Veraval is the working town next door to Somnath: a busy port with one of the largest fishing fleets on India’s west coast, fish-processing sheds, and a boatyard where big wooden vessels are still built by eye and hand along the creek. It was once the main port of the Nawabs of Junagadh and a point of departure for pilgrims to Mecca.
Most travellers know it as a name on a railway ticket — Veraval Junction is the station for Somnath — but an hour at the harbour is a vivid counterpoint to the temple and the forest.
What to see and do at Veraval
Watch the harbour
Hundreds of trawlers, flags flying, crowd the basin. Early morning, when the catch is landed, is liveliest — and smelliest. Ask before photographing people at work.
See the boat-builders
Along the creek, timber hulls in every stage of construction stand propped on the shore. The craft has been practised here for generations.
Visit Bhalka Tirth
Between Veraval and Somnath, the temple where Krishna is said to have been mortally wounded is an important stop for pilgrims.
How to get to Veraval
- Veraval is about 6 km from Somnath temple and roughly 40–45 km from Sasan Gir via Talala. Auto-rickshaws shuttle constantly between Veraval and Somnath.
- Trains link Veraval with Junagadh, Rajkot and Ahmedabad, with some longer-distance services. From the station, take a taxi to Sasan, about an hour away.
Practical tips
- If you arrive by overnight train, pre-arrange a car to Sasan through your lodge.
- The harbour is an industrial area: wear closed shoes and watch for vehicles.
- For a comfortable overnight, most visitors prefer hotels in Somnath to those in Veraval.
Best tours for Veraval
These packages are the easiest way to see Veraval with transport and a guide sorted:
Private day trip from US$196 From Rajkot: Somnath Temple and Caves Private Day Trip
A private day out from Rajkot devoted to Somnath and the sacred sites around it. It is a long day on the road, so start early. New and unreviewed.
- Somnath temple and Bhalka Tirth
- The Somnath museum and the Panch Pandav caves
- Private car from Rajkot
Private day trip from US$217 From Rajkot: Junagadh & Somnath Temple Private Day Trip
Junagadh’s most photogenic monument and the Somnath temple circuit combined in one private day from Rajkot. It covers a lot of ground quickly. No reviews yet.
- The Mahabat Maqbara in Junagadh
- Somnath temple, Bhalka Tirth and Triveni Sangam
- Private transport throughout
Guided overnight tour from US$187 From Rajkot: Gir and Somnath Weekend Tour
The classic Saurashtra pairing packed into two days from Rajkot: lion country and the temple on the sea. Read the inclusions closely to see which safari — the Jungle Trail or Devalia — is part of the price, and whether the permit is covered.
- Sasan Gir and Somnath in one weekend
- Transport from Rajkot, the nearest big airport city
- A night in the Gir–Somnath area
