Things to do in Dwarka

The Saurashtra pilgrim coast in three days out: Dwarka and Bet Dwarka, Somnath and Diu, and Junagadh with a Gir safari.

Getting around Dwarka, Somnath and Gir

There is no ride-hailing to speak of in Dwarka, Somnath or Sasan, and rentals are scarce. The temples close for the afternoon, Bet Dwarka is 30 km up the coast over Sudarshan Setu, and Somnath and Sasan Gir are each more than 200 km from Dwarka, so each day picks up in its own town. Every experience below includes the vehicle, a local driver, fuel, tolls and parking. The Gir safari permit, gypsy and guide are booked and paid separately.

Experiences

• Dwarkadhish, Nageshwar and Bet Dwarka: The Dwarka temples before their midday close, and the island over the new bridge
• Somnath temple and the Diu coast: The morning aarti on the shore, then a Portuguese fort and sea caves
• Junagadh and the Gir Jungle Trail: Junagadh's citadel in the morning, the lions' forest in the afternoon

Best months

October to March. The Gir Jungle Trail runs only from 16 October to 15 June; April to June is hot, and the monsoon brings rough seas on this coast.

Getting there

Jamnagar and Porbandar are the nearest airports to Dwarka, about 2 to 3 hrs by road; Rajkot serves Somnath and Sasan. Dwarka, Veraval and Junagadh are all on the rail network.