Somnath is a holy destination that houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and its name means 'lord of the moon.' The town is steeped in mythology, religion, and legends that have become integral to its identity.
As a temple town, Somnath exudes a robust spiritual atmosphere that permeates tourism and daily life. The city boasts numerous temples that add to its religious ambiance. However, Somnath also offers visitors other attractions, such as beaches, museums, and more. While the Somnath temple and Somnath beach are the top places to visit, tourists can also explore destinations such as Gita Mandir, Balukha Tirtha, Kamnath Mahadev Temple, and Somnath Museum.
Read the complete Somnath tourism guide and plan your Somnath trip with us.
Places to visit in Somnath
There are many Cities in Gujarat, but Somnath reserves a special place for itself in the minds of not just religious-minded Hindu devotees. Somnath is best known for its shore temple. Though not as renowned as this temple, Somnath is home to numerous other tourist attractions in Somnath, and all of them are well worth a visit when on a Tour to Somnath.
- Somnath Beach
- Paanch Pandav Gufa
- Triveni Sangam Temple
- Laxmi Narayan Temple
- Chorwad Beach
- Somnath Temple
- Shashibhushan Mahadev and Bhidbhanjan Ganpatiji Temple
Things to do in Somnath
Somnath is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot in Gujarat on account of being a Triveni Sangam, i.e., the confluence of three holy rivers: Kapila, Hiran, and Sarasvati. There are many things to do in Somnath that can elevate your experience on the tour. Check out the list below:
- Seek blessings at Kamnath Mahadev temple.
- Discover Prabhas Patan Museum.
- See Krishna's foot at Dehotsarg Teerth.
- Look at the architecture of the Junagadh Gate.
Best time to visit Somnath
Due to the chilly weather during this period, the ideal time to visit Somnath is between September and March. If you prefer to avoid the crowds of tourists, you can visit during the summer and monsoon seasons. These seasons occur from March to June and could be better due to the weather conditions. As a result, the place is mostly empty, except for the influx of pilgrims who visit throughout the year.
How to reach Somnath
To reach the city of Somnath, there is no direct flight available as there is no airport in Somnath. The closest airport is Diu Airport, approximately 82 km away. However, trains from major cities can reach Somnath, specifically Veraval Junction, as there is a well-equipped train station in Somnath's vicinity. Moreover, buses are also available to get to Somnath, as the route is well-maintained and connected to various parts of the state. Overnight journeys on comfortable buses are accessible from significant cities as well.
Accommodations in Somnath
Somnath, located in Gujarat, is an important pilgrimage center and a popular tourist destination due to its status as a Triveni Sangam. Many of the attractions in Somnath are based on Hindu mythology and religion, making it a popular destination for visitors worldwide. Tourists prefer well-known hotels, including the Imperial Somnath, The Fern Residency Somnath, The Bliss Hotel, Lords Inn Somnath, The Square Somnath, the Hotel The Grand Daksh, and the Hotel Somnath Atithigruh.
Where to eat in Somnath
There are not many wealthy fine dining establishments in Somnath. Around the temple, there are a few well-known eateries, as well as some neighborhood joints and Dhabas. You can also try Gujarati snacks in the area like Dhokla, Khakra, Fafda, Sev, Khandvi, and Khaman, as well as sweets like Ghevar, Malpua, Shrikhand, Puran Poli, and more. To try all these delicacies, you must check out the best restaurants in Somnath: New Bhabha Restaurant, Hotel Shiv Ganga, Blue Coriander, and many more.
How to get around in Somnath?
The Somnath Trust arranges local sightseeing tours called "Somnath Tirth Darshan" twice daily. The bus departs from the entrance of the Somnath Temple at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. A fee of Rs. 20 per seat is required. Alternatively, you can opt to tour the town by hiring an auto-rickshaw.
Travel tips
- Avoid wearing revealing clothes in Somnath as the people are traditional-minded, and you might (unknowingly) hurt their sentiments.
- Do not damage property like museums, monuments, zoos, etc.
- Follow the rules (if there are any) at a particular attraction or place.
- If any significant document gets lost or stolen, immediately inform the local police stations. Your documents can be misused.
- Learn some phrases in Gujarati to help you interact better with the locals.
- Go with a registered tour guide if needed. Some local tour guides can charge you way more for inauthentic information.
