17 Best Tourist Places in Somnath

Somnath is a significant pilgrimage and tourist attraction in Gujarat because it is the meeting point of the three sacred rivers, the Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati. The Hindu religion and mythology shape Somnath's tourist attractions. According to legend, a curse caused the moon god Soma to lose his shine, so he took a bath in the Saraswati River to regain it. This tradition gave rise to the city's name, "lord of the moon." Somnath, which is mostly a temple town, also has other attractions.

1. Somnath Mahadev Temple

Gujarat's Somnath is home to the Somnath Mahadev Temple. It is also one of the significant shiva temple as it is considered as the Adi Jyotirlinga. Seven times this temple was destroyed, but each time it was reconstructed. Suryadev Ravi used silver, Chandradev Soma used gold, and Lord Krishna used wood to construct it. It was originally constructed out of stone around the 11th century by Solanki Rajput. It was most recently reconstructed in 1951. The temple was frequently assaulted as a result of its richness and magnificence. The temple's magnificent carvings, silver doors, Nandi statue, and central Shivling are well-known features. During the four-day Purnima festival of Kartik, a sizable number of worshippers visit the location.

2. Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach

Gujarat's Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach is one of the most popular ones. It is located where Gujarat and Diu meet on the Gujarat coast. This is why Diu and Saurashtra's Portuguese cultures have blended. If you wish to stroll along the sand or swim in the sea, this is your location. This beach is quite famous owing to the dolphins and water sports activities visible in the sea.

3. Panch Pandav Gufa

Hindus love the Panch Pandav Gufa, a cave temple in the Lalghati region not far from the city of Somnath. This cave temple was discovered in 1949 by the late Baba Narayandas. It is dedicated to the five famous Pandavas, Yudhisthira, Arjuna, Mahabali Bheema, Nakul, and Sahdev, who resided in this temple during their exile. Additionally, there are shrines for Lord Hanuman, Lord Laxman, Lord Laxman, Devi Sita, and Goddess Durga near the Panch Pandav Gufa. You may go here and then spend time at some of the best Somnath resorts.

4. Shree Parshuram Temple

One of Gujarat's most well-known tourist destinations is Shree Parshuram Temple, also known as the Somnath Parshuram Temple, and it is situated near Somnath. It is located directly where Lord Somnath blessed Lord Parshuram and freed him from the curse of "Kshatriyahatya" on the banks of the Triveni Theerth River. Along with its three major buildings-a sabha mandap, a central mandap, and a garbhagriha-the well-known Hindu shrine, which is dedicated to Lord Parshuram, also has two ancient Kunds on its grounds. The temple complex also has small shrines to Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesh.

5. Somnath Beach

Suppose you're looking for romantic places to visit in Gujarat. In that case, this area is a wonderful choice for beach lovers visiting Somnath since it has beautiful beaches that are perfect for spending time with friends and family. But remember that you are not allowed to enter these waters owing to the powerful tides and erratic weather that regularly creates showers. Visiting this site is one of the most pleasant things to do in Somnath. The beach's beauty and stroll-worthy sands will more than make up for it, so don't be afraid. Be careful you should keep a safe distance from the water since it may get rather dangerous.

6. Sana Caves

The pair may also add this location to their list of fascinating honeymoon locations in Gujarat. In principle, these are a pair of related but different cave networks. We are referring to the Buddhist Sana caves in Gir Somnath, Gujarat, and which is located 7 kilometres from Veraval. Anyone traveling to Somnath in Gujarat in search of thrills and excitement owes it upon themselves to stop by this spot.

You'll be astounded by the unusual arrangement of these 62 rock-cut caverns that are dispersed across the hill and have magnificent sculptures on practically everyone. Domed-shaped stupas, chaityas, pillows, and benches may be seen in the hallways of these buildings. The first century BC, according to historians, is when these caverns were created.

7. Prabhas Patan Museum

Are you interested in learning more about Gujarat's fascinating past? The Prabhas Patan Museum in Somnath is a must-visit since it houses a variety of ancient stones, archaic sculptures, and temple ruins that have all been restored and kept there. They all will educate you a lot about the history of this city. An essential stop on every trip to Somnath.

For history nerds and archaeology enthusiasts, it's a fantastic location maintained by the Somnath Trust. You'll be captivated by its wholly original exhibitions. Antique items from the original five Somnath Temples, which were destroyed and turned to dust, can be found here, maintained as best they can.

8. Gita Mandir

Gita Mandir at Somnath, also known as the Birla Mandir, is one of the most well-known sites in this city. It was constructed in 1970 by the Birla family of the renowned Dehotsarg Campus and served as a well-known portrayal of the Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta, which is etched on 18 marble pillars.

The various paintings of Lord Krishna that adorn its walls are a visual reminder that the beloved temple is devoted to him. Lord Lakshmi-Narayan's and Sita Ram's idols are on either side of the holy sanctuary, next to Lord Krishna. Undoubtedly one of the well-known tourist destinations in Somnath.

9. Suraj Mandir

A picture of Surya with his seven horses and two wives is located at the front of the temple, over the main doorway. The circumambulatory hallway has three image niches on each of the shrine's three sides: north, south, and west. One of the greatest locations for a dreamlike Somnath tourist experience, they comprise iconography of Shiva with Parvati, Brahma with Saraswati, and Vishnu and Lakshmi.

10. Bhalka Tirth

While on vacation in Gujarat, visit Bhalka Tirth. One of Somnath's well-known tourist attractions. This sacred tirtha is one of the few well-known tourist attractions in Somnath and is located along the Prabhas Veraval path. The arrow of the poacher Jara hit Shree Krishna here. The latter lounged beneath a pipal tree when the poacher opened fire from a distance after mistaking Bhagavan Shree Krishna's foot for a deer. This magnificent temple serves as a constant reminder of Shree Krishna's glorious Leela.

11. Veneshwar Mahadev Temple

One of Somnath's most well-known temples parallels the Somnath Trust Dharamshala Gate. This temple, which has a significant history behind its name, is dedicated to the deity Lord Shiva and faces east. Mahmud of Ghazni had plans to abduct Veni, the kingdom's princess after he invaded Somnath in 1025 AD but failed. The princess prayed to Lord Shiva for help and sought his protection, and she devoured the Shiva Linga after splitting it into two parts. A hair strand, commonly known as "Veni," was still present. As a result, Lord Shiva is revered in this location as Veneswara.

12. Kamnath Mahadev Temple

Lord Shiva is the focus of the 200-year-old Kamnath Mahadev Temple. King Mayurdhwaj, credited with curing leprosy after bathing in the Dudhiya Talav, a holy pond located inside the temple complex, is said to have constructed it. Believers still hold on to the notion that a dip in the holy water will cure any disease in people. This temple lights up and is exquisitely dressed for the Shriving Maas every year when it is most lively. All year long, pilgrims and visitors visit this temple.

13. Triveni Sangam Temple

The three rivers, Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati, come together at this location to form the huge Arabian Sea. Triveni Sangam is regarded as a highly renowned Moksha Tirtha by Hindus. At this sacred ghat, people believe that a bath in the river purifies the body and the soul of all sins done throughout one's lifetime. There is a temple dedicated to Laxminarayan and the Gita on the ghats' banks.

14. Chorwad Beach

One of Gujarat's most calm and tranquil getaways is Chorwad Beach, which is situated in the town of Somnath. Even in its current state of ruin, Chorwad Beach is a historically and culturally significant location and housed the Nawab of Junagadh's royal castle, looks wonderfully enchanting and is a must-see. This beach is calm and peaceful because it isn't frequently visited by many people. Despite the unsuitable swimming conditions, there are still plenty of options to unwind and enjoy at this beach. The entire location offers breathtaking vistas, especially at sunrise and sunset, which are not to be ignored.

15. Junagarh Gate

One of the most significant historical sites in Somnath is the Junagadh Gate. This gate is practically the only means to reach the city of Somnath from the closest city of Veraval, and it is situated quite close to the shrine of Prabhas Kshetra. Although Mohammed Ghazni partially damaged it during his Somnath invasion, most of this gate still stands tall and reminds of its former self to onlookers. While passing this historic building, be sure to notice the beautiful carvings.

16. Bhidbhanjan Mahadev Temple

Triveni Theerth is near the renowned Bhidbhanjan Mahadev Temple of Somnath, which is regarded as one of the most well-liked pilgrimage sites in the city. The Bhidbhanjan Mahadev Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is reputed to have the ability to grant wishes! This sacred site is not far from Gita Mandir and was constructed in a contemporary Indian architectural style.

17. Gir National Park

It is an iconic location in Somnath. In 1965, Sasan-Gir, a sanctuary for forest cumbers, was established. It is 65 kilometres from Junagadh and takes two hours from Somnath to reach this place. It has a surface size of 1412 sq km. It's considered as the best place to spend time with wildlife that has been beautifully preserved in its natural environment to be found in the habitat of Asiatic lions.

18. Harihar Van

This magnificent garden Close to the Triveni Sangam is one of the best places to visit in Somnath. This location is perfect for folks who want to rest and have an excellent time away from the hustle and activity because it is surrounded by lush vegetation and tall trees. Additionally, this is one of the best locations for youngsters to play for a while.

How to reach Somnath

Rail travel from major cities like Mumbai, Jabalpur, and Delhi may be difficult. There isn't a direct train link from Delhi. The closest airports are Kosher (55 km) and Diu (90 km), costing around Rs. 2000 to take a taxi from either location to Somnath.

• By Flight: The Diu Airport, located around 60 kilometers from Somnath, is the closest operational airport to that city. To get from Diu to Somnath, you take a cab.
• By Train: The Somnath Railway Station, which operates trains from Jabalpur, Ahmedabad, Okha, Rajkot, and Porbandar, is the closest.
• By Road: All main cities are well linked by road to Somnath.

Best time to visit Somnath

The best time to visit Somnath is from September to March because of the cold winters. You could be tempted to visit Somnath during the summer and monsoon season if you want to escape the crowds of people and tourists who frequent the location. Because it is so hot and steamy all year round, the ideal time to visit Somnath is in the winter when the temperature is more comfortable.