Krishna's Capital, a Jyotirlinga, the Asiatic Lion's Last Refuge & a Portuguese Island Town
A 7-day circuit through the full breadth of what the Saurashtra peninsula has to offer — sacred Hindu pilgrimage at Dwarka and Somnath, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi at Porbandar, a wildlife safari into the last wild refuge of the Asiatic lion at Gir National Park, and the relaxed, Portuguese-influenced beaches and forts of Diu.
The first three days follow our core Gujarat pilgrimage route — two nights at Dwarka for the Dwarkadhish Temple, Gomti Ghat, and Shivrajpur Beach, a stop at Porbandar's Kirti Mandir and Gandhi's ancestral home, and a night at Somnath for darshan at the Jyotirlinga and the evening light and sound show.
From Somnath, a short drive (approximately 42-65 km) brings you to Gir National Park — the only place on earth where the Asiatic lion survives in the wild. A late afternoon or early morning jeep safari into the sanctuary offers a genuine chance of sighting these magnificent animals, alongside leopards, deer, and an exceptional variety of birdlife.
The circuit concludes with two nights at Diu — a former Portuguese colony until 1961, with a character entirely distinct from mainland Gujarat: Portuguese-era forts and churches, the relaxed Nagoa Beach, and (unlike the rest of Gujarat) no restrictions on alcohol, making it a popular, easy-going final stop before the drive back to Rajkot.
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 for a brief photo stop. 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. 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 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. Continue to the Sudama Temple, the only temple in India dedicated to Krishna's childhood friend Sudama. After 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.
Morning visit to the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple for darshan, along with Bhalka Tirth and the Triveni Sangam Ghat nearby. After breakfast, check out and drive to Gir National Park (approximately 42-65 km depending on the exact route, ~1-1.5 hours) — the last wild refuge of the Asiatic lion anywhere on earth. Check in to your jungle lodge. In the afternoon, head out on a jeep safari into the sanctuary, with naturalist guides tracking recent lion movements — sightings are never guaranteed, but Gir's lion population has grown steadily in recent decades, and chances are genuinely good across a full safari.
An early-morning jeep safari into Gir National Park for a final chance at an Asiatic lion sighting, alongside leopards, sambar deer, chital, and the sanctuary's rich birdlife, including the crested serpent eagle and paradise flycatcher. Return to the lodge for breakfast and checkout. Drive to Diu (approximately 110 km via Una, ~2.5 hours). On arrival, check in to your hotel. Evening at leisure on one of Diu's relaxed beaches.
A full day exploring Diu — a former Portuguese colony until 1961, with a character entirely distinct from mainland Gujarat. Visit Diu Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese fortification overlooking the sea, and St Paul's Church, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in India. Visit the Diu Museum for artefacts from the Portuguese era, and the INS Khukri memorial, commemorating an Indian Navy frigate sunk during the 1971 war. In the afternoon, relax at Nagoa Beach, Diu's most popular horseshoe-shaped bay, with the option of water sports. Visit the Naida Caves (atmospheric sandstone caves, popular for photography) and the Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple, a Shiva shrine set directly among rocks on the shoreline, where the sea washes over the lingams at high tide.
A relaxed final morning in Diu — perhaps a last walk on the beach or a visit to the local market for Diu's distinctive blend of Gujarati and Portuguese-influenced snacks. After breakfast, check out and drive back to Rajkot (approximately 190-200 km via Una and Junagadh, ~4 hours), with the option of a brief stop at Junagadh's Uperkot Fort if time allows. Transfer to Rajkot Airport for your departure flight. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 6 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing
- ✓ 2 jeep safaris in Gir National Park (afternoon + dawn)
- ✓ 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
- ✗ Gir National Park entry & safari permit fees (payable locally, subject to availability)
- ✗ Entrance fees / camera charges at monuments and museums
- ✗ Somnath light & sound show ticket (nominal, if applicable)
- ✗ Water sports at Nagoa Beach (optional, payable locally)
- ✗ 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.
