Gujarat Odyssey – 7 Nights / 8 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Ahmedabad

Arrive in Ahmedabad and transfer to your hotel.

Ahmedabad, founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmad Shah, is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River. Today, it is one of India’s fastest-growing cities and a treasure trove of tradition, history, and culture. Known as the “Manchester of the East” for its flourishing textile industry, the city is renowned for its blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, labyrinthine lanes called pols, exquisitely carved havelis, and Indo-Saracenic mosques.

Later, proceed for a city tour:
● Gandhi Ashram: The peaceful retreat founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, from where he launched the famous Dandi March in 1930. Visit Hridaya Kunj, his humble residence, and explore the serene surroundings.
● Sidi Sayed Mosque: Celebrated for its intricately carved stone lattice windows, the mosque is an architectural gem.
● Hutheesingh Jain Temple: Built in 1850, this is among the finest Jain temples, adorned with elaborate carvings.
● Adalaj Stepwell: A beautiful Indo-Islamic stepwell built in the 15th century, richly decorated with carvings of flowers, birds, and mythological motifs.
● Akshardham Temple (Gandhinagar): A grand Swaminarayan temple complex made of pink sandstone, featuring intricately carved pillars and domes (closed on Mondays).

Overnight stay at Ahmedabad.

Day 2 Ahmedabad – Dakor – Pavagadh – Ahmedabad

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to Dakor and Pavagadh.
● Dakor: Once a Shiva pilgrimage centre, Dakor became famous for the Ranchhodraiji Temple (1772 A.D.), dedicated to Lord Krishna. Today, it is both a major Vaishnavite pilgrimage site and a bustling trading hub.
● Pavagadh: Home to the Mahakali Temple, one of Gujarat’s three main Shakti Peeths, where Goddess Sati’s left breast is believed to have fallen. The temple sits atop a hill near Champaner, attracting pilgrims from across India.

Return to Ahmedabad for overnight stay.

Day 3 Ahmedabad – Jamnagar – Dwarka

After breakfast, drive to Dwarka via Jamnagar.

Dwarka: An ancient city and one of the four principal pilgrimages (Char Dham) of Hinduism, Dwarka is believed to have been established by Lord Krishna as his capital. Marine excavations off the coast have revealed submerged structures believed to be part of the ancient city of Dwaravati.

In the evening, attend the Aarti ceremony at Dwarkadhish Temple.

Overnight stay at Dwarka.

Day 4 Dwarka – Bet Dwarka – Dwarka

After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Bet Dwarka and nearby temples.

● Bet Dwarka: An island accessible via a short boat ride from Okha. It is believed to have been Lord Krishna’s residence.
● Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, this temple enshrines Lord Shiva as the protector against all poisons.
● Rukmini Temple: A 12th-century shrine dedicated to Rukmini Devi, wife of Lord Krishna, known for its beautifully carved walls.
● Gopi Talav: A sacred pond where Lord Krishna is believed to have played with the Gopis.

Return to Dwarka for overnight stay.

Day 5 Dwarka – Porbandar – Somnath

Early morning, attend Aarti at Dwarkadhish Temple. After breakfast, drive to Somnath, visiting Porbandar en route.

● Porbandar: The birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, Porbandar is also described in the Skanda Purana as Sudamapuri. Visit:
○ Kirti Mandir: The ancestral house of Mahatma Gandhi, now a museum with a library and prayer hall.
○ Bharat Mandir: Showcasing reliefs of great historical personalities and a relief map of India.

Continue to Somnath, home to the legendary shore temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over centuries, the present temple was reconstructed in 1951 with Sardar Patel’s support. It enshrines one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Also visit Bhalka Tirth, where Lord Krishna is said to have left his mortal form.

Overnight stay at Somnath.

Day 6 Somnath – Bhavnagar

After breakfast, drive to Bhavnagar and transfer to your hotel.
● Bhavnagar: Founded in 1723 by Bhavsinhji Gohil, Bhavnagar flourished as a maritime trade hub. Visit:
○ Gaurishankar Lake: A picturesque picnic spot.
○ Takhteshwar Temple: Located on a hilltop, offering panoramic views.
○ Lock Gate: A unique engineering marvel that maintains water levels for ships during low tide.

Overnight stay at Bhavnagar.

Day 7 Bhavnagar – Palitana – Bhavnagar

After breakfast, take a day excursion to Palitana.

● Palitana: At the foot of Shatrunjaya Hill lies one of Jainism’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, with over 860 marble temples built across nine centuries. Pilgrims typically climb 600 meters to reach the top, though dolis (palanquins) are also available.

Alternative (depending on tide): Visit Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, located in the sea near Koliyak. This unique temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is accessible only during low tide, when pilgrims walk across the seabed to reach the shrine.

Return to Bhavnagar for overnight stay.

Day 8 Bhavnagar – Ahmedabad (Departure)

After breakfast, drive back to Ahmedabad. On arrival, transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.