Somnath Journey : The spiritual heart of Gujarat from Anand to Somnath

Somnath Journey : The spiritual heart of Gujarat from Anand to Somnath

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 Anand to Somnath,Somnath History,Attraction in Somnath, Shiv, Shivoham , Jyotiling, Mahadev


The spiritual heart of Gujarat

Journey from Anand to Somnath


Welcome to my travel blog, which loves exploring new places and making unforgettable memories along the way. This blog is a platform for me to share my travel experiences, tips and recommendations. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, I hope you'll find inspiration and useful information here. So, pack your bags and join me on this exciting journey of discovery and adventure! Today I will take you to Somnath in Saurashtra, the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas.


A little information about Somnath:


Somnath is a popular tourist destination in the Indian state of Gujarat. The city of Somnath in the Indian state of Gujarat is surrounded by beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for both religious and recreational tourists. It is known for the Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries and is now a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction. It has been developed as an attractive tourist destination due to the efforts of the Gujarat government. As a Gujarati it is a must visit.


How will we go?

You can reach from Anand in Gujarat to Somnath by various means:



Road, Trvel, Mountainous road


By road: Anand is well connected to Somnath by road and you can take a taxi or drive yourself to reach there. The distance between the two cities is approximately 97 km and the drive takes around 2 hours.



Rail way, Somnath Train, Somnath Station


By Train: The nearest railway station to Somnath is Veraval railway station, which is about 8 km from the temple. You can take a train from Anand to Veraval and then take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Somnath.

Here are some of the trains running between Anand and Veraval, the nearest railway station to Somnath:

 

  • Saurashtra Express (19116)
  • Veraval Express (19258)
  • Saurashtra Janta Express (19408)
  • Dwarka Express (19269)

Note: The above list is subject to change and the availability of trains may change depending on the current situation. I suggest to check the updated information on Indian Railways website or train booking app before planning your journey.


By bus: Many government and private buses ply between Anand and Somnath. This is a convenient and economical option to reach Somnath.


Whichever mode of transport you choose, make sure to plan your trip in advance and book your tickets or arrange a rental car in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.


What is there to see in Somnath?

These are some of the main attractions of Somnath that are worth visiting.

Somnath Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The present temple was built by the then Home Minister Sardar Patel.

Triveni Ghat - A holy bathing and prayer place at the confluence of three rivers. Where the pilgrim also takes bath.


Bhalka Shrine A holy place where Lord Krishna is believed to have been shot by an arrow, this is just half a kilometer away from Somnath.

Prabhas Patan Museum- A museum showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of Somnath, which is associated with the heritage of Gujarat and Saurashtra through the efforts of the Government of Gujarat and India.

Somnath Beach- A picturesque beach popular for its sunset views and water sports activities. Camel ride, horse ride, open restaurant are also worth enjoying there.

Sri Kridaneshwar Temple - A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha

Planetary Observatory - An astronomical observatory that offers a unique experience to learn about the stars and planets


What activities can you do in Somnath?

  1. You can also visit the nearby wildlife sanctuary and enjoy adventure activities like parasailing, jet skiing and more.
  2. If you are interested in archaeology, visit the Somnath Museum which showcases the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.
  3. Attend the Somnath Temple Aarti, a Hindu ritual performed at the temple during sunset. Take a dip in the sacred pond, also known as Sarovar, situated in the temple premises.
  4. Take a boat ride on the Arabian Sea to enjoy the scenic views and spot some dolphins.
  5. Stroll along the historic Ghumli Beach nearby.
  6. Enjoy shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs at the nearby markets.
  7. You can also have a picnic by the sea with the family.

(Picnics are not allowed in the temple premises.)

 


Somnath food,  Gujarati Thali, Khaman, Dhokala, Khichadi,


In Somnath temple there is only prasad ni arrangement but there is no arrangement for eating in the temple. But ... Somnath, being a tourist destination located in the Indian state of Gujarat, has a variety of food options available.

Gujarat is known for its vegetarian cuisine, and you can find many traditional dishes in Somnath. Some of the popular dishes include: Dhokla, Khandvi, Undhiu, Thepla, Kadhi, Khichdi, Rotla etc. Kathiawadi dishes are to be enjoyed.

Apart from traditional Gujarati cuisine, you can also find other Indian and foreign cuisine options in Somnath, including street food, fast food and fine dining restaurants.


When will you go ...

The best time to visit Somnath is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. This time of the year experiences moderate to low temperatures and is ideal for temple visits and beach activities. 
Monsoon season in Somnath, which lasts from June to September, is best avoided as the region experiences heavy rains and strong winds during this time.


What will you take with you?

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses will be needed for protection from the sun on the beach as it can be hot.. Comfortable clothing and footwear for temple visits and other outdoor activities.

  • It is also imperative to carry an umbrella or a raincoat in case of unexpected rain.
  • How can we save the memories without a camera to capture the memories!
  • Cash should be carried, as some places may not accept credit/debit cards.
  • Carry a bottle of water and some light snacks to stay hydrated.
  • Carry a first aid kit for basic medical needs, and mosquito repellent if you plan to go in the monsoon season.
  • It is also recommended to carry a hat or cap to protect your head from the sun. If you are planning to visit the nearby beaches, you can also bring a swimsuit, towel and beach sandals.

I hope you have a pleasant journey. Be sure to let us know what you think of this article. And after your journey, share your experiences in the comments.


Jay Somnath

 




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