bea_veraval

VERAVAL AND SOMNATH

The shore temple of Somnath, believed to have been built by the moon God in gold, Ravana in silver, lord Krishna in wood and Bhimadeva in stone. Waves of destruction engulfed Somnath as tales of it's riches in the 6th-10th century spread. The Caravan Serai of Muhammad Ghazni in the 10th century ransacked the temple and took back precious stone studded images and silver doors, restoration by the Solanki kings was nulified by the conquests by Alla-ud-din and Muhammad Bin Tuglaq brought in fresh destruction, and finally, Auragzeb in one of his many fanatical moments had it destoyed.

Somnath by the sea

The present temple was commissioned by Sardar Patel in the 1950s. The temple is impressive, the aura of devotion even more awesome, but the high point is it's location by the blue waters of the Arabian sea. The beach of Somnath is unshaded but lovely, the views stupendous, and you can enjoy cool, fresh coconuts, camel rides, and spray of the waves as you wade along the shoreline. Park your car outside the temple,and walk down to the Prabhas Patan museum to see the remains of the 11th century version of Somnath temple, with 5 domes and multiple pillars, fine 11^th century sculpture of lord Agni, lord Shiva, lord Vishnu, Apsaras and Goddesses, and The religious can visit the Bakhla Tirth where lord Krishna was hit by a tribal arrow. The 11th-13th century Sun temple with intricate carvings, the old caves and Triveni Tirth, where 3 rivers meet the sea-as every waterbody is holy in Hindusim, the meeting place for 3 rivers and the sea is 4 times as holy, are other fascinations.

Somnath temple

6 kms from Somnath, Veraval was a fortified port town of the royal family of Junagadh. The old walls have been pulled down but the impressive Junagadh gate and Patan gate, both with intricate carvings, can still be seen, as can the old Nawabi palace with Gothic features facing the sea. The beach near the palace, has benches and a jogging path, and is a popular place for strolls and swimming in the morning.

The most spectacular sight of Veraval is the fishing port, where thousands of trawlers, country crafts and dhows can be seen unloading their catch. Dhows are built in this region by master artisans who use simple tools-no electrical, mechanical or electronic machinery- to turn piles of rafters and timber into perfectly proportioned, symetrical sea going vessels(the latest instrument used is a measuring tape!). The best hotel here is Park with a/c rooms, garden and a pool. Other hotels are near the bus or rly station and offer simple a/c or non a/c rooms. If you wan’t to be near the sea, there are some cheap hotels, guest houses a nd dharamshalas at Somnath. Visit Alibaba for fresh sea food, Sagar, Jill and Swati for North Indian food in a/c comfort, La Bela for reasonably priced Indian food, Apsara for cheap veg food or simple eating places near the railway and ST bus stations for Gujarati food.

Shivaling, Somnath

The most famous excursion from here is ofcourse Sasan,the headqaurters of the 1412 sq km Gir national park & wildlife sanctuary, one of the most important wildlife preserves in India. The tapestry of deciduous forests, rolling grasslands, Acacia thorn scrub forests, semi-evergreen flora, 7 rivers and many lakes, offer great wildlife viewing and the hill tracts offer pleasant off-road drives, but there are restrictions in taking your own vehicle. The Asiatic lion does not survive elsewhere in the world. You can see panther, the handsome spotted deer, the magnificent sambhar and a wealth of birdlife. The Kamleshwar dam has a number of crocodiles and birds.

Veraval receives trains from Ahmedabad.

GETTING THERE	Convenient overnight trains
PLACES TO STAY
- LUXURY
- DELUXE	Hotel Park(Veraval)
- AVERAGE	Satkar, Madhuram, Rajdhani, tourist bungalow, Ajanta(all at Veraval).
- BUDGET/GUEST HOUSE	Chandrani(Veraval), Mayuram, Shri Somnath guest house. Some new properties in Somnath Numerous dharamshalas
PLACES TO EAT	Park(multi-cuisine), Ali Baba(sea food), Sagar(N and S Indian), Jill(N Indian), Foodlamp(Indian), La Bela, Swati, New Apsara, Supreme, all at Veraval. Cheap local food at Somnath.