In Nov 2019, we decided to tour Gujarat, mainly it’s top tourists attractions and 2 Jyotirlingas besides Dwarkadhish Temple. We planned a trip with our own itinerary with an intent to cover heritage, temples, beaches and wildlife all. We booked hotels and cabs online after research on various booking websites and directly speaking to hotels.
Gujarat State has 5 basic geographical regions viz., Kutch, Saurashtra or Kathiawar, North Gujarat, South Gujarat and Central Gujarat. Saurashtra region of Gujarat comprises of Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Jamnagar and some part of Ahmedabad. We selected this region as it offers everything - temples, wildlife, heritage and beaches. Best season to visit Gujarat is from Nov to Feb only else it’s hot and humid.
We reached Ahmedabad by flight in the forenoon in the third week of Nov, checked in a hotel and after lunch hired a cab and proceeded to Sabarmati Ashram, which was a nerve centre of our freedom movement, spent some time there visiting different rooms which have memories of Mahatma Gandhi. From here only Gandhiji started his famous Dandi March in 1930. From there we went to Sabarmati River front and then proceeded to Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar. Akshardham literally means the divine abode of God. Temple is built from pink sandstone and has a vast and well maintained campus (mobile phones or camera is not allowed in the temple campus, there is a locker room at the main entrance where you can deposit the same). Timeless devotional messages and vibrant Hindu traditions are echoed in its architecture. This temple is a humble tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830). It has nearly 200 idols representing spiritual stalwarts from many millennia. We watched Laser & Water Fountain Show which was spectacular nicely explaining the mythological story of Nachiketa.
Way back to hotel, we had dinner at Gordhan Thaal restaurant which was awesome.
Next day morning after breakfast, we hired a cab and proceeded to Sun Temple at Modhera (100 km), one of the few temples dedicated to the Sun God. This a beautiful temple situated on the bank of Pushpavati River, it was built by King Bhimdev of Solanki dynasty.
Post lunch, we visited iconic Rani Ki Vav (35 km from Modhera) or the Queen’s Step Well in Patan which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (it’s picture is printed on our Rs.100 currency note), it was built by Queen Udaymati (1022 - 63 AD) in the loving memory of her husband King Bhimdev of Solanki Dynasty. It’s campus is very well maintained and people can relax in lush green lawns and take pictures. In the evening we came back to Ahmedabad and stayed in the hotel overnight.
Next day we checked out from the hotel and proceeded by cab to Adlaj Step Well, a stupendous architectural wonder. It’s pillars and walls are nicely carved with pictures of flowers, leaves, fishes and birds. It was built by Queen Rudabai in 1499 AD.
From there, we proceeded to Rajkot (210 km) which was a princely state before independence and Mahatma Gandhi’s father was the Chief Diwan of this state. In the evening, we roamed in the market for shopping of some ethnic apparels and Souvenirs. Overnight stayed in hotel at Rajkot.
Next day (fourth day), we proceeded from Rajkot to ancient city of Dwarka (225 km) by cab, as per legends, this site was chosen by Garuda, the divine Eagle, who brought Lord Krishna here when he departed from Mathura. We checked in a hotel and after fresh up came to Dwarkadhish temple (one of the Char Dharms) and attended the evening Aarti and thereafter came back to hotel, had dinner and relaxed in hotel room.
Next day early (5th day) morning we attended morning Mangala Aarti at Dwarkadhish Temple and strolled near the confluence of Gomti River with Arabian Sea. Later we went to Nageshwar Temple (which is nearby, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas) which also has a tall statue of Lord Shiva, had good darshan here. Thereafter, we proceeded to Bet Dwarka, an island off the coast of Okha Port, by a ferry and had darshan of Lord Vishnu where his idol is decorated with mural of Matsya. Had darshan here.
In the evening, we visited Shivrajpur Beach at Dwarka which is one of the 10 Blue Flag accredited beaches (international recognition for neatness and ecology) of India, it’s quite peaceful, neat and clean beach with clear water and gentle waves. Scuba Diving is also available here. It was great unwinding at this beautiful beach after hectic days. Came back to hotel, had dinner and relaxed.
Next day (6th day) morning after breakfast, we checked out from hotel and proceeded to Somnath by cab (240 km). En-route we visited Porbandar, the Birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Kirti Temple (the house where Gandhiji was born is now converted into a museum at Porbandar), the room and place where he was been is marked there. It’s is old type of house with many windows and stairs. By evening we reached Somnath and checked in a hotel and after quick fresh up came to Somnath Temple (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas), had darshan and attended evening Aarti. Later attended Light & Sound show in the temple complex which was mesmerising. Had Gujrati Thali in dinner in the market near temple and came back to hotel to relax.
Next day (7th day) after breakfast, checked out from hotel, visited Somnath Beach and Old Somnath Temple (here don’t fall into trap of pundits for various pujas or abhisekam in this temple) then proceeded to Sasan Gir National Park (57 km), a 1400 sq km national park where more than 600 Asiatic Lions live in their natural habitat.
Here Gir Jungle Trail, traverses deciduous forest and is home to wildlife including Antelopes, leopards, vultures, pythons besides Asiatic Lions. Enjoyed the Lion Safari in the Govt open Jeep and encountered 3 lions who were relaxing under a tree, it was thrilling to see the king of jungle with so much proximity from a open jeep. One leopard and some antelopes were also sighted there.
Thereafter, proceeded to Junagadh (72 km) and stayed overnight in a hotel there. In the morning after breakfast, visited Mahabat Ka Maqbara (mausoleum), which is an architectural marvel, this was completed in 1892 and is dedicated to Mahabat Khan II, the Nawab of Junagadh State. This is one of Gujarat’s most glorious examples of Euro-Indo-Islamic architecture, with French windows and Gothic columns, its lavish appeal is topped off by its silver inner doors. The minarets on the sides have spiral steps going up to the top of the tower. It was shocking that it was not maintained well with no one around and had a filthy entrance and surroundings.
Had early lunch there at Junagadh and then proceeded back to Ahmedabad (310 km) hotel for overnight stay. On the way, we purchased some namkeen mixtures, theplas, roasted peanuts, and milk sweets (famous Gujarati snacks) before reaching our hotel. Had dinner and relaxed after a long tiring journey.
Next day (9th day) morning after breakfast proceeded fo Airport for the 11 AM flight back home.
Altogether a wonderful and rejuvenating tour.