Somnath Temple, located in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. Known as the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, it holds immense spiritual and historical significance. Plane your memorable trip Somnath Temple from Rajkot for spiritual journey. Every year, thousands of devotees and tourists visit this sacred coastal town to seek blessings and experience the divine energy of the Somnath Jyotirlinga.
For travelers from Rajkot, Somnath is one of the most accessible pilgrimage destinations. The journey is not just religious but also scenic, passing through Gujarat’s rich landscapes, historical sites, and cultural hubs.
This detailed travel guide covers the best ways to reach Somnath Temple from Rajkot by road, train, and air, along with essential travel tips.
Where is Somnath Temple Located?
- Location: Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath District, Gujarat
- Distance from Rajkot: 195 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Veraval Railway Station (VRL) (7 km from Somnath Temple)
- Nearest Airport: Diu Airport (DIU) (85 km from Somnath)
Somnath is situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea in western Gujarat. The town is well-connected to Rajkot and other major cities through road, rail, and nearby airports.
Must-Visit Gujarat Routes for an Unforgettable Trip:
- Explore Gujarat: 4 Nights 5 Days Temple Tour
- Spiritual & Wildlife Escape: 8 Days Dwarka, Somnath, Sasan Gir & Diu
- Pilgrimage Bliss: 5 Days Dwarka & Somnath Tour
Best Ways to Reach Somnath Temple from Rajkot
1. By Road – Scenic Option Distance & Travel Time
- Rajkot to Somnath: 195 km
- Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Best Route: NH27 & NH51 (Rajkot → Gondal → Jetpur → Junagadh → Keshod → Somnath)
1.1 By Car – Ideal for a Comfortable Journey
Driving from Rajkot to Somnath is one of the best travel options, as the roads are well-maintained and scenic. The journey takes you through Junagadh and Gir National Park, offering glimpses of Gujarat’s rich biodiversity.
- Route:
- Rajkot → Gondal → Jetpur → Junagadh → Keshod → Somnath
- Distance: 195 km
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Car Rental Cost:
- Sedan (Swift Dzire, Honda City, etc.): INR 3,000 – INR 4,500 per day
- SUV (Innova, XUV, etc.): INR 5,000 – INR 6,500 per day
Why Choose Self-Drive?
Flexible schedule
Enjoy scenic routes
Comfortable for families & groups
1.2 By Private Taxi – Comfortable
Hiring a private taxi is a convenient option, especially for those who do not want to drive.
- Taxi Fare: INR 4,500 – INR 7,000 (One-way)
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Booking Options: Online booking platforms like Ola Outstation, Gozo Cabs, and MakeMyTrip
1.3 By Bus – Best for Budget Travelers
Several government and private buses operate between Rajkot and Somnath.
- Bus Types: AC Sleeper, Non-AC Sleeper, Volvo, and Luxury Buses
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Fare: INR 300 – INR 1,200
- Boarding Points in Rajkot:
- Rajkot Bus Stand
- Madhapar Chowk
- Gondal Road
- Popular Bus Operators:
- Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC)
- Patel Tours & Travels
- Shree Hari Travels
Best Option for: Budget travelers, solo travelers, and backpackers
2. By Train – A Budget-Friendly
Somnath does not have its own railway station. The nearest railway station is Veraval Railway Station (VRL), which is 7 km away from Somnath Temple.
Best Trains from Rajkot to Veraval
| Train Name | Train No. | Departure (Rajkot) | Arrival (Veraval) | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somnath Express | 22957 | 10:40 PM | 5:30 AM | 6 hours 50 min | Daily |
| Rajkot-Veraval Express | 19569 | 5:45 AM | 11:15 AM | 5 hours 30 min | Daily |
| Jabalpur-Somnath Express | 11464 | 1:20 PM | 7:15 PM | 6 hours | Daily |
How to Reach Somnath Temple from Veraval Railway Station
- By Auto-Rickshaw: 10-15 minutes ride, INR 100 – INR 150.
- By Taxi: INR 300 – INR 500, 10-minute drive.
- By Local Bus: GSRTC buses are available every 30 minutes, INR 20 – INR 50.
Best Option: Somnath Express (Overnight journey, comfortable sleeper coaches).
3. By Air – The Fastest Travel Option
Somnath does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Diu Airport (DIU), about 85 km away.
Flight Options from Rajkot to Diu
| Airline | Duration | Average Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance Air | 1 hour | INR 3,500 – INR 6,500 |
How to Reach Somnath from Diu Airport
- By Taxi: INR 2,500 – INR 3,500, 2-hour drive
- By Bus: GSRTC buses operate from Diu to Somnath, INR 200 – INR 400
Best Option: Flight to Diu + Taxi to Somnath for travelers short on time.
Best Time to Visit Somnath Temple
Somnath is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on weather conditions and temple events.
Best Seasons to Visit
- October to March: Cool and comfortable weather, ideal for temple visits and sightseeing.
- July to September: Monsoon season brings moderate rainfall, making the coastal scenery more beautiful.
- April to June: Summer can be hot (35°C – 40°C), but temple visits are still manageable.
Recommended Months: October to March for the best experience.
Major Attractions in & Around Somnath
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
- Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Aarti: 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM).
2. Triveni Sangam
- Significance: Confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for a peaceful experience.
3. Bhalka Tirth
- Significance: The place where Lord Krishna was struck by an arrow.
4. Prabhas Patan Museum
- Significance: Displays ancient temple relics and artifacts.
5. Gir National Park (Nearby Attraction, 70 km)
- Significance: Home to Asiatic Lions, perfect for a wildlife safari.
Final Travel Recommendations
- For Fastest Travel: Flight to Diu + Taxi to Somnath.
- For Budget Travel: Train to Veraval + Auto to Somnath.
- For Pilgrimage Road Trips: Self-drive or bus from Rajkot to Somnath.
Somnath Temple offers a divine experience for devotees and tourists alike. Plan your journey using the best travel option that suits your budget and schedule, and enjoy a peaceful and spiritual visit to one of India’s holiest shrines.
Uncover Additional Reads:
- Triveni Sangam Somnath: Where Sacred Rivers Meet
- Best Ways to Reach Somnath: A Travel Guide
- Traveling from Delhi to Somnath Temple: Routes & Tips
- Top 14 Temples in Gujarat: Must-Visit Spiritual Sites
- How to Reach Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka
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