Are you planning Somnath tours in Gujarat? If yes, it would be a wise decision to know what you can see and explore there apart from the very famous Somnath Temple. A trip to Somnath is more than just a journey to any destination. It offers more than just a travel experience. Your tour will provide you with an immersion into the spiritual and historical heartbeat of Gujarat. Most travelers and devotees visit this sacred place just because of the Somnath Temple, perched on the western coast of India, where the land kisses the Arabian Sea. Triveni Ghat, Bhalka Tirth, Somnath Beach, Gita Mandir, Prabhas Patan Museum, and Junagadh Gate are the top attractions to visit on Somnath tours. Exploring these attractions will not only give you a religious feeling but also a great travel experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. Thus, Somnath is definitely more than just a travel destination; it is a pilgrimage, a cultural rediscovery, and a timeless connection to India’s deep-rooted Aastha (faith).
Somnath has been one of the most sought-after destinations for centuries among pilgrims, wanderers, historians, and curious travelers. Travelers from all around the world embark on Somnath tours to marvel at the architectural brilliance of the Somnath Temple, soak in the mystical atmosphere, and walk paths once tread by legends. But what exactly makes Somnath a powerful magnet for the soul? Let’s learn more about the sacred journey to this holy city together.
The story of Somnath is one of resilience, faith, and eternal hope. According to ancient texts, the Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations (Tirth Kshetra) for Hindus. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva. Each of these shrines is said to house a powerful manifestation of Mahadeva, and Somnath is believed to be the first among them.
Although it is unclear when the first version of the Somnath Temple was built, many texts estimate between the early centuries of the 1st millennium and about the 9th century CE. However, legends tell that the Somnath Temple was originally built by the Moon God (Soma) in gold. It was later rebuilt by Ravana in silver, Lord Krishna in wood, and finally, by King Bhimdev in stone. Unfortunately, this holy abode of Lord Shiva has also been a target of destruction. It was invaded and razed multiple times by foreign rulers, including Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century. And yet, every time it was demolished, it rose again.
Today’s Somnath Temple, with its majestic Chalukya-style architecture, was reconstructed in 1951 under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Its grand silhouette against the Arabian Sea is not just a vision of beauty, but a symbol of spiritual resilience.
One of the main reasons why devotees and tourists embark on Somnath tours is none other than the Somnath Temple. Visiting the temple and exploring its wonderful architecture will definitely mesmerize you. As you step into the temple complex, the first thing that strikes you is the immense Trishul (Trident), perched at the temple’s peak. When you enter the temple's main area (sanctum sanctorum), you will see the revered Shiva Linga, a symbol that has stood as a witness to thousands of years of worship, war, reconstruction, and Astha (faith).
The atmosphere is truly divine. Devotees line up patiently, murmuring chants, lighting oil lamps, and offering flowers. The priests conduct Aarti (ceremonial prayer) with a powerful mantra, the temple bells ringing in resonance with the crashing waves just beyond the boundary walls. The aura is spiritual indeed; no matter your religion, you are most likely to be mesmerized.
If you are planning Somnath tours, do not forget to attend the evening Aarti at the temple complex. The entire temple glows with golden light, the sea breeze picks up, and the collective devotion of hundreds creates an unforgettable spiritual atmosphere.
Just behind the temple lies one of its most intriguing features—a simple pillar known as the “Baan Stambh”, or Arrow Pillar. Inscribed on it are the words: “Ashtalikshetra Prithvi ni Sthiti: Zero.” Translated, it declares that between this point and the South Pole, there is no landmass. This poetic symbol of infinity—staring into the endless ocean—adds a powerful philosophical layer to the experience. It reminds every traveler that the divine is both within and beyond reach, tangible yet infinite.
Undoubtedly, the Jyotirlinga Temple is the soul of Somnath tours. However, there are many other attractions that are sure to make your trip memorable. Here are some other interesting places of interest that you should not miss on Somnath tours in Gujarat.
Take a short walk from the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple to reach the sacred confluence of three rivers – Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati—known as Triveni Sangam or Triveni Ghat. Devotees have a strong faith in the fact that a holy dip in the sacred confluence cleanses one’s soul and washes away sins. So, do not forget to take a holy dip here so that you can prepare your soul for the spiritual awakening. Many devotees also perform rituals here for their ancestors. This is why this sacred place also has emotional and religious significance.
When on Somnath tours, devotees do not fail to visit the Bhalka Tirth, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site near Somnath Temple. The site is beautiful and known for its peaceful and divine vibes. According to legends, it is the place where Lord Krishna took his last breath. The story goes like this: Jara, a hunter, mistook Lord Krishna’s foot for a deer and shot an arrow. The arrow deeply pierced Krishna’s foot, marking the end of his earthly journey. This incident is also considered the end of the Dwapara Yuga and the beginning of the Kali Yuga. Thus, this place is extremely famous among devotees.
There is a temple here, namely Bhalka Tirth Temple. The temple features an idol of Lord Krishna resting with an arrow wound. The temple complex also encompasses beautiful gardens and adventure activities. The area is known for its peaceful environment and is often visited by devotees. Standing in a place steeped in myth, Astha, and reverence is truly a unique experience.
The Junagadh Gate in Somnath is a historically significant triple gate and offers some stunning architectural features. History says that it was the entry point through which Mahmud of Ghazni entered Somnath to loot and destroy the temple. The triple gate is known for its unique architectural features, like intricate carvings, chhatris, and sculpted tigers. Thus, this site has also been very popular among tourists. If you are a history buff, you will never want to miss this historical site on your Somnath tours.
Although the Somnath Beach is not recommended for swimming, it is an excellent escape into the roaring silence of nature. The beach here is rocky, wild, and raw. Here you can sit on a rock, feel the spray of the waves, and reflect. Early mornings or post-sunset strolls here can be surprisingly healing.
When on Somnath tours, you must visit the Prabhas Patan Museum. Visiting this famous museum will make you let you know Somnath's historical layers. The museum houses fragments of the original temple, ancient sculptures, and inscriptions dating back to the medieval and pre-medieval periods. If you are a history lover, exploring this museum will be a great addition to well-rounded Somnath tours in Gujarat.
Your Somnath trip is incomplete if you do not try the delicacies or food of the region. The place offers a delicious range of Gujarati food and flavors. Some popular food options that you can try include undhiyu, thepla, fafda-jalebi, kadhi-khichdi, and, of course, freshly churned buttermilk to beat the coastal heat. Most eateries or food-selling shops around the Somnath Temple serve pure vegetarian meals. Don’t miss the local street food stalls during the evening hours—they bring out the vibrant, festive side of this spiritual town.
There is no best time to embark on Somnath tours. I mean, you can take a trip to the sacred place of Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple year-round, in any month of the year. However, the ideal time is from October to March. This period is popular and much liked by many devotees and tourists as it offers pleasant and cool weather conditions. This makes your journey comfortable and lets you explore the place and nearby tourist places in a more comfortable and enjoyable way.
If you plan your Somnath tours during Mahashivratri or Kartik Purnima, you will have a completely different feeling and experience. Thousands of devotees arrive on these auspicious days, and the land of Lord Shiva transforms into a spiritual carnival. If you prefer a quieter experience, plan your visit during the off-peak months but avoid the peak summer, as temperatures can soar above 40°C.
Somnath may seem like a small dot on the vast map of India. But it holds a universe within it. Whether you are looking to deepen your spiritual journey, uncover layers of Indian history, or simply experience a different pace of life, Somnath tours offer something deeply enriching.
By the time you leave, you might not just carry souvenirs or photos—you will carry a sense of peace, a connection to something ancient, and a renewed sense of self.
So, pack your bags, but more importantly, open your heart. Somnath is waiting. If you are looking for affordable Somnath tours or other Gujarat pilgrimage tour packages, you can book with Pilgrim Packages India.