Dwarka Somnath Gir 5-Day Itinerary for December 2023 - Family Friendly

1. Day 1: Dwarka
   4 hours (234 km) from Rajkot Airport

   Visit Dwarkadhish Temple in the morning, which is one of the most revered temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. In the afternoon, head to Dwarka Beach to relax and enjoy the scenic views. In the evening, visit Rukmini Temple, which is located 2 km away from Dwarkadhish Temple and is dedicated to Lord Krishna's wife, Rukmini.

2. Day 2: Somnath
   5 hours (225 km) from Dwarka

   Start the day by exploring the Somnath Temple, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, head to Bhalka Tirth, which is located 4 km away from Somnath Temple and is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna was accidentally shot by an arrow. In the evening, visit the Triveni Sangam, which is the confluence of three rivers, and is considered a sacred site for Hindus.

3. Day 3: Gir
   1 hour (40 km) from Somnath

   Embark on a morning safari at the Gir National Park, which is known for being the only place in the world that is home to the Asiatic Lion. In the afternoon, visit the Kamleshwar Dam, which is located within the Gir sanctuary area and is a popular spot for bird watching. In the evening, relax at the Gir Birding Lodge, which is a great place to unwind and spot some exotic bird species.

4. Day 4: Junagadh
   1.5 hours (65 km) from Gir

   Start the day by exploring Uparkot Fort, which has a rich history dating back to 300 BCE. In the afternoon, visit Mahabat Maqbara, which is an ornate mausoleum built in the late 19th century. In the evening, visit the Girnar Hill, which is a sacred site for both Hindus and Jains and is home to several temples.

5. Day 5: Rajkot
   2.5 hours (105 km) from Junagadh

   Start the day by visiting the Rotary Dolls Museum, which has a collection of more than 1,400 dolls from around the world. In the afternoon, visit the Watson Museum, which has a collection of artefacts from the colonial era. In the evening, visit the Swaminarayan Temple, which is a beautiful temple that is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the beautiful city of Porbandar, which is known for its scenic beaches and temples. You can also take a side trip to the historic city of Bhuj, which has a rich cultural heritage. To maximize your fun, make sure to try some of the local cuisine, such as the famous Gujarati thali. Don't forget to carry warm clothes as December can get chilly.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dwarkadhish Temple (2 hours, free)
• Dwarka Beach (2 hours, free)
• Rukmini Temple (1 hour, free)
• Somnath Temple (2 hours, free)
• Bhalka Tirth (1 hour, free)
• Triveni Sangam (1 hour, free)
• Gir National Park Safari (5 hours, INR 4500 per jeep)
• Kamleshwar Dam (2 hours, free)
• Gir Birding Lodge (2 hours, INR 5000 per night)
• Uparkot Fort (2 hours, INR 25 per person)
• Mahabat Maqbara (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
• Girnar Hill (2 hours, free)
• Rotary Dolls Museum (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
• Watson Museum (2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Swaminarayan Temple (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 9530 per person