Perfect 4 Days Dwarka–Somnath Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide to the Spiritual Heart of Gujarat

Journey through the Sacred Shores of Gujarat

Dwarka and Somnath — two of India’s most revered spiritual destinations — together offer a journey that is both soulful and scenic. Located along Gujarat’s pristine Arabian Sea coast, these ancient cities are steeped in mythology, heritage, and devotion. Dwarka is known as the kingdom of Lord Krishna, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, while Somnath houses the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

A 4-day trip to Dwarka and Somnath promises a divine experience enriched with history, architecture, and natural beauty. From exploring Dwarkadhish Temple and the sacred Gomti Ghat to witnessing the majestic Somnath Temple’s evening aarti beside the roaring sea — this itinerary covers it all in detail.


Day 1: Arrival in Dwarka – The Kingdom of Lord Krishna

Theme: Pilgrimage, Heritage, and Local Exploration

Best Time to Start: Morning arrival in Dwarka (via train or road)

TimeActivityHighlights
8:00 AMArrival and Check-inCheck into a hotel near Dwarkadhish Temple or near Gomti Ghat for easy access. Refresh and relax after your journey.
9:30 AMDwarkadhish Temple DarshanBegin your spiritual journey at the iconic Dwarkadhish Temple, believed to be over 2,500 years old. The five-story structure, built with limestone and sand, stands on 72 pillars. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is one of the Char Dhams and a major Panch Dwarka site.
11:00 AMGomti Ghat and Sudama SetuTake a holy dip in the Gomti River where it meets the Arabian Sea. Cross the Sudama Setu footbridge for panoramic views of the coastline and temples.
1:00 PMLunch at Local RestaurantEnjoy Gujarati thali featuring rotla, dal, kadhi, undhiyu, and sweets like basundi or shrikhand.
3:00 PMRukmini Devi TempleLocated 2 km from the city, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna’s consort, Rukmini Devi. The temple’s carvings depict scenes from ancient scriptures.
4:30 PMBhadkeshwar Mahadev TempleBuilt on a small island-like structure, this temple becomes partially surrounded by the sea during high tide. A serene place for photography and meditation.
6:00 PMSunset at Dwarka BeachEnjoy a peaceful sunset view at Dwarka Beach, often dotted with devotees and pilgrims.
7:30 PMEvening Aarti at Dwarkadhish TempleWitness the mesmerizing evening aarti filled with chants and divine energy.
9:00 PMDinner and Overnight StayReturn to your hotel for dinner and rest for the next day’s excursion.

Day 2: Bet Dwarka and Nearby Attractions

Theme: Island Pilgrimage, Boat Ride, and Ancient Temples

TimeActivityHighlights
7:30 AMBreakfast and Departure to Okha PortAfter breakfast, drive 30 km (approx. 45 minutes) to Okha, the boarding point for Bet Dwarka.
9:00 AMBoat Ride to Bet Dwarka IslandTake a 20-minute ferry ride to reach the island believed to be Lord Krishna’s original residence. Dolphins are sometimes spotted along the route.
10:00 AMBet Dwarka Temple VisitThe main shrine here is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is believed to be the place where Sudama met Krishna. Carry offerings of chana (gram) as it’s a local tradition.
12:00 PMHanuman Dandi TempleVisit this unique temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and his son Makardhwaja. The temple is located 6 km from Bet Dwarka’s main temple.
1:30 PMReturn to Okha and LunchReturn by boat to Okha and have lunch at a local eatery.
3:00 PMNageshwar Jyotirlinga TempleDrive to Nageshwar Temple, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located 17 km from Dwarka. The temple’s massive Shiva statue and peaceful environment attract thousands of devotees daily.
5:00 PMGopi TalavVisit this serene pond believed to be the meeting place of Lord Krishna and the Gopis. The soil here is said to have a distinct yellowish color and sweet fragrance.
6:30 PMEvening Return to DwarkaReturn to your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the local bazaar selling conch shells, brass idols, and handicrafts.
8:30 PMDinner and Overnight StayEnjoy traditional Gujarati cuisine before resting for your next day’s road trip to Somnath.

Day 3: Dwarka to Somnath via Porbandar (230 km / Approx. 5–6 hours)

Theme: Scenic Road Journey, Historical Sites, and Coastal Views

TimeActivityHighlights
7:00 AMBreakfast and Check-outDepart early from Dwarka to make the most of the day.
10:30 AMPorbandar StopoverVisit the coastal town of Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Explore Kirti Mandir, the memorial house dedicated to him, and Sudama Temple nearby.
12:30 PMLunch in PorbandarRelish a simple Gujarati meal before continuing the journey.
2:30 PMArrival in Somnath and Check-inCheck into your hotel near Somnath Temple or by the sea. Rest for a while before your evening temple visit.
5:00 PMSomnath Jyotirlinga Temple VisitOne of the holiest shrines in India, the Somnath Temple has a glorious history. It was reconstructed multiple times after invasions — the current structure was rebuilt in 1951 and stands as a symbol of resilience.
6:30 PMEvening Aarti and Light ShowAttend the divine aarti followed by a light and sound show that narrates the temple’s history against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea.
8:30 PMDinner and Night WalkHave dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a quiet night walk along the Somnath beach promenade. Overnight stay in Somnath.

Day 4: Somnath Sightseeing and Departure

Theme: Local Temples, Scenic Views, and Farewell to the Coast

TimeActivityHighlights
6:30 AMMorning Aarti at Somnath TempleBegin the day with early darshan and soak in the peaceful spiritual vibes of the temple.
8:00 AMBreakfast at HotelEnjoy a simple breakfast before exploring nearby attractions.
9:00 AMTriveni SangamVisit the sacred confluence of three rivers — Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati. It is believed that bathing here purifies the soul and washes away sins.
10:00 AMBhalka TirthThis sacred site marks the spot where Lord Krishna is believed to have been struck by an arrow while resting under a peepal tree. The temple here depicts this episode beautifully.
11:30 AMGeeta MandirLocated near Bhalka Tirth, this temple is dedicated to the teachings of Bhagavad Gita. The verses are inscribed on marble walls, making it an inspiring visit.
1:00 PMLunch and Check-outEnjoy your final Gujarati meal before checking out.
2:00 PMSomnath BeachSpend your last few hours strolling along the beach or visiting local shops for souvenirs like seashell crafts and traditional items.
4:00 PMDepartureConclude your divine journey and head towards Veraval railway station or Diu Airport for onward travel.

Travel Tips and Practical Information

CategoryDetails
Best Time to VisitOctober to March (pleasant weather for temple visits and coastal exploration). Avoid the monsoon (June–September).
Nearest AirportsJamnagar (Dwarka, 130 km) and Diu (Somnath, 85 km).
Rail ConnectivityDwarka and Veraval (Somnath) are well connected by trains from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Mumbai.
Local TransportAuto rickshaws, private taxis, and Gujarat Tourism buses are available.
Average Budget (Per Person)₹10,000–₹18,000 (including stay, food, and transfers).
Recommended Stay Duration4 days and 3 nights for a complete spiritual and scenic experience.
Clothing TipsModest clothing recommended for temple visits. Carry light cotton clothes, a hat, and sunglasses for day travel.
Language SpokenGujarati, Hindi, and English are widely understood.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

  • Dwarka: Considered one of the seven ancient cities (Sapta Puri), it is associated with Lord Krishna’s reign as king. The Dwarkadhish Temple is believed to have been built over Krishna’s palace submerged in the sea.
  • Somnath: Known as the “Shrine Eternal,” it represents India’s spiritual endurance. It is the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the Lord of the Moon.
  • Porbandar: Adds historical depth to your trip with its association with Mahatma Gandhi and the legend of Sudama.

Sample 4-Day Budget Estimate (Per Person)

CategoryApproximate Cost (INR)
Accommodation (3 nights)₹4,500 – ₹8,000
Food₹2,000 – ₹3,000
Local Transport₹2,000 – ₹3,000
Sightseeing & Entry Fees₹500 – ₹1,000
Shopping & Miscellaneous₹1,000 – ₹2,000
Total Estimated Cost₹10,000 – ₹17,000

Why Visit Dwarka–Somnath

  • Two Major Pilgrimage Sites: Dwarka (Char Dham) and Somnath (Jyotirlinga) make this journey spiritually significant.
  • Coastal Beauty: Scenic drives along the Arabian Sea offer unmatched tranquility.
  • Architectural Grandeur: Temples showcase stunning carvings and ancient craftsmanship.
  • Cultural Essence: Experience Gujarati hospitality, cuisine, and local art forms.
  • Historical Legacy: Blend of mythology, history, and devotion makes it a complete travel experience.

Final Thoughts

A 4-day trip to Dwarka and Somnath is not just a religious pilgrimage — it’s a journey into India’s timeless faith and cultural heritage. The serene ghats, ancient temples, and the mighty Arabian Sea together create an atmosphere of devotion and peace. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or a history enthusiast, this itinerary ensures that every moment spent along Gujarat’s divine coast stays etched in your memory.


Disclaimer:
This itinerary is designed for general travel planning and spiritual exploration. Actual travel times, costs, and accessibility may vary depending on local conditions, weather, and transport availability. Always verify temple timings and ferry schedules before your trip.