Leaving the tarmac jungle of Rajkot, I traded the noise of propellers for the hum of the highway. Five hours (or 267 kilometers, if you count sheep rather than fields) melted like butter on pancakes. A landscape of cotton, peanuts and wheat whizzes by, punctuated by the playful wink of a wind turbine. The Gujarat coast then unfurls like a peacock’s tail, leading me towards Dwarka’s coastal neighbor Shivrajpur. Here, where the sea whispers secrets to the temple bells, my soul relaxes like a cow chewing its cud.
But before I delve into the magic of the coast, I have to first Shridwar Kadish Temple, or as it is commonly known, Jagat Mandir. 20 minutes, 13 kilometers – that’s all it takes to exchange the charm of Shivrajpur for the divine aura of Dwarka! It can be considered as the palace of Krishna, where he is revered as the “King of the Dwarves”. This five-story mammoth structure is supported by 72 pillars and is a must-visit during the Char Dham pilgrimage. Archaeologists say the original temple dates back to 200 BC and was built by Krishna's grandson in his hometown. Of course, it has been transformed in the 15th-16th centuries, but the Krishna atmosphere is still uplifting.
Around 2 pm, I landed at The Reef Resort, a tent paradise in Shivrajpur owned by Evoke Experiences. Think “Arabian seascape” rather than “roughly painted on canvas”. Think “glamping,” not “mosquito nets and granola bars.” Being greeted by the ever-smiling Rohini, I knew this was no ordinary beach bash experience. Here, sustainability meets luxury, with temporary excavations causing minimal impact but maximizing ocean views. I spent the next two days waking up to the sunrise over the Arabian Sea, the carpeted walkway the only barrier between me and heaven. Sounds like the “refresh button” is finally getting a beachfront upgrade, right?
check in? It’s more like staying in pure bliss! My dig? This is no ordinary beach hut, but a Rajwadi suite fit for a maharaja (no elephants, but hey, the view makes up for it). I was delighted to walk into the spacious master bedroom, complete with a royal sofa fit for lounging like royalty and a dressing room larger than most city apartments. Oh, and did I mention the extended private dining area, with all the modern bells and whistles like air conditioning and a minibar stocked with guilt-free goodies? And all this for just 35K for two nights, including all meals and a naturalist-accompanied ocean walk on a private beach! This suite is more than just a room, it's a seaside kingdom waiting to be explored (and Instagrammed, obviously).
In addition, they offer premium tents, luxury air-conditioned Swiss chalets and non-air-conditioned cabins designed to suit every budget. Below are the various packages they offer – Shivrajpur Reef Resort
On the first day, I relaxed and enjoyed the leisurely activities. Lunch was enjoyed at their on-site restaurant, where the ever-smiling staff quickly took orders and served delicious meals full of home-cooked flavours, both light on the stomach and satisfying for the taste buds. My taste buds did a happy dance, light and satisfying. After lunch, I walked alone along the private beach in the evening. It's a safe and peaceful environment, perfect for solo walks, and I cherish the peaceful sunsets and the occasional company of friendly dogs who happily trot beside me.
Things get even more exciting at dinner time, with a variety of options to suit every taste, including a delicious combination of local delicacies and delicacies from the north and south regions of India. Every evening, the restaurant hosts live music to add to the dining experience. After dinner, the festivities continue in their dedicated event space, where cultural programming takes center stage under the stars from 9 to 10:30 pm. Then, retreat to my luxurious tent cocoon where I am hypnotized by the soothing wind and calming sounds of the ocean.
The next day was a day filled with beach adventures as I started exploring Shivrajpur Beach, the only blue flag beach in Gujarat and therefore the cleanest beach in the state. Shivrajpur’s Blue Flag status got me hyped about having the cleanest coastline in Gujarat. Although water sports activities were suspended for a day or two due to the incidents that took place in Vadodara during my visit, this beach still offers a lot to offer. Scuba diving is a popular option, offering a glimpse of diverse marine life, while kayaking, boating, parasailing and more await those seeking other aquatic thrills. Kayak through crystal clear waters, feel the breeze in your hair on a thrilling parasail ride, or take in stunning coastal views on a leisurely boat cruise. The engines on this beach may be temporarily stalled, but the spirit of adventure is still roaring!
After falling in love with the distinctive turquoise and emerald hues of Maldivian beaches (seriously, who needs a passport?), I embarked on a historical exploration of the nearby Kachgad Lighthouse. It told whispered tales of a bygone era and fueled my thirst for adventure. Afterwards, refreshed by the sea breeze and lunch at the Reef Resort, I went on an epic sea walk from 5 to 7 pm with the very knowledgeable Sangik Datta. I explored tide pools filled with hidden wonders, unearthed fascinating marine life, and learned about fragile marine ecosystems—all under the golden light of the setting sun. It was like National Geographic came to life, minus the camera crew (although my phone camera was definitely busy capturing the magic!).
Wow, the sea walk with Sanjik was amazing! He was very knowledgeable and I regret not extending my stay at the Reef Resort. I would love to walk with him and learn more about the amazing biodiversity of the area. He has a keen eye for uncovering hidden wonders – things you can only see in NatGeo documentaries.
From the vibrant red breathing reefs to the curious sea grapes (apparently a Japanese superfood!) to the fascinating live seashells, every moment is a revelation. You really need to experience it yourself to appreciate the magic. The evening ended with a delicious dinner, followed by some elegant cultural entertainment.
The next day I jogged to Mandvi for a three-day blissful rendezvous with the Arabian Sea. Oh, and on the way, I couldn't help but stop at the Nageshwara Jyotirlinga temple because, you know, paying homage to Shiva is a must when you're around. It’s just a hop (well, 30 minutes) away from Coral Reef Resort, so no excuses! Huge thanks to Evoke Experiences for orchestrating this wonderful adventure and ensuring my seamless transfer from Shivrajpur to Mandvi.
