Dwarka - Somnath - Gir - Diu Tour (5N/6D)

Day 1: Arrival in Dwarka & Spiritual Immersion

• Morning: Arrive at your designated pick-up point (Dwarka Railway Station or nearest airport). Our representative will warmly greet you and assist with your transfer to the pre-booked hotel in Dwarka. Check-in and settle in.
• Afternoon: After a refreshing lunch, begin your spiritual journey with a visit to the revered Dwarkadhish Temple. Immerse yourself in the divine aura of this ancient temple, believed to be Lord Krishna's kingdom. Witness the intricate architecture and participate in the evening prayers if time permits.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant local markets around the temple, known for their unique handicrafts, traditional clothing, and devotional items. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Gomti Ghat, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere.

  Dining Suggestion: Indulge in authentic Gujarati thali at a local restaurant, offering a delightful array of regional flavours.

• Overnight: Stay in Dwarka.

Day 2: Beyt Dwarka, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga & Rukmini Devi Temple

• Morning: Post breakfast, embark on an excursion to Beyt Dwarka. This involves a scenic ferry ride across the Arabian Sea to reach the island where Lord Krishna is believed to have resided with his family. Visit the main temple and soak in the serene island vibes. Please note: The ferry journey is subject to weather conditions.
• Mid-Morning: On your return, stop at the sacred Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Marvel at the colossal statue of Lord Shiva outside the temple complex.
• Afternoon: Visit the Rukmini Devi Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna's chief queen. This temple, located a few kilometers from Dwarka, is known for its exquisite carvings and unique architectural style.
• Late Afternoon: Spend some time at Dwarka Lighthouse or Dwarka Beach for panoramic views of the coastline and a moment of relaxation.
• Evening: Return to the hotel. The evening is free for personal leisure or exploring more of Dwarka's charm.

  Cultural Insight: Consider visiting the Sudama Setu (bridge) for a unique perspective of the Gomti River meeting the Arabian Sea.

• Overnight: Stay in Dwarka.

Day 3: Dwarka to Somnath – The First Jyotirlinga

• Morning: After breakfast and check-out, we begin our scenic drive towards Somnath (approx. 4-5 hours). The journey offers glimpses of rural Gujarat. For those planning a return journey to other parts of Gujarat, consider options like Devbhoomi Dwarka to Dang Cabs for seamless travel.
• Afternoon: Upon arrival in Somnath, check into your hotel. Post-lunch, prepare for a visit to the magnificent Somnath Temple, the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas.
• Evening: Witness the breathtaking "Aarti" ceremony at Somnath Temple, a truly spiritual and mesmerizing experience as the temple is illuminated against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. Explore the temple complex and its surroundings. You might also want to visit the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers: Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati, which merge into the Arabian Sea.
• Overnight: Stay in Somnath.

Day 4: Somnath to Gir National Park – A Date with the Asiatic Lions

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out. Today, we journey towards Sasan Gir (approx. 1.5-2 hours drive), the last abode of the majestic Asiatic Lions. If you're looking for different travel routes or considering connecting further afield, options like Una to Devbhoomi Dwarka Cabs could be useful for return legs.
• Afternoon: Upon arrival in Sasan Gir, check into your jungle resort/hotel. After lunch, prepare for the highlight of your tour: the thrilling Gir National Park Safari.
• Late Afternoon: Embark on an exciting safari through the dense forest of Gir. Accompanied by experienced naturalists, you’ll have the opportunity to spot Asiatic Lions, leopards, deer, various bird species, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Ensure you have your safari permits in advance.
• Evening: Return to the resort. Enjoy a delicious dinner, often featuring local Saurashtra cuisine, and share stories of your wildlife encounters.

  Wildlife Tip: Safaris are best booked well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred slot and increase chances of sightings.

• Overnight: Stay in Sasan Gir.

Day 5: Gir to Diu – Coastal Charm & Portuguese Heritage

• Morning: After a hearty breakfast and check-out from your Gir resort, we head towards the charming island of Diu (approx. 2-3 hours drive). For those extending their travels from this region, connecting services like Devbhoomi Dwarka to Tapi Cabs are available.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Diu, a former Portuguese colony, and check into your beachside hotel. Post-lunch, embark on a sightseeing tour of Diu. Visit the imposing Diu Fort, a magnificent structure offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Explore the various churches, including St. Paul's Church, known for its baroque architecture.
• Late Afternoon: Relax at Nagoa Beach, famous for its unique hoka trees and tranquil waters. Enjoy the sunset, or simply unwind by the sea.
• Evening: Stroll along the bustling Diu market for souvenirs or enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the many beachfront shacks.

  Local Craft: Look out for shell crafts and other marine-inspired souvenirs unique to Diu.

• Overnight: Stay in Diu.

Day 6: Diu Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a final walk on the beach. Should your travel plans include connecting to different regions, resources like Devbhoomi Dwarka to Beed Cabs are helpful for onward journeys.
• Late Morning/Afternoon: Check out from the hotel. Our representative will assist you with your transfer to Diu Airport or Veraval/Una Railway Station for your onward journey, marking the end of your enriching Dwarka - Somnath - Gir - Diu tour. We hope you depart with a heart full of spiritual peace, thrilling memories, and the vibrant spirit of Gujarat. For those traveling onwards from Una, convenient travel options include Devbhoomi Dwarka to Una Cabs to ensure a smooth connection.

Inclusion

To ensure a hassle-free and enriching experience, this package thoughtfully includes key elements of your journey:

• Accommodation: 5 nights of comfortable stay in reputable hotels/resorts on a twin-sharing basis (or as per your group configuration) in Dwarka (2N), Somnath (1N), Gir (1N), and Diu (1N).
• Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner at your hotels/resorts, offering a taste of local and multi-cuisine options to start and end your days on a delightful note.
• Transportation: All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. This includes pick-up and drop-off from designated arrival/departure points.
• Beyt Dwarka Ferry: The necessary ferry tickets for your spiritual excursion to Beyt Dwarka are covered.
• Gir National Park Safari: One thrilling jeep safari permit and associated vehicle charges for Gir National Park, providing an opportunity to witness the Asiatic Lions.
• Tolls and Parking: All applicable road tolls, parking fees, and driver allowances throughout the tour are included.
• Assistance: Professional tour representative assistance for smooth coordination and guidance during your tour.

Exclusion

While we strive for comprehensive coverage, certain personal expenses and optional activities are typically not included in the package. Understanding these helps you plan your journey more effectively:

• Airfare/Train Fare: International or domestic flights/train tickets to and from your starting/ending points (e.g., Dwarka/Diu/Veraval/Una).
• Lunch: Daily lunches are not included, offering you the flexibility to explore local eateries and culinary delights at your own pace and preference.
• Entry Fees: Entry tickets to monuments, museums, additional temples (beyond Dwarkadhish, Somnath, Nageshwar, Rukmini) or other attractions not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
• Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar consumption, medical expenses, tips to guides/drivers, camera fees, porterage, etc.
• Optional Activities: Any activities, tours, or experiences outside the specified itinerary, such as additional safaris in Gir, water sports in Diu, or cultural shows.
• Guide Services: Services of a dedicated local tour guide, unless specifically requested and added to the package. Drivers will serve as guides for basic information.
• Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended for your peace of mind.
• GST: Any applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST) as per government regulations, which will be communicated separately.

Understanding our cancellation policy is important for planning your trip. We aim for fairness and transparency:

• Prior to 30 Days of Departure: 25% of the total package cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• Between 15 to 29 Days of Departure: 50% of the total package cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• Between 07 to 14 Days of Departure: 75% of the total package cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• Less than 07 Days of Departure or No Show: 100% of the package cost will be charged as cancellation fees. No refunds will be applicable.
• Specific Permits: Please note that any non-refundable permits, such as Gir safari permits, once booked, cannot be cancelled or refunded irrespective of the cancellation timing.
• Refund Processing: Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 15-20 working days from the date of cancellation request.
• Force Majeure: In case of cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances like natural calamities, government directives, or pandemics, our policy will be guided by the prevailing situation and supplier policies. We will endeavour to offer alternatives or credit notes where possible.

Advance Preparation

To make your journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, a little preparation goes a long way:

• Booking: It's highly advisable to book this tour well in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak seasons (October to March) or major festivals, to ensure availability of accommodations and safari permits.
• Clothing: Pack light, comfortable cotton clothing suitable for warm weather. For temple visits, modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) is recommended. A light jacket or shawl might be useful for cooler evenings or air-conditioned vehicles.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are a must for sightseeing and temple visits.
• Sun Protection: Carry sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong sun.
• Medication: Bring any personal prescribed medications, a basic first-aid kit, and insect repellent, especially for the Gir safari.
• Documents: Keep your ID proof (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Passport), booking confirmations, and any necessary permits (especially for Gir safari) handy. Digital copies are also useful.
• Gir Safari Permits: Gir National Park requires permits for safaris. These are best secured online weeks, if not months, in advance, especially for weekend or holiday visits. We will handle the booking process, but timely information from your side is crucial.
• Connectivity: Major towns have good mobile network coverage, but connectivity might be patchy in remote areas like some parts of Gir.

Need to Know

Understanding our cancellation policy is important for planning your trip. We aim for fairness and transparency:

• Prior to 30 Days of Departure: 25% of the total package cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• Between 15 to 29 Days of Departure: 50% of the total package cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• Between 07 to 14 Days of Departure: 75% of the total package cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• Less than 07 Days of Departure or No Show: 100% of the package cost will be charged as cancellation fees. No refunds will be applicable.
• Specific Permits: Please note that any non-refundable permits, such as Gir safari permits, once booked, cannot be cancelled or refunded irrespective of the cancellation timing.
• Refund Processing: Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 15-20 working days from the date of cancellation request.
• Force Majeure: In case of cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances like natural calamities, government directives, or pandemics, our policy will be guided by the prevailing situation and supplier policies. We will endeavour to offer alternatives or credit notes where possible.