Somnath in Gir Somnath district is best known for the magnificent Somnath Temple – one of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas. But the area around Somnath encompasses a diverse panorama of temples, beaches, heritage ruins, natural spots, and wildlife sanctuaries. Whether you stay a night or make day trips, these 20 places to visit near Somnath offer rich cultural, spiritual, and scenic experiences, while remaining easily accessible from Somnath.
Table of Contents
1. Somnath Temple
Distance: In the heart of Somnath town
Description: The iconic Jyotirlinga shrine rebuilt in Chalukya style, known for its daily aarti, serene sanctum, and sea-front setting.
Entry: Free; deposit ₹10‑20 for belongings
Tip: Early morning darshan avoids crowds, lockers for mobile/valuable near entrance.
2. Bhalka Tirth Temple
Distance: ~4 km from Somnath Temple
Highlights: Believed to be where Lord Krishna was mistakenly shot. Peaceful complex under a pipal tree.
Entry: Free
3. Triveni Sangam & Harihar Van
Distance: ~1.5–2 km
Why Visit: Confluence of Saraswati, Hiran & Kapila rivers. Dip for purification. Lush Harihar Van garden nearby for quiet reflection
4. Suraj Mandir (Sun Temple)
Distance: Near Triveni Sangam
Features: 5,000‑year-old shrine with intricate carvings of Sun God and animals. Includes Surya Kund pond
Entry: Free
5. Laxmi Narayan Temple
Distance: On banks of Triveni
Description: Vishnu shrine supported by 18 pillars carved with Bhagavad Gita verses; tranquil beach views
Entry: Free
6. Sana Caves (Prabhas Patan Buddhist Caves)
Distance: ~2 km northeast of Somnath Temple
What to See: Two simple 3rd–4th century Buddhist vihara-style caves carved into Sana Hill—rare relics of early Buddhism in Saurashtra
Entry: Free
7. Paanch Pandav Gufa
Distance: Adjacent to Triveni Sangam
About: Compact mythological cave temple said to have sheltered the Pandavas during exile. Features idols of Shiva, Durga, Ram and Hanuman
Entry: Free
8. Parshuram Temple
Distance: Opposite Rudreshvara Temple by Triveni route
Significance: Temple dedicated to Lord Parshuram, one of seven immortals. Features holy ponds and statues of his lineage
Entry: Free
9. Bhidbhanjan Mahadev Temple
Distance: ~1 km near Triveni
Legend: Built at the spot where the ‘Jara’ arrow was aimed. Also houses a shrine to Harshit Mata and twin lingas called Baan Ganga
10. Gita Mandir and Ram Mandir
Distance: ~1–2 km around Somnath
Features: Gita Mandir showcases 18 pillars inscribed with Bhagavad Gita verses; Ram Mandir houses idols of Rama, Sita & Lakshmana built by Somnath Trust in 2017
11. Prabhas Patan Museum
Distance: ~500 m north of temple complex
Why Visit: Stone sculptures, inscriptions, pottery, temple remains salvaged from earlier Somnath temples. A fascinating complement to temple history.
Entry: ~₹5; camera ₹100
12. Somnath Beach
Distance: ~0.5–1 km from temple
Experience: Sandy beach beside temple grounds—no swimming; but lovely for sunset walks and spiritual atmosphere with sea breeze
Entry: Free
13. Kamnath Mahadev Temple
Distance: ~3 km from Somnath town
Attraction: 200-year-old Shiva temple with a large pond and bathing area known for spiritual cleansing. Architectural peacefulness
Entry: Free
14. Chorwad Beach
Distance: ~25 km south
Highlights: Quiet beach known for panoramic Arabian Sea views, sunsets, and local fish thalis. A day trip option from Somnath
15. Gir National Park & Sasan
Distance: ~65 km (1.5‑2 hours by road)
Why Go: Only habitat of Asiatic lions. Wildlife safari during early morning/late afternoon. Devaliya Park and lion viewing from safari vehicles.
Entry & Safari: Indian group ₹3800–4800 for 6; foreign ₹14,500–17,500 per jeep.
Tip: Pre-book safari with Forest Dept; best season Oct–March.
16. Kanthkot Fort (Kutch Region)
Distance: ~120 km northwest of Somnath
History: Ruins of a hill fort and Jain temples dating back to 11th–16th centuries. Contains stepwells and shrines like Kanthadnath and Mahavir
Cost: Drive through vantage point; minimal local entry fee.
17. Tulsishyam (One of Places to Visit Near Somnath)
Distance: ~110 km on Una road, ~75 km from Una
Features: Anti-gravity hill, Vishnu Shyam Temple & sulfur hot spring reputed for healing – set on Shana Hill plateau
Entry: Free; hot spring bathing nominal charge.
18. Kaleshwari Group of Monuments
Distance: ~100 km north of Somnath
What’s There: Ruins of temples and stepwells from 10th–16th centuries, tribal fairs held annually on Shivratri and Janmashtami
Entry: Low-fee or free; good for heritage and photo walks.
19. Junagadh & Girnar Hills
Distance: ~100 km
Why Visit: Junagadh city has Ashokan edicts, Uperkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara. Climbing or driving Girnar hill leads to Jain temples & Chandragiri viewpoint.
Cost: Temple climb free; ropeway optional; city museum charges nominal.
20. Diu & Diu Fort
Distance: ~140 km via coastal road including drive through Gujarat border
Attraction: Portuguese architecture, island beaches, historic fort, local seafood bazaars, water sport options.
Cost: Ferry or road access; fort entry ~₹25; beach-side rentals extra.
Suggested One-Day Itineraries & Cost Estimates
Somnath Local Tour (~₹3,500 per car / ~₹500–700 pp)
- 9:00 AM pickup → Somnath Temple (1 hr)
- Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth, Gita Temple, Paanch Pandav Gufa → Museum → Ram Mandir → Suraj/Laxmi Narayan Temple → Somnath Beach
- End around 5:30 PM with sunset view & drop back
Extended Day Trip to Tulsishyam + Sana Caves (~₹1,500–2,000 pp)
- Early departure → Sana Caves visit → drive to Tulsishyam → gravity hill & hot spring → evening return.
Gir Safari Day (~₹3,800+ per jeep): Depart 5 AM, safari, lunch, return by late afternoon.
Travel Tips & Practical Advice
- Best time: October to February avoids monsoon and summer heat.
- Transport: Rickshaws available from Veraval to Somnath (~₹100–200); shared cabs or rented car advised for day trips.
- Entrance and lockers: Somnath Temple charges small deposit for mobile/ids; lockers available.
- Dress code: Modest attire for temple visits; carry scarf or shawl.
- Wildlife & nature trips: Pre-book safaris; maintain silence and avoid wildlife disturbance.
- Local food: Try Gujarati thali, local seafood near Chorwad, hot spring snacks at Tulsishyam.
- Stay options: Budget guesthouses or homestays around Somnath (₹800–1,500), resorts at Sasan for wildlife centrality (₹3,000–4,500).
Conclusion
Somnath is more than just a pilgrimage town – it’s a blend of myth, marine beauty, heritage, wildlife and geology. From the grand Jyotirlinga shrine at Somnath Temple to the serene beach; from ancient sanctuaries like Sana Caves to gravity‑defying hills of Tulsishyam; and wildlife at Gir, every destination around Somnath has a story to tell.
With this curated list of 20 top attractions, practical visiting logistics, and estimated costs, you can design fulfilling day trips or multi-leg tours that enrich both the spirit and the senses. Whether your interest is history, architecture, nature, or pilgrimage, the region around Somnath offers something unforgettable for every traveler.
