Best of Gujarat: 09 Days Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Ahmedabad

Morning: Arrive at Ahmedabad airport/railway station, greeted by the tour leader, and transfer to the hotel. Brief introduction to Ahmedabad, located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411.

Afternoon: Visit the stunning Akshardham Temple (closed on Mondays), learning about Lord Swaminarayan and his pilgrimage through Gujarat.

Evening: Explore the vibrant Law Garden Market featuring textile handicrafts representative of Gujarat's rich culture. Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.

Day 02: Ahmedabad to Dwarka (450 Km | Approx. 8 Hrs)

Morning: After breakfast, visit historical sites including the peaceful Gandhi Ashram, Teen Darwaja, and the intricate Hutheesingh Jain Temple.

Afternoon: Explore Ataul Bridge, the architecturally significant Sidi Sayed Mosque, and the grand Jumma Masjid. Proceed to the exquisitely carved Adalaj Step-well.

Evening: Begin overnight bus journey towards Dwarka with dinner served on board.

Day 03: Explore Dwarka

Morning: Arrival and freshen up in Dwarka. Visit Dwarkadhish Temple, a 1400-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Afternoon: Visit Rukmini Temple, then take a boat trip to Bet Dwarka. Explore Nageshwar Temple en route followed by scenic stops at Gopi Talav, Gayatri Mandir, Gettha Mandir, and Punch Kuwa.

Evening: Enjoy sunset views from a designated viewpoint before overnight stay at Dwarka hotel.

Day 04: Dwarka – Porbandar – Gir – Somnath (245 Km | Approx. 5 Hrs)

Morning: Drive to Porbandar, birth city of Mahatma Gandhi. Visit Kirti Mandir and Sudama Dwarka Temple.

Afternoon: Proceed to Gir National Park (dependent on opening). Explore the sanctuary known for Asiatic lions and other wildlife.

Evening: Continue to Somnath for overnight stay.

Day 05: Full Day in Somnath

Morning: Explore the legendary Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, an ancient and sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Afternoon: Visit Bhalka Tirth, the Sun Temple, the Pandavas' cave, Pradakshina Theertham, and Gita Mandir, all linked to Lord Krishna’s life and legends.

Evening: Leisure time and overnight stay at Somnath.

Day 06: Somnath – Bhavnagar (280 Km | Approx. 6 Hrs)

Morning: After breakfast, drive to Bhavnagar, founded in 1723 by Bhavsinhji Gohil.

Afternoon: Visit the fascinating Nishkalank Mahadev Temple submerged in the sea (timing depends on tides), housing five naturally formed Shiva lingams.

Evening: Relax at the hotel and overnight stay in Bhavnagar.

Day 07: Bhavnagar – Vadodara (260 Km | Approx. 6 Hrs)

Morning: Depart for Vadodara, rich in historical heritage linked to the Maratha rule.

Afternoon: Visit the grand Laxmi Vilas Palace with Venetian glass and Italian marble interiors, the tiered Naulakhi Baoli step-well, and Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum.

Evening: Stroll through Sayaji Bagh park housing the Baroda Museum. Overnight stay at Vadodara.

Day 08: Vadodara – Statue of Unity Excursion (90 Km | Approx. 2 Hrs One Way)

Morning: Day trip to the iconic Statue of Unity, tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, located near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Kevadia.

Afternoon: Explore the memorial site and its educational components surrounded by the Vindhyachal and Satpura ranges.

Evening: Return to Vadodara hotel for overnight stay.

Day 09: Departure via Ahmedabad/Surat

Morning: Check-out from Vadodara hotel and transfer to Ahmedabad or Surat airport/railway station (154 Km | Approx. 3 Hrs).

Afternoon: On arrival at Surat, visit Surat Castle, the old fort, followed by some last-minute shopping.

Evening: Board flight/train for onward journey back to Kerala, concluding the Best of Gujarat tour with cherished memories.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Akshardham Temple: 2 hours | Free (donations accepted)
• Gandhi Ashram: 1.5 hours | Entry Free
• Adalaj Step-well: 1 hour | Entry approx. Rs. 25
• Dwarkadhish Temple: 2 hours | Entry Free
• Bet Dwarka Boat Ride: 2 hours | Approx. Rs. 150 per person
• Gir National Park Entry & Safari: 3-4 hours | Approx. Rs. 1000 per person
• Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple: 2 hours | Entry Free
• Nishkalank Mahadev Temple visit: 1 hour (dependent on tides) | Free
• Laxmi Vilas Palace: 2 hours | Entry approx. Rs. 100
• Statue of Unity visit: 4-5 hours (including travel) | Entry approx. Rs. 150

Total Estimated Cost for Attractions: Approx. Rs. 1,425 per person

Tips

• To Extend the Trip: Add an extra day in Gir National Park for a deeper safari experience or an additional day in Vadodara to explore nearby temples and museums.
• To Shorten the Trip: Skip the Gir National Park visit by reducing a day between Porbandar and Somnath and focusing on coastal and cultural sites.
• To optimize comfort during travel days, consider overnight trains or flights where feasible to maximize sightseeing time.
• Due to tide-dependent temple visits such as Nishkalank Mahadev, plan flexible timing or consult local schedules in advance.