Explore the Treasure Trove in Western Gujarat in 5 days

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Western Gujarat, also know as Saurashtra has in store an amazing array of treasure trove to be explored by enthusiastic travelers. Starting with Dwarka, a principal Hindu pilgrimage site, to Somnath, Gir national park (lions), Diu and Palitana, the sheer variety of destinations is mind boggling. Though the places are too far away from from each other to be called a circuit, I have a great plan for travelers with energy to cover the whole region in 5 days. Though Ahmedabad is the gateway to western Gujarat, I have not included Ahmedabad in this as it's strictly not in western Gujarat. If you have time, have another day to explore Ahmedabad; please see next post in this blog for details of Ahmedabad.

Day-1: Dwarka

Dwarka is considered one of the four major pilgrimages (called Dhamas) for the Hindus. Adi Sankaracharya had established four sacred mathas in the four corners of India; it's one of them. Dwarkadhish temple was built 2500 years ago (partially destroyed by Mahmud Begada and rebuilt later in 16th century). The river Gomti meets Arabian sea just beside the temple; it's a beautiful place to explore by foot. 
  
Day-2: Somnath

Being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Somnath is one of the most important temples of India. It is believed to have been built on the Arabian sea coast in such a way that the sea water washed the Jyotirlinga during high tides. 
There are a few more attractions near the Somnath temple like the place where Lord Krishna breathed his last. It will take a few hours to go around the places of interest there. Leave for Gir national park (40 kms; 1 hr) late in the afternoon by a taxi to reach there by the evening.    

Day-3: Gir National Park

Early next morning take a safari tour of the Gir national park. You have to pre-book it over the Forest department's website (girlion.gujarat.gov.in). It's one of the most important national parks in India as it is the last abode of the Asiatic lion, the only place where you can see lions in the wild. 

Late in the afternoon or early evening, leave for Diu, 100 kms away, will take 2 and half hours to reach.

Day-4: Diu

Historically, part of the Saurashtra rulers of Gujarat, Diu was taken over by the Portuguese in 1535 and remained in their possession till 1961 when Indian troops took it under their possession. The island of Diu thus has a mixed culture- Indian (Gujarati) and Portuguese. It has a lovely beach to explore, and popular for water sports among visitors. 


Day-5: Palitana


Palitana is a major Jain pilgrimage and a place of architectural wonder. Located on the Shatrunjay hills, world's largest temple complex is a marvelous sight. Can you imagine more than 3000 temples built on these hills, nearly 900 out of which are situated on one mountain alone! It was here that Adinath (or, Rishabhanath/ Rishabhadeva), the first Jain Tirthankara is believed to have meditated. 





Yes, this is a difficult trip for five days (I have done it more than once); you will need 7-8 days to do it leisurely. You may include Ahmedabad for a day more (please look for the next post in this blog).







Location: Gujarat, India

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