Somnath: Explore The Holy Place Of Gujarat-2023!

Situated in Gujarat, Somnath originates its name from its well-known Somnath Temple. Somnath means “The Protector of Moon God”. Reliant on a legend, the conceited Moon, otherwise named Chandra, became so conceited that her father-in-law vexatious her to fade away.

She implored Lord Shiva, who gave partial respite from the curse, so she vanishes periodically even to this day.

Somnath, a small town, has different tourist attractions, fascinating pilgrims, and tourists from around the country. Some are well-known for their religious implication, and several others are because of their historical implication.

If you are in Somnath, we have curated a list of the top best places to visit in Somnath for a memorable sightseeing tour.

Somnath Mahadev Temple

The primary temple of Somnath is supposed to have been constructed in gold by the moon god Soma, in silver by the sun god Ravi, in wood by Krishna, and in stone by the Solanki Rajputs during the 11th century and of the most popular tourist destinations in Somnath.

The current temple, constructed in 1951, is the 7th reconstruction of the original place. Tales of its riches fascinated a series of invasions, but each time the temple was conquered, it was reinstated to its original glory by sincere Hindu worshipers. It is one of the most delightful temples in Gujarat.

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सोमनाथ ट्रस्ट द्वारा पुनरुद्धार कीए गए श्री प्रगटेश्वर मंदिर में महादेव की भस्म आरती के दिव्य दर्शन।#pragteshwar_mahadev#Parvati_maa_vastra_prasad#Somnath_Vastra_Prasad#Somnath_Temple_Live_Darshan#Somnath_Temple_Official_Channel#Pratham_Jyotirling#girsomnath pic.twitter.com/EVfZoAlHlA

— Shree Somnath Temple (@Somnath_Temple) February 21, 2023

Prabhas Patan Museum

Prabhas Patan Museum was established during the mid-1900s and has a spectacular collection of ancient temple remains, inscriptions, idols of divinities, water from sacred rivers, etc. that indicate the union of Saraswati, Kapila, and Hiranya.

One of the most imperative Shivalingas, the Kalbhairav Linga, is also supposed to be unseen amidst the remains, which the Moon God worships. Magnetism, therefore, has immensely religious and archaeological implications.

Somnath Beach

If you’re seeming for romantic places to visit in Gujarat, this place is a real treat for beach admirers visiting Somnath, this is undeniably clean and good-looking shores to hang out with your friends and family.

However, do keep in mind that you’re not enabled to enter these waters due to the high tides and the unpredictable climate here causing recurrent showers.

The water can get pretty unsafe, so make sure you stay at a safe distance from it. But don’t worry, the attractiveness of the beach and the stroll-worthy sands will completely make up for it. Visiting this location is one of the best things to do in Somnath.

Triveni Sangam Temple

The convergence of the 3 rivers Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati is the point where the rivers encounter the mighty Arabian Sea. Triveni Sangam is supposed to be a very holy Moksha Tirtha for Hindus.

Individuals believe that a dip in the river at this hallowed ghat cleanses the body and spirit of all sins dedicated to his life. The Laxminarayan and Gita Temple are situated on the shores of the ghats.

Panch Pandav Gufa

A prevalent tourist destination is Panch Pandav Gufa, which is a cave shrine venerated by Hindus and is situated in Lalghati, close to the Temple City of Somnath. The monument of Durga, in these caves also has different idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, and Hanuman kept at the beautiful cave temple.

Different people visit the caverns because of the attractive surroundings and the serene, divine atmosphere of the area. It has some of the unsurpassed resorts in Somnath. There is a list of activities we can do when we visit these caves.

Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach

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

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

Shree Parshuram Temple

The temple lies on the banks of the blessed river Triveni where Lord Parshuram is supposed to have conducted his penance. One of the rare temples enthusiastic to Lord Parshuram this temple delivers visitors with picturesque surroundings and attractive landscapes.

According to legend, Parshuram had undergone unadorned penance to free himself of the curse specified to him by a king. It is supposed, that it was here that lord Shiva finally reassured Parshuram of his curse.

Sana Caves

Shana Dungar Buddhist Caves at Vankiya or shortly denoted as “Sana Buddhist Caves” are artificial caves that were carved out of rocks and quarried by the Buddhist monks. The caves are essentially a complex of 62 caves spread over the hill comprising stupas, chaityas, pillows, and benches.

Cave 2 which is called Bhima-ni-Cori is the principal cave and the caves have archaeological symbols representative of Buddhism. These caves were fashioned between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD to carry shelter throughout the monsoons.

Sana Caves are one of the most motivating places to visit in Somnath to know about the influence of Buddhism around the western parts of India. 

Chorwad Beach

Situated in Somnath, Chorwad Beach is one of the most tranquil and serene places to relax and appreciate in the state of Gujarat. Once a historically and customarily flourishing place and home to the imperial palace of Nawab of Junagadh, Chorwad Beach now even in ruins looks unbelievably magical and is a must-visit.

A large number of individuals do not visit this beach and hence remain quiet and nonviolent. Also, though the water here is not perfect for swimming in, this beach carries ample opportunities to celebrate and relax.

The complete place offers picture-perfect views, especially throughout sunrise and sunset which are a must-witness. You can arrive at Chorwad beach from anywhere in Gujarat by hiring a cab or taking a bus since there are different public buses accessible. It is located 20 km from Veraval Railway Station.

Gir National Park

This is home to the Asiatic lions and is measured to be an ideal place to celebrate a time amidst the wildlife preserved gorgeously in their natural habitat. Also named Sasan-Gir, this forest cum sanctuary was established in 1965.

Spread around an area of 1412 sq km, this place is situated at a distance of 65 km from Junagadh and 2 hours away from Somnath. One of the prevalent Somnath places to visit.

Best Time To Visit Somnath

To visit Somnath, September to March are the best months, as the winters are pretty cold. However, if you wish to circumvent the crowd and travelers that flock to Somnath, you may be attracted to visit the place throughout the summer and monsoon season.

Somnath is enormously hot and humid throughout these seasons and should most absolutely be visited throughout the winter months when the heat is more endurable.

How To Reach Somnath? 

By Flight: Somnath itself doesn’t have an airport but is linked to different cities via the Aerodrome at Diu around the union territory Of Daman and Diu. However, there is only one flight daily functioned by Air India Regional.

Also, several other airports are fairly close by such as the Porbandar airport which is nearly 120 km, and the Rajkot Civil Airport, which is nearly 160 km away. Porbandar has different flights from Mumbai as well as other cities. Rajkot is a much superior airport that is also serviced by different airlines such as Air India and Jet Airways.

By Bus: Buses are the best means of travel to Somnath from the cities closely as there are multiple options accessible. Somnath is enclosed by many small towns and cities which are linked well by bus services, both Non-ACs as well as extravagance AC buses.

Air-conditioned buses from Diu to Somnath will cost nearly 300 per individual. Bus fares from other close-by places such as Porbandar, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad are also broadly available and functioned by private bus owners. These are priced reasonably and vary only by km traveled and the excellence of the buses.

By Train: The nearest train station from Somnath is the Veraval Railway Station, which is well-linked to the foremost cities of the region such as Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and has 14 pairs of trains to and from imperative cities daily.

The Veraval station is only 5 km from the city of Somnath and has everyday trains plying from all foremost cities.

Conclusion 

Somnath is better known for its rich culture and religion. A number of stories and legends revolve across this enigmatic town. The town is full of monuments and historical locations. The locations to visit in Somnath have astonishing and intriguing stories behind them.

The architecture of these religious places still leaves individuals mesmerism. Book a trip to Gujarat right away to discover these architectural marvels.

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