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Long bike rides are a unique way to discover the beauty of the world around us, and my recent 1300 km journey across Gujarat is a testament to this. Starting from Ahmedabad, I rode my trusty Yamaha FZS-FI on a journey that spanned serene rivers, spiritual destinations, and breathtaking beaches. Here’s a detailed account of my adventure.
Day 1: Ahmedabad to Bhavnagar to Diu
Early Start From Ahmedabad
On January 12, 2025, at 6:00 AM, I kickstarted my bike, ready for the adventure ahead. With a full tank of fuel, my excitement was at its peak. My first stop came at 7:00 AM at Hotel Tulsi near Bagodara, around 55 km from Ahmedabad. A warm cup of tea and some delicious papdi provided the perfect start to the day.
On the Way to Bhavnagar
As I continued riding toward Bhavnagar, the scenic route was too beautiful to resist. I found myself stopping at the Padolia River Bridge to capture the mesmerizing view. The calm waters and morning light created a picture-perfect moment that I couldn’t pass up.
Khodiyar Mandir, Bhavnagar
I reached Khodiyar Mandir, Rajpara, Bhavnagar, around 10:00 AM. This temple, dedicated to Khodiyar Mata, holds great spiritual significance. I spent about an hour and a half here, offering my prayers and soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, Koliyak Beach
From Khodiyar Mandir, I headed to the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple at Koliyak Beach, approximately 40 km away. I arrived at 12:30 PM.
This temple is unique because it’s situated in the sea, and the shivlingas are only accessible during low tide. Unfortunately, by the time I reached, it was high tide, and the shivlingas were submerged. However, the view of the ocean and the flock of seagulls made up for it. I spent two peaceful hours at the beach, enjoying the beauty of nature.
Tip for future visitors: Plan your visit to Nishkalank Mahadev in the morning during low tide if you want to walk to the shivlingas.
Lunch at Saanvi Resort
After spending time at Koliyak Beach, I headed to Saanvi Resort for lunch. The food and ambiance were excellent, and it was the perfect spot to recharge before continuing my journey.
Ride to Diu
At 3:00 PM, I resumed my ride, aiming to reach Diu by sunset. The distance from Nishkalank Mahadev Temple to Diu is approximately 188 km, and I knew it would take about 4 hours without breaks.
Midway, I took a short break at Mahuva, where I rested for 10-15 minutes before continuing.
Arrival at Diu – Sunset and Serenity
I arrived at Praveg Beach Resort, Ghoghla, Diu, at 6:45 PM. After refueling my bike, I headed straight to the resort’s restaurant.
Though I didn’t book a stay there, this spot is my go-to for its amazing beachside dining experience. With a cappuccino in hand, I enjoyed the sunset over the ocean—a magical end to a long ride. I spent about two hours there, relishing the food and the calming sound of the waves.
Overnight Stay at Kesariya
Due to the long weekend and high demand, most hotels in Diu were fully booked or too expensive. With plans to visit Somnath Jyotirlinga the next day, I decided to book a hotel closer to the route.
I checked into Hotel Gokul and Restaurant at Kesariya, about 10 km from Diu, and called it a day. After dinner, I rested to prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2: A Scenic Ride from Somnath to Dwarka
Morning at Somnath Temple
I started my day early, refreshed and ready to go. After a quick check on my bike, I checked out of my hotel and began my journey to Somnath at 7:00 AM. The ride via Kodinar was smooth and took me about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cover the 70 km distance.
I reached Somnath Temple around 8:00 AM. After parking my bike, I submitted my belongings—mobile phone, wallet, belt, and keys—at the locker facility, as the temple prohibits carrying these items inside.
The darshan of Somnath Mahadev was a serene and spiritual experience. The temple, situated on the banks of the Arabian Sea, has an aura of divinity that is hard to describe. After offering my prayers, I spent some time at the back of the temple, enjoying the calming sea view. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks added to the peaceful atmosphere. I spent nearly three hours soaking in this divine ambiance.
Journey from Somnath to Dwarka
By the time I left the temple, it was 11:30 AM, and I realized I hadn’t eaten anything since morning. On my way out of Somnath, I stopped at the Honest Restaurant and enjoyed a hearty lunch. Feeling recharged, I resumed my journey to Dwarka at 12:15 PM.
The ride from Somnath to Dwarka was absolutely stunning. The coastal road offered breathtaking views, with the sea on one side and the open road ahead.
Stop at Madhavpur Beach
After riding for about 70 km, I took a break at Madhavpur Beach, a serene and picturesque spot. I quenched my thirst with fresh coconut water and spent about 45 minutes enjoying the peaceful vibes of the beach. The golden sands and gentle waves made it a perfect place to pause and unwind.
Tea Stop at Porbandar
I continued my journey and covered another 78-80 km before taking a short tea break near Porbandar. This stop was much-needed after a long stretch of riding, and the tea gave me the energy to push through the final leg of the day.
Arrival at Dwarka
Without any further stops, I rode approximately 100 km straight and finally reached Dwarka at 8:00 PM. The long ride left me exhausted, so I checked into Hotel Meera for the night. After a simple dinner at the hotel, I decided to rest and save my visit to the Dwarkadhish Temple for the next morning.
Day 3: Exploring Dwarka and Adventures at Shivrajpur Beach
Day 3 of my bike trip was packed with spirituality, adventure, and scenic beauty! Here’s how it unfolded:
A Spiritual Morning at Dwarkadhish Temple
Since it was Purnima and Makar Sankranti (January 14), I wanted to visit the famous Dwarkadhish Temple early in the morning to avoid the crowd. I reached the temple at 7:00 AM, but to my surprise, the temple was already buzzing with devotees. After patiently waiting in line for two hours, I finally got to have darshan of Lord Krishna.
Post-darshan, I stopped by the serene Gomti Ghat before checking out of my hotel. With my bags packed, I visited two more must-see temples—Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir and Rukmini Mata Mandir—on my bike. These temples offered a sense of peace and divine energy that made the morning truly memorable.
Shivrajpur Beach: Adventure Awaits
By the time I wrapped up the temple visits, my stomach reminded me that I hadn’t eaten anything all morning! On the way to Shivrajpur Beach, I found a restaurant and grabbed a quick bite to refuel myself for the adventures ahead.
I reached Shivrajpur Beach around 1:00 PM. For those unfamiliar, this beach is a hidden gem along the Gujarat coastline, known for its crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and a peaceful vibe. It’s also a Blue Flag-certified beach, which ensures cleanliness and facilities for visitors.
From 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, I immersed myself in adventure sports and made unforgettable memories:
Parasailing: Flying Like a Kite
My first activity was parasailing, and what a thrilling experience it was! A small boat took me to a larger parasailing boat stationed further in the sea. There were five to seven people on board, and I waited for my turn with growing excitement.
When my turn finally came, the operator asked if I wanted to take a dip in the sea during the ride. Of course, I agreed—I wanted to make this as adventurous as possible! As I was hooked to the harness and lifted into the air, I felt like a kite soaring high in the sky. Watching the vast ocean from above was breathtaking.
The operator then dipped me halfway into the sea while the boat was still moving. It was exhilarating to feel the cool water splash against me and then rise back into the air again. With the festival of Makar Sankranti, while people in Ahmedabad were flying kites, I was celebrating by being one!
Scuba Diving: Exploring the Ocean Depths
Next up was scuba diving, one of my all-time favorite activities. Having done it before in the Andaman Islands, I couldn’t resist diving into the underwater world here too.
A small boat transferred me from the parasailing platform to the scuba diving station further out at sea. After gearing up with a mask, oxygen cylinder, and wetsuit, the guide briefed me on underwater communication signs. When it was my turn, I plunged into the depths of the ocean.
The underwater world was mesmerizing—colorful coral reefs, schools of vibrant fish, and a sense of serenity that’s hard to describe. Time seemed to stand still as I explored the hidden treasures of the sea.
By the time I finished scuba diving, it was already evening. I spent a few minutes soaking in the beauty of the ocean one last time before heading back to the shore.
Evening Visit to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
At 5:30 PM, I left Shivrajpur Beach and headed toward Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. I reached the temple in the evening and completed the darshan by 6:30 PM. The peaceful atmosphere of the temple was the perfect way to end the day.
Unexpected Halt at Limabde, kalyanpur
My original plan was to stay the night in Jamnagar, about 100 km from Nageshwar. However, the state highway I took was under construction, making the journey difficult and tiring. After covering 30 km, I decided to stop for the night at Om Hotel in Limabde, Kalyanpur. I had dinner there and rested, knowing that Jamnagar was still 90 km away.
Day 4: Back to Ahmedabad
The final day of my bike trip was all about enjoying the ride back home. After three eventful days of exploring Gujarat’s spiritual, coastal, and scenic beauty, I began my journey toward Ahmedabad.
A Late Start from Jamnagar
After a restful night, I started my day at 10:00 AM. I refueled my Yamaha FZS-FI and hit the road, heading toward Jamnagar. The weather was pleasant, and the open roads made for a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Lunch Stop at Hotel Mansi
Around lunchtime, I took a break at Hotel Mansi, located on the Jamnagar-Rajkot Highway. The meal was satisfying, giving me the energy to continue the journey.
Tea Break at Horn Ok Please Restaurant
After passing through Rajkot, I stopped for tea at Horn Ok Please Restaurant on the Rajkot-Ahmedabad Highway. This spot had a lively atmosphere and was the perfect place to take a moment and stretch my legs.
Final Stop at Gallops Food Plaza
On my way to Ahmedabad, I took one last short break at Gallops Food Plaza, situated on the Rajkot-Ahmedabad Highway in Limbdi. A quick refreshment later, I was back on the road for the final stretch.
Home Sweet Home
By the evening, I reached Ahmedabad, marking the end of my four-day bike trip. The ride home was a mix of nostalgia for the incredible experiences over the past few days and excitement to share these stories.
Reflections on the Journey
Every moment of this 1300 km adventure was unforgettable. From serene beaches to iconic temples, and from scenic roads to vibrant culture, the trip was a perfect blend of spiritual rejuvenation and thrilling exploration. My Yamaha FZS-FI performed flawlessly, making every mile enjoyable.
For anyone planning a similar journey, my tips would be:
- Start early to maximize daylight.
- Plan your stops but leave room for spontaneous breaks.
- Always carry essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
- Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
This was not just a bike ride but a journey of self-discovery, and I can’t wait for my next adventure!
