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Routes of Shiva
Dwarka – Somnath – Bhavnagar – Indore – Ujjain
WHEN
September To May
PRICE
From CAD 200 per night
excluding flight tickets
HOW LONG
15 nights
DAY 01
Arrival and Dwarka
Arrive at Ahmedabad Airport where your driver will welcome you and provide your travel documents. Begin your journey with a drive to Dwarka, stopping en route at Rajkot for lunch. Continue to Dwarka and settle into your hotel.
In the evening, you may visit the Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, perched on a small hillock near the Arabian Sea. This ancient Shiva temple, believed to have been revealed over 5,000 years ago in the sea, offers a unique spiritual experience. The path to the temple is surrounded by the ebb and flow of the ocean, which during the monsoon season performs a natural Abhishek (ritual bath) of the Shivling, making the temple appear as part of the sea itself — a breathtaking sight of divine harmony.
Return to your hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay in Dwarka.
DAY 02
Day 02: Dwarka — Spiritual Immersion
Rise early and drive to the Dwarkadish Temple to attend the enchanting Mangla Aarti at 6:30 am. For half an hour, immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere where the magnificent black idol of Lord Krishna captivates devotees, invoking a deep sense of divine presence. The temple’s intricate sculptures and Chalukyan architecture, built over 2200 years ago by Vajranabha—Krishna’s grandson—reflect centuries of devotion and artistry. The grand five-storied limestone and sandstone shrine stands majestically on land said to be reclaimed from the sea by Lord Krishna himself.
Return to your hotel for breakfast before setting off to visit the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga—also known as the Nagnath Temple—dedicated to Lord Shiva. This revered shrine is believed to cleanse devotees of poisons, snake bites, and worldly attachments. Unlike other Jyotirlingas, here the Shiva Linga faces south. Admire the temple’s classic Hindu architecture and the imposing 80-foot tall statue of Lord Shiva. Participate in the sacred Abhishek ritual to honor the deity.
Next, embark on a 15-minute boat ride to Beyt Dwarka, a serene island once believed to be the residence of Lord Krishna and his family. Explore the ancient temples, pristine white sand beaches, and coral reefs that make this island a unique spiritual and natural sanctuary.
On your return journey to Dwarka, visit the Rukmini Temple, an archaeological marvel located about 2 km from Dwarka’s main temple complex. The temple tells the poignant story of Krishna’s wife Rukmini, who was cursed by sage Durvasha to be separated from her beloved after an incident involving a sacred spring. The temple’s carved exterior features human and elephant figures, blending a hemispherical dome with the traditional spire, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship dating back to the 12th century.
Spend your evening at leisure, wandering through the spiritual ambiance of Devbhoomi Dwarka. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.
DAY 03
Journey to Somnath — Heritage and Devotion
Start your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a scenic 230 km drive along the Kathiawar coastline to Somnath, with an enriching stop at Porbandar. Visit the Kirti Mandir, the preserved birthplace and memorial museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Explore the exhibits that celebrate the life and legacy of the Father of the Nation.
Continue your journey to Somnath, where you will check into your pre-booked hotel and freshen up. Later, visit the Bhalka Teerth, the revered site where Lord Krishna is said to have been accidentally struck in the foot by a hunter’s arrow. Nearby lies Dehotsarg, the sacred spot where Krishna is believed to have left his mortal body. The temple complex, known as Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak, honors Krishna’s memory with a tulsi tree and houses a delicate tribhangi idol of Krishna playing his flute, evoking the serene charm of the divine.
Proceed to the majestic Somnath Temple, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This historic shrine, rebuilt multiple times after repeated invasions by Muslim and Portuguese forces, was last reconstructed in the classic Chaulukya architectural style and consecrated in 1951. The temple stands proudly at the sacred confluence of three rivers—Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati—making it an ancient and revered pilgrimage site.
In the evening, attend the soulful Aarti at 7:00 pm, followed by a mesmerizing Sound and Light Show that brilliantly narrates Somnath’s rich tapestry of myth, history, and revival. Experience how the temple’s story unfolds — from its legendary origins to its repeated destruction and glorious reconstruction — in a spectacular visual and auditory spectacle.
Return to your hotel for dinner and rest. Overnight stay in Somnath.
DAY 04
Coastal Spiritual Sites — Diu & Bhavnagar
After a wholesome breakfast, embark on a short drive to the serene island of Diu to visit the ancient Gangeshwar Temple. This unique Shiva shrine is famed for its five naturally formed Shivlings, believed to have been established by the five Pandava brothers during their exile from Hastinapur. Depending on the tide, you might only see the tips of these sacred rocks as they are partially submerged by the Arabian Sea, adding a mystical allure to this temple set right on the coastline.
Next, continue your journey to Bhavnagar. Time your visit carefully to witness the remarkable Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, another extraordinary shrine believed to have been built by the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra War. This temple is partially submerged in seawater and only visible during low tide. Devotees eagerly await these moments, especially during the full moon and new moon days when the water recedes, revealing the temple’s silhouette marked by a tall sacred flag.
Enjoy the spiritual ambiance and coastal beauty before retiring for the night. Dinner and overnight stay in Bhavnagar.
DAY 05
Nishkalank Mahadev Temple & Travel to Ahmedabad
If you missed visiting the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple yesterday due to tide timings, you can visit the temple early this morning after breakfast. This offers a last chance to witness this unique shrine emerging from the sea’s embrace.
Afterward, proceed to Ahmedabad where you will prepare for your onward journey. Board your overnight train from Ahmedabad to Indore, settling in for a comfortable and restful journey.
DAY 06
Indore – Omkareshwar & Maheshwar Pilgrimage
Arrive early morning at Indore where your driver will receive you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel.
After breakfast, drive to the revered Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, located on Omkar Hill—an island in the middle of the sacred Narmada River. Omkareshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and holds immense spiritual significance. It is believed that a pilgrimage is only complete when devotees offer holy water here. Participate in the Abhishek Pooja or any special worship conducted by local priests to deepen your spiritual experience.
Next, proceed to Maheshwar, a historic town renowned for its more than 100 ancient temples spread mainly along the right bank of the Narmada River near the Maheshwar Ghat and Fort. Visit the Vindhyavasini Maheshwari Temple, one of the Shakti Peeths dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temples here narrate the rich religious and cultural history of the region.
Return to Indore in the evening. If you’re not too tired, explore Indore’s vibrant shopping scene and local markets. Dinner and overnight stay in Indore.
DAY 07
Ujjain – Spiritual Exploration
After breakfast, drive to the sacred city of Ujjain and check into your pre-booked hotel.
Later, visit the famous Kal Bhairav Temple, dedicated to Kal Bhairav—an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This temple is unique for its unusual ritual where devotees offer liquor to the deity. Every day, hundreds of devotees hand over liquor bottles to the temple priests, who pour the liquor into a saucer and offer it to the deity’s lips through a mysterious slit. Devotees and priests claim the liquor miraculously disappears without any cavity or opening in the statue, an intriguing and mystical tradition that draws curiosity and reverence alike.
The temple does not permit visitors to inspect the statue closely, preserving the sanctity and mystery of the practice.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore the holy city of Ujjain at your own pace—visit other temples, stroll through the markets, or simply soak in the spiritual ambiance.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 08
Ujjain – Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga & Departure
Today, rise early to witness a deeply spiritual ritual at one of India’s most revered shrines — the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas.
Attend the famous Bhasma Aarti at 4:00 AM, a rare and powerful ceremony where the Shiva lingam, believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested), is worshipped with sacred ash (bhasma). This aarti is unique because the lingam is said to derive its divine power from within itself, unlike other lingams which are ritually consecrated. To participate, you should reach the temple by around 1:00 AM and ensure your online booking is secured well in advance.
After the aarti, return to your hotel for an early breakfast.
Later, proceed to Indore Airport or Ujjain Railway Station for your onward journey back home, carrying with you the serene blessings of this ancient pilgrimage.