Photo spot in Somnath
Somnath Beach
Somnath, Gujarat
The beach beside the temple where the Arabian Sea meets the shore, with camel rides, snacks and sunset views of the temple silhouette.
Best time
Late afternoon into sunset, when the light turns golden and the temple spire stands out against the evening sky.
Best angle
Stand on the sand south-east of the temple and take a wide photo along the shore, with the waves in front and the temple spire in the background.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
Open access
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Somnath Beach
Late afternoon into sunset, when the light turns golden and the temple spire stands out against the evening sky. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Somnath Beach
Stand on the sand south-east of the temple and take a wide photo along the shore, with the waves in front and the temple spire in the background. 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.
On the sand at sunset
With the temple in the distance
Outfit guide
What to wear at Somnath Beach
For photos at Somnath Beach, white, coral and aqua 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
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Somnath Beach.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Somnath.
Eat nearby
Food near Somnath Beach
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for veraval fish curry nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Do not swim, as the waves are rough and the currents strong, especially in the monsoon.
Come about an hour before sunset for warm light on the temple.
Take your temple photos here before you leave your phone at the cloakroom for the evening aarti.
Agree on the price of camel and horse rides before you get on.
Keep your phone and camera away from sea spray, and wipe the lens often.
Stay off wet rocks and the sea wall when the waves are high.
Carry water and a cap, as there is little shade on the sand.
About Somnath Beach
Somnath Beach runs along the shore right beside Somnath Temple, so the temple's spire rises over the sand and the waves. Because phones are not allowed inside the temple, this is where most people take their temple photos. The Samudra Darshan walkway, a seafront promenade of about 1.5 km opened in 2021, runs along the sea next to the temple.
This is a beach for walking, not swimming: the waves are rough and the currents strong, especially in the monsoon. Evenings are the liveliest time, when families come for camel and horse rides, snacks from the stalls and the sunset before the 7 pm aarti and the light-and-sound show.
Questions
Somnath Beach — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Somnath Beach?
Late afternoon into sunset, when the light turns golden and the temple spire stands out against the evening sky. Stand on the sand south-east of the temple and take a wide photo along the shore, with the waves in front and the temple spire in the background.
Is there an entry fee at Somnath Beach?
Entry to Somnath Beach is free.
What are the opening hours of Somnath Beach?
Somnath Beach is open access.
What should I wear at Somnath Beach?
White, coral and aqua photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Somnath Beach get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: late afternoon into sunset, when the light turns golden and the temple spire stands out against the evening sky.
What food should I try near Somnath Beach?
Try veraval fish curry at spots close by.
Can you swim at Somnath Beach?
No, swimming is not safe here. The sea is rough, with strong currents and big waves, especially from June to September. Enjoy the beach from the sand and keep children well back from the water.
What can you do at Somnath Beach?
Walk along the shore, watch the sunset over the sea, take photos of the temple and try a camel or horse ride. Stalls sell snacks in the evening, and the seafront walkway beside the temple is good for a stroll.
How far is Somnath Beach from Somnath Temple?
The beach is right beside the temple, a few minutes' walk from the main gate. Many visitors walk down for the sunset and then walk back for the 7 pm aarti.
Is Somnath Beach good for sunset photos?
Yes. The sun sets over the sea, and from the sand south-east of the temple you can frame the spire against the evening sky. Arrive early, as the beach gets busy in the evening.