4-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Somnath, Dwarka, Porbandar

Thursday, August 10: Somnath

Start your trip by visiting the famous Somnath Temple, a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the morning, immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere and witness the aarti ceremony. Afterward, explore the tranquil Somnath Beach and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore. In the afternoon, visit the Bhalka Tirtha, a sacred site associated with Lord Krishna's departure from Earth. As the evening sets in, marvel at the breathtaking sunset views from Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers.

• Somnath Temple: Free Entry, 2-3 hours
• Somnath Beach: Free Entry, 1-2 hours
• Bhalka Tirtha: Free Entry, 1-2 hours
• Triveni Sangam: Free Entry, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Radhe Krishna Restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious Indian breakfast with dishes like parathas and poha. A meal here costs about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, try the vegetarian thali at Hotel Ambar where you can savor a variety of Gujarati dishes. A meal here costs around 250 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit the Oceanic Restaurant located near Somnath Beach. Indulge in fresh seafood delicacies like butter garlic prawns and fish curry. A meal here costs about 500 INR per person.

Friday, August 11: Dwarka

Embark on a journey to Dwarka, a city steeped in mythology and spirituality. Begin your day by visiting the Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Witness the morning aarti and seek blessings. In the afternoon, explore the Dwarka Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Afterward, visit Rukmini Devi Temple, known for its intricate architecture. In the evening, take a stroll along the Gomti Ghat and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

• Dwarkadhish Temple: Free Entry, 2-3 hours
• Dwarka Lighthouse: Free Entry, 1-2 hours
• Rukmini Devi Temple: Free Entry, 1-2 hours
• Gomti Ghat: Free Entry, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Madhuram Pure Veg Restaurant, known for its wide variety of vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Sugran Veg Restaurant, where you can relish authentic Gujarati thali with unlimited servings. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
• In the evening, treat yourself to a scrumptious dinner at The Grand Diner, offering a diverse menu of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Saturday, August 12: Dwarka (Day Trip to Bet Dwarka)

Embark on a day trip to Bet Dwarka, an island located near Dwarka. Start your morning by visiting the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Afterward, take a ferry ride to Bet Dwarka and explore the ancient temples, including the Shri Krishna Temple. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the island and indulge in a picnic by the beach. Return to Dwarka in the evening and spend some leisure time exploring the local markets.

• Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: Free Entry, 2-3 hours
• Bet Dwarka: Ferry cost - INR 10-20, 4-5 hours
• Shri Krishna Temple: Free Entry, 1-2 hours
• Local Market: Variable, 1-2 hours

Sunday, August 13: Porbandar

On the final day of your trip, head to Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Begin your morning by visiting the Kirti Mandir, a memorial dedicated to Gandhi. Explore the exhibits and gain insight into his life. In the afternoon, visit Porbandar Beach and unwind amidst the scenic beauty. Explore the Sudama Temple, associated with the childhood friend of Lord Krishna. Before leaving, catch the beautiful sunset at Chowpatty, a popular promenade.

• Kirti Mandir: Free Entry, 2-3 hours
• Porbandar Beach: Free Entry, 1-2 hours
• Sudama Temple: Free Entry, 1-2 hours
• Chowpatty: Free Entry, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Somnath, don't miss the enchanting Junagadh Gate, an ancient gateway that once stood in Junagadh but was later relocated to Somnath. It offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region. In Dwarka, make sure to visit the Dwarka Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for nature lovers with its diverse flora and fauna. Lastly, in Porbandar, venture off the beaten path and explore Barda Hills, a picturesque hilly region with scenic viewpoints and wildlife sightings.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.