Introduction:
Contents
Introduction: How to Reach Somnath:By Train:By Road:By Flight: Accommodation Options in Somnath:Dharamshala:Guesthouses by Somnath Temple Trust:Private Hotels: Food and Dining in Somnath:Somnath Temple Trust Bhojanalay:Private Restaurants: Places to Visit Around Somnath:Old Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple:Triveni Sangam:Surya Temple:Golok Dham Tirth:Sharda Math:Bhalka Tirth:Ban Ganga: Transportation for Local Sightseeing:Auto-rickshaw:Bus Service: Ideal Duration and Best Time to Visit:Trip Duration:Best Time to Visit: Estimated Cost of Somnath Trip:One-day trip: Conclusion:Final Tips:
- Somnath Temple is located in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
- In this blog post, we will guide you on how to reach Somnath, where to stay, what to eat, places to visit, and the overall cost of the journey.
How to Reach Somnath:
By Train:
- Nearest railway station: Somnath Railway Station (half a kilometer from the temple).
- If there’s no direct train to Somnath, you can travel to Veraval Railway Station (7 km from Somnath) and take a local transport.
- Transportation options from Veraval:
- Auto-rickshaw: Costs around ₹50 to reach Somnath Temple.
- Free Bus Service: Operated by Somnath Temple Trust, available every 30 minutes from outside Veraval Station.
By Road:
- Several buses are available from major cities like Ahmedabad.
- Buses are also available from Dwarka if you plan to visit Dwarkadhish Temple first.
- Self-drive option is also available for more flexibility.
By Flight:
- Nearest airport: Diu Airport (80 km from Somnath).
- Alternatively, you can fly to Rajkot Airport (220 km from Somnath) and drive to the temple.
Accommodation Options in Somnath:
Dharamshala:
- Several affordable Dharamshalas are available near the temple, with prices ranging from ₹100 to ₹300 per night.
- Ideal for budget travelers.
Guesthouses by Somnath Temple Trust:
- Online booking facility available for trust-run guesthouses.
- Approximate cost: ₹500 to ₹1,000 for 24 hours.
- Clean and comfortable, located close to the temple.
Private Hotels:
- Numerous private hotels around the temple complex.
- Prices start from ₹1,500 to ₹7,000 per night, depending on the amenities.
Food and Dining in Somnath:
Somnath Temple Trust Bhojanalay:
- Provides wholesome meals at an affordable price (₹70 per plate).
- Meal timings:
- Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Private Restaurants:
- Several private restaurants around the temple offer meals ranging from ₹100 to ₹500 per plate.
- Leelavati Dharamshala also offers dining facilities with meals costing around ₹120 per plate.
Places to Visit Around Somnath:
Old Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple:
- Located behind the main temple, established by Ahilyabai Holkar.
Triveni Sangam:
- The confluence of three rivers: Hiranya, Kapila, and Saraswati.
- A significant spot for spiritual purification.
Surya Temple:
- Near Triveni Sangam, dedicated to the Sun God.
- Worth a visit for its historical significance.
Golok Dham Tirth:
- A spiritual complex with temples dedicated to various deities including Laxman, Geeta, and Pushkar Nath.
Sharda Math:
- A complex with several temples including Narasimha Mahadev and Sharda Mata.
- Features miniature Jyotirlingas.
Bhalka Tirth:
- A significant site where Lord Krishna is said to have been struck by a hunter’s arrow.
- Includes a statue depicting this event.
Ban Ganga:
- A natural jyotirlinga located amidst the sea.
- Requires careful navigation due to strong waves and rocky terrain.
Transportation for Local Sightseeing:
Auto-rickshaw:
- Costs approximately ₹400 for a round trip covering all nearby sites.
- Suitable for a quick tour of the area.
Bus Service:
- Nominal fare for a guided tour of all significant sites.
- A convenient option for group travelers.
Ideal Duration and Best Time to Visit:
Trip Duration:
- A one-day trip is sufficient to explore the temple and nearby sites.
- For a more relaxed experience, consider a two-day stay.
Best Time to Visit:
- Winter (November to February): Ideal for a comfortable visit.
- Avoid Peak Seasons: Such as Mahashivratri and Sawan, due to heavy crowds and long wait times.
Estimated Cost of Somnath Trip:
One-day trip:
- Cost per person (excluding train/flight tickets): ₹1,000 – ₹1,500.
- Includes accommodation in a guesthouse, meals at the trust’s Bhojanalay, and local transportation.
Conclusion:
Final Tips:
- Ensure to follow temple protocols, like depositing mobile phones and cameras at the designated locker facility.
- Participate in the temple’s Aarti ceremonies for a spiritual experience.
