Search This Blog

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Somnath Beach

      Somnath Beach is well connected by an efficient transport network. The port town of Veraval serves as a gateway to Somnath beach. Somnath Beach is situated 6Km to the east of Veraval. Veraval town is well connected by air, road and rail way. The nearest airport is at Keshod. It is located 47 Km away and is connects to Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Veraval. To reach Somnath Beach by rail, you can board trains from major cities like, Ahmedabad, Diu, Sasan Gir, and Rajkot, and get down at Veraval. Veraval lies at a distance of 431 Km from Ahmedabad. The town of Veraval is well connected to the rest of Gujarat and neighboring states by road. State and private buses link Veraval to other towns of Gujrat like, Junagadh, Rajkot, Sasan Gir Porbandar, and Diu.
Major Tourist Attractions in and around Somnath Beach:
     Some of the major tourist attractions near Somnath Beach are Somnath Temple, Bakhla Tirth, Triveni Tirth, Ahilya Mandir, and Sasan Gir. Somnath Temple is one of the most popular local tourist attractions. According to myths and local folklore, the temple of Somnath was built out of gold by Somraj (the moon god). It was later rebuilt out of silver by Ravana. Some years later the temple was rebuilt by Lord Krishna in wood. Finally, it was reconstructed by Bhimdev in stone. Somnath Temple was known for its riches this drew the attention of several conquerors who wanted to plunder it. In the year1024, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked it. Two more raids took place in the years1297 and 1394; and finally, by Aurangzeb in 1706.
In the year1950 when Sardar Patel took initiative in the proceedings of the temple. Somnath Temple was rebuilt then. Today it is one of the most-visited Hindu shrines in India. Somnath Temple is known for the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Popular Activities at Somnath Beach:
       NNature lovers can go to Gir national park and wildlife sanctuary for bird watching and nature photography. You can also head to Veraval, the fishing port, to catch a glimpse of different kinds of fishing trawlers, country crafts and dhows engaged in fishing operations. Travelers can buy handcrafted items like bags, ghagra cholis and clothes with zari work, wall hangings, and Patola silk from the local shops and stores.

No comments:

Post a Comment