Lord Krishna's Ancient Capital, Gandhi's Birthplace & a Jyotirlinga by the Sea
A 4-day pilgrimage along Gujarat's Saurashtra coast, linking two of Hinduism's most significant sacred sites — Dwarka, one of the four Char Dham and the legendary capital of Lord Krishna, and Somnath, home to the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva — with a stop at Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, along the way.
The tour opens with the drive from Rajkot to Dwarka (approximately 225 km), often routed via Jamnagar for a brief stop at this former princely capital. Two full nights in Dwarka allow time for the Dwarkadhish Temple, the Gomti Ghat where the river meets the Arabian Sea, and the evening Aarti — alongside Rukmini Devi Temple and the coastal Shivrajpur Beach.
From Dwarka, the route turns south to Porbandar (approximately 100-110 km) — the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, with the Kirti Mandir memorial and the adjacent ancestral Gandhi family home, along with the Sudama Temple, the only temple in India dedicated to Krishna's childhood friend Sudama.
The journey concludes at Somnath (approximately 120-130 km further), where the ancient Jyotirlinga temple — rebuilt several times through history after repeated destruction — stands directly on the Arabian Sea coast. An evening light and sound show narrates the temple's extraordinary history, before the return drive to Rajkot via Junagadh.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Arrive at Rajkot Airport, where you'll be met by our driver and begin the drive to Dwarka (approximately 225 km, ~4.5-5 hours), often routed via Jamnagar — the former capital of a princely state, with a brief photo stop possible at its Lakhota Palace or Bala Hanuman Temple. On arrival in Dwarka, check in to your hotel. In the evening, visit the Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna and one of the four Char Dham of India, and attend the temple's evening Aarti ceremony.
A full day exploring Dwarka. Visit Gomti Ghat, where the sacred Gomti River meets the Arabian Sea — pilgrims traditionally take a holy dip here before entering the Dwarkadhish Temple. Visit Rukmini Devi Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna's principal queen, and the Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple on the coast. In the afternoon, relax at Shivrajpur Beach (13 km from Dwarka), known for its clear waters, white sands, and the chance to spot dolphins offshore. Return to Dwarka for the evening.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Porbandar (approximately 100-110 km, ~2 hours) — the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Visit Kirti Mandir, the memorial built at Gandhi's birthplace, and the adjacent ancestral Gandhi family home where Bapu was born in 1869. Continue to the Sudama Temple, the only temple in India dedicated to Sudama, Krishna's childhood friend. After a local lunch, continue the drive to Somnath (approximately 120-130 km, ~2.5 hours). On arrival, check in to your hotel and attend the evening Aarti, followed by the temple's light and sound show, which narrates Somnath's dramatic history of destruction and rebuilding across the centuries.
Morning visit to the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple for darshan — the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and one of India's most historically significant temples, rebuilt several times after repeated destruction through the centuries. Visit Bhalka Tirth, believed to be the site where Lord Krishna left his mortal body, and the Triveni Sangam Ghat nearby. After breakfast and checkout, drive back to Rajkot (approximately 190-200 km, ~4 hours) via the historic town of Junagadh, known for its Uperkot Fort and ancient Ashoka rock edicts (a brief stop possible if time allows). Transfer to Rajkot Airport for your departure flight. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 3 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing
- ✓ 1 bottle of mineral water per person per day
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International/domestic airfare or train fare to/from Rajkot
- ✗ Visa charges
- ✗ Entrance fees / camera charges at monuments and museums (where applicable)
- ✗ Somnath light & sound show ticket (nominal, payable locally if not already included by venue)
- ✗ Tipping — an entirely personal gesture
- ✗ Laundry, drinks, and items of a personal nature
Your questions, answered
October to March offers the most pleasant temperatures (18–30°C) for temple visits and coastal sightseeing. April–June is very hot on the Saurashtra plains (up to 42°C); the monsoon (July–September) brings welcome rain but can affect Gir National Park access, which closes annually from mid-June to mid-October.
Yes — Bet Dwarka (reached by a short boat ride from Okha, 30 km from Dwarka) and the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (12 km from Dwarka) are both easily added as half-day excursions during your Dwarka stay. Let us know if you'd like either included when booking, as they are not part of the core itinerary listed here but are simple to add.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can add Jamnagar, Junagadh's Uperkot Fort, or extend any stop. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
October to March offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–28°C) for the ghats, boat rides, and temple queues. April–June is hot on the Gangetic plain (up to 42°C); the monsoon (July–September) raises the Ganges considerably, which can affect ghat access in both cities.
The new Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir draws very large crowds, particularly on weekends and during festivals such as Ram Navami and Diwali. We schedule darshan with queue time built into the itinerary; carrying a valid photo ID is recommended, as security screening is in place at the main temple complex.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, add Lucknow, or swap Chitrakoot for additional time in Prayagraj. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
