9-Day Scenic Road Trip from Vijayapura to Somnath with Cultural and Historical Highlights

Day 1: Vijayapura Exploration

Vijayapura, Karnataka on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Priyadarshini

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast with fresh dosas and filter coffee to start the day energised.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Gol Gumbaz

Explore the majestic 17th-century mausoleum known for its dome, one of the largest in the world, and enjoy its famous whispering gallery.
INR30, 2 hours

11:30AM

Jama Masjid

Visit this impressive 16th-century mosque displaying Adil Shahi architecture located near the Gol Gumbaz.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Zaika Restaurant

Savor a delicious Hyderabadi biryani and traditional North Karnataka cuisine at this popular local restaurant.
INR350, 1 hour

2:30PM

Travel to Pune

Drive north approximately 450 km to Pune, Maharashtra, which will take about 8 to 9 hours with breaks.
Fuel cost approx INR2500, 9 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Barbeque Nation Pune

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring grilled meats and vegetarian options to recharge after the long drive.
INR700, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Pune Sightseeing

Pune, Maharashtra on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vaishali

Relish Pune’s famous misal pav and fresh filter coffee at this iconic eatery open from 7 AM.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Aga Khan Palace

Tour this historic palace known for its architecture and role in India’s freedom movement, open 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR50, 2 hours

11:30AM

Shaniwar Wada Fort

Explore the ruins of the former seat of the Peshwas and learn about Maratha history, open till 6 PM.
INR25, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Malaka Spice

Experience a diverse menu inspired by Southeast Asian flavors in a beautiful setting downtown.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Travel to Surat

Drive approximately 340 km west to Surat, Gujarat, which takes around 6 hours.
Fuel cost approx INR2000, 6 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at The Grand Bhagwati

Settle in with a traditional Gujarati thali dinner at one of Surat’s well-known restaurants.
INR500, 1 hour
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Day 3: Surat & Diu Visit

Surat to Diu, Gujarat on April 19, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day, Surat

Light breakfast with fresh brewed coffee and pastries before an early start.
INR150, 30 mins

8:15AM

Travel to Diu

Drive approximately 110 km to the island of Diu for history and beach time, about 3 hours.
Fuel cost approx INR800, 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit Diu Fort

Explore this Portuguese-built fort offering spectacular views and insight into colonial history, open 9 AM to 6 PM.
INR20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Arena Beach Shack

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes right on the beach with a relaxing atmosphere.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Nagoa Beach

Spend afternoon at this scenic beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing until sunset.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fort House Restaurant

Dine on delicious Goan and Gujarati seafood specialities near the fort before overnight stay.
INR700, 1 hour
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Day 4: Diu to Gir National Park

Diu to Gir, Gujarat on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Quick traditional Gujarati breakfast to fuel the early morning drive.
INR250, 30 mins

7:45AM

Travel to Gir National Park

Drive approximately 120 km to Gir National Park, the only home to Asiatic lions, about 3 hours.
Fuel cost approx INR1000, 3 hours

10:45AM

Check-in at Jungle Resort near Gir

Settle into an eco-friendly resort close to the park with comfortable amenities.
INR3500 per night approx, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at the resort

Enjoy regional Gujarati and Rajasthani dishes in a serene forest setting.
INR800, 1 hour

3:30PM

Evening Safari in Gir National Park

Participate in a guided jeep safari to spot Asiatic lions, leopards, and deer; safari timings approx 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
INR1500, 2.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at the resort

Wind down with a quiet dinner featuring local flavors and fresh ingredients.
INR800, 1 hour
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Day 5: Gir Exploration Day

Gir, Gujarat on April 21, 2025

6:00AM

Morning Safari in Gir National Park

Early morning safari offers the best chances to see wildlife active at dawn; usually 6 AM to 9 AM.
INR1500, 3 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at Resort

Healthy breakfast with fresh fruits and local breads to recharge after the morning safari.
INR500, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Devaliya Safari Park

Explore this fenced sanctuary within Gir for easier lion and deer sightings, open 9:30 AM to 5 PM.
INR1000, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at nearby local dhaba

Enjoy authentic Gujarati thali at a local eatery renowned for homestyle cooking.
INR400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at resort or visit nearby temples

Unwind at the resort or explore local temples like the Kirti Durg temple for cultural insights.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at resort

Indulge in a multi-course meal featuring seasonal and regional dishes in a tranquil setting.
INR800, 1 hour
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Day 6: Gir to Somnath

Gir to Somnath, Gujarat on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at resort

Start with a wholesome breakfast including eggs and fresh produce to prepare for the day's travel.
INR500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Somnath

Drive about 50 km south to the temple town of Somnath, taking around 1.5 hours.
Fuel cost approx INR300, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Somnath Temple

Explore the famous 12 Jyotirlinga temple, an important pilgrimage site with beautiful architecture, open 5 AM to 10 PM.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Jai Somnath Restaurant

Relish Gujarati thali and South Indian dishes in a clean, bright dining environment close to the temple.
INR400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Bhalka Tirth Beach

Relax on this serene beach adjacent to Somnath temple where Lord Krishna is believed to have been shot.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Attend Evening Aarti at Somnath Temple

Experience the spiritually uplifting evening aarti ceremony at the temple, usually held at 6 PM.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Natraj

Enjoy a mix of Indian and continental dishes in a hotel restaurant known for quality and good service.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 7: Somnath Cultural Day

Somnath, Gujarat on April 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with lavish Indian breakfast options including poha and chai onsite at the hotel.
INR300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Triveni Sangam

Visit the sacred confluence of three rivers where pilgrims take ritual baths, a short distance from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Somnath Museum

Discover artifacts and exhibits telling the history of the Somnath temple and its restorations, open 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR50, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Lotus Restaurant

Try delicious local Gujarati snacks and fresh fruit juices in this popular spot near the temple.
INR400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax or shopping in local markets

Spend afternoon exploring nearby markets for souvenirs like handicrafts and traditional sweets.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Prabhas Patan Museum

Learn more about the archaeology and local heritage of Somnath area, open till 6 PM.
INR50, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Radhika Restaurant

Enjoy a casual dinner featuring authentic Gujarati and Rajasthani dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
INR450, 1 hour
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Day 8: Day Trip to Veraval and Surroundings

Veraval and Somnath, Gujarat on April 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading out on day trip nearby.
INR300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Chamunda Mataji Temple

Explore this tranquil temple on a hill offering panoramic views of Somnath and nearby Arabian Sea.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Travel to Veraval

Drive approximately 6 km to the port town of Veraval to discover coastal life in Gujarat.
Fuel cost approx INR100, 15 mins

11:15AM

Visit Veraval Fish Market

Experience the bustling fish market showcasing the daily catch and local livelihoods, open early mornings till afternoon.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at local seafood restaurant

Savor fresh fish and other seafood delicacies freshly prepared in traditional Gujarati style.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Return to Somnath and relax

Spend the afternoon resting by the beach or at hotel spa facilities if available.
Variable, 3 hours

6:00PM

Attend Light and Sound show at Somnath Temple

Experience the cultural history narrated beautifully in the evening light and sound show available daily.
INR150, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Classic

Choose from a variety of dishes ranging from Indian to continental in a comfortable setting.
INR700, 1 hour
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Day 9: Departure Day

Somnath, Gujarat on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final relaxing breakfast with views of the sea.
INR300, 1 hour

8:30AM

Optional Morning Beach Walk

Stroll along the quiet Bhalka Beach to say farewell to the beautiful coastline.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check-out and departure

Prepare for departure or onward travel after a culturally rich 9-day itinerary.
Variable, N/A
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