Hinduism. Located on the western tip of the Saurashtra Peninsula, Dwarka is known as the legendary kingdom of Lord Krishna.
Highlights:
- Dwarkadhish Temple: A five-storied temple built over 2,500 years ago, dedicated to Lord Krishna as the “King of Dwarka.”
- Rukmini Devi Temple: A beautifully carved temple located 2 km away from the main shrine, symbolizing eternal love and devotion.
- Sudama Setu & Gomti Ghat: Ideal for a peaceful walk by the sea, offering mesmerizing sunset views.
Stay Options:
- Luxury: The Dwarika Hotel, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham
- Mid-range: Hotel Roma Kristo, Hotel City Inn
- Budget: Hotel Guruprerna, Hotel Shree Darshan
🌅 Day 3 – Dwarka to Somnath (Approx. 230 km / 5 hrs)
After morning darshan at Dwarkadhish Temple, drive to Somnath — one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Somnath stands majestically by the Arabian Sea, symbolizing spiritual resilience as it has been rebuilt several times through history.
Places to Visit:
- Somnath Temple: A sacred architectural marvel, its golden shikhara glimmers under the sun. The evening aarti is a divine experience.
- Bhalka Tirth: The place where Lord Krishna is believed to have left his mortal body.
- Triveni Sangam: The confluence of three holy rivers — Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati — considered extremely auspicious.
Stay Options:
- Luxury: The Fern Residency Somnath, Lords Inn
- Mid-range: Safari Resort, Hotel Somnath Sagar
- Budget: Hotel Somnath Atithigruh, Shubh Suvidha
🦁 Day 4 – Somnath to Gir National Park (Approx. 65 km / 1.5 hrs)
From the sacred shores of Somnath, proceed to Gir National Park — the last refuge of the Asiatic lions. Established in 1965, Gir is a living example of successful wildlife conservation in India. The park spans over 1,412 square kilometers of rugged hills and deciduous forest.
Major Attractions:
- Jeep Safari: Explore the core zones of Sasan Gir for a thrilling sight of lions, leopards, and chital deer.
- Interpretation Zone – Devalia: A compact area showcasing the park’s biodiversity in a single safari circuit.
- Kankai Mata Temple: A serene shrine deep inside the forest, blending spirituality and wilderness.
Stay Options Near Gir:
- Luxury: Woods at Sasan, Fern Gir Forest Resort
- Mid-range: Gir Jungle Lodge, Asiatic Lion Lodge
- Budget: Gir Pride Resort, Anil Farmhouse
🐾 Day 5 – Gir to Junagadh (Approx. 60 km / 2 hrs)
After an early morning safari, travel to Junagadh, a historic city nestled at the foot of Mount Girnar. The city is steeped in legends and reflects the confluence of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic heritage.
Places to Visit:
- Uparkot Fort: Built in the Mauryan period, this fort has stood resilient for over 2,000 years.
- Mahabat Maqbara: An exquisite mausoleum blending Indo-Islamic and Gothic architectural styles.
- Mount Girnar: A sacred hill housing ancient Jain temples and Hindu shrines. Pilgrims climb over 10,000 steps to reach the summit.
Stay Options:
- Luxury: Bellevue Sarovar Portico
- Mid-range: Leo Resort
- Budget: Hotel Harmony, Click Hotel
🦌 Day 6 – Junagadh to Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary (Approx. 190 km / 4 hrs)
Journey eastward to Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, one of Gujarat’s best-kept secrets. This grassland sanctuary is home to the elegant Indian blackbuck, endangered wolves, and countless bird species including harriers and pelicans.
Wildlife Experience:
- Watch the graceful blackbucks leap across the golden plains at sunrise.
- Spot blue bulls, jackals, and migratory birds like flamingos and cranes during winter.
- Photography enthusiasts can capture stunning frames of wildlife against the backdrop of the setting sun.
Stay Options:
- Luxury: Blackbuck Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Velavadar Camp, Bhavnagar Hotels
- Budget: Local Eco Cottages near Bhavnagar
🏜️ Day 7 – Velavadar to Bhuj (Approx. 350 km / 7 hrs)
Today’s drive takes you to the cultural heart of Kutch — Bhuj. The region is a celebration of art, crafts, and arid beauty. Kutch’s white desert stretches endlessly, shimmering like a sea of salt under the full moon.
Places to Visit in Bhuj:
- Aina Mahal: The “Palace of Mirrors,” showcasing Indo-European artistry.
- Prag Mahal: A grand 19th-century palace built in Italian Gothic style.
- Bhujodi Village: Renowned for handwoven textiles and embroidery by local artisans.
Stay Options:
- Luxury: Regenta Resort Bhuj, Shaam-e-Sarhad Village Resort
- Mid-range: Hotel Ilark, Seven Sky Clarks Exotica
- Budget: Hotel Prince, City The Village Resort
🌌 Day 8 – Excursion to the Great Rann of Kutch (Approx. 90 km one way)
After breakfast, head towards the spectacular Great Rann of Kutch, a surreal landscape of white salt desert stretching across the horizon. This region is also host to the world-famous Rann Utsav, a cultural festival celebrating Gujarati heritage with dance, music, and handicrafts.
Highlights of the Day:
- White Desert: Witness the surreal beauty of the salt flats under the dazzling sun or full moon.
- Kalo Dungar (Black Hill): The highest point in Kutch, offering panoramic views of the Rann and Indo-Pak border.
- India Bridge: The last civilian point near the border where photography restrictions apply.
Stay Options:
- Luxury: Rann Riders Resort, White Rann Resort
- Mid-range: Gateway to Rann Resort
- Budget: Desert Eco Camp, Rann Village Huts
🏙️ Day 9 – Bhuj to Ahmedabad (Approx. 335 km / 7 hrs)
Your Gujarat odyssey comes full circle as you drive back to Ahmedabad. En route, visit Little Rann of Kutch, a sanctuary famous for the Indian wild ass and a paradise for bird watchers. Upon arrival in Ahmedabad, you can either relax at the hotel or explore the city’s colorful night markets for souvenirs.
📜 Key Temples & Sanctuaries in Focus
| Temple / Sanctuary | Location | Special Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Dwarkadhish Temple | Dwarka | One of the Char Dhams dedicated to Lord Krishna |
| Somnath Temple | Somnath | One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva |
| Gir National Park | Sasan Gir | Only habitat of Asiatic lions |
| Velavadar Sanctuary | Bhavnagar District | Known for blackbucks and migratory birds |
| Great Rann of Kutch | Kutch Region | Largest salt desert in the world |
🚗 How to Reach Gujarat
- By Air: Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Bhuj are major airports connecting Gujarat with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and international destinations.
- By Rail: Gujarat is well-connected by express trains like Shatabdi and Saurashtra Mail from all major cities of India.
- By Road: National Highways 8 and 47 make road travel smooth, with frequent state transport and private coaches operating between cities.
🏨 Accommodation Overview
Throughout the circuit, travelers can choose from a range of eco-lodges, heritage hotels, and modern resorts. Many accommodations in Gir and Velavadar emphasize sustainable tourism and provide authentic Gujarati culinary experiences alongside guided safaris.
- Ahmedabad: Hyatt Regency, Lemon Tree Premier
- Dwarka: Hawthorn Suites, Hotel Roma Kristo
- Somnath: The Fern Residency, Safari Resort
- Gir: Woods at Sasan, Gir Jungle Lodge
- Junagadh: Leo Resort, Bellevue Sarovar Portico
- Velavadar: Blackbuck Safari Lodge
- Bhuj / Rann: Regenta Resort Bhuj, White Rann Resort
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to experience this circuit is between October and March. During this period, the climate remains pleasant for temple visits, wildlife safaris, and desert excursions.
- Summer (April–June): Hot, suitable only for spiritual tours.
- Monsoon (July–September): Refreshing greenery but limited safari access in Gir.
- Winter (October–March): Perfect season for all sightseeing and festivals like Rann Utsav.
🎉 Travel Tips for Visitors
- Book Gir and Velavadar safaris online well in advance.
- Carry lightweight cotton clothes, sunscreen, hats, and binoculars for wildlife zones.
- Respect temple customs — remove footwear and wear modest attire.
- Experience Gujarati thali meals in local eateries — a flavorful highlight of your journey.
- During Rann Utsav, book tent city accommodations early due to high demand.
🌄 Conclusion – The Soul of Gujarat
The Gujarat Wildlife & Temple Circuit is more than a journey across miles — it is a pilgrimage into the heart of India’s living traditions. From chanting bells in Somnath to lion roars echoing through Gir’s forests, from sacred steps of Dwarka to the moonlit silence of the Rann, Gujarat awakens the traveler’s spirit with every sunrise. It is a destination where the sacred and the wild coexist — where faith finds its reflection in nature’s raw beauty.
🌿 Presented by Nature Craft Tours
Curated with care and expertise, Nature Craft Tours invites you to explore Gujarat’s timeless