Gujarat Coastal Charms and Unity Trails

Meet your driver upon arrival at Ahmedabad airport or railway station and embark on the road trip south to the coastal territory of Diu. After checking in to your accommodation, visit the INS Khukri Memorial, dedicated to the naval frigate lost during the 1971 war. In the evening, head down to Nagoa Beach or Ghoghla Beach to watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea. Settle in for the night in Diu.

Begin the day with Diu local sightseeing. Discover the massive 16th-century Portuguese fortress of Diu Fort, spend time by the coast, and visit the Gangeshwar Temple, noted for its five Shiva Lingas set beside the sea. Following your morning exploration, set off on an inland drive as coastal plains transition into deciduous woodland. Arrive at Gir National Park, check into your hotel, and rest for the evening ahead of tomorrow's wildlife outing. Breakfast is included. Overnight stay in Gir.

Start early with a morning safari into Gir National Park, searching for wild Asiatic lions, leopards, deer and rich birdlife. Afterward, drive to Somnath along the coast. Visit Bhalka Teerth, the spot associated with the departure of Lord Krishna, and see the nearby Triveni Sangam river confluence. Arrive at the sea-facing Somnath Temple, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, to witness the evening prayer ceremony. Breakfast is included. Sleep overnight in Somnath.

Depart Somnath for Dwarka. Stop along the way at Madhavpur Beach to stretch your legs by the sea. Continue into Porbandar to visit Kirti Mandir, the ancestral home and birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, along with Shri Hari Temple. Proceed onward to Dwarka and visit the ancient five-storey Dwarkadhish Temple for evening darshan. You will also stop at the carved Rukmini Devi Temple located just outside town. Breakfast is included. Overnight in Dwarka.

Spend a full day exploring sacred and coastal sights around Dwarka. Visit the revered Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve sacred Shiva shrines. Board a short ferry across the water to Beyt Dwarka island, regarded as the historic home of Lord Krishna. Later in the afternoon, travel to the certified Blue Flag shores of Shivrajpur Beach to relax and watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea. Breakfast is included. Return to Dwarka for the night.

Embark on the long overland journey back towards Ahmedabad, taking around 7 to 8 hours. Time permitting, stop in Gandhinagar to visit the pink sandstone complex and gardens of Akshardham Temple. If schedule allows, also tour Adalaj Stepwell, a multi-storey subterranean structure built in 1499 featuring intricate Solanki stonework. Breakfast is included. Check in for your overnight stay in Ahmedabad.

Dedicate the day to Kevadia and the colossal Statue of Unity. Tour the base museum and take the high-speed lift up to the chest-level viewing gallery overlooking the Narmada River and Sardar Sarovar Dam. Stroll through the Cactus Garden, the Valley of Flowers, the Butterfly Garden, and the hedge-lined Maze Garden. At dusk, visit the illuminated Glow Garden, followed by the evening Laser Light and Sound Show projected onto the statue, or attend the Narmada Ghat Maha Aarti. Breakfast is included. Sleep overnight in Kevadia near the Statue of Unity.

Have your final breakfast and check out from your hotel in Kevadia. Begin the drive back to Ahmedabad. Your trip concludes with a scheduled transfer to Ahmedabad airport or railway station for your onward travel. Breakfast is included.