Home › Destinations › Somnath › 2 Days in Somnath

1 DaySomnath

2 Days in Somnath

Planning 2 days in Somnath? Discover the sacred first Jyotirlinga at Somnath on the Arabian Sea, where myth and history intertwine. This 2-day itinerary covers the majestic temple, the nearby Bhalka Tirth, the historic Veraval port, and a serene beach evening, all grounded in the region's rich heritage. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.

Day 1: Somnath Temple, Triveni Sangam & Sound & Light Show

Day 1

Begin your pilgrimage at the iconic Somnath Temple, the first Jyotirlinga, and witness its Chalukya-style architecture that rose from the ashes of history. Explore the temple complex, the Prabhas Patan Museum with ancient ruins, and the Triveni Sangam where three rivers meet the sea. In the evening, enjoy the sound-and-light show that narrates the temple's dramatic thousand-year saga.

Activities

Morning darshan at Somnath Temple (arrive early to avoid crowds; attend the aarti if possible).
Visit the Prabhas Patan Museum within the complex to see sculptures and remnants from earlier temples.
Walk to the Triveni Sangam (confluence of Hiran, Kapila, and mythical Saraswati with the Arabian Sea) for a peaceful moment and sunset views.
Attend the evening sound-and-light show (typically in Hindi/English) against the illuminated temple facade.

Meals

•Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe (e.g., poha, thepla).
•Lunch at a vegetarian restaurant near the temple (thali).
•Dinner at a seaside eatery or your hotel.

Day 2: Bhalka Tirth, Veraval Port & Beach Relaxation

Day 2

After morning prayers, travel a few kilometers to Bhalka Tirth, the sacred spot where Lord Krishna is believed to have been accidentally shot by a hunter's arrow, marking the end of his earthly sojourn. Then explore the historic Veraval port, once a bustling maritime hub. Conclude your day with a relaxed evening on Somnath Beach, soaking in the Arabian Sea breeze.

Activities

Early morning visit to Bhalka Tirth (about 3 km from Somnath) to see the temple and the marked spot of Krishna's departure; also visit the nearby Gita Temple if time permits.
Explore Veraval port (about 5 km away) – watch fishing boats, see the old lighthouse, and learn about its maritime history.
Spend a leisurely afternoon at Somnath Beach (also known as Prabhas Patan beach) – walk along the shore, relax, and enjoy the sunset.
Optional: Visit the Somnath Temple at night for the aarti and illuminated views if you missed it on Day 1.

Meals

•Breakfast at your hotel or local eatery.
•Lunch at a seafood restaurant in Veraval (try fresh catch) or a vegetarian thali near Bhalka Tirth.
•Dinner at a beachside café or your hotel.

Detailed Timeline

Day 1

9 activities

Morning

06:00 AM

Arrive at Somnath Temple for morning darshan

Reach the temple early to avoid long queues and experience the serene morning atmosphere. The temple opens at 6:00 AM; the Mangala aarti is performed around 6:30 AM. Dress modestly, leave footwear at the designated counters (free), and be prepared for security checks. Cameras are not allowed inside the sanctum; lockers are available for a small fee.

07:30 AM

Explore the Somnath Temple complex and its architecture

After darshan, walk around the temple grounds to admire the Chalukya-style shikhara and intricate carvings. The temple is built on the site of the original Jyotirlinga and has been reconstructed multiple times. The complex is clean and well-maintained; guided tours are available for around ₹100-150 per person, or you can explore on your own.

09:00 AM

Breakfast at a local cafe near the temple

Enjoy a typical Gujarati breakfast like poha, thepla, or khaman at one of the small eateries near the temple gate. A simple breakfast costs ₹50-100 per person. Alternatively, your hotel may offer breakfast; check if it's included in your stay.

10:00 AM

Visit the Prabhas Patan Museum

Located within the temple complex, the museum houses sculptures, inscriptions, and artifacts from the earlier temples destroyed by invaders. Entry fee is around ₹10 for Indians and ₹50 for foreigners. Spend about an hour here to understand the site's ancient history and the temple's resilience.

Afternoon

12:30 PM

Lunch at a vegetarian restaurant near the temple

Have a traditional Gujarati thali at a restaurant like 'Somnath Bhojanalaya' or 'The Royal Somnath' – expect unlimited servings of dal, sabzi, roti, rice, and sweets for ₹150-250 per person. Many places offer a peaceful dining atmosphere with temple views.

02:00 PM

Walk to Triveni Sangam

The confluence of the Hiran, Kapila, and mythical Saraswati rivers meets the Arabian Sea here. It's a short walk from the temple (about 500 meters). Spend time at the ghats, watch the waves, and if you wish, take a holy dip (be cautious of currents). The area is peaceful in the afternoon; no entry fee.

05:00 PM

Sunset views at Triveni Sangam

As the sun sets over the Arabian Sea, the confluence becomes a picturesque spot. Many pilgrims offer prayers and light lamps. Carry water and wear comfortable shoes; the area can be rocky. This is a serene moment to reflect on the pilgrimage.

Evening

07:30 PM

Attend the Sound & Light Show at Somnath Temple

The show narrates the temple's thousand-year saga, including its destruction and rebuilding. It is held in the temple complex every evening (timings vary seasonally, usually around 7:30 PM in winter and 8:00 PM in summer). Tickets cost around ₹50 per person. The show is in Hindi, with English audio guides available for a small extra charge. Arrive 15 minutes early for good seats.

09:00 PM

Dinner at a seaside eatery or hotel

After the show, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a beachside café or your hotel. Many hotels offer vegetarian Gujarati meals; expect to pay ₹200-300 per person for a filling dinner. If you prefer, some local stalls serve street food like bhajiya and chai.

Day 2

9 activities

Morning

07:00 AM

Morning visit to Bhalka Tirth

Located about 3 km from Somnath, Bhalka Tirth marks the spot where Lord Krishna was mistakenly shot by a hunter's arrow. The temple here is simple but sacred. You can hire an auto-rickshaw for around ₹100-150 one way, or drive if you have a vehicle. The site opens early; spend 30-45 minutes in prayer and exploring the small complex.

08:30 AM

Visit the nearby Gita Temple

Adjacent to Bhalka Tirth, the Gita Temple features a statue of Lord Krishna delivering the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. It's a peaceful spot with beautiful murals. No entry fee; donations are optional. Spend about 30 minutes here.

09:30 AM

Breakfast at a local eatery near Bhalka Tirth

There are a few small restaurants and stalls near Bhalka Tirth offering poha, upma, and chai. A simple breakfast costs ₹50-100 per person. Alternatively, return to Somnath for a wider choice of cafes.

10:30 AM

Explore Veraval Port

Drive about 5 km to Veraval, a historic port that once traded with Arabia and Africa. Watch the bustling fishing activity, see colorful boats, and visit the old lighthouse (if open). The port area is lively but not touristy; be mindful of fishy smells and wet ground. Auto-rickshaw from Somnath costs around ₹150-200.

Afternoon

12:30 PM

Lunch at a seafood restaurant in Veraval

Veraval is known for fresh seafood. Try a local restaurant like 'Sea Rock' or 'Hotel Samrat' for fish thali or fried fish – expect ₹200-400 per person. If you prefer vegetarian, many places also serve Gujarati thali. Ask for the day's catch and ensure it's cooked fresh.

02:30 PM

Return to Somnath Beach for a leisurely afternoon

Head back to Somnath Beach (also called Prabhas Patan Beach) for a relaxed afternoon. The beach is clean but not ideal for swimming due to strong currents. Walk along the shore, sit on the sand, or visit the small stalls selling snacks and souvenirs. There is no entry fee; carry sunscreen and water.

05:00 PM

Sunset at Somnath Beach

The beach offers a stunning view of the sunset over the Arabian Sea. Many pilgrims gather here for the evening. You can also see the Somnath Temple from a distance, illuminated as dusk falls. This is a perfect time for photography and quiet reflection.

Evening

07:00 PM

Optional: Night aarti at Somnath Temple

If you missed the aarti on Day 1, attend the evening aarti (usually around 7:00 PM in winter, 8:00 PM in summer). The temple is beautifully lit, and the atmosphere is devotional. Arrive early to get a good spot; no tickets are needed, but you must deposit your phone and camera outside.

08:30 PM

Dinner at a beachside café or hotel

Conclude your day with a relaxed dinner at one of the beachside eateries, such as 'Somnath Beach Restaurant', offering both Indian and Chinese cuisine. A meal costs around ₹200-300 per person. Alternatively, your hotel may provide a set dinner menu.

Food Recommendations

Hotel Somnath Sagar (near temple)

Vegetarian Gujarati Thali

Must Try: Gujarati thali with roti, dal, rice, shaak, and buttermilk

₹200–₹350 per thali

Sea View Restaurant, Veraval

Seafood (non-veg available)

Must Try: Fish curry with rice (pomfret or surmai), prawn fry

₹300–₹600 per meal

Beachside Chai Stall (near Somnath Beach)

Street snacks & tea

Must Try: Cutting chai, bhajiya (fritters), and roasted corn

₹20–₹80

Transportation Tips

Somnath is well-connected by rail (Somnath Junction) and road; the nearest airport is Diu (about 90 km) or Rajkot (about 200 km).
Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are available for short hops to Bhalka Tirth, Veraval port, and the beach; negotiate fares in advance.
For a flexible day, hire a private cab for the full day (around ₹1,500–₹2,500) to cover Somnath, Bhalka Tirth, and Veraval comfortably.
Walking is feasible between the temple and Triveni Sangam (about 1 km), but for Bhalka Tirth (3 km) and Veraval (5 km), use a rickshaw or taxi.