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Somnath
The Somnath Temple stands magnificently by the Arabian Sea, one of the 12 most sacred Jyotirlingas or Shiva shrines in India. Ransacked and destroyed by invaders in the medieval ages, phoenix-like it resurrected from the ashes. The Somnath temple has been successively re-built, its splendour only suffering in the material used : from gold to silver, wood and, now, finally stone. It is said that the temple was originally built by Soma, the Moon God, in penance and worship of Lord Shiva who had laid a curse upon him. Located as it is, it is widely believed that if one were to sail from here in a straight line, the end of the journey would be at the North Pole, without having to travel over land. The present structure is a recently built temple that duplicates its original. It is believed too that Lord Krishna lies cremated here, at Triveni Ghat. Close by is a Sun Temple, Surya Mandir. There is a museum in the temple that contains relics of the old Somnath shrine. |
More on Gujarat • Introduction • Saurashtra - Part I • Ahmedabad, Baroda • Gir Sanctuary
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How to Get There
Air: The nearest airport is Keshod, 47 km, which is connected with Bombay.
Chorwad This retreat by the seaside is a royal one, for it was the summer palace of the Nawabs of Junagadh. Located scenically on the beach, Chorwad Palace was built in 1928, and possibly resembles most an European dowager hotel. Today it has, in fact, been resurrected and converted into a hotel run by Gujarat Tourism, with further rooms provided in an annexe, and in cottages. A conference hall makes it ideal for working holidays.
The sea sweeps all around the palace, and the waters beat a tattoo against the high rocks, while a wide beach becomes an excellent promenade. Should visitors wish to go out to sea, the fishermen's catamarans make ideal fishing trips possible.
Where to Stay
Rajkot Mahatma Gandhi spent the early years of his life here, and was a student of the Gandhi High School.
Rajkot is the main seat of the Saurashtra University. The Library, Museum and Public Hall in the Jubilee Gardens offer an insight into Saurashtrian culture.
How to Get There
Where to Stay
Ahmedpur Mandvi Swing on the hammock here, dine by the seaside restaurant where once the Nawabs came for their private holidays, reside in cottages that resemble those in the villages around but ensure all the comforts you want.
How to Get There In the centre of the city is a lake around which stand two majestic buildings that are approached via a stone bridge. One of them, Kotha Bastion is an arsenal and the other, Lakhota Palace houses a museum. Celebrated for its tie-and-die fabrics in their cheerful colours, Jamnagar is also known for its brocade embroidery (zardozi), and for it's pearl fisheries. The ports Rozy and Bedi make for delightful excursions. The city also has the distinction of having an Ayurvedic university to impart training in the traditional Indian system of medicine.
How to Get There
Where to Stay
Information: Courtesy Government of India
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Editor: Romola Butalia (c) India Travelogue. All rights reserved. |
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