Somnath

Somnath in Gujarat is a pleasant synthesis of calm beaches and religious sites. There are some famous pilgrimage sites in Somnath which attract thousands every year. The region has a rich history and heritage and tourists arrive to have a taste of the culture and peace that is associated with Somnath.

Historical Background:

It is said that a Chalukya ruler named Mularaja built the first temple here and since then there has been a long history of reigns changing hands. The temples at Somnath also suffered damage during Muslim invasions and later it was reconstructed. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that this place has the first jyotirlinga shrine of Lord Shiva and thus it serves as a holy site for pilgrimage.

Things to Do and Major Attractions:

Somnath Beach provides you with some of the most peaceful beaches in this part of India. While you cannot enjoy a swim here, you can sit back and relax while you enjoy the view. The Somnath Temple is possibly the most popular attraction of Somnath and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Triveni Sangam Temple, Laxminarayan Temple, Parshuram Temple, and Suraj Mandir are some of the other important temples in Somnath. Prachi Teerth, Bhalka Teerth, and Dehotsarg Teerth are some of the religious sites which are frequently visited by the tourists for pilgrimage purposes.

Somnath is also famous for Chorwad Beach which offers another stretch of calm and quiet beaches. Tourists must also check out the Panch Pandav Gufa which is a cave where according to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas took shelter.

People and Culture:

Since Somnath is a place of several ancient temples, the population here mainly consists of Hindus. They are traditional, religious, and friendly towards tourists. They speak Gujarati and Hindi languages but also have an understanding of English. The greatest festival in Somnath is the Somnath Mahadev Fair which is held during November and December. Maha Shivratri is another popular event in this region.

Local Food and Popular Shopping Items:

You will find that most of the city enjoys vegetarian food and the cuisine is predominantly Gujarati. However, there is also an availability of seafood in some restaurants since it is located by the sea. The Somnath Market is a popular shopping destination and here you can pick up some items such as wall hangings, marriage costumes and quilts, cradle clothes, and such other items.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Somnath is from September to March. But, if you plan to evade the crowds then you can visit during the summer months as well. Embrace yourself for a cold winter if you visit during that time.

Availability of Accommodation Type:

Since thousands of tourists crowd this place throughout the year, there are plenty of options for accommodation. From the budget-friendly and economical options such as The Divine Resort and Om Rudra, there are luxurious living alternatives as well like Hotel Heritage and The Fern Residency.