Family Diwali Road‑Trip Itinerary: Surat → Sarangpur → Rajkot → Somnath → Dwarka & Bet Dwarka → Shivrajpur Beach → Junagadh (19‑24 Oct 2025)

Day 1 – 19 Oct 2025: Surat → Sarangpur (Hanuman Temple) → Rajkot

Morning: Depart Surat at 07:00 AM, enjoy a scenic 3‑hour drive to Sarangpur Hanuman Temple. Offer prayers and explore the modest temple complex.

Afternoon: Lunch at a local dhaba (12:30‑1:30 PM), then continue 2 hours to Rajkot. Check‑in at the hotel, refresh and have a light snack.

Evening: Walk around Shri Ranjit Sagar Lake, watch the sunset and dine at Gaurav Restaurant (7‑9 PM). Return to the hotel for an early night.

Day 2 – 20 Oct 2025: Rajkot → Somnath → Dwarka

Morning: After breakfast (08:00‑09:00 AM), drive 3 hours to Somnath Temple. Participate in the aarti and admire the sea‑front view.

Afternoon: Lunch at Mahesh‑Mohan Restaurant (12:30‑1:30 PM). Continue 2 hours to Dwarka and check‑in at the hotel.

Evening: Visit the illuminated Dwarkadhish Temple (4‑6 PM), then enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel (7‑9 PM). Overnight in Dwarka.

Day 3 – 21 Oct 2025: Dwarka – Bet Dwarka – Shivrajpur Beach – Junagadh (Diwali Eve)

Morning: Early ferry (8:00 AM) to Bet Dwarka for the ancient Shiva‑Rameshwar Temple and quiet beach walk (≈2 hrs).

Afternoon: Return to mainland, have a seafood lunch at Shivrajpur Beachside Café (12:30‑2:00 PM), then explore Shivrajpur Beach (2‑4 PM) for dolphin‑spotting.

Evening: Depart for Junagadh (≈3 hrs). Arrive around 7:00 PM, check‑in, and prepare for Diwali celebrations. Overnight in Junagadh.

Day 4 – 22 Oct 2025: Junagadh – Diwali Day

Morning: After a festive breakfast (8:00‑9:00 AM), visit the historic Mahabat Maqbara and the nearby Jama Masjid (≈2 hrs).

Afternoon: Lunch at Hotel Swad (12:30‑2:00 PM). Explore the Uperkot Fort and its panoramic views (2‑4 PM).

Evening: Diwali puja at the family’s rented hall (5:00‑7:30 PM), followed by a lavish dinner with fireworks at the hotel garden (8:00‑10:00 PM). Overnight in Junagadh.

Day 5 – 23 Oct 2025: Junagadh – Gir National Park (Optional) – Return to Surat

Morning: Early drive to Gir National Park (≈2 hrs). Safari booking for 7:00‑10:00 AM; spot Asiatic lions and other wildlife.

Afternoon: Picnic lunch at the park (12:00‑1:30 PM). Return to Junagadh, freshen up and have a light snack.

Evening: Begin the 5‑hour return journey to Surat, arriving around 9:00 PM. End of the trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Sarangpur Hanuman Temple – 1 hr – ₹0 entry, ₹200 parking
• Rajkot (Lake & Dinner) – 3 hrs – ₹500 meals, ₹100 parking
• Somnath Temple – 2 hrs – ₹50 entry, ₹200 parking
• Dwarkadhish Temple – 2 hrs – ₹0 entry, ₹150 parking
• Bet Dwarka (Ferry & Temple) – 2 hrs – ₹300 ferry (round‑trip), ₹0 entry
• Shivrajpur Beach – 2 hrs – ₹0 entry, ₹150 parking
• Mahabat Maqbara & Uperkot – 4 hrs – ₹20 entry each, ₹100 parking
• Diwali Celebration (Hall Rental) – Evening – ₹4,000
• Gir Safari – 3 hrs – ₹2,500 per adult (2 adults) + ₹1,500 per child (3 children) = ₹9,500
• Fuel & Road Tolls (Surat‑Junagadh round trip) – Approx. ₹6,000
• Accommodation (5 nights, family rooms) – ₹3,500 per night × 5 = ₹17,500
• Meals (average ₹800 per day for family) – 5 days = ₹4,000
• Miscellaneous (snacks, souvenirs) – ₹2,000
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹52,820

Tips

If you prefer a shorter trip, you can skip the Gir Safari and head straight back to Surat after the Diwali day, saving a day and about ₹12,000 in costs. To extend the experience, add an extra night in Junagadh to explore the nearby Jethva Waterfalls and enjoy a relaxed morning at the Jamali Kamali Mosque. Booking ferry tickets to Bet Dwarka and the Gir Safari in advance will avoid last‑minute hassles, especially during the festive season. Carry light snacks and water for the long drives, and remember that many temples and hotels offer special Diwali meals – a great way to enjoy local flavors without extra restaurant expenses.