Somnath is a beautiful city in the state of Gujarat, where it is believed that time bows to faith and the giant sea whispers the stories of the Divine. Unlike just any other city, Somnath holds high significance, where the history, faith, and nature can be sensed and felt at their purest. This Gujarat city remains a symbol of devotion and hope for both locals and tourists, making it a must-visit destination at least once in a lifetime.
So, if you’ve been planning your travel to this divine city, then this blog is for you! Explore the comprehensive list of the best things to do in Somnath to make your visit both enriching and adventurous. Let’s begin!
Here’s A List of the 10 Best Things To Do in Somnath for An Enriching Experience
Located on the western coast of Gujarat, Somnath is a city renowned for its beautiful temples, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage, attracting pilgrims from around the world. A visit to this city demands that you slow down and lose yourself in the divine serenity of this sacred land. Below is a Somnath travel guide to help you plan our Gujarat tour package smartly!
Visit Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
Somnath city is also regarded as the Spiritual Heart of India and is home to the sacred Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, which is the first among the 12 Jyotrilingas in India. This temple is believed to be India’s most revered and powerful, dedicated to Lord Shiva and carrying immense mythological and historical depth. According to history, the Moon God, Chandra, built the first version of the Temple in Gold to offer dedicated worship to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been later built in Silver by Ravana, followed by Krishna in wood, and finally by King Bhimdev of Gujarat in stone. The final structure was completed in 1951 under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, as a symbol of India’s strength and cultural pride.
Regarding the Somnath temple’s architecture, it features a Chalukyan design, characterized by detailed stone carvings, towering shikharas (spires), and intricate detailing. The temple’s entrance faces East, allowing the first rays of the sun to touch the Shivalinga each morning. The experience for tourists will be completely divine the moment they step in, surrounded by peaceful vibes and the soothing sounds of waves crashing against the shore, with the calm inside the sanctum being magical. Do not miss the evening aartis and the light & the sound show for a blissful experience.
Timings and Entry Information:
- The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Aarti timings are from 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 7:00 PM.
- The Sound and Light Show starts around 8:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: Free (Sound & Light Show ticket: Approx ₹25 – ₹50)
Please note: Several guided tours are also available at the temple for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the history and enrich their visit. Arriving early in the morning or at sunset is advisable for the best experience, as it allows for cooler weather, fewer crowds, and a beautiful view of the sea.
Visit the Triveni Sangam Ghat
This sacred site should not be missed during a visit to Somnath. The Triveni Sangam Ghat possesses a profound spiritual energy and quiet beauty that tourists will cherish forever. Ideal for Somnath sightseeing, this place holds deep significance in Hindu belief, as it is the Triveni Sangam– the meeting of three rivers, which is considered deeply sacred and purifying. This peaceful riverside location is where three sacred rivers, Hiran, Kapila, and the invisible Saraswati, meet the Arabian Sea, forming the Triveni Sangam. The notable aspect of this place is that, according to legend, the Triveni Ghat is the place where Lord Krishna performed his last rites before leaving his earthly form at nearby Bhalka Tirth.
Visitors will experience moments of pure calm and serenity while visiting this Ghat. You can watch the gentle water flow, enjoy boat rides, and even feed the fish for a soul-stirring experience. You’ll also see pilgrims performing tarpan and pind daan rituals here, guided by local priests during the auspicious times.
Location and Timings
- The location is approximately 1 km from the Somnath Temple, which is easily accessible by walking or via auto-rickshaw.
- The best time to visit is during the early morning (for peace and sunrise) or evening (for sunset views).
- The entry is free for all.
- The ghat remains open all day. The rituals are typically performed from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Please note: Try to wear simple, comfortable clothing and shoes, as walking will be part of your exploration. Additionally, you can hire a local priest for ancestral rituals or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings as a traveler.
Visit Laxmi Narayan Temple
Another attraction for Somnath sightseeing is the Laxmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan) and his consort, Goddess Laxmi. This temple is renowned for its spiritual serenity, architectural elegance, and profound cultural significance. Laxmi Narayan Temple was built as a symbol of peace and purity, and as a means to complete the spiritual circuit of Shiva and Vishnu. This temple was inspired by the famous Laxmi Narayan Temple in Badrinath, featuring white sandstone, graceful interiors, and 18 intricately carved pillars, each one engraved with verses from the Bhagavad Gita.
The best for the tourists is that there are no entry restrictions, and photography is usually allowed outside the sanctum.
How to Visit & What You Should Know
- The location of this temple is just a short walk (about 500 meters) from the Triveni Sangam Ghat, and around 1.5 km from the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple.
- The entry is free for all tourists.
- The temple opens daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Spend Time at the Somnath Beach
Somnath Beach is one of Gujarat’s coastal destinations where it’s believed that the waves meet the worship! Unlike other beaches, this place holds spiritual significance, providing a perfect complement to the temple’s serenity. The temple stands close to the shore of the beach, and locals believe that the beach is blessed by Lord Shiva. The experience is truly soul-stirring, as visitors will get to witness the gentle sea accompanied by the divine sounds of temple bells.
How to Get There & Travel Info
- The beach is located adjacent to the Somnath Temple, making it easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the temple area.
- Entry fee is free for all.
- The best time to visit is during sunrise and sunset, as these periods offer ideal lighting conditions and cool weather.
Please note: Please avoid plastics and littering for responsible travel. Try to wear comfortable footwear as the beach contains several rocky paths.
Visit the Bhalka Tirth Site
The Bhalka Tirth Site holds a powerful place in Hindu mythology, as it’s believed to be the location where Lord Krishna ended his earthly journey, struck by an arrow that ultimately took him to his eternal abode. According to the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna retired after the Mahabharata war and headed into the forest to meditate and reflect. While resting under a peepal tree, Lord Vishnu was accidentally shot in the foot by a hunter named Jara. Krishna forgave the hunter and peacefully departed his earthly form, marking the end of the Dwapara Yuga and the beginning of the Kali Yuga. This moment makes Bhalka Tirth a deeply sacred site for Krishna devotees.
The Bhalka Tirth also features a revered temple known as the Bhalka Tirth Mandir, which houses a peaceful idol of Lord Krishna reclining under a tree, depicting the exact scene of his final moments.
Location and Timings
- The distance is approximately 1.5-2 km from the Somnath Temple, which is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or a leisurely walk on foot.
- The opening hours are from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- No entry fee required.
Visit Parshuram Temple (Shri Parshuram)
Since Somnath is full of sacred stories, one such is the Parshuram Temple, also known as Shri Parshuram Tapobhumi. This is another one of the best places for Somnath sightseeing, where Lord Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, is believed to have performed deep penance and found peace after a life of warfare. Visitors will have a beautiful time exploring this peaceful and meditative place, along with the giant Lord Parshuram idol with folded hands.
Location and Timings
- The distance from Somnath Temple is approximately 2-3 km and is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
- Opening hours are from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- No entry fee required.
- Approximately 30 to 45 minutes is required for a peaceful visit
Gita Mandir (Birla Gita Mandir)
Another one of the best things to do in Somnath is to visit the Gita Mandir, also known as the Birla Gita Mandir. This temple, built by the Birla family in 1970, is more than just a place of worship. The Gita Mandir is built as a tribute to Lord Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most sacred and philosophical texts in Indian history. This temple holds special significance, as each of its 18 marble pillars features verses from the Gita, with one chapter inscribed per pillar.
Timings
- The temple timings are from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
- Visit during the early morning or evening for a peaceful atmosphere.
Panch Pandav Gufa (Five Pandavas Cave)
Somnath is a sacred destination, renowned not only for its temples and coastlines but also for several significant sites. One such site is the Panch Pandav Gufa, where the legendary five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata are said to have stayed and meditated. This site offers a true connection to silence, nature, and ancient history. Panch Pandav Gufa is the next stop after visiting the Gita Mandir.
Visit Sana (Shana) Buddhist Caves
This place, comprising 60 caves in total, is centered around Buddhist monks, rock-cut caves, and centuries of silent meditation. Sana (Shana) Buddhist Caves is a historically rich site located 35 km from Somnath, which once served as monasteries, meditation cells, prayer halls, and possibly even shelters for traveling monks along ancient trade routes. This is an ancient site that has not been fully explored and remains shrouded in centuries of silence.
Bhidbhanjan Mahadev Temple
Not a popular site among the tourists’ brochures, but the Bhidbhanjan Temple in Somnath is deeply cherished by devotees and locals alike. This is a quiet and sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Bhidbhanjan Mahadev, believed to be the breaker of barriers and destroyer of obstacles. Showcasing simplicity in every inch, the temple is visited by locals daily, where the Shivling in the sanctum is decorated with bilva leaves, water, and milk offerings, just as it has been for generations.
How to Visit and Location
- As per the Somnath travel guide, the location is near the old Somnath town area. It’s best reached by a short auto ride or even a peaceful walk through local streets.
- The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with no entry fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we swim at the Somnath beach?
Swimming is generally not recommended or done at the Somnath beach. To make your visit worthwhile, consider taking a camel ride and enjoying some beachside snacks.
What is the best time to visit Somnath?
The best time to visit Somnath is during the winter months, which are from October to February. The weather in Gujarat during this period is relatively cooler, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Also, this is the peak travel season in Gujarat, so it’s advisable to plan your visit in advance with JustWravel!
What are the entry fees and timings of the Gir National Park in Somnath?
The entry fees and timings of the Gir National Park in Somnath are Rs. 3800 to 4800 for six persons, with available slots including 6:30 am -8:30 am, 8:30 am – 10:30 am, and 3 pm – 5:30 pm.
How many days are enough to explore Somnath?
Two days are enough to explore Somnath with comfort, allowing you to visit the major sites, such as the Jyotirlinga Temple, Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth, and Somnath Beach. Visitors seeking a slower pace or nearby excursions can consider a 3-day duration.
All set to explore the sacred Somnath like a pro? Wait no more and book your exclusive Gujarat Tour Package with JustWravel today!
Because in Somnath, you don’t just travel. You remember.