We recently embarked on a journey through Gujarat, India, with my parents, and 3-year-old daughter. Our itinerary included visits to a number of fascinating destinations, such as the vibrant city of Ahmedabad, the historic towns of Dwarka and Porbandar, the picturesque Madhavpur Beach, the revered Somnath temple, and the breathtaking Gir National Park. Although our main purpose was to visit the holy sites of Somnath and Dwarka, we were thrilled to discover that Gujarat has so much more to offer. From exploring ancient temples and mosques to immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the region, our trip was a true adventure that left us with unforgettable memories.
In this travelogue, I invite you to join me as I recount our journey through Gujarat, and share with you the unique experiences and insights we gained along the way.
Mar 12th Sunday: Ahmedabad City Tour
Our journey through Gujarat began with a city tour of Ahmedabad. We stayed at the Silver Heights hotel in Navrangpura and started our exploration with a visit to Sabarmati Ashram, which served as Mahatma Gandhi's home from 1917 to 1930. We then headed to the picturesque River Front and admired the scenic views while strolling along the waterfront. We also visited the Swaminarayan Temple, Jain Temple, Adalaj Stepwell, and Law Garden market, where we indulged in some local shopping and enjoyed a variety of street food.
Mar 13th Monday: Ahmedabad – Jamnagar – Dwarka Travel
After enjoying breakfast in Ahmedabad, we set off for Dwarka, with a stopover in Jamnagar for lunch. We savored a delicious Gujrathi Thali in Chotila town before visiting the Bala Hanuman temple, famous for its continuous chanting of the “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” since August 1st, 1964, which has earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Finally, we reached Dwarka in the night and checked in at Hotel Ramo Kristo.
Mar 14th Tuesday: Dwarka – Local Sightseeing
The next day, we began our local sightseeing with a holy dip in the Gomti River, followed by a visit to the famous Dwarkadheesh temple. We also visited the Nageshwar Jyotirling Temple, Gopi Talav, and Bet Dwarka, which is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna lived with his family. On our way back to Dwarka via boat, we visited Rukmani Temple and attended the evening aarti at Dwarkadhish Temple, followed by dinner.
Mar 15th Wednesday: Dwarka – Porbandar – Somnath
After breakfast in Dwarka, we checked out and headed towards Somnath, with a stopover in Porbandar. Here, we visited Kirti Mandir, where Mahatma Gandhi was born, and the Sudama Temple. On our way, we also visited Jamvant caves and stopped at Madhavpur beach to enjoy the serene coastal views. We finally reached Somnath and attended the evening aarti at the Somnath Temple before enjoying the light and sound show. We then returned to our hotel, VITS Somnath, for dinner and an overnight stay.
Mar 16th Thursday: Somnath – Gir
After breakfast, we visited Bhalka Tirth, Triveni Sangam, Golakh Dham, Ahilya Devi Mandir, and Geeta Mandir before heading to Sasan Gir. In Gir, we took a safari tour, which was a truly magical experience. We spotted a variety of wildlife, including deer, monkeys, peacocks, owls, and the majestic Gujarat lion.
Mar 17th Friday: Gir to Ahmedabad via Virpur
After breakfast, we started our journey back to Ahmedabad, stopping at the famous Jalaram Temple in Virpur along the way.
Overall, the trip to Gujarat, India was a wonderful experience. Our itinerary through Gujarat was filled with diverse experiences, from exploring ancient temples and monuments to immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the region. Each place we visited had its unique charm and significance, which made the trip an unforgettable one.
Reflecting on the culture and people of India, I must say that the people were warm, hospitable, and welcoming. The Gujarati culture, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. It is a culture that emphasizes family values and traditions, with three generations living and eating together. The cuisine is unique and flavorful, with dishes like sev tamatar and buttermilk being essential.
The use of respectful terms like "bhai" (brother) and "Jai shree Krishna" (Hail Lord Krishna) added to the warmth of the culture. The locals made sure we were comfortable, and their genuine hospitality made us feel at home.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend traveling to India and exploring the diverse cultures and traditions it has to offer. It is a refreshing and invigorating experience that makes you grateful for everything you have. It is a country that is steeped in history, legends, and spirituality, and it is a journey that will leave a lasting impact on your life.
We returned to Dubai with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat.