How far is Somnath from Ahmedabad and what does a cab cost?
Somnath is about 410 km south-west of Ahmedabad, typically 7.5 to 8 hours by car via Rajkot, Jetpur, Junagadh and Veraval. A RutzIndia.com sedan one way costs Rs 14,760 Pay Now to Reserve and an Innova Crysta Rs 23,370 Pay Now to Reserve, before 5% GST, with tolls and parking at actual cost. Gir's Sasan is about 45 km away and Diu about 90 km.
Somnath is traditionally counted first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, and its story is one of endurance. Standing at Prabhas Patan on the Saurashtra shore, the temple was plundered and rebuilt many times over the centuries; the present shrine was raised after Independence, with the effort led by Sardar Patel, and was consecrated in 1951. Today it is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in western India, and one of the most beautiful: a golden-hued spire above a sea wall where waves break against the promenade.
Somnath is rarely a trip on its own. It sits at the centre of a road circuit that takes in Dwarka to the north-west, the Asiatic lions of Gir inland, the Portuguese island of Diu to the east and the hill fort and Girnar steps at Junagadh. That is why most visitors arrive by car and keep it for three to five days. This guide covers the road, the temple and its surroundings, the seasons, and RutzIndia.com's fares.
The temple and what surrounds it
Somnath temple. The temple is built in the Chalukya style associated with Gujarat's medieval architecture, with a tall shikhar, a mandap for the assembled devotees and a spacious forecourt facing the sea. Darshan continues through the day with aartis at set times, and the evening aarti followed by the light and sound show against the temple facade is the moment to plan your day around. The Shree Somnath Trust publishes aarti timings, show schedules, online puja bookings and the trust's own guest houses.
Baan Stambh. In the temple precinct, an arrow pillar carries an inscription noting that there is no land between this point and the South Pole, a line that still makes visitors stop and look out to sea.
Triveni Sangam. The confluence of the Hiran, Kapila and mythical Saraswati rivers, a short drive from the temple, where pilgrims perform rituals and bathe.
Bhalka Tirth and Dehotsarg. Sites associated with the final days of Krishna: Bhalka, where tradition says he was struck by a hunter's arrow, and the Gita Mandir area by the river where he is believed to have left the world.
Prabhas Patan museum and the old town. Fragments of the earlier temples and local history, alongside the lanes of the old port town.
Somnath beach. A fine place to walk at sunset, but the currents make it unsafe for swimming.
Nearby, Veraval, the neighbouring town, is one of Gujarat's busiest fishing harbours, its boatyards still building wooden dhows. Junagadh, about 90 km inland, adds the Uparkot fort, the ornate Mahabat Maqbara and the Girnar hill, now reachable by ropeway as well as by its famous thousands of steps.
Food around the temple is vegetarian: Kathiyawadi thalis with bajra rotla, sev tameta and buttermilk. Junagadh, on the drive in, is also famous for its kesar mangoes, sold at roadside stalls from about May to June, and for the farsan shops near its old gates. The Gir Somnath district website posts official information on fairs, traffic arrangements and local services.
The drive from Ahmedabad and other gateways
From Ahmedabad (about 410 km, 7.5 to 8 hours). The route leaves the city westward to Bagodara and follows the six-lane highway through Limbdi to Rajkot. From Rajkot it runs south through Gondal and Jetpur to Junagadh, then on to Veraval and Somnath. The highway is generally good and busy with goods traffic; the Gondal–Jetpur section has frequent town traffic. Breakfast at Rajkot and a late lunch at Junagadh give natural breaks. Leave Ahmedabad by 6 am and you will be in Somnath in time for the evening aarti. See our Ahmedabad road guide for city pickups.
From Rajkot (about 200 km, 4 hours). Rajkot's international airport at Hirasar is the main air gateway for this corner of Gujarat.
From Diu (about 90 km, 2 hours). Diu has a small airport with limited flights; the coastal road via Kodinar is pleasant and quiet. See our Diu road guide.
From Dwarka (about 235 km, 4.5 hours). The coastal highway via Porbandar and Madhavpur links the two great pilgrimage towns; read the Dwarka guide for that end of the circuit.
From Keshod. Keshod airport, roughly 50 km away, has occasional regional flights; check current schedules before relying on it.
In town, the temple approach has controlled traffic and designated parking. On festival days police divert cars to lots further out, and a short walk or shuttle takes you the rest of the way.
Best time to visit Somnath
October to March is the best season, with warm days and cool sea breezes. The great Kartik Purnima fair in November, around the full moon after Diwali, fills the town with pilgrims and stalls for several days. Mahashivratri in February or March and the Mondays of Shravan (July to August) are the other peaks, with extended darshan hours and very large crowds.
April to June is hot and humid, but the sea breeze keeps evenings bearable. The monsoon, July to September, brings rough seas and heavy showers; the temple remains open and the Saurashtra countryside turns green, but Gir's safari zones close for the season from mid-June, which affects circuits that include the park.
RutzIndia.com services for a Somnath trip, with fares
We run one-way drops and round trips from Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Vadodara; multi-day Saurashtra circuits; transfers from Diu and Rajkot airports; and group vehicles for family and community pilgrimages. Premium sedans such as the Honda City or Toyota Camry, at Rs 48 per km, are a comfortable choice for elderly parents on the long highway day, while groups travel in a Tempo Traveller from Ahmedabad or an Urbania.
| Trip | Distance billed | Sedan | Premium sedan | Innova Crysta | Tempo Traveller |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad to Somnath, one way | about 410 km | Rs 14,760 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 19,680 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 23,370 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 31,980 Pay Now to Reserve |
| Ahmedabad–Somnath–Ahmedabad, 3 days | about 820 km | Rs 29,520 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 39,360 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 46,740 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 63,960 Pay Now to Reserve |
| Rajkot to Somnath, one way | about 200 km | Rs 7,200 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 9,600 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 11,400 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 15,600 Pay Now to Reserve |
| Somnath to Sasan Gir, one way | about 45 km, minimum fare applies | Rs 3,960 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 5,940 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 6,930 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 10,740 Pay Now to Reserve |
| Somnath to Diu, one way | about 90 km, minimum fare applies | Rs 3,960 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 5,940 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 6,930 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 10,740 Pay Now to Reserve |
| Somnath–Junagadh–Somnath day | minimum 250 km | Rs 9,000 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 12,000 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 14,250 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 19,500 Pay Now to Reserve |
All fares exclude 5% GST. Tolls, state permits where applicable, and parking are charged at actual cost. On round trips and tours the bill uses the actual kilometres or 250 km per calendar day, whichever is more, plus a driver night allowance of Rs 1,500 per night. Short transfers such as Somnath to Gir are priced here as one-way drops; if the car is already with you on a tour they simply count towards the trip's kilometres. Every car in our fleet is within four model years, and the full rate card is on the fares page.
Reserve through the online booker and pay by card or UPI; trusts, societies and companies can request a GST invoice. Cancellation is free until 72 hours before pickup, then 10% within 72 hours, 50% within 48 hours and the whole fare within 24 hours or on a no-show; our cancellation policy has the full text.
Book an Ahmedabad to Somnath cab
A four-day Somnath, Gir and Diu circuit
Day 1: Ahmedabad to Somnath (about 420 km). Leave at 6 am, breakfast in Rajkot, lunch in Junagadh, check in at Somnath by 4 pm. Walk the sea-facing promenade, attend the evening aarti and stay for the light and sound show.
Day 2: Somnath and Sasan Gir (about 70 km). Morning darshan when the temple is quieter, Triveni Sangam and Bhalka Tirth, then an afternoon drive to Sasan Gir for an evening at the lodge. If you have a safari permit, the afternoon slot can start the same day. Our Gir National Park guide explains permits and zones.
Day 3: Gir and Diu (about 110 km). Dawn safari at Gir, breakfast, then the drive east through mango orchards to Diu for its fort, Naida caves and a seafood dinner.
Day 4: Diu to Ahmedabad (about 370 km). A final walk on Nagoa beach and a long, easy drive home via Una and Bhavnagar or back through Rajkot.
With a fifth day, add Dwarka at the start, making a full Saurashtra loop. Families who prefer shorter driving days can break the Ahmedabad leg with a night in Rajkot or Junagadh, which also leaves a morning for the Girnar ropeway and the Uparkot fort before continuing to the coast.
Practical tips for Somnath
- Security and deposits. Mobiles, cameras, bags and leather items are generally not allowed inside the temple. Leave them in the car or at the deposit counters.
- Aarti timing. Plan the drive so you arrive by late afternoon; the evening aarti and the show are the highlights.
- Dress. Modest clothing is expected. Carry a shawl for the sea breeze after sunset in winter.
- Parking. The temple precinct has designated parking; your driver drops you at the gate and waits there.
- Stay. The trust's guest houses are good value and close to the temple; book them online early for festival dates.
- Sea safety. Do not swim at Somnath beach; enjoy it from the promenade.
- Prohibition. Gujarat's liquor laws apply here; Diu, just across the border, is a separate Union Territory with its own rules.
For more Gujarat options, including premium cars and multi-city tours, see taxi service in Ahmedabad and Tempo Traveller hire for larger groups.
