Dwarka Somnath Tour from Ahmedabad

Somnath is famous for its temple of Lord Shiva, traditionally counted as the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Between 1026 (Mahmud of Ghazni) and 1665 (Aurangzeb) it was attacked several times, and it was rebuilt after each attack. The present temple was consecrated in 1951.

Both towns are on the Arabian Sea coast of Gujarat. On the drive between them you stop at Porbandar, where Mahatma Gandhi was born. Hotels and sightseeing are covered. So is a private cab with driver, from pick-up in Ahmedabad on Day 1 to the drop on Day 6.

Tour at a Glance

Best Time to Visit Dwarka and Somnath Trip

Plan the trip between October and February. December and January are the coolest months, with average temperatures of about 18°C to 26°C in Dwarka, so standing in temple queues or walking on the beach in the afternoon is comfortable.

• April to June is hot and humid.
• Most of the year's rain falls between June and September. The Somnath sound and light show is not held during the monsoon.

Festivals in This Season

• The October to February window covers Diwali, when the temples are decorated, and Makar Sankranti in mid-January, when Ahmedabad celebrates Uttarayan with kite flying. The tour starts in Ahmedabad, so you can see it on Day 1.
• Janmashtami (August or September) is Dwarka's biggest festival, and Mahashivratri (February or March) brings large crowds to Somnath. If your dates overlap, book hotels early and expect long queues.

How to Reach Dwarka and Somnath from Ahmedabad

Road is the easiest way to cover both towns in one trip, which is why this package runs entirely by car. If you are planning on your own, the train and flight options are below.

By Flight

• For Dwarka, the closest airport is Porbandar, about 95 km away according to the Devbhumi Dwarka district administration. It has SpiceJet flights from Mumbai. Jamnagar Airport is the other option, about 110 to 145 km away depending on the route, and it has more flights, including a Star Air service from Ahmedabad.
• For Somnath, the closest airport is Keshod, about 60 km away (Airports Authority of India), with Alliance Air flights from Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Diu Airport is about 85 to 95 km away.
• Routes at these small airports change with the season. Check the airline's current schedule before you book.

By Train

• Dwarka has its own station on the Okha line, with regular trains from Ahmedabad.
• For Somnath, trains from Ahmedabad currently end at Veraval Junction, a few kilometres from the temple, while Somnath station is being redeveloped. The Sabarmati to Veraval Vande Bharat Express takes about 7 hours.

By Road

• Buses and taxis are easily available from Ahmedabad.
• By road, Dwarka is about 440 to 450 km from Ahmedabad (around 8 hours) and Somnath about 410 to 425 km (around 7 hours). Sources differ slightly because they measure different routes.

Distance between Dwarka and Somnath

Dwarka to Somnath distance is around 233 km. The coast road via Porbandar usually takes 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

Travel Tips for Dwarka and Somnath

• Beat the Rush: Temples get crowded in winter, so it's better to go early to avoid waiting.
• Keep Basic Medicines: Bring your regular medicines, as local shops may not have your brand.
• Try Local Dishes: Don't miss Gujarati food like thepla, dhokla and khichdi.
• Mobile Phones: The Shree Somnath Trust does not allow mobile phones, cameras or other electronic items inside the temple, and it provides free lockers. At Dwarkadhish, phones are not allowed in the sanctum, and lockers are available near the entrance.
• Dress Modestly: There is no strict dress code, but avoid short clothes, especially at Somnath.
• Senior Travellers: Somnath Temple has wheelchairs, golf carts and a lift. Day 6 is the longest drive of the trip, so plan for rest stops.

Places to Visit in Somnath and Dwarka

Along with the main temples, these places in Somnath and Dwarka are worth your time.

Panch Pandav Gufa

Panch Pandav Gufa is a small cave shrine near Triveni Sangam, about 1.5 km from Somnath Temple. It was discovered in 1949 by the late Baba Narayandas, and local tradition links it to the Pandava brothers. Few visitors know about it. The entrance is low and narrow, so anyone with knee or back trouble should skip it.

Gopi Talav

Gopi Talav is a sacred pond about 20 km from Dwarka, on the road towards Bet Dwarka. Local tradition connects it with Lord Krishna and the Gopis, and many devotees believe the Gopis met Krishna here for the last time. Devotees use the yellow soil around the pond to make tilak.

Somnath Beach

Somnath Beach, next to the temple, is a peaceful spot for a sunset walk, and camel rides are available. Gujarat Tourism does not recommend swimming here.

Dwarka Lighthouse

About 2 km from the centre of Dwarka, the 43-metre Dwarka Lighthouse is a popular sunset spot. Visitors are not allowed inside, but the sea view from outside makes it a good short stop in the evening.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

Nageshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, about 16 to 18 km from Dwarka on the road to Bet Dwarka. It is not part of the standard Day 4 plan below.

Bet Dwarka

Bet Dwarka, also called Shankhodhar, is an island about 30 km from Dwarka town, with its own Dwarkadhish temple. Since 25 February 2024, Sudarshan Setu, a 2.32 km bridge, has connected it to Okha by road, and Gujarat Tourism still lists a public ferry from Okha. The temple here closes in the afternoon, so reach before 12 PM or after 4:30 PM.

Triveni Sangam and Bhalka Tirth

Triveni Sangam in Somnath is where the Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati rivers meet, and many pilgrims take a holy dip here. Nearby, Bhalka Tirth marks the place where Lord Krishna is believed to have been struck by a hunter's arrow.

Temple Timings

Temple trusts change timings on festival days, so check on the day of your visit.

Dwarka Somnath Package Cost and Inclusions

The package starts at ₹8,700 [confirm: per person or per couple, hotel category, vehicle type]. The final cost depends on your travel dates, group size and choice of hotel, so we confirm it once we have those details.