Gujarat · India
Somnath
The site of the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas — a magnificent seaside Shiva temple rebuilt many times over millennia, on the Gujarat coast where three sacred rivers meet the sea.
Somnath is the 'eternal shrine': the sea-facing Jyotirlinga temple with its nightly sound-and-light show, the Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth where Krishna passed, and Gujarati coastal food.
Plan your trip
Somnath Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Somnath Photo Spots
Medium crowdEntry Free
Bhalka Tirth
- Best timeMorning, when soft light comes through the trees and the shrine is at its quietest.
- ColorsSaffronCreamGreen
Low crowdEntry Nominal
Prabhas Patan Museum
- Best timeMid-morning, when daylight is bright and even and the galleries are quiet.
- ColorsCreamRustMaroon
Entry Free
Somnath Beach
- Best timeLate afternoon into sunset, when the light turns golden and the temple spire stands out against the evening sky.
- ColorsWhiteCoralAqua
High crowdEntry Free (no phones inside)
Somnath Temple
- Best timeSunset, when warm light falls on the temple and the sea; blue hour, once the temple lights come on.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteGold
Medium crowdEntry Free
Triveni Sangam
- Best timeEarly morning, when pilgrims gather at the ghat in soft light; sunset, when the water where the rivers meet the sea turns gold.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteTeal
For the feed
Trending Wear in Somnath
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Somnath Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Before you go
Temples in Somnath
Darshan hours, dress codes and what gets refused at the gate
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Somnath
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Somnath
About Somnath
Somnath is a temple town on the southern coast of Gujarat, in the Saurashtra region, right next to the fishing port of Veraval. It is best known for Somnath Temple, which stands on the shore of the Arabian Sea and is revered as the first of Shiva's twelve Jyotirlingas, his holiest shrines. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries, and the present one was consecrated in 1951. The area's old name, Prabhas, also ties it to the last days of Krishna, which are remembered at Bhalka Tirth and the Triveni Sangam.
The town is small, and most of what visitors come for is a short walk or auto-rickshaw ride from the temple. Go for darshan in the morning, see the Prabhas Patan Museum and the Triveni Sangam, and stop at Bhalka Tirth on the road to Veraval. In the evening, watch the sunset from Somnath Beach, join the 7 pm aarti and stay for the light-and-sound show. Phones are not allowed inside the temple, so take your photos from the beach first. Food near the temple is vegetarian Gujarati, from ganthiya and dhokla to a full thali, while Veraval is the place for fish. Gir National Park and Diu are both close enough for a day trip.
Questions
Somnath — FAQ
What is Somnath famous for?
Somnath is famous for Somnath Temple, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, which stands right on the shore of the Arabian Sea. It is also known for the temple's long history of destruction and rebuilding, the Triveni Sangam, where three rivers meet the sea, and Bhalka Tirth, where Krishna is said to have been struck by a hunter's arrow.
How many days are enough for Somnath?
One full day is enough for the temple, the museum, the Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth, sunset on the beach, the evening aarti and the light-and-sound show. Stay 2–3 days if you also want a lion safari in Gir or a day trip to Diu.
What is the best time to visit Somnath?
October to March is the best time, and December to February is the most comfortable, with warm days and mild evenings. April to June is hot and humid, and from mid-June to September the monsoon brings heavy rain, rough seas and a break in the light-and-sound show. See the best time to visit Somnath for a season-by-season guide.
How do I reach Somnath?
Most trains stop at Veraval Junction, about 7 km from the temple, with services from Ahmedabad, Rajkot and several other cities. The nearest airports are Keshod, about 55 km away, and Diu, about 85 km away, both with a small number of flights, mainly from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Rajkot and Ahmedabad have more flights but are roughly 200 km and 400 km away by road. Buses and taxis link Somnath with Junagadh, Rajkot, Dwarka and Ahmedabad.
Can I visit Gir National Park from Somnath?
Yes. Sasan Gir, the base for lion safaris in Gir National Park, is about 45 km from Somnath, so a safari fits easily into a day trip. Book your safari permit in advance on the official Gir permit website, and note that the park is closed from 16 June to 15 October each year for the monsoon.