During the summer of 2013, I found myself in Ahmedabad for a two-week-long training program. As the weekend approached, the itch to escape the city and explore Gujarat’s Saurashtra region kicked in. The moment I floated the idea to my training colleagues, their excitement mirrored mine.
मैं अकेला ही चला था जानिब-ए-मंजिल मगर, लोग साथ आते गए और कारवाँ बनता गया।
What started as a solo thought quickly turned into a full-fledged road trip plan. Within no time, we were a group of ten—eight from Ahmedabad, four from nearby Mehsana and Ankleshwar. Two Innovas were booked, and by Friday evening, 7 PM, we hit the road, eager to explore the majestic Saurashtra!
The Journey Begins: Highway Treats and a Midnight Check-in
As Ahmedabad’s city lights faded in the rearview mirror, the open highways became our companions. Hunger struck soon, and we pulled into an Honest Restaurant, a name synonymous with delicious highway food across Gujarat. Their Pav Bhaji, a must-have, lived up to its reputation—rich, buttery, and bursting with flavors. No meal is complete without dessert, and we crowned ours with a Choco Nutty from Havemore Ice Creams. One of the best cones I’ve ever had—massive, loaded with chocolate, nuts generously layered on top, and all for just ₹100. Absolute steal!
With our hunger satisfied and spirits high, we resumed our journey. The drive was smooth, and by 2 AM, we finally reached Diu, our first stop. Tired yet excited, we checked into our hotel and crashed into our beds, eager for the adventure ahead.
Day 1: Diu – A Historic & Scenic Delight
Morning greeted us with a refreshing breakfast, and we set off to Nagoa Beach, the most famous beach in Diu. The ice-cold coconut water felt like bliss as we strolled along the golden sands, soaking in the cool sea breeze.
Next, we visited the Diu Fortress, a massive fort on the west coast of India in Diu, offering a blend of history and breathtaking views. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the fort stands as a testament to their maritime dominance. One end of the fort features a large lighthouse, while the other side offers mesmerizing views of Pani Kotha, a historic sea fort located in the middle of the water (now closed for tourists). Interestingly, Pani Kotha once served as a naval prison and even had a secret underground escape route leading to the main Diu Fort. The attached prison within the fort has a fascinating history, once housing freedom fighters and criminals alike. Standing there, gazing at the vast Arabian Sea, I was awestruck by how a small town like Diu had so much to offer!
We passed by the Shell Museum, known for its fascinating collection, but unfortunately, we couldn’t visit due to a paucity of time.
With Diu explored, we packed our bags and moved towards our next destination—Somnath, a place where history, mythology, and spirituality converge.
Somnath – The Timeless Jyotirlinga
Somnath Temple, the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas, stands with unparalleled grandeur at the Arabian Sea’s edge. Having already visited Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga in Rameshwaram, this was my second, and the divine aura was just as mesmerizing.
The temple has witnessed destruction and resurrection multiple times, standing as a testament to unwavering faith. Ancient texts like Skanda Purana, Shreemad Bhagavat, and Shiv Purana all reference its glory. A stone inscription at the temple premises marks a point that claims to be the first land from the South Pole, with no landmass in between—9936 km of uninterrupted ocean!
We attended the evening Aarti, where the rhythmic sounds of bells and Sanskrit chants transported us to another world. The divine vibrations were soon followed by the “Jay Somnath” Light and Sound Show, where legends of the temple were narrated by the powerful voices of Late Amrish Puri and Paresh Rawal, against the backdrop of the temple and the roaring Arabian Sea. The experience was nothing short of magical.
Day 2: The Quest for the Asiatic Lion
The next morning had something thrilling in store—Gir National Park, home to the last remaining Asiatic Lions in the world! However, monsoon had arrived early, and we were informed that Jeep Safaris had been suspended. Disappointed but unwilling to give up, I found an alternative—Gir Interpretation Zone at Devaliya, a 40-minute bus ride inside a fenced area where chances of spotting lions were slim but still possible.
As we entered Gir, the excitement soared. The dense forests, the occasional drizzle, and the local driver’s thrilling stories about lion encounters added to the suspense. Inside the park, we spotted Nilgai, deer, and even windmills in the distance.
Just as we were about to give up on our lion-spotting dream, our bus driver whispered, “Shhhh… सब चुप रहो ने भाई, आगे देखो शेर बैठा है।”
And there they were! Two lions, majestic and imposing, resting under the shade of a tree. Silence enveloped the bus as we watched in awe. Suddenly, one of them stretched, got up, and slowly walked towards a small pond to drink water. Watching it move, sensing its raw power, and making eye contact with the king of the jungle—it was a moment of pure exhilaration. A scene that would stay etched in my memory forever!
Our return journey was filled with animated discussions about the lions. Even light rains couldn’t dampen our spirits as we moved towards our final stop—Junagadh.
Junagadh – A Glimpse of the Past
The historical town of Junagadh welcomed us with light showers, restricting our movement, but we managed to visit the Mahabat Maqbara complex, which features two stunning mausoleums standing side by side. This Indo-Islamic architectural marvel was built by the Nawabs of Junagadh, and interestingly, the word “Mahabat” means “love”, symbolizing the deep admiration the ruler had for the departed. The intricate carvings and elaborate minarets make it a photographer’s delight. A few quick clicks, and soon, it was time to bid farewell to Saurashtra.
A Trip to Remember
After two action-packed days, we drove back to Ahmedabad late at night, cherishing the moments we had lived. The trip had everything—beaches, mythology, wildlife, history, and, most importantly, unforgettable memories. It was a perfect blend of adventure and spirituality, laughter and peace, thrill and tranquility.
Even today, a decade later, when I think about those 48 hours in Saurashtra, my heart races with nostalgia. Perhaps someday, I’ll return to Gir for a proper jungle safari, but until then, this road trip remains one of my most cherished travel stories!
Have you been to Saurashtra? If yes, share your experiences!
SaurabhVerse 
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