Grand SaurashtraGujarat in 7 nights

Seven nights around the Saurashtra peninsula: Ahmedabad, Dwarka, Somnath, Diu, Gir and Nishkalank Mahadev.

Day 1

Arrive in Ahmedabad

Your driver meets you at Ahmedabad airport or station. After check-in, visit the marble Hutheesing Jain temple, Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhi's home from 1917 to 1930, and the carved Adalaj stepwell.

No meals included today Overnight: Ahmedabad

Day 2

Ahmedabad to Dwarka

450 km · about 9 to 10 hours

An early start for the long drive across Saurashtra to Dwarka. On the way, stop in Jamnagar at the Bala Hanuman temple, known for a chant of 'Shri Ram, Jai Ram' that has carried on without a break since 1964. In the evening, join the crowds at the Dwarkadhish temple, the 'Jagat Mandir' of Lord Krishna, whose flag on the spire is changed several times a day, and walk down to the Gomti Ghat.

Breakfast Overnight: Dwarka

Day 3

Bet Dwarka, Nageshwar and Shivrajpur beach

Cross the Sudarshan Setu bridge to Bet Dwarka, the island where Krishna is said to have lived, and visit its temple. Back on the mainland, see the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Shiva, the carved Rukmini temple and Gopi Talav. End the day on the clean sands of Shivrajpur, a Blue Flag beach.

Breakfast Overnight: Dwarka

Day 4

Porbandar, then on to Somnath

250 km · about 5 hours

Drive down the coast to Porbandar for Kirti Mandir, the house where Mahatma Gandhi was born, and the Sudama temple. Continue to Somnath, the first of the twelve jyotirlingas, rebuilt many times on the edge of the sea. Visit Bhalka Tirth, where Krishna is said to have been struck by a hunter's arrow, the Triveni Sangam of three rivers and the Gita Mandir, then stay for the evening aarti at the Somnath temple. The light and sound show is paid there.

Breakfast Overnight: Somnath

Day 5

Somnath to Diu

About 90 km · 2 hours

Drive to Diu, the small island that was Portuguese until 1961. See the sea fort, St Paul's Church and the Gangeshwar temple, where the waves wash over the lingas, and spend the evening on the beach.

Breakfast Overnight: Diu

Day 6

Diu to Sasan Gir

About 100 km · 2 hours

Drive to Sasan Gir, the last home of the Asiatic lion. In the afternoon, go on a safari in the park (permits are limited and paid extra; we book them in advance).

Breakfast Overnight: Sasan Gir

Day 7

Sasan Gir to Bhavnagar and Nishkalank Mahadev

About 250 km · 5 hours

Drive to Bhavnagar. Depending on the tide, visit Nishkalank Mahadev at Koliyak, five Shiva lingas in the sea that you can walk out to only at low tide, and the Takhteshwar temple above the city.

Breakfast Overnight: Bhavnagar

Day 8

Bhavnagar to Ahmedabad, and home

About 200 km · 4 hours

After breakfast, drive to Ahmedabad, with time for the markets of the old city before your flight or train home.

Breakfast

Tour details

Accommodation

Choose the hotel category. The same route and sightseeing in every category.

Hotels are standard 3-star properties, named when you book. Breakfast is included.

Package cost

Price per adult on twin sharing, by the number of adults travelling together, in 3-star hotels. Land only.

Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver: a sedan for 2, a Toyota Innova Crysta for 4 or 6, and a 12-seat Tempo Traveller for 8 or 10. As per the itinerary.

Rates in INR per person on twin sharing. GST 5% extra. Prices are reconfirmed for your dates when you enquire.

Optional add-ons

Not in the package price. Add them when you book.

Tour information

Read this to prepare for your holiday.

Good to know

• Prices are per person, for travellers sharing a room, and depend on how many travel together. They are based on our partner's latest tariff and are reconfirmed for your dates when you enquire; festival dates such as Diwali, Navratri and Janmashtami may cost more.
• Hotels are standard 3-star properties, named when you book. Rates for an extra bed, a child or a single traveller are on request.
• Drives in Gujarat are long, often 5 to 10 hours on travel days. Roads are good, and the driver stops for meals and rest.
• Temples close in the afternoon and darshan times change on festival days; dress modestly, and expect phones and bags to be kept outside at some temples.
• Gir National Park is closed from 16 June to 15 October. Safari permits are limited and sell out early, so we book them as soon as you confirm.
• Nishkalank Mahadev can be reached only at low tide; the day's timings follow the tide table.

When to go

October to March. Cool, dry days for long drives and temple visits; the White Rann is at its best from November to February, and Gir reopens in mid-October. April to June is very hot, and the monsoon arrives in late June.

Our favourite months

Cancellation policy & payment terms

• Flights, trains and houseboats are paid in full at the time of ticketing or confirmation.
• Payments by bank transfer (NEFT / RTGS / IMPS), UPI or cheque in favour of TripRoutes. Card payments may carry a convenience fee.
• GST 5% is charged on the package cost as per government rules. On international holidays, TCS also applies as per government rules.
• Cancellation charges are per person, counted from the date of departure.
• Cancellations must be sent in writing by email or WhatsApp; the date we receive it is the cancellation date.
• Air and train tickets are refunded as per the airline / railway rules, plus our service charge.
• Visa fees, insurance premiums and non-refundable hotel or houseboat bookings (peak dates, special events) are not refundable.
• Refunds are processed within 15 working days of receiving supplier refunds.
• There is no refund for services not used during the holiday.
• Hotels may ask for a refundable security deposit at check-in, paid directly to the hotel.
• Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• TripRoutes is not liable for changes caused by weather, strikes, roadblocks, flight delays or government orders; extra costs arising are payable by the guest.

Questions about this holiday