Where To Go In Gujarat For Navratri 2025? Start With These 6 Temples

When Navratri begins, Gujarat turns into a living festival. The streets light up with lanterns, temple bells ring deep into the night, and the sound of garba reverberates across towns and cities. Crowds in colourful attire dance till dawn, food stalls fill the air with the scent of sweets and savouries, and chants rise from temple courtyards. For many, Navratri is about the joy of dance. For others, it is about the devotion of prayer. But for those who want to experience the festival in its fullest spirit, Gujarat's temples offer a rhythm where culture and faith meet. From shrines on hilltops to temples by the sea, each one adds a layer to the story of Navratri.

Also Read: Navratri 2025 In India: 7 Best Places To Celebrate, What To Pack And Travel Tips

Navratri 2025 In Gujarat: 6 Temples Where Faith And Festivity Come Alive

If you are looking to pair festive celebrations with devotion, temple hopping across Gujarat is the way to go. Here are six sacred stops that should be part of your Navratri journey.

1. Ambaji Temple, Ambaji

Photo: Gujarat Tourism

Perched on the Aravalli hills, Ambaji Temple is one of Gujarat's most revered Shakti Peeths. Devotees visit throughout the year, but Navratri transforms the shrine into a vibrant gathering with fairs, devotional songs, and ritual dances. The temple's hilltop setting also rewards visitors with sweeping views of the valleys.

How To Reach Ambaji Temple: About 170 km from Ahmedabad, Ambaji can be reached by state buses or hired cabs.

Navratri Highlight: Evening aartis followed by live folk performances that continue late into the night.

From the hills of Ambaji, the journey takes you westwards to the coast, where Dwarka celebrates Navratri with its own festive rhythm.

2. Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka

Photo: devbhumidwarka.nic.in

Dwarka, long linked with the legends of Lord Krishna, is both a pilgrimage site and a cultural hub during Navratri. The Dwarkadhish Temple is beautifully decorated, while bhajans and chants echo across the city. Street vendors serve khichdi, kachori, and traditional sweets, adding to the festive energy.

How To Reach Dwarkadhish Temple: Located 448 km from Ahmedabad, Dwarka is best reached by overnight trains or buses.

Navratri Highlight: Midnight aartis fill the city with devotion and draw thousands of devotees.

If Dwarka honours Krishna, Somnath by the Arabian Sea brings Shiva into the Navratri trail.

3. Somnath Temple, Prabhas Patan

Photo: Somnath.org

Somnath, the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is a shrine of grandeur and history. Its sea-facing location creates a powerful backdrop as bells ring against the sound of waves. During Navratri, the temple hosts cultural programmes and evening aartis that extend the festive spirit. Visitors can also spend time at the temple's museum, visit Gir National Park, or enjoy coastal delicacies.

How To Reach Somnath Temple: The temple is 1.4 km from Somnath Terminus railway station in Veraval.

Navratri Highlight: Evening aartis and cultural programmes across all nine nights.

From Somnath's coast, the route turns inland towards Becharaji, where Goddess Bahucharaji is worshipped with devotion.

4. Bahuchar Mata Temple, Becharaji

Photo: Facebook/@Bahuchar Mata Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Bahucharaji, this temple carries deep significance, especially during Navratri. Known as the protector of travellers, the shrine attracts thousands of devotees during the festival, with rituals and sacred recitations creating an atmosphere of intense faith.

How To Reach Bahuchar Mata Temple: About 110 km from Ahmedabad, the temple can be reached by road. The nearest railway station is Mehsana, 35 km away.

Navratri Highlight: Daily aartis, garba inside the premises, Durga Saptashati recitations, and devotional songs.

From Becharaji, the journey moves to Gandhinagar, where modern design meets devotion at Akshardham.

5. Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar

Photo: Akshardham.com/gujarat

Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, Akshardham Temple is as much about architecture as it is about faith. Intricate carvings, sprawling gardens, and cultural programmes make it a major attraction. During Navratri, families visit for devotional events, discourses, and performances, making it a blend of spirituality and cultural learning.

How To Reach Akshardham Temple: About 30 minutes from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport and 45 minutes from Kalupur Railway Station in Ahmedabad.

Navratri Highlight: Light-and-sound shows and grand aartis that keep evenings lively.

Completing the journey, the trail leads back to the coast, where Nageshwar Mahadev stands as one of Lord Shiva's sacred Jyotirlingas.

6. Nageshwar Mahadev Temple, Near Dwarka

Photo: Gujarat Tourism

Counted among the 12 Jyotirlingas, Nageshwar Mahadev Temple is known for its spiritual importance and coastal setting. Devotees believe that prayers here bring protection and inner strength. During Navratri, chants, flowers, and special rituals create a charged yet serene atmosphere.

How To Reach Nageshwar Mahadev Temple: Around 15 km from Dwarka, accessible by taxis or buses. The nearest railhead is Dwarka railway station.

Navratri Highlight: Rudra abhishek rituals, evening aartis, and festive garba events near the temple premises.

Also Read: 12 Best Destinations To Visit For The Dussehra Long Weekend

Planning Your Navratri Trip To Gujarat

1. Do You Need Special Passes For Temple Visits During Navratri?

No, most temples remain open to all. Early visits are advised due to large crowds.

2. What To Wear While Visiting Temples In Gujarat?

Opt for modest attire such as kurtas, sarees, or salwar suits. Avoid shorts or revealing clothing.

Photo: Unsplash

3. Can You Combine Temple Visits With Sightseeing?

Yes, many temples are located near beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and forts, allowing you to blend devotion with sightseeing.

4. Is It Safe To Travel Solo During Navratri In Gujarat?

Yes, the state is considered safe. Booking accommodation in advance and following local guidelines is recommended.

From Ambaji's hilltop to Dwarka's coast, from Somnath's grandeur to Becharaji's rituals, temple hopping in Gujarat during Navratri is a journey through both faith and celebration. Navratri 2025 offers the perfect time to experience these six sacred stops where devotion meets festivity.