RANN OF KUTCH, RAJKOT, SOMNATH AND DWARKA

Arrive at Rajkot airport and meet our representative to get transferred to a pre-booked hotel. Settle down at the hotel and relax for a while. Start exploring Rajkot by visiting Watson Museum. Set up in the Queen Victoria memorial institute buildings located in Jubilee Garden, the museum exhibits copies of artifacts from Mohenjodaro, natural history, 13th century carvings, temple statues, costumes and design of the houses of the local tribal people. Plan to visit local market for shopping and also try Gujrati cuisine. Later, return to the hotel at Rajkot.

Have a quick breakfast and check out the hotel. Start your drive to Somnath. On the way visit Junagadh fort, located on a hill called Girnar. It was built by the Mauryan king Chandragupta Maurya in 319 BC. Proceed to Somnath, reach and check in the pre booked hotel. Later visit Somnath temple, the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple was first built in gold by the Moon-god Soma, then in silver by the Ravana, and later in wood by Lord Krishna. Experience the marvellous light and sound show at the Somnath Temple after the evening aarti. After taking a dip in the religious aura, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Enjoy your breakfast and check out the hotel. Start your trip towards Dwarka. On the way visit Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sudama Temple. Built in the early 19th century, the temple is dedicated to Sudama, who is believed to have been a great devotee of Lord Krishna. Later proceed to Dwarka, an ancient sacred city believed to be the legendary kingdom of Lord Krishna and it is often referred to as the “Golden City of India”. On reaching Dwarka, check in the hotel and stay overnight.

Finish your breakfast and start exploring the Golden city! Start your day by visiting Nageshwar Jyotirling Temple, located on the way to Beyt Dwarka. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, a form of Lord Shiva, and is also known as “Nagnath Temple”. This Jyotirlinga, known as Nageshwar Mahadev, is said to grant protection from poison to its devotees. The temple is believed to have been established by Lord Krishna himself and is considered one of the holiest temples in India. The temple is also known for its unique architecture and its deep spiritual significance. Later visit Beyt Dwarka, a small island off the coast of Dwarka and accessed via Okha. It is home to the namesake temple, and supposedly the residence of Lord Krishna when he arrived here. Return to Dwarka to visit Rukmani Temple, dedicated to Rukmini, consort of Lord Krishna. It is believed that praying to her will invite peace and prosperity into life. Later visit Gomati ghat where you can take a dip in the holy water of the river. In the evening, visit Dwarkadhish Temple for the evening aarti. The temple is dedicated to the God Krishna, who is worshiped here by the name Dwarkadhish, or ‘King of Dwarka’. The temple is also known as Jagat Mandir and is a five-storied structure with a gold-plated pinnacle and is surrounded by a massive wall. After the unforgettable holy experience, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Check out the hotel and start your trip to Jamnagar early in the morning. Jamnagar is known for its historical and cultural heritage and is home to a number of places of interest. Visit Lakhota palace and museum. Built in the 15th century, the fort stands on an island in the middle of Lakhota Lake, in the heart of the city. Witness a variety of artifacts ranging from the 9th to the 18th century including pottery shards, swords, muskets, and even a skeleton of a whale in the Lakhota museum. Also visit Bala Hanuman Temple, Located on the shore of the Lakhota Lake. It houses idols of Lord Hanuman as well as Lord Ram, Lord Lakshman and Devi Sita. The temple is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the continuous chanting of Ram Dhun which has been going on since 1 August 1964. Later proceed to Bhuj. Upon reaching, check in the hotel and stay overnight at Bhuj.

Finish breakfast in the hotel and later head out to explore the city. Visit Aina Mahal, Kutch Museum and Prag Mahal. Post that, the Swaminarayan temple and Ramkund Stepwell. Later visit Bhujiyo fort and experience mesmerizing views of the sunset. After an eventful day, return to your hotel for the night.

Have breakfast and check out the hotel. Get transferred to the Tent City, Dhordo. Check in, relax and enjoy the in-house activities. In the evening, leave for Kutch white Rann to witness a beautiful sunset, you can ride a camel or board the bus for the same. Return back to the campsite for overnight stay.

Wake up early to witness sunrise in the white Rann. Return back to campsite and finish breakfast. Later start your trip to Kala Dungar, one of the highest hill-point in Kutch. Known for its spectacular sunset and views of the surrounding area, the hill is home to various species of birds and other wildlife, including the endangered Indian wild ass. It is also the site of a Jain temple, which is believed to be the oldest in the region. After enjoying the mesmerizing views, return to the campsite for overnight stay.

After enjoying your breakfast, check out from the camp and take a drop to the Airport for your return flight.