Girnar, Somnath, Diu, Gir (Ambardi Safari Park), Palitana Trip

Girnar, Somnath, Diu, Gir (Ambardi Safari Park), Palitana 

Travel Date 2Nov 2024

We boarded our train from Pune on 2Nov 1:30am. We reached Rajkot at 5:30pm. We took ticket (25rs per person) for pessanger train 09521 (rajkot to viraval) to reach Junagadh. We wanted to stay at Digamber Jain Dharmasala so we took auto from Junagadh railway station for 120rs.

Girnar Neminath Samosharan Digamber Jain Mandir and Dharamshala

Rooms are quite affordable (600rs) with nice and clean rooms. We were lucky to get aashirwad from maharaj ji here. The jinalay is very beautiful also we get a direct view of Neminath Dada as Girnar tirth is right next to Dharamshala. Lot  of parking available. Bhojanshala available.

Girnar Gandola ride

3Nov was a weekend after Diwali and Gujrati new year so Girnar Gandola normal online ticket 699rs were not available for 7 to 8 and 8 to 9am slot. We did not want to book 9am to 10am slot as it will be too hot to climb after that. Someone mentioned to book special 979rs ticket (valid for 90days at 3 places - Girnar, Ambaji, Pavagiri) 7am to 8am slot. avoid general queue hence we booked it. When we reached there we realized it was same queue and no special treatment.

https://udankhatola.com/

Somnath

We stayed at The S Crown Hotel

Rooms are good. Prompt service.

Somnath temple

timing 6:30am to 9:30pm lighting at night also

Any leather Items including your wallet and Belt is restricted inside the Temple.

Mobiles, handbags are not allowed, you have to submit in the locker room. 

For Mobiles there are separate counters.

For luggage bags we have separate counters.

Even for Slippers we also have separate counters, all these counters were free no charges will be collected and This counters were managed by Sri Somnath Trust Authority.

Shorts are not allowed here and any electrical gadgets including the Key of your car are prohibited here.

Must need to attend aarati which is started around 07.00 PM .

The laser show is very good you will have to wait till 8pm and tickets are issued at sharp 6:30pm.

Lights and sound shows the ticket counter starts after 5:30 you can buy in the temple.

ticket price of laser show is 50rs for adult.

According to Shiva Purana, Soma married the 27 daughters of Daksha but neglected them. His father-in-law, Daksha thus, cursed him that he would lose his luster and beauty. To get rid of the curse, Soma worshipped Shiva, and his prayer was granted.

Somnath Mahadev was worshipped by Chandra dev to overcome his curse given by Daksha Prajapati.

Soma means=> moon

Somnath, or “Lord of the Soma.”

we can Baan Stamb in the temple which indicates the direction for South pole this pillar existed from long time ancient scholars placed the Baan Stamb in the temple,

You can also visit the nearby Patan Somnath Temple, believed to be the original site of the Jyotirlinga, or take a stroll along the scenic beach.

In Somnath multiples temples also visit like - Shree ram mandir, old Somnath g (Devi Ahilya bai),cave of hinglaj mata, triveni sangam, etc

It is believed that the original temple was built by the Moon God with gold in the Satya Yuga; by Ravana in Treta Yuga in silver; and by Lord Krishna in Dwapara Yuga in sandalwood

Bhalka Teerrth

This holy tirth is one of the few well-known tourist destinations in Somnath and is situated along the Prabhas Veraval route. At this location, Shree Krishna was struck by the arrow of the poacher Jara. The latter was relaxing under a pipal tree when the poacher shot from a distance after mistaking Baghvan Shree Krishna’s foot for a deer. After forgiving the hunter, Lord Krishna continued to Dehotsarg, four kilometres away, which ultimately happens to be Lord Krishna’s death place. 

Diu beach

Nice beach with lots of water sports nd eateries.

Gir

Carina Retreat Resort

AC Rooms are good. We booked room via goibibo.

Adventure activities are good for kids and adults. We all enjoyed Swimming pool.

Good food. Better to include breakfast and dinner in package.

Folk dance at night was topping on the ice. It made our stay memorable. We did Garba also at last.

Ambardi Safari Park

There are 4 lions and many deers. Non AC Bus Ticket is 190rs each. 

FOOD Plaza is having good options.

Ambardi Safari Park remains closed on every tuesday.

https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in/AboutAmbardi.aspx

Palitana 

Digamber Jain Dharmasala Palitana is good and in Market. 1000rs charge for AC rooms. Every room is having 2 extra mattress. Hot water is available 24hr inside bathroom.Tea/Milk available on chargable basis. We parked our car inside.

Very nice and polite people.