Family Pilgrimage to Devbhumi Dwarka – A Divine & Joyful Journey

Date of Journey: 28 April 2025 – 1 May 2025

Travel Companions: My full family – parents, in-laws, sister, and brother-in-law

Day 1: A Spiritual Arrival in Devbhumi

On the evening of 28th April, our family boarded the PURI-OKHA Express at 8:00 PM with hearts full of devotion and excitement. The night train ride was cozy and filled with light chatter and shared snacks.

By the next morning, at around 9:30 AM, we arrived at Dwarka, the sacred city known as Devbhumi – the kingdom of Lord Krishna. After checking into our hotel and freshening up, our first destination was none other than the Dwarkadhish Temple – the soul of this spiritual town.

🛕 Dwarkadhish Mandir Darshan

The atmosphere was electrifying. Chanting of “Jai Dwarkadhish” echoed in the air, and the temple complex was bustling with pilgrims from all over India. We bowed our heads in reverence and soaked in the divine energy of this holy land where Krishna once ruled.

After darshan, we enjoyed a simple yet soulful lunch at the mandir premises – hot puris, sabji, and prasad – which felt like a blessing in itself. A short afternoon nap back at the hotel helped us recharge for the evening.

Evening at Shivrajpur Beach – Waves of Joy

By late afternoon, we set off for Shivrajpur Beach, a proud Blue Flag-certified beach of Gujarat. The scenic drive was refreshing, and the beach greeted us with its clean shores, blue waters, and organized facilities.

🌊 Fun with Watersports

From the youngest to the eldest, everyone participated in thrilling water activities –

• Speed boating

• Banana ride

• Bumper ride (Bhamardo)

• Dragon boat and more.

It was a sight to behold – parents laughing, children screaming with excitement, and even our jamai showing off his boating skills! The beach even has changing rooms and fresh water bathing facilities, making it perfect for families. 

We relaxed with tea and local snacks by the seashore before heading to Bansuri Restaurant, known for its divine ambiance and delicious Gujarati thali. The day ended with full hearts and full stomachs!

Day 2: Exploring the Sacred Circuit of Dwarka

Our second day began early, at 6:00 AM, when my parents and in-laws visited the nearby Swaminarayan Temple, a peaceful and well-maintained place of worship.

Post breakfast, we began our full-day Dwarka-Bet Dwarka tour at 9:00 AM.

📿 Sacred Sites Covered:

1. Rukmini Devi Temple – A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna’s consort, highlighting an ancient tale of love and curse.

2. Sudama Setu & Gopi Talav – Mythical places echoing Krishna’s childhood.

3. Sudarshan Setu – India's longest cable-stayed bridge connecting to Bet Dwarka.

4. Bet Dwarka – An island believed to be Krishna’s residential palace. The boat ride was refreshing, and the temple experience was serene.

5. Nageshwar Jyotirling – One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

6. Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir – A seaside Shiva temple offering a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea.

7. Dwarka Beach – A calm and scenic end to our religious sightseeing.

In the evening, we had a humble yet satisfying dinner at the Swaminarayan temple, featuring khichdi, kadhi, rotli, and sabji – a soulful way to end a divine day.

Day 3: Farewell with Memories

On the morning of 1st May, we packed our bags and hearts full of memories. At 12:30 PM, we boarded our return train to Surat.

The journey back home was filled with fun games, music, laughter, and reflections on our two-day spiritual adventure. We cherished each moment, knowing that trips like these strengthen not just faith but family bonds too.

Dwarka is not just a place, it’s a feeling of devotion, peace, and tradition. Visiting with the entire family made it even more special. From temple bells to beach thrills, from prayers to playful rides – this trip had everything.

If you’re planning a family spiritual getaway, Dwarka is a perfect blend of religious charm and natural beauty.

📸 Follow Dr. Nitin Kanani for more travel stories, health journeys, and life experiences.

A Colorful Journey: Jaipur During Holi Celebrations – Part 2

 After an unforgettable Holi in Agra, we departed for Jaipur at 9 AM in a pre-booked taxi. The Dhulandi celebrations were in full swing, with people playing with colors and dancing to lively music on the streets. The 4.5-hour road trip was smooth, filled with music, laughter, and scenic views.

By 1:30 PM, we reached Chitra Katha Homestay, near Jaipur Railway Station. Since most markets and shops were closed due to the Dhulandi celebrations, we ordered a delicious Punjabi lunch at the homestay—kaju kari, dal makhani, tandoori roti, and refreshing chaas. After lunch, we rested until 5 PM before heading out to explore Jaipur.

Our evening was spent admiring the stunning Mauj Mahal and Jal Mahal before exploring Jaipur’s vibrant markets. We enjoyed a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, then returned to the homestay for a terrace gathering, where the kids played indoor games and we chatted late into the night until 11:30 PM.

The next morning, Saturday, we set off to explore Jaipur’s rich heritage. Our first stop was Amer Fort, followed by Panna Meena ka Kund and the Meera Krishna Temple. We indulged in some shopping for traditional Jaipuri handwork clothes before stopping for an authentic Rajasthani lunch at a local restaurant, savoring dal bati churma, sabji, and buttermilk.

In the afternoon, we visited the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and City Palace, followed by shopping at Badi Chaupad. A visit to the famous Laxmi Misthan Bhandar for their crispy aloo tikki was the perfect end to our day.

In the evening, we returned to Chitra Katha Homestay, ordered La Pino’z Pizza for the kids, and spent our final night on the terrace reminiscing about our Jaipur adventures.

The next morning, we departed for Surat, carrying with us beautiful memories of Jaipur’s royal charm, cultural heritage, and festive spirit.

A Colorful Journey: Agra during Holi Celebrations Part 1

Our adventure began on March 12 at 8:10 PM when we boarded the August Kranti Rajdhani Express with three delightful families—Dr. Manoj’s, Dr. Kshayp’s, and Dr. Nitin’s—each excited for the memories ahead. The train ride was filled with an indulgent dinner featuring ice cream and lively conversations that stretched until 11:30 PM, setting a joyful tone for the journey.

At 6:30 AM, we awoke to a delicious breakfast of kathlesh, upma, and bread with butter before arriving at Mathura station at 7:40 AM. A pre-booked taxi then whisked us away on an 80 km road trip to Agra. Along the scenic highway, we made a refreshing stop for tea and snacks, ensuring the kids had plenty of energy for the adventure.

 
Midday found us at Coral House Homestay, a charming retreat boasting traditional décor and a warm, homely ambiance despite its modest size. After a relaxing lunch, our excitement grew as we headed out to explore Agra’s timeless treasures. We marveled at the grandeur of Agra Fort and the iconic Taj Mahal, immersing ourselves in their historical beauty. The festive spirit of Holi added extra magic to our visit—with vibrant street decorations, energetic music, and joyful dance performances that filled every corner of the city. We savored local treats like pani puri and bhel, and later indulged in an authentic South Indian dinner at Dasaprakash, rounding off a day brimming with sensory delights.

 The following morning, we enjoyed a homemade breakfast featuring fruits, bread, and bhaji puri before departing for Jaipur at 9 AM, our hearts full of unforgettable memories from a journey steeped in cultural vibrancy and family togetherness.