A Journey Through Sacred Shores: Our Saurashtra Sojourn (Dec 2024) 🌊✨

Dates: 3rd -- 9th December 2024

Travellers: Siddhartha, Papiya , Riyanshi, Neelashri and our rented Mahindra X500

I had been planning a 7--8 day trip for a while --- something relaxing yet enriching, and most importantly, a journey we could all enjoy as a family. After a lot of thought, discussions, and itinerary drafts, we finally zeroed in on Gujarat as our destination.

Initially, Ahmedabad seemed like the natural entry point. But considering our tight schedule and our desire to soak in the sea breeze as much as possible, we opted to fly into Rajkot instead. It turned out to be the right call.

This was our first proper family vacation in a long time, and the excitement was contagious --- especially among the kids, who couldn't wait to hit the road. To keep things flexible and fun, we decided to rent a self-drive car, giving us the freedom to explore at our own pace.

To streamline planning, I used Wanderlog to build our itinerary. It was a game-changer --- intuitive, shareable, and incredibly handy throughout the trip. Highly recommended to anyone planning a multi-stop adventure.

Day 1 - Touchdown in Rajkot A Royal Rajasthani Turnaround

We took off from Delhi on 3rd December and landed at Hirasar Airport, Rajkot, just before 7 PM --- but the trip didn't quite begin the way we had hoped. We had booked a luxurious homestay penthouse in advance, excited for a cozy start to our adventure. After a 1.5-hour drive from the airport, we reached the location... only to discover that the property didn't exist.

Despite multiple attempts to reach the owner, our calls went unanswered. It was almost 9 PM by then, the kids were exhausted, and all we wanted was a place to settle in for the night. That's when I quickly turned to MakeMyTrip, and with a stroke of luck, found a last-minute booking at Chouki Dhani --- a traditional Rajasthani-themed resort.

As it turned out, this was also where our prearranged self-drive rental car was delivered. I had initially planned on getting a Mahindra Thar, but considering space and practicality for the family, I had settled for a Nissan Terrano. To our surprise, the owners instead sent us a Mahindra XUV500 Diesel Manual.

The car looked a little jittery at first when I took it for a quick spin to the parking --- it gave me a few shivers. But overall, it was spacious, loaded, and ready to roll. With that, things started looking up again. The vibe at Chouki Dhani was warm and welcoming --- folk performances, puppet shows, camel rides, and a hearty thali dinner lifted everyone's spirits. The kids loved it, and we finally got the peace we needed to call it a night.

Saurashtra was ready for us.

Day 2 - Temples, Tales & Tranquility --- Rajkot to Dwarka 🚗🕍

The plan was to start early and visit BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir and Shri Ramakrishna Ashram in Rajkot. However, with the change in accommodation and our new location at Chouki Dhani on the outskirts, those stops would've taken us off-track. So, we made a spontaneous and very welcome change --- skipped the Rajkot visits, and instead spent a relaxed morning enjoying a hearty Rajasthani breakfast at the resort.

Refreshed and recharged, we hit the road straight for Jamnagar, choosing to spend more time exploring there instead.

Our first stop was Lakhota Lake, where we took a leisurely walk around its entire periphery, soaking in the calm and watching the locals go about their morning. From there, we exited directly toward the nearby Bala Hanuman Temple, famous for its continuous Ram dhun chanting --- a Guinness World Record in devotion and endurance. The palace museum beside the lake was unfortunately closed, but the Tibetan Market nearby made up for it. After a stroll through its colorful lanes and a quick lunch, we resumed our journey toward Dwarka.

By late afternoon, we checked into the Goverdhan Green Resort, our serene base for the next two nights. That evening, under a golden sky, we visited the sacred Dwarkadhish Temple, followed by the breathtaking Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, perched amidst the sea. The waves, the chants, the evening aarti --- it all felt timeless.

Day 3 - Dwarka & Beyond --- Sacred Shores and Serene Shrines 🌅🙏

This was a day devoted entirely to divine exploration --- the spiritual heart of our Saurashtra journey. We started early in the morning for Beyt Dwarka, which is typically accessed by boat, but we took the scenic newly-built sea bridge --- a smooth and stunning drive across the ocean that felt surreal in the morning light.

We parked our car right at the entrance of Beyt Dwarka and hopped into an e-rickshaw that took us through narrow temple-lined lanes. The highlight was, of course, the grand Dwarkadhish Temple --- but what surprised us was the cluster of smaller shrines inside: Radha Rani, Mahalakshmi, Sakshi Gopal, and others. Each corner offered something unique, quiet, and reflective.

After completing our darshan there, we made a quick detour to the nearby Gatrad Mataji Mandir, followed by the peaceful and welcoming Hanuman Dandi Temple. The temple served prasad, and after the early start and long drive, it was just what our empty stomachs needed --- warm and filling.

We returned to our car and began driving back toward Dwarka. Along the way, we stopped at Gopi Talav, a quaint and charming lake full of colorful fish. The kids had a lovely time feeding the fish, and we all cooled off with some fresh coconut water 🥥.

Our next spiritual anchor was the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple --- one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This was a special place for us, and we spent quality time here, soaking in the atmosphere. We even made a second round for darshan to offer personal prayers and offerings --- it was peaceful, powerful, and deeply moving.

As the sun began to set, we drove to the Rukmini Devi Temple, and finally returned to Dwarka for a second evening darshan at Dwarkadhish Temple --- because once just didn't feel enough.

The kids had a blast crossing the Sudama Setu once again. We offered prayers at the sacred Gomti Ghat, then took a quiet walk along Dwarka Beach all the way to the lighthouse, the sea breeze ruffling our hair, seagulls in the air, and a feeling of calm washing over everything.

Exhausted yet fulfilled, we returned to our hotel, ready to rest up for the long coastal drive to Somnath the next day.

Day 4 - A Journey Along the Coastal Gems - Dwarka to Somnath 🌊🚘

After a hearty breakfast, we set off for our long drive to Somnath, which was dotted with historic and religious gems that I had been looking forward to. Our Beast X500 was proving to be more than capable, effortlessly handling the journey with its power and comfort.

We started our drive along the coastal route, with windmills lining the way. The landscape gradually shifted to lush coconut plantations, which were serene and beautiful. To keep the kids entertained during the drive, we packed extra snacks like chips, biscuits, and drinks.

Our first major stop was in Porbandar, where we visited:

• Harsiddhi Mata Temple, perched with breathtaking coastal views.
• Kirti Mandir, the birthplace of Gandhiji.
• Sudama Temple, a tribute to friendship and devotion.

While these places were impressive, we also indulged in some street shopping in Porbandar, picking up local goodies and souvenirs.

As we continued our journey, we took a slight detour to visit the mystical Jambuvan Caves. Though it was a bit off-route, it was absolutely worth it. The caves were awe-inspiring, and the priest and local people were incredibly helpful, sharing fascinating insights about the site.

But the highlight of the day came as we reached Madhavpur Beach. This was the first real beach on our journey, and the kids were absolutely thrilled. We spent hours here, and it became a bit of a challenge to get them to leave! We walked along the entire coastline and enjoyed some delicious snacks at the coastal shacks---Maggie and corn, the perfect beachside treat 🌽.

Eventually, it was time to leave the beach and head towards Somnath. We stopped to fill our tires with air before continuing on the road, finally arriving at Somnath Gateway Hotel in the evening. The hotel room was huge, with four separate beds lined up in a way that gave it an eerie resemblance to a hospital ward, but it was still a comfortable place to rest after a long day on the road.

After an hour of rest, we headed to Somnath Temple for the much-awaited sunset aarti. The experience was beyond words. As the conch blew and the lamps glowed, we felt completely humbled by the atmosphere. The temple was one of the cleanest, most beautiful ones I've ever visited, and its beauty made me promise to return the next day.

We were so tired after the eventful day, so we had dinner at the hotel and settled in for a peaceful night, eager to continue our journey the next day to the magnificent Diu.

Day 5 - Exploring the Portuguese Charm of Diu 🏖️🏰

We left early for Diu, a charming coastal town with a rich Portuguese legacy. Diu is known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant mix of cultures, making it the perfect destination for a day of exploration and relaxation.

Our first stop was Nagao Beach, a pristine stretch of sand with crystal-clear waters. The beach was relatively quiet, offering a peaceful escape, and the kids had a blast playing by the water.

Next, we headed to Diu Fort, an impressive structure offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The fort's ancient walls and scenic surroundings made it an ideal spot to take in the beauty of the place. The architecture of the fort, with its towering ramparts and cannons, was a reminder of the colonial past, and we enjoyed wandering around, soaking in the history.

After the fort, we visited St. Paul's Church, a stunning example of Portuguese Baroque architecture. The intricate woodwork and the beautiful altar left us in awe. We then headed to Jalandhar Beach, another scenic spot that was less crowded but equally beautiful.

A significant moment of our trip was paying tribute at the INS Khukri Memorial, which honors the brave Indian Navy sailors who lost their lives during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. It was a solemn and moving experience, and we spent some time reflecting on the sacrifice and bravery of those who served.

The highlight of our Diu adventure came when we indulged in some adventure sports---a thrilling jet ski ride and a fun banana boat trip! 🏄‍♂️ The kids were especially excited, and the adrenaline rush was a perfect way to experience the waters of Diu.

After all the excitement, we worked up an appetite and decided to enjoy a seafood lunch. After searching a bit for the perfect spot, we finally found a restaurant right at the shore. The fresh seafood was absolutely delicious, and eating with the sound of the waves in the background made the experience even more memorable.

On our way back, we visited Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a significant place for our family. We then made our way back to Somnath Temple, where we did multiple rounds, soaking in its magnificence and beauty. The experience was deeply spiritual and calming, and the serenity of the temple left us feeling humbled. It's hard to describe the peace we felt there---it was a truly personal and memorable moment that I will always cherish.

Day 6: Into the Wild --- Somnath to Sasan Gir 🦁🌳

Having spent two nights in Somnath, there were still several spiritual and historic places left unexplored. So, after an early breakfast, we decided to cover these final gems before heading off to Gir for yet another exemplary experience.

Our morning trail included:

• Bhalka Tirth -- A sacred site where Lord Krishna is believed to have been wounded by an arrow while resting. The temple idol captures that moment beautifully, and the air around felt still and reflective.
• Triveni Sangam -- The confluence of the Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati rivers. This tranquil spot is considered highly auspicious. Though boat rides are usually available, none were running when we visited.
• Gita Mandir -- A serene temple with verses of the Bhagavad Gita carved on marble walls, offering a quiet space for introspection.
• Panch Pandav Gufa -- A small cave shrine believed to have been visited by the Pandavas during their exile.
• Ban Ganga -- A sacred spring associated with the legends of Lord Ram, tucked away amidst natural beauty.
• Somnath Beach -- Though not ideal for swimming, its wild waves and long coastline made for a refreshing stroll.
• Shree Ram Mandir -- A peaceful temple complex with well-maintained gardens and a calm, devotional atmosphere.
• Kamnath Mahadev Mandir -- A prominent Shiva temple with intricate architecture and spiritual depth.
• Suraj Mandir -- A lesser-known but striking Sun Temple dedicated to Surya Dev, with a unique location facing the sea.

By late morning, it was time to bid Somnath goodbye. As we drove towards Sasan Gir, the coastal route gradually gave way to dense, arid forests. We left behind the cool sea breeze and entered the earthy heat and distinctive scent of the wild.

Just two hours from Somnath, we reached Sasan Gir and checked into Sarovar Portico, a calm and comfortable retreat nestled close to the forest. After an hour of much-needed rest, the highlight of the day awaited us --- the Gir Jungle Safari!

We hopped into an open jeep, and it was a relief to hand over the car duties to a capable driver and our enthusiastic guide. The forest buzzed with life. As we ventured deeper, the dusty trails brought sightings of herds of deer 🦌, colourful peacocks 🦚, and langurs leaping between trees. And then --- the moment we had been hoping for --- we spotted a majestic lion, followed closely by multiple lionesses and even a few playful cubs resting under the trees.

It was a day of great sightings, and as the sun dipped lower, we exchanged stories with fellow travellers --- tales of earlier safaris, rare encounters, and the awe that the Gir forest evokes in every visitor.

As the sky turned a golden orange, we retired for the evening, tired but elated, already thinking about how to make the most of our final day.

Day 7: When Plans Change --- Food, Fabrics & Farewells 🍽️🛍️

Our final day began with a plan as grand as the journey so far --- a trip to Girnar, the highest peak in Gujarat. After breakfast, we drove for about an hour along wild, winding roads into the hills, aiming to catch the early morning ropeway to the top and visit the sacred Amba Maa and Bhawani Temple.

But fate had different plans.

Upon reaching, we were told the ropeway had been suspended for the day due to high winds. Trekking to the top wasn't something we were ready for --- our legs, after days of temple hopping and beach wandering, had finally declared a strike.

So, we decided to shift gears --- instead of another spiritual stop, we chose to indulge in two things we had hardly touched during the trip: authentic local Kathiyawadi food and shopping.

We headed straight to Rajkot, giving ourselves 3--4 extra hours to relax and savour the end of the trip at our own pace. A bit of research led us to TGT -- The Grand Thakar, a name that kept popping up with glowing reviews. And what a meal it turned out to be --- a hearty, traditional Kathiyawadi thali that hit every spot. The Flavors, the variety, and the warmth of the service made it one of the most memorable meals of the journey.

Post lunch, we parked the car and wandered into a nearby market with one mission --- to find the perfect Bandhini dress material for Papiya. The search led us through a few shops, colourful displays, and warm shopkeepers until we finally found the right place and picked up some lovely fabrics --- vibrant, textured, and unmistakably Saurashtrian.

As the sun began its descent, so did our trip. It was time to start for the airport. We bid a quiet goodbye to our faithful Beast X500, our companion through coastlines, temples, forests, and forts. And with that, we boarded our flight back home --- bags full, hearts fuller, and memories packed to the brim ✈️.

Reflections 💭

In just 7 days, we travelled over 1,000 kilometres across Gujarat's spiritual, historical, and natural landscapes. From Dwarka's ocean-washed temples to Somnath's majestic sanctum, from the coastal calm of Diu to the wild thrill of Gir, this journey stitched together stories that will stay with us forever.

More than just sights, it gave us insight --- into our roots, our culture, and each other.
It was a trip that touched our hearts, taught our kids, and tightened our family bond.
We returned not just with souvenirs, but with a soul that had wandered --- and found home in every stop. ❤️