Photo spot in Somnath
Bhalka Tirth
Somnath, Gujarat
The revered spot where Lord Krishna is believed to have been struck by a hunter's arrow and left his mortal body, marked by a temple amid old trees.
Best time
Morning, when soft light comes through the trees and the shrine is at its quietest.
Best angle
Stand back in the courtyard and take a straight-on photo of the shrine, letting the branches of the old trees frame the top of the picture.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Bhalka Tirth
Morning, when soft light comes through the trees and the shrine is at its quietest. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Bhalka Tirth
Stand back in the courtyard and take a straight-on photo of the shrine, letting the branches of the old trees frame the top of the picture. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the shrine
Among the old trees
Outfit guide
What to wear at Bhalka Tirth
For photos at Bhalka Tirth, saffron, cream and green work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Somnath.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Bhalka Tirth.
Eat nearby
Food near Bhalka Tirth
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for ganthiya & chutney nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Stop here on the way between Veraval and Somnath, as it lies about 4 km from Somnath Temple.
Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from Somnath, and agree the fare first or ask for a return trip.
Visit in the morning, when it is quieter and the light under the trees is soft.
Remove your shoes before you enter the shrine.
Ask before taking photos inside the shrine, and do not use flash.
Expect large crowds on Janmashtami, the temple's biggest festival.
Continue to the Triveni Sangam and the Gita Mandir to follow the rest of the story.
About Bhalka Tirth
Bhalka Tirth is a Krishna temple about 4 km from Somnath Temple, on the road to Veraval. According to the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna was resting here under a tree when Jara, a hunter, mistook his foot for a deer and shot an arrow. For devotees, it marks the start of Krishna's departure from the world.
The shrine shows Krishna reclining under a peepal tree, with a figure of Jara nearby, and a peepal tree still marks the spot. The temple is run by the Shree Somnath Trust, and Janmashtami, Krishna's birthday, is its biggest festival. Many visitors stop here on the way between Veraval and Somnath, then follow the story on to the Triveni Sangam.
Questions
Bhalka Tirth — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Bhalka Tirth?
Morning, when soft light comes through the trees and the shrine is at its quietest. Stand back in the courtyard and take a straight-on photo of the shrine, letting the branches of the old trees frame the top of the picture.
Is there an entry fee at Bhalka Tirth?
Entry to Bhalka Tirth is free.
What are the opening hours of Bhalka Tirth?
Bhalka Tirth is open 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
What should I wear at Bhalka Tirth?
Saffron, cream and green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Bhalka Tirth get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning, when soft light comes through the trees and the shrine is at its quietest.
What food should I try near Bhalka Tirth?
Try ganthiya & chutney at spots close by.
What is Bhalka Tirth famous for?
Bhalka Tirth is where, according to Hindu tradition, Krishna was struck in the foot by an arrow from the hunter Jara, who mistook him for a deer. It is part of the Krishna pilgrimage circuit that also includes Mathura, Vrindavan and Dwarka.
How far is Bhalka Tirth from Somnath Temple?
It is about 4 km from Somnath Temple on the road to Veraval, around 10 minutes by auto-rickshaw or taxi. Veraval Junction railway station is about 2 km away.
How much time do I need at Bhalka Tirth?
30 minutes to an hour is enough for darshan, the peepal tree and a few photos. Add travel time if you combine it with the Triveni Sangam and the Gita Mandir.
How is Bhalka Tirth linked to the Triveni Sangam?
Tradition says that after he was struck at Bhalka Tirth, Krishna went on towards the Triveni Sangam and left the world at Dehotsarg, on the bank of the Hiran nearby. Visiting both places lets you follow the story in order.