Places to Visit in & Near Somnath
Intro
Somnath is not only a sacred Jyotirlinga — it is also a place meant to be experienced slowly. Apart from temple darshan, devotees are encouraged to spend time within the Somnath parishar, exploring nearby temples, ghats, heritage sites, and peaceful coastal spaces.
This guide covers:
- Places within Somnath town (walkable or very close)
- Important places near Somnath (short-distance trips)
Note: Distances mentioned below are approximate from Somnath Temple.
Places to Visit Within Somnath
(Mostly walkable or within 1–2 km)
Old Somnath Temple (Ahilyabai Temple)
Distance: ~300 meters
The Old Somnath Temple, also known as the Ahilyabai Temple, was built in the 18th century by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar when the main Somnath Temple was in ruins. Many devotees visit it for its historical significance and peaceful atmosphere. It is located very close to the main temple complex.
Why visit:
- Historic and spiritual importance
- Calm environment
- Very close to the main temple
Triveni Ghat (Triveni Sangam)
Distance: ~1 km
Triveni Ghat is the sacred confluence of three rivers — Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati — before they meet the Arabian Sea. It is considered an important site for holy dips and ancestral rituals, and many visitors also attend the evening aarti at the ghat.
Why visit:
- Strong spiritual significance
- Peaceful river-sea confluence
- Popular during sunrise and evening
Geeta Mandir
Distance: ~1.5 km
Geeta Mandir is a beautiful temple with Bhagavad Gita verses engraved on its walls and pillars. The quiet atmosphere makes it a good place for reflection and peaceful sitting, especially after darshan.
Why visit:
- Calm, devotional setting
- Ideal for meditation / quiet time
- Good for families and senior citizens
Ram Mandir
Distance: ~1.2 km
Ram Mandir is a modern temple dedicated to Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. It offers a clean and peaceful environment and is a good short stop while exploring the Somnath area.
Why visit:
- Peaceful, clean premises
- Good for families
- Nice temple architecture
Surya Mandir (Near Triveni Sangam)
Distance: ~1 km
Surya Mandir is an old Sun Temple near the Triveni area. It is smaller, usually less crowded, and is visited for its traditional carvings and religious significance.
Why visit:
- Ancient temple heritage
- Quiet and uncrowded
- Close to Triveni Ghat
Somnath Sea Walk / Promenade
Distance: Adjacent to temple area
The sea-facing walkway near Somnath is one of the best places to sit and spend time peacefully. Locals often say:
“Somnath baithne ki jagah hai.”
After darshan or evening hours, many visitors walk here slowly, enjoy the sea breeze, and absorb the spiritual atmosphere.
Why visit:
- Peaceful sitting space near the sea
- Great for evening walk / sunset
- Best place to feel the Somnath vibe
Places to Visit Near Somnath
(Short trips, usually half-day visits)
Bhalka Tirth
Distance: ~5 km
Bhalka Tirth is the sacred place where Lord Krishna is believed to have been struck by an arrow, marking the end of his earthly journey. The site is calm and devotional, and is one of the most visited places near Somnath.
Why visit:
- Deep spiritual importance (Krishna sambandh)
- Peaceful, devotional environment
- Very close to Somnath
Birla Mandir (Veraval)
Distance: ~7 km
Birla Mandir in Veraval is a white-marble temple surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere. It is a good short visit for families and senior citizens, especially if you are staying in Veraval or traveling via Veraval railway station.
Why visit:
- Clean and peaceful
- Spacious temple area
- Good for family and senior visitors
Prachi Tirth
Distance: ~25 km
Prachi Tirth is an ancient and revered place for ancestral rituals (pind daan). Many pilgrims consider it an important spiritual site. It is usually visited by those who specifically want to perform traditional rituals.
Why visit:
- Important for ancestral rituals
- Traditional and sacred atmosphere
- Worth visiting for religious purpose
Pithad Aai Mandir (Near Bakula)
Distance: ~30 km
Pithad Aai Mandir is a respected local shrine and is considered a Kuldevi temple by many communities in this region. It offers a more rural and traditional spiritual experience away from crowds.
Why visit:
- Strong local faith and spiritual value
- Calm rural environment
- Good short trip if you’re exploring nearby areas
Helpful Notes
- All distances are approximate from Somnath Temple
- Most places “within Somnath” can be covered by walking
- For “near Somnath” places, autos and taxis are easily available
- If visiting with elders, plan places with less walking and better seating