Places to visit in Somnath and things to do there

With a large number of great places to visit, Somnath is one of the best pilgrimage cities of India. Somnath Beach, Gita Temple, and Somnath Temple are the three most popular visiting places in Somnath. It not only has great temples but also places like beaches and rivers with unspeakable beauty. 

How to reach Somnath?

By Air: Board a flight to the Rajkot airport, 195 km from the city. You can take a cab to the city centre from the airport.

By Train: Take a train to Veraval, just half an hour’s journey from Somnath.

By Road: Somnath is well-linked to the rest of the country via national and state highways. The state transport corporation runs buses from Somnath to key cities and towns of Gujarat and other Indian states.

Places to visit in Somnath and things to do there

• Temples

Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple, the holiest of India’s 12 jyotirlingas, is situated in the Veraval area of the Junagadh district. The town’s name, Somnath, which translates to “Lord of the Moon,” comes from the Somnath Temple. Legend has it that Som, the Moon God, constructed the Somnath Temple from gold, Ravan from silver, Lord Krishna from wood, and King Bhimdev of Anhilwad from stone.

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This settlement, once known as “Prabhas Patan,” is still a typical pilgrimage destination. There is no land between both the temple and the South Pole because it was constructed at the very edge of the Earth, in Gujarat. 

 The temple was erected in Solanki fashion. The assembly hall, sanctum sanctorum, and top shrine were constructed in the first phase, which was followed by the construction of the Nritya Mandap (dancing hall). The Kalash (pot) on top of the temple weighs 10 tonnes and reaches a height of 155 feet. In 1025 AD, Mahmud of Ghazni destroyed the temple. 

 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, former deputy prime minister of India, visited and ordered the rebuilding of the Somnath Temple following Junagadh’s incorporation into the Union of India. In 1951, the temple was constructed. In recognition, a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is displayed in front of it.

Millions of worshippers visit the Somnath Temple each year. Another draw is the temple’s annual Sound and Light Show. 

On the Arabian Sea’s shore, the temple stands in all its splendour and majesty. The renowned Bhalka Teerth, where Lord Krishna’s death place “Neejdham,” is another reason why Somnath is well known. 

The best time to visit this temple is in the morning. The whole tour of the temple takes about 3 hours. During Shravan, you must book your visit online to the temple and get your pass. Darshan timings around the year are 6am to 8pm. The timings for Aarti are 8am, 12noon and 7pm. The temple is a high security zone and no mobile phones, cameras or keys are allowed. One is also not allowed any leather products or their purse inside.

Suraj Mandir/ Sun Temple

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In front of the temple, just over the main doorway, the sculpture is a depiction of Surya with his seven horses and two wives. The circumambulatory hallway contains three image niches, one on each of the shrine’s north, south, and west sides. They have iconography of Shiva and Parvati, Brahma and Saraswati, and Vishnu and Lakshmi, making them one of the ideal spots for a surreal Somnath visitor experience. There are no entrance fees for this shrine. The adjacent Hiran River is also accessible from here.

Along with exploring, you can self-indulge while admiring Suraj Mandir’s views. Discover all the attractions of the Suraj Mandir in Somnath, and stop by on the weekends for a soothing experience. It is a great method to refresh and unwind after a demanding work week. Discover fascinating themes, incredible designs, bright settings, amusing characters, background music, props, and merchandise from nearby shops all in one place. The Suraj Mandir, Somnath, and Veraval are the best locations for meaningful time with kids and family.

It takes an hour to complete a full tour of the Surya Mandir. Darshan timings are from 6am to 6pm. Best time to visit the mandir is 6am to 11am. It is situated in Prabhas Patan, Somnath and you can take a bus or an auto to reach here.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, is situated on the banks of the Triveni Teerth. The Gita Mandir and Laxminarayana Temple are situated close to one another at Gaulok Dham by the Hiranya River. In this temple, the Supreme Lord Shree Vishnu and the Goddess Ma Devi Laxmi are revered. This temple, despite its small size, was built in the contemporary Indian style. The marble construction is adorned with beautiful ornamentation.

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These are few of the 24 of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations shown in the sculptures on the temple walls, along with major passages from the Hindu Puranas or Holy Scriptures. In addition to the idol of Lord Laxmi Narayan, this temple also houses a number of other idols of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. 

This is not only a spiritual spot for tourists but also an educational one. We can visit this place to know more about Puranas and the 24 avatars of Vishnu. You can also attend the Aartis and be blessed with Pujanam Archanam. There is no additional charge to enter the magnificent temple. We can visit the temple during that period because it is open from 6 am till 8 pm.

Dehotsarg Teerth

This Teerth, one of the top attractions in Somnath, is situated on the banks of the Hiran River, 1.5 kilometres away from the temple. From this holy ground, Baghvan Shree Krishna set off on his heavenly trek to Neejdham. There are references to Shri Krishna Neejdham Prasthan Leela in the Mahabharata, Shrimad Bhagwat, Vishnu Puran, and other religious texts. 

 Shri Krishna should depart on the first day of the bright fortnight of the Chaitra month, according to Swami Shri Gajananand Saraswatiji. To commemorate Lord Krishna and to allow believers to show their respect to the Lord, and his footprints. These prints that are made on red stone are placed beneath a peepal tree.

It has a serene and spiritual atmosphere and is close to other temples including the Gita Temple and the Lakshminarayan Temple. You can get together with other devotees who are visiting and talk about the significance of this holy place.

Bhalka Teerrth

This holy tirth is one of the few well-known tourist destinations in Somnath and is situated along the Prabhas Veraval route. At this location, Shree Krishna was struck by the arrow of the poacher Jara. The latter was relaxing under a pipal tree when the poacher shot from a distance after mistaking Baghvan Shree Krishna’s foot for a deer. After forgiving the hunter, Lord Krishna continued to Dehotsarg, four kilometres away, which ultimately happens to be Lord Krishna’s death place. 

This stunning temple serves as an eternal reminder of Shree Krishna’s heavenly Leela. While you’re on vacation in Gujarat, make sure to visit this spiritual beauty dressed in white marble.

Bhalka Tirth can be visited in the months of November, December, January and February. One can visit the temple during Janmashtami to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna in a grand way. Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach is also a nice getaway nearby.

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Panch Pandav Gufa

A popular tourist destination is Panch Pandav Gufa, which is a cave shrine adored by Hindus and is located in Lalghati, close to the Temple City of Somnath.

The shrine of Durga, these caves also have numerous idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Rama and Hanuman are kept at the cave temple. Numerous people visit the caverns because of the beautiful surroundings and the serene, spiritual atmosphere of the area. It has some of the best resorts in Somnath. There is a list of things we can do when we visit these caves.

Pachmarhi

It is among the most popular tourist attractions in Pachmarhi, which got its name from a collection of five caverns. The Queen of Satpuras, commonly known as Pachmarhi, is a stunning place. It is always vibrant and has a rich cultural heritage. In Pachmarhi, there are numerous lakes and waterfalls. Sunset Point will stay with you for a very long time.

Bison Lodge and Museum- Pachmarhi

An intriguing collection of images, models, maps, graphs, and samples of the flora and wildlife of this biologically rich region—the Satpura Hills—are on exhibit at the Bison Lodge and Museum in Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh. You can go to the museum to learn more about the local flora and animals. There is an outdoor theatre at the Bison Lodge and Museum Pachmarhi where you may view animal documentaries and demonstrations.

• Beaches and Rivers

Ahmedpur Mandavi

One of Gujarat’s lesser-known beauties and best stretches of coastline is Ahmedpur Mandvi, which sits on a 6-kilometre stretch of crystal-clear Arabian waves lapping the shore. It continues as Ghogla Beach onto the adjacent area of mainland Diu, just over a creek from the island of Diu. 

You should partake in all water sports, including swimming, surfing, parasailing, water skiing, etc., when you visit. The beach is white and hard, making it ideal for strolls, and the water is safe for swimming. 

Private Beaches – A few cottage resorts give their guests access to exclusive beaches. Comfortable lawns, palm groves, and air-conditioned rooms are further features. The fishing hamlets in this region are one of the key draws for tourists. One might wander leisurely on the beach. Additionally, visitors can plan to observe dolphins.

Triveni Sangam

Triveni Sangam and Triveni Mahasangam Ghat are two other names for Triveni Ghat. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Somnath and is located just where the Saraswati, Hiranya, and Kapila holy streams meet before they flow into the sea, making it one of the top summer vacation spots in Gujarat. 

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Since the confluence of the three rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati—are all highly revered in Indian mythology, it has great religious significance. You can distinguish between the two rivers’ water colours by taking a boat journey to their calmly running waters, the Ganga and the Saraswati better than you can do from this picture.

There is a list of things that you can do at Triveni Sangam.

Kumbh Mela

You can go to renowned events around the world. Every twelve years, the Kumbh Mela (Gathering) is celebrated in one of four locations, with the Triveni Sangam being one of those locations. According to Hindu mythology, taking a dip at Triveni Sangam during the Kumbh Mela promises to achieve self-liberation while cleansing the body and soul.

Pooja Rituals

We can experience the various ritualistic poojas carried out by the Pundits at this location, one can have the most amazing experience. Rudrabhishekam, Ekadash Rudrabhishekam Pooja, Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam Yagya, and other poojas are also performed by regular Hindu devotees. 

Somnath Beach

If you’re looking for romantic places to visit in Gujarat, this area is a true treat for beach lovers visiting Somnath; this is a completely clean and stunning shoreline to hang out on with your friends and family. However, keep in mind that you are not allowed to enter these waters due to the powerful tides and unpredictable weather, which frequently generates showers.

Source: Pinterest                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The beauty of this beach during the sunset is impeccable. The water can get quite dangerous, so make sure you remain a safe distance from it. The beach’s beauty and stroll-worthy sands will more than make up for it, so do not be alarmed. Visits here are among the most pleasant things to do in Somnath.

A tourist visiting Gujarat must include the Somnath Beach on their itinerary. In the early mornings and late at night, one may also see a lot of joggers running along a trail. Along with the very popular camel rides, tourists can refresh themselves with the fresh coconut water and corn that are offered here, although swimming at the beach is not advised. By the water, there are also sidewalk restaurants where you may grab quick snacks such as tender coconut and maize. Shops near the shoreline provide items like seashell crafts to tourists. The beach is typically packed with both locals and visitors.

• Museums and National Parks

Prabhas Patan Museum

Want to learn more about Gujarat’s fascinating past? You should go to the Prabhas Patan Museum in Somnath, which contains a collection of antique stones, antiquated sculptures, and temple remnants that have been preserved and renovated and will tell you a lot about the history of this city. a must-see Somnath tourist destination.

The Prabhas Patan Museum was founded in the middle of the 20th century and houses an incredible collection of antiquated temple ruins, writings, deity idols, holy water, and other items that represent the union of Saraswati, Kapila, and Hiranya. The Moon God worships the Kalbhairav Linga, one of the most significant Shivalingas, which is thought to be concealed among the ruins. Therefore, the attraction has enormous religious and archaeological significance. 

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Visit this location to observe more sculptures, carved stones, inscriptions, five domes, toranas from the 12th century, sacred waters of several rivers, pillars, statues of Lord Agni, Uma Maheshwara, Lord Vishnu, Parvati, and Natya Bhairava from the 11th century, seashells, and pottery fragments. Along with these historical artefacts, the museum also contains an intriguing exhibit of water from international rivers such as the St. Lawrence, Tigris, Plate, Danube, Nile, and Murray, as well as from the seas of Tasmania and New Zealand.

The museum is 2km away from the Somnath station.The timings are 10:30am to 5:30pm and entry is chargeable at INR 5.00 for Indians and INR 50.00 for foreigners. To be permitted with a camera inside costs a hundred additional bucks.

Sana Caves

For those seeking some thrill and excitement during their vacation to Somnath in Gujarat, this is a must-see location. Couples may also add it to their list of intriguing honeymoon locations in Gujarat. In essence, this area consists of two separate cave networks. The Sana caves in question are the Buddhist caves in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath area, seven kilometres from Veraval.

In the Veraval – Somnath region, which is also found in the recently abolished Gir Somnath district, there is another collection of Sana Buddhist caves. Instead of being referred to as Sana caves, these caverns are simply referred to as the old Buddhist caves of Prabhas Patan. Nevertheless, the media has muddled up information regarding these caves. About 7 kilometres to the southeast of Veraval and 2 kilometres to the northeast of the Somnath Mahadev mandir are the Sana Caves of Prabhas Patan.

 You can visit this place and be more awestruck to see this extraordinary arrangement of these 62 rock-cut caverns in real life. You can learn more about this historical place and have incredible sculptures on practically every one of them. You can visit these places to see the dome-shaped halls are furnished with stupas, chaityas, cushions, and benches. These caverns, according to historians, were formed about the 1st century BC.

Gir National Park

This is the habitat of Asiatic lions and is regarded as the ideal location to spend some time with wildlife that has been exquisitely conserved in its original setting. This sanctuary for woodland cumbers, also known as Sasan-Gir, was founded in 1965. This location, which spans a surface area of 1412 sq km, is 65 km from Junagadh and 2 hours from Somnath. one of the well-known sites in Somnath.

According to the official count, there were 411 lions in 2010. There are also around 2375 different kinds of wildlife in this area, including 38 species of mammals, 300 or more bird species, 37 species of reptiles, and more than 2000 insect species. Here, you can also find the leopard, chausingha, spotted deer, hyena, sambar deer, and chinkara, among other significant animal species.

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Opting for a safari enhances the whole experience. Gir visit offers you the singular opportunity to travel to a location that almost solely contributes to the survival and sustainability of a particular species. When these lions were just ready to reach the phase of extinction due to hunting, the Nawab of Junagadh took the initiative to save them.. Besides Safaris you can also visit the Gir market and buy tribal handicraft items from Gir National Park. 

Festivals are held annually by the tribal people to provide tourists with a chance to interact with the local tribes. You should go to the Chitra Vichitra fair held a fortnight after the celebration and the Dang Darbar, which is held a few days before Holi. Attending the fair will help you learn more about different cultures while still allowing you to enjoy the food and folk dancing at the Darbar Festival. You can also try living in the lavish Gir Resorts to get refreshed and get out of the regular life of hustles.

The best time to visit Gir is during spring. It is well connected to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar by roadways and railways. By air, you need to land at Rajkot or Keshod and drive to Gir. The timings that this park stays open are 6am to 5pm. There are different payment slabs for ticket prices in the park that range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 . For foreigners, the price is around Rs 14,000 for the safari.

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