7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Dwarka, Nageshwar, Girnar, Somnath, Diu, Alang, Palitana

Friday September 1: Dwarka

Start your trip by visiting Dwarkadhish Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. In the morning, participate in the morning aarti (prayer) and seek blessings. Afternoon can be spent exploring the ancient city of Dwarka, including the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. In the evening, take a stroll along the Dwarka Beach and enjoy the serene sunset.

• Dwarkadhish Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Dwarka Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Hotel Dwarka Residency, offering a wide range of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Hotel Gomti, a popular restaurant known for its authentic Gujarati thali. Enjoy a variety of mouthwatering vegetarian dishes for an average cost of 250 INR per person.
• End your day with a scrumptious dinner at Aarti Dining Hall, serving delightful seafood options such as fried prawns and fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Saturday September 2: Girnar

Embark on a trek to Girnar, a sacred hill in Junagadh. Start early in the morning and climb the 10,000 steps to reach the top. Along the way, visit various temples and take in the breathtaking views. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature. Descend by late afternoon and explore the city of Junagadh, visiting Uparkot Fort and Mahabat Maqbara.

• Girnar Hill Trek: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Full day
• Uparkot Fort: Estimated cost - INR 10 (entrance fee), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Mahabat Maqbara: Estimated cost - INR 25 (entrance fee), Time spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday September 3: Somnath

Begin your day by visiting the famous Somnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Attend the morning aarti and explore the temple complex. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Somnath Beach and enjoy the coastal views. In the evening, witness the enchanting Sound and Light Show that narrates the history of the temple.

• Somnath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Somnath Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Sound and Light Show: Estimated cost - INR 25 (entrance fee), Time spent - 1 hour

Monday September 4: Diu

Head to the captivating island of Diu. Spend the morning exploring Diu Fort, a magnificent structure overlooking the Arabian Sea. Afterward, relax on the serene Naida Caves Beach and indulge in water sports activities. In the evening, visit St. Paul's Church and enjoy a sunset view from the Diu Sunset Point.

• Diu Fort: Estimated cost - INR 10 (entrance fee), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Naida Caves Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• St. Paul's Church: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Diu Sunset Point: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Tuesday September 5: Alang

Embark on a unique experience by visiting Alang, one of the world's largest ship-breaking yards. Witness the massive ships being dismantled and explore the bustling yard. Take a guided tour to understand the process and safety measures. In the afternoon, visit the nearby villages to interact with locals and learn about their way of life.

• Alang Ship-Breaking Yard: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Local Village Visit: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday September 6: Palitana

Visit Palitana, a significant pilgrimage site for Jains. Start your day by climbing the Shatrunjaya Hill, which houses thousands of Jain temples. As you ascend, marvel at the intricate architecture and panoramic views. It is advisable to hire a palanquin for the climb. After descending, explore the Palitana town and visit local markets.

• Shatrunjaya Hill: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Full day
• Palitana Town: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday September 7: Return Journey

After a delightful exploration of Gujarat's gems, it's time to head back home. Depart from the nearest airport or railway station and cherish the memories created during your family-friendly journey.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting Mandvi Beach in Diu, known for its tranquil ambiance and water sports options. Another hidden gem is the Gir National Park, where you can spot Asiatic lions and enjoy a wildlife safari. Locals love exploring the vibrant markets of Junagadh, such as the Junagadh Bazaar and Sardar Baazar, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and local delicacies.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.