A complete Somnath Gir travel guide
Welcome to the complete Somnath Gir travel guide. In this article you will know about the best places to visit in Somanath Gir and how to reach Somnath Gir. Lastly, In May 1951 India is the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva with the present structure of Somnath (Gir).
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Let’s know this whole trail by the rahee who lived in Gir. And see what we got to explore at Somnath (Gir), in Gujarat, India.
Touched. That’s the word just about every traveler uses when describing India and especially Gujarat. Whether they’re exploring the grey sand beaches of Gujarat, India, or the Rann of Kutch. I can’t wait to return and backpack the rest of this mind-boggling country.
Visiting the Somnath (Gir) in Gujarat is likely on your itinerary if you’re traveling to Gujarat, India for the first time. And it should be! Situated on the western coast of Gujarat this incredible architectural feat is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
While the Somnath temple is a crowded attraction, many of the visitors are from other countries and also you would meet Indians traveling within their own country. You’ll have the opportunity to get to mingle with friendly tourist families, which may just be a highlight of your visit.
While we truly enjoyed our visit to the Somnath temple and surrounded spots, there are a few things we wish we would have known before arriving here.
In addition, there is so much we wish we would have known before visiting this place. Although, these tips will let you in on the top tips with everything you need to know before your visit. I hope this helps make your experience as memorable as possible.
Top tips to know before you visit Somnath Gir jyotirlinga travel guide-
1. Arrive early to the destination
Our advice is to visit the temple first thing in the morning. Because, there will be fewer crowds, nice lighting and you’ll avoid the midday heat (that actually starts around 9 a.m.).
Arrive at the spot as early as possible. We arrived at 5:45 a.m. (15 minutes before the morning first pray starts) and there was already a decently long queue. If we were to do it again, we would try to arrive at 5:15 a.m. The line was wrapping outside the temple.
Even though it is half a km to the main entrance from the parking, it’s not a bad walk. There are plenty of wheelchairs you can take help for the old age people of your group. Hire if your grandparents don’t want to make it on foot.
2. Be prepared to separate from your travel companion
At the early gate entrance, there is a line for men and women. Whereas, If you’re traveling with the opposite sex, be sure you are prepared to separate and find a meeting place on the other side of the checkpoint because it gets crowded fast.
If you’re going to attend Maha Aarti or going to attend the night show. Make sure to keep your little ones close so they don’t get lost in the chaos.
3. Dress appropriately
The dress code is not enforced at the Somnath. I saw some women wearing strappy dresses and tank tops.
Even though there’s no code enforced, I would recommend dressing modestly. The general rule of thumb in Somnath for ladies is to cover your shoulders and everything below your knees. Wear light and loose clothing, as it can get incredibly hot, especially when the shade is scarce and the sun is reflecting structures around you.
4. Know what you can’t bring inside
Somnath temple is a high-security area. You will be screened and frisked once at the time of entry and only frisked at the entrance of the temple. All the Electronic/Electric Equipment, Gadgets are strictly prohibited (viz. Mobile, Camera, laptop, tablets, calculators, etc. etc.). All these can be stored in Lockers available in the Cloak Room. The Cloakroom facility is free of cost. You are also not allowed to wear a leather belt or carry your purse inside. It can be left in your car or deposited in the locker outside the premises.
5. After the temple stop here
If you need a pick-me-up mood after your visit to the Somnath, you won’t have to go far. Right outside the temple is the food area and shopping mart can make you happy and sad at the same time… wohh ha-ha yes it can make your pocket sad but your companion will be witnessing your happy face definitely at the same time. An Indian style decorative stuff, street food, or Indian proper meal. It’s a good place to escape the heat and regain your energy.
6. Get a nice photo of yourself but not inside the temple- things to know before visit somnath temple
Yes, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Somnath temple. It’s easy to take all sorts of pictures outside the premises and also at the seaside or near spots where you will get a nice view again. If you are traveling with a companion, it’s easy to exchange photos of each other.
Think outside the box
You can get some wonderful shots of the spot without even being on the premises. One popular shot is across the sea the whole structure of this pilgrimage.
Knowing what this place from India, Gujarat has gone through in recent years, the spirit of the Spot (Somnath) people has never been higher. With spiritual vibes and grey sand beaches, incredible foods, and jaw-dropping temples, Somnath (Gir) should be on everyone’s backpacking list.
Frequently asked questions about the Somnath Gir travel guide – things to know before visit somnath temple
Below you’ll find the answers to the most commonly asked question about visiting the Somnath temple.
What is the best time of year to visit the place?
The best season to visit this place is the winter season. The temperature remains comfortable and is best for sightseeing as well.
The best months to visit?
October, November, December, January, February, and March. Winters approach this place in November and lasts till February.
Things to know before visit somnath temple
When does the Somnath temple open & close?
- Somnath temple is open every day.
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Aarti time: 8:00am, 12 noon and 7:00 pm.
- Special light & sound show: You must buy tickets for the show, and they do sell out inside the temple and show tickets cost is so nominal 30 rupees each for half an hour’s admittance.
Is mobile allowed inside the Somnath temple?
Cameras, mobiles, and all other electronic items are strictly prohibited. They have, however, a nicely organized cloakroom to take care of your belongings. You can however take good snaps of the exterior of the temple building from outside just the way I did. Which is also wonderful.
What can I buy in Somnath (Gir)?
While Shopping in Somnath, you may also pick a variety of things like wall hangings, quilts, marriage costumes, cradle clothes and animal trappings. Almost all these are appliqued, embroidered, and decorated with beadwork.
How to reach Somnath Gir?
Although, it is well-connected to major cities in Gujarat like Veraval, Diu, Ahmedabad, and so on. Every day, millions of people travel to and from Somnath from all over India. You have all kinds of public transportation options along with air, rail, and road.
Here are a few ways in which you can reach this beautiful spot.
Air
Nearest Airport: The closest airport by distance is the Diu Airport, which is about 63 km away from Somnath (Gir). There are regular taxi services from Diu to Somnath along with commuter buses as well as luxury bus services.
The closest International Airport: is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad. Bus services, as well as car rentals, are also available from there to Somnath.
Trains
The closest train station from Somnath (Gir) is the Veraval Railway Station, which is well connected to the major cities of the region such as Mumbai and Ahmedabad and has 14 pairs of trains to and from important cities daily. The Veraval station is only 5 km from the city of Somnath (Gir) and has daily trains plying from all major cities.
Buses
Buses are the best mode of travel to Somnath from the cities nearby as there are multiple options available. Also, this place is surrounded by many small towns and cities which are connected well by bus services, both Non-ACs as well as luxury AC buses. Air-conditioned buses from Diu to Somnath will cost 300 per person. However, bus fares from other close-by places such as Rajkot, Porbandar, and Ahmedabad are also widely available and operated by private bus owners. These are priced reasonably and vary only by km traveled and the quality of the buses.
NH 51
Apart from rail and air, you also have good road connectivity to Somnath (Gir) so if you have your own car then you can do a road trip to this place too. Whereas, the closest national highway that leads straight to Somnath (Gir) is NH51 and there are also other state highways that lead therefrom smaller cities.
Conclusion of Somnath Gir travel guide:
With no urge, I was really glad that we decided to visit this place. Because it was certainly more beautiful and mesmerizing than the pictures I have seen so far. Personally, I am more of a fan of forest areas, grey sand, and historical places.
Now if you have come to this end by reading and seeing all the beautiful pictures you can make sense, This is why this spot was the ideal place for me to experience a little culture and look at the gorgeous historical architectures that are spread all around the Gir. It was a long amusing trip ever.
Unheard Fact
Way back in 1024, the shrewd ruler Muhammed of Ghazni raided the Somnath Temple and boke the jyotirlinga despite the pleas of the Brahmins not to break it. He took away the wealth of almost 20 million dinars.
However, In May 1951 India is the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva with the present structure of Somnath (Gir), destructed as many as 17 times.
Yet by the time I was high up in the clouds in GIR—shaded from dusk—I already knew that, even if there are more risks and precautions required to protect myself and others, travel for me has become too much like the air. It’s something I need to thrive in this world.
For some awesome mobile photography which I have used in this trip you can buy from the following link in amazon which i have used in the trip:-
-Travel Rahee
Follow Me – https://www.instagram.com/travelrahee/
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