Finish packing, keep ID & confirmed train PNR ready; pre-book an app taxi (Ola/Uber or prepaid Pune station taxi) to Pune Junction to arrive 45–60 minutes before departure.
Light, familiar fare before a long train journey — try a good station café or nearby restaurant (dhaba or hotel restaurant) so you sleep comfortably on board.
Board an overnight express toward Rajkot or Veraval (nearest railheads for Dwarka/Somnath). Typical travel time by train Pune → Rajkot/Veraval is ~14–20h depending on train and routing; book 2A/3A for comfort. Check IRCTC for exact train numbers and PNR status.
If your train arrives at Rajkot in the morning, freshen up at station stalls or a station hotel; have a hearty Gujarati breakfast (poha, dhokla) and chai. If you arrive at Ahmedabad, follow same steps at Ahmedabad station.
Collect a prepaid private taxi (AC sedan/SUV) for the Rajkot → Dwarka drive (approx 4.5–6h, ~200–260 km depending on route). Private cab is recommended for flexibility and luggage; confirm driver arrival and route.
Visit Shri Dwarkadhish Temple for evening aarti/darshan; temple timings commonly split (early morning and evening); expect crowds — allow 1–2 hours. Check temple notice board or online for exact aarti time on your date.
Try a reputable local restaurant for a pure Gujarati thali or simple coastal seafood (if you prefer). Dwarka has several clean family restaurants near the temple area — confirm hygiene and reviews on apps.
Drive to Okha jetty and take the ferry/boat to Beyt Dwarka (island). Boats typically run from ~8:00am to late afternoon but check local schedule; visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and island markets. Round‑trip boat + visit 2–3h.
Have an early breakfast and check out; the Dwarka → Somnath drive is long (approx 5–7 hours, ~220–300 km depending on route), so start early to cover stops.
Drive south along NH/SH via Porbandar (birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi) if you wish to stop briefly for Kirti Mandir and a quick stretch. Short sightseeing adds 45–90 minutes.
Visit the Somnath Temple — one of the 12 Jyotirlingas — open from early morning until late evening (typically 5:00am–10:00pm with breaks); explore the temple complex and adjoining Somnath beach at sunset.
Drive from Somnath to Junagadh (approx 1–1.5 hours, ~65–75 km). Prebook a local taxi or use the same day car. Junagadh is base for Girnar and Uparkot Fort.
Visit Girnar hill shrine complex. If you prefer not to climb ~10,000 steps, check availability of the Girnar ropeway (if operational) or use vehicle access to base temples. Plan the climb only if fit; allow 3–4 hours round trip for a partial ascent and darshan.
Board your return train from Veraval/Junagadh to Pune. Direct trains may be limited; many travelers take Veraval → Ahmedabad → Pune connections. Typical duration 15–22 hours depending on routing; book 2A/3A for comfort. Check IRCTC and consider splitting journey via Rajkot/Ahmedabad if needed.