Start very early to avoid city traffic and make most of the daylight — this leg is long (highway driving). Driving keeps flexibility for parents (rest stops as needed).
Stop at a clean, family-friendly highway restaurant or use a packed breakfast prepared at home to save time and ensure suitable food for parents; hygienic vegetarian thalis are common en route. (Typical open times: 6:00am–10:30pm on highways.)
Check in and rest at a family-friendly mid-range hotel near the temple area so you can walk to evening aarti. Book a room with good reviews and elevator if stairs are a concern for parents.
Visit the Dwarkadhish (Jagat Mandir) in the evening aarti; temple timings generally have evening darshan ~5:00pm–9:30pm (timings vary, so confirm on the day). It's a peaceful, must-see Krishna shrine and easy to visit after a rest.
Choose a hygienic, family-friendly restaurant near the temple; many places serve Gujarati thali and light sweets — convenient after the aarti. Restaurants typically open through the evening (check specific place timings).
Have an early, calm breakfast at the hotel so everyone is comfortable before the short boat trip; hotel restaurants generally open from 6:30am for guests.
Take the ferry/boat to Bet Dwarka and visit the island temple honoring Lord Krishna; boats usually operate roughly 8:00am–5:00pm (start times vary by season) so go early to avoid crowds and heat.
Stop at a clean restaurant en route to Somnath for a relaxed lunch; prefer a recently reviewed place or hotel restaurant for hygiene and comfort for elderly parents.
Visit the Somnath Jyotirlinga, a major pilgrimage site with regular darshan (Somnath temple typically opens early morning through late evening — approx 5:00am–9:30pm; verify the day’s schedule). The temple complex is beautiful and accessible by short walks from parking.
Attend the Somnath temple area light-and-sound show if running that evening — timings vary (often around 7:00–8:30pm); check the local board or hotel for exact showtime. It gives historic context and is entertaining for visitors.
Dinner at a recommended family-friendly restaurant or hotel near the temple serving fresh vegetarian meals suitable for parents; many hotels have late dinners on request.
You have two options: (A) Begin the long return drive to Satlasana now (this is a long overnight drive of ~8–9 hours and can be tiring for parents), or (B) stay overnight in Somnath and drive back next morning for a more comfortable trip. Recommended for parents: Option B.
Combined rough estimate including fuel for the whole loop, tolls, 1 hotel night, meals, boat to Bet Dwarka, light show, and small miscellaneous expenses. Personal preferences (hotel category, food choices, private taxi vs own car) will change total — see breakdown in descriptions.