Somnath Temple, nestled in Prabhas Patan near Veraval, Gujarat, holds immense religious significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pilgrims from across India embark on a spiritual journey to visit this sacred abode. This comprehensive guide provides detailed routes, distances, and transportation options from major cities.
Location
Somnath Temple is located in the Prabhas Patan near Veraval in the Saurashtra region on the western coast of Gujarat, India. The exact geographical coordinates of Somnath Temple are approximately 20.8844° N latitude and 70.4011° E longitude. It is situated close to the Arabian Sea, providing a picturesque backdrop to this sacred pilgrimage site. The temple holds significant historical and religious importance as one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. Devotees from across the country and the world visit Somnath to seek spiritual solace and witness the architectural and cultural heritage associated with this revered temple.
Delhi to Somnath Temple
The distance from Delhi to Somnath Temple is approximately 1,390 kilometers via National Highway 48. The journey by road takes around 17-18 hours. Pilgrims can take the following route:
By Road
- Distance: Approximately 1,390 km
Route:
- Start from Delhi and head towards Jaipur via NH48.
- From Jaipur, continue on NH48 towards Ahmedabad.
- From Ahmedabad, take NH47 and NH51 to reach Somnath.
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Veraval Railway Station
- Distance from Veraval to Somnath: Approx. 7 km
- Local transportation: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are readily available.
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Diu Airport
- Distance from Diu to Somnath: Approx. 90 km
- Local transportation: Taxis and buses connect Diu to Somnath.
Mumbai to Somnath Temple
The road distance from Mumbai to Somnath is approximately 850 kilometers, and the journey takes around 14-15 hours. Here is the suggested route:
By Road
- Distance: Approx. 850 km
Route
- Start from Mumbai and head towards Vadodara via NH48.
- From Vadodara, take NH64 and NH51 to reach Somnath.
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Veraval Railway Station
- Distance from Veraval to Somnath: Approx. 7 km
- Local transportation: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are available.
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Diu Airport
- Distance from Diu to Somnath: Approx. 90 km
- Local transportation: Taxis and buses connect Diu to Somnath.
Kolkata to Somnath Temple
The distance from Kolkata to Somnath Temple is approximately 2,490 kilometers, and the journey takes around 30-32 hours. Pilgrims can follow this route:
By Road
- Distance: Approx. 2,490 km
Route:
- Start from Kolkata and head towards Bhubaneswar on NH16.
- Continue on NH16 towards Vizianagaram and then take NH26 towards Vijayawada.
- From Vijayawada, take NH16 and NH44 towards Hyderabad.
- Proceed from Hyderabad to Solapur on NH65, and then take NH52 to reach Ahmedabad.
- Finally, take NH47 and NH51 to reach Somnath.
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Veraval Railway Station
- Distance from Veraval to Somnath: Approx. 7 km
- Local transportation: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are available.
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Diu Airport
- Distance from Diu to Somnath: Approx. 90 km
- Local transportation: Taxis and buses connect Diu to Somnath.
Chennai to Somnath Temple
The road distance from Chennai to Somnath is approximately 2,170 kilometers, and the journey takes around 35-36 hours. Pilgrims can take the following route:
By Road
- Distance: Approx. 2,170 km
Route
- Start from Chennai and head towards Nellore on NH16.
- Continue on NH16 towards Vijayawada and then take NH44 towards Hyderabad.
- From Hyderabad, proceed towards Solapur on NH65, and then take NH52 to reach Ahmedabad.
- Finally, take NH47 and NH51 to reach Somnath.
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Veraval Railway Station
- Distance from Veraval to Somnath: Approx. 7 km
- Local transportation: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are available.
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Diu Airport
- Distance from Diu to Somnath: Approx. 90 km
- Local transportation: Taxis and buses connect Diu to Somnath.
Bengaluru to Somnath Temple
The distance from Bangalore to Somnath Temple is approximately 1,900 kilometers, and the journey takes around 30-32 hours. Pilgrims can follow this route:
By Road
- Distance: Approx. 1,850 km
Route
- Start from Bangalore and head towards Hyderabad on NH44.
- From Hyderabad, proceed towards Solapur on NH65, and then take NH52 to reach Ahmedabad.
- Finally, take NH47 and NH51 to reach Somnath.
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Veraval Railway Station
- Distance from Veraval to Somnath: Approx. 7 km
- Local transportation: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are available.
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Diu Airport
- Distance from Diu to Somnath: Approx. 90 km
- Local transportation: Taxis and buses connect Diu to Somnath.
Hyderabad to Somnath Temple
The road distance from Hyderabad to Somnath is approximately 1,550 kilometers, and the journey takes around 20-22 hours. Pilgrims can take the following route:
- Start from Hyderabad and head towards Solapur on NH65.
- From Solapur, take NH52 to reach Ahmedabad.
- Finally, take NH47 and NH51 to reach Somnath.
Ahmedabad to Somnath Temple
For those starting their journey from Ahmedabad, the distance to Somnath Temple is around 400 kilometers, and it takes approximately 7-8 hours to reach. Pilgrims can take the following route:
- Start from Ahmedabad and head towards Rajkot on NH47.
- From Rajkot, take NH27 towards Junagadh and then continue on NH51 to reach Somnath.
Cultural Highlights and Pit Stops
- Ahmedabad: Enrich your journey by exploring Ahmedabad’s historical and cultural landmarks, including the Sabarmati Ashram.
- Diu: The serene island of Diu offers picturesque beaches and Portuguese architecture, providing a delightful stopover.
Conclusion
Your pilgrimage to Somnath Temple promises not only spiritual rejuvenation but also a cultural odyssey. Plan your trip considering these routes, each offering unique experiences and opportunities to explore the rich heritage of India. May your journey be filled with divine blessings and unforgettable memories. Safe travels!