A trip to Somnath can feel special long before you reach the temple. But if this is your first visit, there is also a lot to figure out. What time should you arrive? Which nearby places are worth adding? And how do you fit everything into one day without rushing from one stop to another?
Somnath Temple stands in Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath, beside the Arabian Sea. People come here for darshan, sacred history, architecture, and the coastal setting of Saurashtra. A little planning can make the experience far more comfortable, especially if you want to explore beyond the temple.
Plan Your Darshan According to Somnath Temple Timings
Somnath Temple is open for darshan throughout the day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The morning aarti takes place at 7:00 AM, followed by midday aarti at 12:00 Noon. In the evening, the aarti starts at 7:00 PM.
The sound-and-light show called Jay Somnath is scheduled for 7:45 PM. However, monsoon season can hamper the timings of the show. Hence, it is best to inquire about the arrangements before planning your evening.
Choose the Easiest Mode of Transport for Travelling to Somnath
Somnath railway station is a direct rail link for the temple, while Veraval is the other significant railway junction near Somnath Temple. For flights, Diu Airport could be used, which is followed by road transport to Somnath.
If you decide to use roads to Somnath, it connects you to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Junagadh, Porbandar, Dwarka and Diu. If you are carrying bags and have several visits planned, then car rental services in Somnath might prove helpful.
Include These Sacred Sites in Your Somnath Visit Itinerary
Your Somnath visit doesn’t necessarily need to end with the darshan. Triveni Sangam is 1.5 km away, to the south of the temple and relates to the union of three rivers: Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati.
Dehotsarg Tirth is also about 1.5 km away from the temple, on the river Hiran. Not far from Dehotsarg, there is Geeta Mandir with 18 pillars symbolising chapters of the Bhagavad Gita.
Bhalka Tirth, located 5 km away on the Prabhas-Veraval Highway, is related to the journey of Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology. Also, Prabhas Patan Museum can provide you with a collection of regional sculptures and architectural remains.
Make Your Visit to Somnath Lasting One Day
Start your day with darshan and attend the 7:00 AM aarti. Continue to Triveni Sangam, Dehotsarg Tirth and Geeta Mandir.
After that, proceed to Bhalka Tirth and finally go to the museum or simply enjoy the Somnath coast. You can visit again to attend the 7:00 PM aarti. Have some flexibility in case of any waiting times and weather conditions.
Bear These Travel Tips in Mind While Visiting Somnath
Be sure to carry comfortable and modest clothes and footwear, especially designed for walking. Take water with you and some sun protection in summer months.
Additionally, give yourself enough time to go through the safety check at the temple. Inquire about the restrictions concerning mobiles, cameras and personal items before entering. Weekdays, Mondays, festival days and pilgrimage periods can be crowded; the monsoon season affects outdoor activities.
Give Enough Time for Exploring Somnath Temple and Other Attractions
It is easy to appreciate Somnath when your day is not controlled by the transfers. When there is a darshan, several holy sites, a museum and the Arabian Sea to spend your time with, a proper travel itinerary can help you move at an easier pace.
Shiv Shakti Cabs provides cabs for rent, comfortable vehicles, Somnath tour package and outstation taxi services to Somnath, Veraval and major destinations in Gujarat.
Contact Shiv Shakti Cabs to organise your temple transfers and sightseeing in the places you would really like to see.