Driving through the Coastal cities of Gujarat!

We left Dwarka at about 11:30 A.M. and drove towards Somnath. We visited few other places enroute. Our first stop was at Harshada Mata mandir, followed by Mool Dwarka.

We took a short detour to Porbandar, the birth place of Sudama (Shri Krishna’s friend) and Mahatma Gandhi. We visited Sudama Mandir (birth place of Sudama) and Kirti Mandir. Kirti Mandir was built as a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, adjacent to his ancestral house where he was born. It had a museum displaying Gandhiji's stuff and a library. The walls were adorned with old photographs of his life's timeline. It was an educational trip as it took us through a lot of major events in the history of India.

We stopped by the beach on the outskirts of Porbandar, and had our packed lunch there. There were camels and horses adorned in all possible colours and some hawkers selling coconut water and pearls. It was a perfect lunch with the sea breeze and spectacular views.

Once you cross Porbandar a long stretch of road goes surrounded with cultivated fields and coconut farms. Do carry snacks and water along. Some part of the road was under construction thus inconvenience followed. After a long stretch we came across many small villages, one of which (Chorwad) boasts as Dhirubhai Ambani’s native place. We crossed Chorwad to reach a small village (missed the name) where we found plentiful coconut water. Don’t miss out on having a few as its refreshing, tasty and does help in beating the heat of the Saurashtra region.

Naida Caves: These caves have big network of tunnels with abruptly ending square steps. These caves were formed due to geological irregularities and natural processes over time. It’s a short and easy trip in and out and would take about 30 mins to complete. The caves also have natural opening allowing the sunlight in, making the place very photogenic.

Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known to be built by the Pandavas during their exile. The five Lingas are placed in the order of big to small, the biggest being worshipped by Yudhishtir (the eldest) and so on. The Shivlingas are so placed, that the waves from the sea continuously wash them. The setting of Temple is picturesque and the peaceful surroundings with just the sound of the waves leaves you mesmerised.

Diu Fort: Fort Diu was built by the Portuguese during their colonization and it still stand tall, though ruined, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The lighthouse is the highest point on the fort and the views from atop a worth all the efforts.

St. Paul Church: The church was built by the Portuguese and is dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The church is built in the Baroque style of architecture and presents a beautiful and artistic view. The church, completely white on the exteriors has a contrast and equally beautiful yet simple interiors. The altar, which has an idol of Mother Mary, is intricately carved out of a single piece of Burmese Teak and is lined with 101 candles. The delicately carved woodwork is one of its kind and among the best of all the churches in India.

Diu is a little, laid back town with the friendliest of people. The beauty, spectacular views, its serenity and architecture, is sure to have your heart. The entire town is dotted with the cutest Portuguese style houses in vibrant colours which still presents you the classic Portuguese way of life, all these centuries later.

Half a day is too less to soak in the vibe of Diu yet it gives you an insight of the place. We then moved to the last leg of our trip to the South of Gujarat, Gir National Park.