Somnath, on the southern coast of Gujarat's Saurashtra region, is home to the Somnath Temple — the first and most sacred of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the most revered pilgrimage...
Somnath
First Jyotirlinga of India
Gujarat, India
4.8
JyotirlingaCoastal TempleAncient Heritage
spiritual
Duration: 1–2 Days
Budget/day: ₹1,000 – ₹2,500
Best season: Oct – Mar
Altitude: 11 m
Nearest airport: Keshod Airport (55 km) / Diu Airport (65 km)
Nearest railway: Veraval Railway Station (7 km)
Best places to visit in Somnath
Things to do in Somnath
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1.5–2 hours
Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple darshan
The Somnath Temple on the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat is one of the most historically significant and emotionally powerful temples in all of India. Destroyed and rebuilt seventeen times across a thousand years — most famously by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025 AD — the current temple was consecrated in 1951 and stands as a symbol of resilience and faith. Its location on a rocky promontory directly above the Arabian Sea, with nothing but open ocean between it and Antarctica, is extraordinary.
- No photoSpiritualView full guide
45 minutes
Bhalka Tirth — Lord Krishna's departure point
Six kilometres from Somnath, Bhalka Tirth marks the spot where Lord Krishna was accidentally struck by the arrow of a hunter named Jara, mistaking his foot for a deer, and departed from the earth. It is one of the most significant Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites in the country — a simple but deeply resonant temple marking the moment that ended the Dvapara Yuga and began the Kali Yuga.
- No photoHeritageView full guide
1 hour
Prabhas Patan Museum visit
The Prabhas Patan Museum near Somnath houses over 3,000 artefacts from excavations of the ancient Prabhas city — temple sculptures, inscriptions, pottery, and bronze objects that document 2,000 years of continuous history at this sacred site. The collection gives crucial historical depth to the mythology of both Somnath and the Yadava kingdom of Krishna, and is essential for anyone wanting to understand Somnath beyond its spiritual significance alone.
Best Time to Visit and Weather Info
Best time: October to March
Monsoon is moderate and the temple stays open. Maha Shivaratri draws massive pilgrim crowds.
Winter
Best Time ⭐Oct – Feb
15°C – 28°C
Ideal weather. The Sound & Light show at the temple is a highlight.
- Attend the evening Sound & Light show at 7:45 PM
- Visit Bhalka Tirth and Triveni Sangam
Maha Shivaratri
Festive 🎉Feb–Mar
18°C – 30°C
Huge festival gathering. Overnight prayers and special puja. Plan accommodation well in advance.
- Book rooms 2 months ahead
- Expect large crowds and limited transport
Summer
Avoid 🔴Apr – Jun
28°C – 42°C
Very hot coastal heat. Uncomfortable for sightseeing.
- Visit only early morning
- Sea breeze helps at the coastal promenade
How to Reach
✈️By Air
Airport: Keshod Airport / Diu Airport (55–65 km)
Duration: ~1.5 hrs
Limited flights to Keshod and Diu from Mumbai. Taxi onward.
Taxi: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500
Airlines: Air India
🚂By Train
Station: Veraval Railway Station (7 km)
Veraval is the nearest major railway station. Autos and taxis connect to Somnath.
- Somnath Express — Ahmedabad (9 hrs to Veraval)
🚌By Road
GSRTC buses run from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Junagadh. Well-maintained coastal highway.
- Ahmedabad: 400 km, 6.5 hrs via NH-51
- Rajkot: 200 km, 3.5 hrs via NH-51
- Dwarka: 235 km, 4.5 hrs via Coastal road
Local Food
Somnath is a vegetarian temple town. Local Gujarati cuisine dominates. The beachside stalls offer fresh snacks.
Gujarati Thali
Complete vegetarian meal — a staple for pilgrims.
Where: Hotel restaurants near the temple
₹100 – ₹180
Bhajiya (Pakora)
Deep-fried fritters made with vegetables — perfect seaside snack.
Where: Beach-side stalls
₹30 – ₹60
Coconut Water
Fresh tender coconut served at the beachside — cooling and refreshing.
Where: Beach promenade stalls
₹20 – ₹40
Ragda Patties
Spiced white pea curry over potato patties — popular Gujarati street food.
Where: Market area near bus stand
₹40 – ₹70
Somnath temple town is strictly vegetarian. No non-veg food is served near the shrine.
FAQs
- Somnath is home to one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt 17 times and holds immense historical and spiritual significance.
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Nearby destinations
Gir National Park
49 km · Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is the last wild refuge of the majestic Asiatic lion, a subspecies once on the brink of extinction that has made a remarkable comeback thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Covering over 1,400 square kilometers of dry deciduous forest, scrubland, and grassland in the Saurashtra region, Gir also harbors leopards, hyenas, jackals, and over 300 bird species. Guided jeep safaris through the forest offer genuinely exciting encounters with the regal Asiatic lion and the rich biodiversity of this unique protected area.
Diu
64 km · Diu, a small island Union Territory connected to Gujarat's southern coast by two bridges, is one of India's hidden coastal gems — a quiet, charming destination with gorgeous beaches, a magnificent Portuguese fort, colonial churches, and a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere entirely different from the rest of Gujarat. The imposing Diu Fort on the southeastern tip of the island, the pristine Nagoa Beach lined with hoka palms, and the beautiful Church of St. Paul with its impressive baroque facade are the island's highlights. Diu's relaxed pace, excellent seafood, and status as one of India's least crowded beach destinations make it an ideal escape for those seeking a peaceful coastal retreat.
Dwarka
211 km · Dwarka, located on the western tip of Gujarat's Saurashtra coast, is one of the seven sacred pilgrimage cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism and the legendary kingdom of Lord Krishna, making it one of the most revered destinations for Vaishnava devotees. The magnificent Dwarkadhish Temple, rising five stories and topped with a 78.3-meter high flag, stands majestically near the Arabian Sea and is the spiritual centerpiece of the town. Archaeological excavations have revealed submerged structures offshore that some researchers associate with the mythological sunken city of Dwarka, adding a fascinating layer of mystery to this ancient pilgrimage destination.