Ahmedabad | Mothers – Patan | Kevidiya – Vadodara | Bhavnagar | Diu – Somnath | Junagadh – Virpur – Gondal – Rajkot

Day 1: Ahmedabad – Modhera – Patan – Ahmedabad

Arrive at Ahmedabad airport. Take a round the city to see two important monuments-Sarkhej Roza & Adalaj’s step-well.
Sarkhej Roza is a mosque and tomb complex located 7kms from the city, in the village of Makraba, hailed as the Acropolis of Ahmedabad. The SarkhejRoza comprises one of the most elegant and unique architectural styles. In its architecture, SarkhejRoza is an example of the early Islamic architectural culture of the region, which fused Islamic stylistic influences from Persia with indigenous Hindu and Jain features to form a composite “Indo-Saracenic” architectural style.

Adalaj stepwell – Built-in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, wife of the Vaghela chief, Veersinh, this five-story stepwell was not just a cultural and utilitarian space, but also a spiritual refuge. It is believed that villagers would come every day in the morning to fill water, offer prayers to the deities carved into the walls and interact with each other in the cool shade of the vav. There is an opening in the ceilings above the landing which allows the light and air to enter the octagonal well. However, direct sunlight does not touch the flight of steps or landings except for a brief period at noon. Hence the good temperature is six degrees cooler than the outside. Fascinating to many visitors is the Ami Khumbor (a pot that contains the water of life) and the KalpVriksha (a tree of life) carved out of a single slab of stone. There is a belief that the small frieze of navagraha (nine planets) towards the edge of the well protects the monument from evil spirits.

Modhera – Modhera is situated on the banks of the River Pushpavati. This place is known for the world-famous Sun temple and is the best example of the Solanki temple architecture in the state. Visiting Hours: 7.00 am to 6.00 pm

After visiting the sun temple, proceed to Patan, which was founded in the 9th century and is famous for its architectural wonders built during the Solanki Dynasty & the Patola Silk weaving. Upon arrival in Patan, visit the magnificently carved 11th century ‘Rani kiVav’ (stepwell) & Patola weavers using the rare double-ikat technique.
Visiting Hours: 8 am to 6 pm.
At the end of the tour return to Ahmedabad.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Ahmedabad – Kevidiya – Vadodara

Proceed to Kevadiyato to visit Sardar Sarovar Dam and the statue of Unity, it’s an iconic 182-meter-tall statue situated on the isle of Sadhu-Bet. Located between the Mountain Ranges of Vindhyachal and Satpuda, The most prolific creation in recent times, the Statue of Unity, is the World’s tallest Monument. It represents more than a colossal structure facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the river Narmada. It is an iconic symbol of the ‘Iron Man, who played an important role during India’s freedom struggle and thereafter in the unification of 562 small and big princely states. The impressive landmark commemorating, Sardar Patel’s contribution to unificationprincely states in becoming an integral part of India. The elucidation of the Statue directly correlates with the meaning and value of unity. Visiting Hours: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm. Later transfer to Vadodara to check into your hotel.
Time permitting suggests visiting Lakshmi Vilas Palace – Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the most majestic structures in India and was the private residence of Maharaja SayajiraoGaekwad III. Known to be the largest private dwelling of the size equivalent to four times Buckingham Palace, this magnificent palace is a must-visit when in Vadodara. Sprawling across about 700 acres, it is still home to the royal family of Vadodara, the Gaekwads.
Visiting Hours: 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 3: Vadodara – Bhavnagar

Drive to Bhavnagar. En route visit Blackbuck National Park- The sanctuary has been declared primarily for saving the blackbucks. The migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and Europe land here during the winter season to escape from the extreme weather. A small wetland in the southern part of the Park attracts birds like pelicans, flamingoes, ducks, waders, coots, white storks, painted storks, sarus cranes, etc. The Park is a heaven for demoiselle cranes, common cranes, and a variety of raptors including certainly spotted eagles and steppe eagles, etc.
Visiting Hours: 07.00 am to 1.00 pm and 03.00 pm to 7.00 pm

Arriving at Bhavnagar would provide you with the sensation of the rich history and architecture of the place. Check into the hotel & after freshening up start your tour by visiting places like Takhteshwar Temple-Situated on the hilltop near the railway station, the beauty of this temple is beyond words. Dedicated to lord Shiva, Takhteshwar is built of white marble and makes for a prime tourist spot. One can enjoy an enchanting view of the city from the height of the temple premises.
Also visit Victoria Park, KhodiyarMandir, Nishkalang Mahadev Temple-NishkalankMahadev Temple Koliyak Bhavnagar is a Lord Shiva Temple Situated in Gujarat State. This is the place where the Pandavas attained piousness after the Mahabharat war.

The beauty lies in its location. It is located 2 km in the waters of the Arabian Sea. Surrounded by the sea, Koliyak Sea Temple Shiva Linga is usually submerged inside the waters. However, during low tides the Shiva linga becomes visible. The devotees visit the temple by walking barefooted from the shores during the same period. It is a structural marvel built to withstand the high tides of the Arabian Sea.

Mythology – As per the legend, this temple was built by the Pandavas during the time of Mahabharat. After the Pandavas killed all the Kauravas, the Pandavas wanted to perform repentance for their sins. To discover reclamation for their sins, Pandavas met Lord Krishna.
Krishna handed them a Black Flag and a Black Cow. He asks the Pandavas to trail them, saying when both turn white, they all will be forgiven. Krishna also recommends they apologize to Lord Shiva, after that. The Pandavas followed the cow everywhere it went and conceded the flag. They marched for days, to various places but the shades didn’t change. Lastly, when they reached Koliyak Beach, both turned white. Pandavas were dignified and sat for apologizing by meditating to Lord Shiva.

‘Nishkalank’ means being spotless, clean, innocent, etc. Pandavas settled down the NakalankMahadev on Amavasai i.e. no moon night of the Indian calendar month Bhadra.
To mark this important event, the Pandavas then established the NishkalankMahadevShivling. The Shiva Linga was established on the no moon (Amavasya) of Bhadarva month of the Hindu Calendar.

Travel Tips for Nishkalank Mahadev

• The most important thing is to know the NishkalankMahadev Temple timing. Usually, the period begins around 9:00 a.m. and lasts till 02:00 p.m. on days starting from the new moon day till the eighth day. From the ninth day to the fourteenth day, the period extends from around 04:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m. On full moon day, it is almost impossible to reach the temple. Make sure that you don’t take any risks and take advice from the local people regarding the best NishkalankMahadev Temple timings.
• Koliyaak Beach is unsafe for swimming due to the violent water.
• Be careful of crabs while navigating the path to the temple.
• As the water recedes, the sand beneath it becomes slippery. Make sure you wear the right kind of shoes.
• It is recommended to walk on the small water channel rather than the slippery sand for better convenience.
• Sharp pebbles and pieces of broken glass may cause injuries. Avoid covering the path barefoot.
• Various items for worshipping the Lingams are easily available near the temple as many vendors come here every day. Some of them also take their items on push-carts to the temple.
• Many priests are also available at NishkalankMahadev Temple Koliyak if you need assistance to perform prayers and rituals. Unlike other Hindu temples, priests here are non-demanding.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 4: Bhavnagar – Diu

Depart to Diu – famous for its beaches Nagar Sheth Haveli is the old merchant’s house which is 400 years old and has a historical structure and a rich past associated with it. The haveli originated with ShriJagannathSheth, Laden with stucco scrolls and fulsome fruit. One of the historical monuments in the vicinity of the Diu is the Nagar Seth Haveli. This beautiful structure tells a fine example of Portuguese architecture. Boasting rich Portuguese heritage, the colorful three-story Nagar Seth Haveli speaks of Portuguese history like nothing else. The grandeur of its porticoes, carved balconies, stone-made lions, and intricate arches in European and Indian styles makes it a must-visit place.
Also visit the Gangeshwar Temple, Panikotha, Diu fort, and some famous churches in Diu.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 5: Diu – Somnath

Depart to Somnath – On arrival check in at the hotel and later visit Bhalka Tirth, Triveni Ghat & Somnath Temple. In the evening attend Aarti and later watch the light and Sound show.

The Somnath temple is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Somnath, literally meaning ‘lord of the moon. It is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot in Gujarat. Reconstructed several times in the past after repeated destruction by several Muslim invaders and rulers as well as the Portuguese, the present temple was reconstructed in the Chaulukya style of Hindu temple architecture and completed in May 1951.

Darshan’s Timing: 6 AM to 9.30 PM.
Aarti Timings: 7:00 Am & 7:00 Pm.
Light & Sound Show Timing: 8 pm To 9 pm.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 6: Somnath – Junagadh – Virpur – Gondal – Rajkot

Transfer to Rajkot, en route visit Junagadh Museum, Jalaram Temple at Virpur, Swaminarayan temple, Navlakha Palace, and Vintage Car museum at Gondal. Thereafter continuing towards Rajkot & on arriving check-into the hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day  7:  Rajkot-Departure

Visit Aji Dam, Shree Ishwariya temple then transfer to Rajkot Airport for your return journey home.