Amit Khanna
Sameer Staff answered 5 months ago
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to reach Somnath Temple for first-time visitors:
Location:
Somnath Temple is located in Prabhas Patan, near the town of Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat, India.
Modes of Transportation:
By Air:
Nearest Airport: Diu Airport (DIU) is approximately 90 km away from Somnath Temple.
Alternate Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad (approximately 400 km away) offers more flight options.
From the Airport: You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Diu or Ahmedabad to Somnath.
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station: Somnath Railway Station is the closest, located about 5 km from the temple.
Train Services: There are regular trains connecting Somnath with major cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
From the Railway Station: You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Road:
By Bus: There are state-run and private buses connecting Somnath with major cities in Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, and others.
By Car: You can drive to Somnath from nearby cities. The temple is well-connected by road with good signage and directions.
Local Transport:
Auto-Rickshaws: Widely available for short distances within the town.
Taxis: Can be hired for local travel and sightseeing.
Cycle-Rickshaws: A convenient option for short distances within the town.
Accommodation:
Hotels: There are several hotels and lodges in and around Somnath. Options range from budget accommodations to luxury stays.
Guest Houses: Some are operated by trusts and offer affordable lodging for pilgrims.
Temple Timings:
Morning Darshan: Typically starts around 6:00 AM.
Evening Darshan: Generally continues till 9:00 PM.
Aarti Timings: Various aartis (rituals) are performed throughout the day; the schedule may vary.
Important Tips:
Dress Code: While there is no strict dress code, it’s advisable to wear modest clothing when visiting the temple.
Security: Security checks are in place at the temple entrance, so carry minimal valuables.
Prasadam: The temple offers prasadam (sacred food) which you can purchase at designated counters.
Local Cuisine: Try local Gujarat cuisine in nearby eateries.
Nearby Attractions:
Somnath Beach: A scenic spot to relax and enjoy the sea.
Bhalka Tirth: Believed to be the place where Lord Krishna was shot by an arrow.
Prabhas Patan Museum: Offers insights into the history and archaeology of the region.
With these details, you should be well-prepared for your visit to Somnath Temple!
Nidhi Staff answered 3 months ago
Reaching Somnath Temple in Gujarat is fairly convenient as it is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Here are the different ways to reach Somnath:
1. By Air
Nearest Airport: Diu Airport (63 km from Somnath).
Alternate Airport: Rajkot Airport (195 km from Somnath) or Porbandar Airport (120 km from Somnath).
How to Travel from the Airport:
From Diu Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Somnath.
From Rajkot Airport or Porbandar Airport, you can hire a taxi, which will take around 3-4 hours.
2. By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Veraval Railway Station (7 km from Somnath).
Train Connectivity: Veraval is well connected to major cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, and Mumbai.
How to Travel from the Station:
You can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus from Veraval to reach Somnath Temple, which is just a 15-20 minute drive away.
3. By Road
Bus: Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) buses and private buses run regular services to Somnath from major cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Porbandar, and Junagadh.
Private Vehicle/Taxi: You can hire a private taxi or rent a car to drive to Somnath. The roads are well-maintained, and the drive offers scenic views.
Approximate Distances by Road:
From Ahmedabad: 410 km (8-9 hours)
From Rajkot: 195 km (4-5 hours)
From Junagadh: 85 km (2 hours)
From Diu: 63 km (1.5 hours)
4. By Sea
There are no direct ferry services to Somnath. The nearest sea access point is Diu, from where you can reach Somnath by road.