Diu to Khodaldham (Kagvad) Taxi & Car Rental Guide: Fares & Route
Connecting the beach island of Diu to one of Saurashtra’s most revered pilgrimage destinations, the 200 km drive to Shree Khodaldham Temple in Kagvad is a 4.5 to 5-hour journey through Junagadh, Jetpur, and the heart of the Rajkot countryside. A sedan taxi costs ₹5,000–₹5,500 one way. An SUV runs ₹6,000–₹7,500. A 14–26 seater Tempo Traveller costs ₹12,000–₹16,000. Shree Khodaldham Temple in Kagvad is the supreme spiritual centre of the Leuva Patidar community, dedicated to Maa Khodiyar—the kuldevi (patron goddess) of the Leuva Patidar samaj. The 159-foot pink sandstone temple, consecrated in 2017, holds a Guinness World Record for over 5 lakh people singing the National Anthem at its Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Whether you are heading for darshan of Maa Khodiyar, combining your trip with Virpur Jalaram Bapa Temple (just 8 km away), or stopping at Somnath en route, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking a car rental from Diu to Khodaldham.
Route Overview – Diu to Khodaldham by Car
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 200 km via Junagadh–Jetpur (shortest); 215 km via Somnath |
| Travel Time | 4.5 to 5 hours depending on route and stops |
| Route | Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath/Veraval Bypass → Junagadh → Jetpur → Kagvad (Khodaldham) |
| Highway Notes | NH51 coastal highway from Diu to Junagadh; NH151/NH27 from Junagadh to Jetpur. Kagvad turn is between Jetpur and Virpur on NH27. Two-lane roads throughout. |
| Toll Estimate | ₹150–₹250 depending on route and vehicle |
The route follows the coastal highway from Diu through Una and Kodinar, reaches Somnath and Veraval, then heads north on NH151 through Junagadh and Jetpur to Kagvad village in Rajkot district. Khodaldham is located between Jetpur and Virpur on NH27—the turn-off is marked by a large temple gate visible from the highway. The landscape shifts from coastal scrubland near Diu to open farmland as you approach Jetpur. Jetpur (14 km from Kagvad) is Gujarat’s famous block-printing and cotton saree dyeing capital—worth a quick stop if you are interested in textiles.
Taxi Fare Breakdown – What You Actually Pay
One-way fares from Diu to Khodaldham (Kagvad) for the 200 km route:
| Vehicle Type | Models | Capacity | Luggage | One-Way Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Swift Dezire | 4 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹5,000–₹5,500 |
| SUV | Ertiga | 6 seater AC | 2 bags | ₹6,000–₹7,500 |
| SUV (Premium) | Innova Crysta | 6 seater AC | 4 bags | ₹8,000–₹9,500 |
| Tempo Traveller | 14 Seater | 14 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹12,000–₹14,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 17 Seater | 17 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹13,000–₹15,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 26 Seater | 26 seater AC | 10 bags | ₹15,000–₹16,000 |
Why does the Ertiga only hold 2 bags? Most commercial taxis in Gujarat run on CNG. The cylinder is mounted in the boot, which eliminates virtually all luggage space. A Swift Dezire or Ertiga will comfortably hold only 2–3 medium bags. If you have heavy luggage, explicitly request an Innova Crysta or ask the operator to fit a roof carrier before the car arrives.
What’s included: Driver allowance and fuel. What’s extra: Toll charges (typically ₹150–₹250 for this route), parking fees, and the UT/State Border Tax. Because Diu is a Union Territory and Khodaldham is in Gujarat, commercial yellow-plate taxis cross a strict geopolitical border. They are required to pay a border tax (typically ₹300–₹500) at the Tad or Una police checkposts. The Booking Rule: Always ask the cab operator explicitly: “Is the Diu-Gujarat border tax included in this quote, or will the driver demand it in cash at the checkpost?” Never assume it is included in the base fare.
Round trip tip: If you plan to return to Diu after your Khodaldham visit, book a round-trip cab. Most operators charge ₹12–₹14 per km for round trips, which works out cheaper than two one-way bookings. A round trip (400 km total) typically costs ₹5,500–₹7,000 for a sedan. Why is a round trip sometimes cheaper than a one-way? Indian outstation taxi operators typically charge one-way travellers for the empty return journey anyway—so a ₹5,000–₹5,500 one-way fare already includes the driver’s dead-heading cost. A round-trip booking eliminates that dead-head charge, making the per-km rate significantly lower.
Car Rental Options – How to Book
You have several options for booking a car rental from Diu to Khodaldham:
Online Aggregators
- MakeMyTrip: Sedan from ₹5,200. Book online, pay online or cash to driver.
- CabBazar: Sedan from ₹5,000. Offers one-way, round trip, and multi-stop options.
- GozoCabs: One-way from ₹5,400. Round trip from ₹13/km.
- Savaari: Sedan from ₹5,500. Known for well-maintained cars and professional drivers.
Local Taxi Agents in Diu
Local taxi stands are located near Diu Airport, Diu Fort, and Nagoa Beach. Negotiate directly—fares are often ₹200–₹400 lower than online platforms. However, verify the car condition and driver credentials before booking. Ask for a written receipt with the driver’s mobile number. For this route, ensure your driver knows the Kagvad turn between Jetpur and Virpur on NH27.
Route Options – Which Road to Take
Route 1: Via Junagadh – Jetpur (Fastest – 200 km)
Diu → Una → Kodinar → Somnath/Veraval Bypass → Junagadh → Jetpur → Kagvad (Khodaldham). This is the shortest and fastest route—200 km, approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. The road follows NH51 through Una and Kodinar, reaches Somnath, then bypasses Veraval and joins NH151 north through Junagadh. At Jetpur, continue on NH27 and take the Kagvad village turn between Jetpur and Virpur. This route is ideal for combining Somnath darshan with your Khodaldham pilgrimage.
Route 2: Via Somnath – Junagadh (Scenic – 215 km)
Diu → Dolasa → Prachi → Somnath → Veraval Bypass → Junagadh → Jetpur → Kagvad. At 215 km, this route adds 15 km but passes through Prachi—an ancient town with Buddhist and Hindu archaeological remains. You join the main highway at Junagadh before heading north. This route is ideal if you want to explore Prachi and Somnath on the way.
Recommendation: Take Route 1 if your priority is reaching Khodaldham quickly. Take Route 2 if you want to explore Prachi and Somnath on the way. Both routes converge at Junagadh and pass through Jetpur before reaching Kagvad. Many pilgrims leave Diu early, visit Somnath by 9:00 AM, reach Kagvad by early afternoon, and combine with Virpur (8 km away) before returning.
En Route Stops – What to See Along the Way
| Stop | Distance from Diu | What to See |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach | 10 km | Scenic beach across the creek from Diu, calm waters |
| Una | 20 km | Coastal town, local temples, tea break |
| Kodinar | 50 km | Town with weekly bazaar, gateway to Somnath region |
| Sutrapada | 68 km | Ancient sun temple ruins, coastal scrub landscape |
| Somnath | 100 km | Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth |
| Veraval Bypass | 108 km | Fishing harbour—you pass the bypass, enter town only if visiting |
| Junagadh | 155 km | Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara, Girnar Hills |
| Jetpur | 185 km | Gujarat’s block-printing and cotton saree dyeing capital |
| Kagvad (Khodaldham) | 200 km | Shree Khodaldham Temple, 159-ft pink sandstone structure |
| Virpur | 208 km | Jalaram Bapa Temple, 8 km from Khodaldham |
Best Time to Drive
Early morning (5:30–7:30 AM): The best window. Light traffic, cool temperatures, and the Saurashtra countryside in morning light. You reach Khodaldham by noon—perfect for afternoon darshan before the evening aarti.
Late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM): Good for reaching the temple before evening aarti. Traffic is moderate.
Avoid: Midday (11:00 AM–3:00 PM) in summer (April–June) when temperatures cross 42°C. Night driving is not recommended—single-lane roads, no streetlights, and occasional wildlife near the Gir corridor.
Virpur Jalaram Bapa Temple – The Pilgrimage Extension
Located just 8 km from Khodaldham, Virpur Jalaram Bapa Temple is one of the most visited temples in Saurashtra. Almost every traveller who books a cab to Khodaldham combines it with Virpur darshan. Jalaram Bapa (1871–1954) was a revered Hindu saint from Virpur, and his temple houses his original residence, idols, and personal belongings. The temple complex includes a dharamshala (rest house), bhojanalaya (community dining), and a market selling religious souvenirs and Virpur’s famous churma (sweet).
Combination tip: Ask your driver to visit both Khodaldham and Virpur in a single trip. The two temples are 8 km apart—approximately 15 minutes by car. Most pilgrims visit Khodaldham first, then continue to Virpur before heading back to Diu. Inform your driver about both stops when booking so waiting charges are clarified upfront.
About Shree Khodaldham Temple (Kagvad)
Shree Khodaldham Temple in Kagvad village is the supreme spiritual centre of the Leuva Patidar community, dedicated to Maa Khodiyar—the kuldevi (patron goddess) of the Leuva Patidar samaj. The modern temple complex, consecrated in 2017, is a monumental pink sandstone structure rising 159 feet and visible from kilometres away.
- Architecture: The temple features traditional Gujarati architectural style with intricate carvings and a towering shikhara. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Maa Khodiyar. The temple complex includes a large mandap (hall) for devotees.
- 52-Gaj Dhwaja: The temple’s massive red flag (dhwaja) measures 52 gaj (approximately 156 feet) and is hoisted atop the shikhara. The flag is visible from the highway and has become an iconic symbol of Khodaldham.
- Guinness World Record: At the temple’s Pran Pratishtha ceremony in 2017, over 5 lakh (500,000) people gathered to sing the Indian National Anthem together, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest group singing of the National Anthem.
- Annapurnalaya: The temple’s massive community dining hall serves traditional Gujarati thali prasad to thousands of devotees daily. The dining hall is one of the cleanest and most well-organized temple kitchens in Gujarat.
- Dress Code: Conservative clothing required. Both men and women must cover shoulders and knees. No shorts or sleeveless tops permitted.
- Timings: Temple opens at 6:00 AM. Morning aarti at 7:00 AM. Evening aarti at 7:00 PM. Temple closes at 9:00 PM.
- Facilities: Free parking available near the temple. Dharamshala (rest house) for overnight stays. Small eateries and tea stalls around the temple complex. Basic restrooms available.
Somnath Stopover – Combine with Your Trip
Somnath Temple is roughly 100 km from Diu—about 2 hours by car. Since the Diu–Khodaldham route passes through Somnath, stopping for darshan adds minimal time to your journey. Most travellers leave Diu early, reach Somnath by 9:00 AM, spend 1–2 hours at the temple, and continue to Khodaldham by early afternoon. The Somnath bypass is also the best place for a clean restroom break—several highway dhabas and the temple’s cloakroom facilities are available.
Somnath dress code: Both men and women must wear conservative clothing covering shoulders and knees. No electronic devices—phones, smartwatches, cameras, power banks, or car key fobs—are permitted inside the security perimeter. Leave devices in your taxi with the driver or use the external cloakroom (adds 20–30 minutes).
Return Options – Khodaldham to Diu
If you are not booking a round-trip cab, here are your options for returning to Diu:
- Pre-booked round-trip cab: The most convenient option. Your driver waits during your visit and returns you to Diu.
- GSRTC bus: Buses run from Jetpur/Kagvad to Diu via Junagadh, Somnath, Veraval, and Una. Frequency: 5+ buses daily. Last bus: around 6:00 PM. Journey: 5–6 hours with stops. Check GSRTC website for live timings.
- Local taxi: Available at the temple entrance and Jetpur bus stand. Fares may be higher than pre-booked cabs due to limited supply.
Safety Tips for the Drive
- Carry water bottles and snacks—limited shops between Una and Kodinar
- Fill fuel in Diu, Kodinar, Veraval, Somnath, Junagadh, or Jetpur—limited petrol pumps on the rural stretch
- Keep windows up during forest stretches—monkeys may attempt to grab food
- Drive slowly near villages—cattle and pedestrians cross without warning
- Carry cash—ATMs are limited near Kagvad
- Avoid self-driving at night—single-lane roads, no streetlights, wildlife on road
- Download offline maps—mobile signal is patchy near Kagvad
- Luggage capacity warning: Many hatchbacks and sedans in Gujarat are CNG-fitted, with cylinders occupying the boot. If you have heavy luggage, request an SUV with a roof carrier when booking.
- Alcohol warning: Diu is a Union Territory with relaxed liquor laws. Gujarat enforces strict prohibition. Taxis exiting Diu into Gujarat pass through police checkposts near Tad and Una. Carrying alcohol from Diu into Gujarat carries severe legal penalties. Do not carry any alcohol in the taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Diu to Khodaldham?
The most direct route is approximately 200 km via Una, Kodinar, Somnath/Veraval Bypass, Junagadh, and Jetpur. The journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. Khodaldham is located between Jetpur and Virpur on NH27—the turn-off is marked by a large temple gate visible from the highway.
How much does a taxi from Diu to Khodaldham cost?
A sedan (Swift Dezire) costs ₹5,000–₹5,500 one way. An SUV (Ertiga) costs ₹6,000–₹7,500. An Innova Crysta costs ₹8,000–₹9,500. Round-trip fares for a sedan covering 400 km total are generally ₹5,500–₹7,000.
How long does it take to reach Khodaldham from Diu?
Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours via the coastal route (Una–Kodinar–Somnath/Veraval Bypass–Junagadh–Jetpur–Kagvad). Early morning departures are fastest due to minimal traffic. If you stop at Somnath for darshan, add 1–2 hours to the total journey time.
Can I visit Virpur Jalaram Bapa Temple on the same trip?
Yes. Virpur is just 8 km from Khodaldham—approximately 15 minutes by car. Almost every traveller who visits Khodaldham combines it with Virpur darshan. Ask your driver to visit both temples in a single trip. Inform your driver about both stops when booking so waiting charges are clarified upfront.
Can I visit Somnath and Khodaldham on the same trip?
Yes. Both temples are on the same corridor—Somnath is 100 km from Diu, Khodaldham is 200 km from Diu. Most travellers visit Somnath first, then continue to Khodaldham. The total round trip from Diu via both temples is approximately 400 km. Inform your driver about both stops when booking.
What is the Guinness World Record at Khodaldham?
At the temple’s Pran Pratishtha ceremony in 2017, over 5 lakh (500,000) people gathered to sing the Indian National Anthem together, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest group singing of the National Anthem. The temple also hoists a massive 52-gaj (approximately 156-foot) red flag (dhwaja) atop its shikhara.
Do Gujarat cabs have CNG tanks that eat luggage space?
Yes. Almost every commercial sedan and Ertiga in Gujarat runs on CNG, with the cylinder in the boot. A Swift Dezire or Ertiga holds only 2–3 medium bags. For heavy luggage, book an Innova Crysta or request a roof carrier.
How does the UT border tax work?
Diu is a Union Territory; Khodaldham is in Gujarat. Commercial cabs crossing this border are stopped at the Tad or Una police checkposts and charged ₹300–₹500. Confirm with the operator before booking whether this charge is included in the fare or payable in cash.
Is it safe to drive at night from Diu to Khodaldham?
No. The corridor includes unlit single-lane roads, wandering cattle, and occasional wildlife near the forest fringe. Plan your departure so you arrive at Khodaldham well before dusk.
