Indore to Somnath Distance: Flight, Train and Road Guide

Indore, the largest city of Madhya Pradesh, lies a good distance from the great temple of Somnath, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, so the journey needs some planning. This guide, from the team behind Somnath Dwarka Tour Package, a unit of Experience My India, covers the Indore to Somnath distance and the reverse, the route options, the travel time and every way to reach the temple, by flight, train and road.

Indore to Somnath distance and travel time

The Indore to Somnath distance is about 792 to 810 km depending on the route and the drive takes around 13 to 14 hours by road via NH 47 and NH 51, heading west from Madhya Pradesh through Gujarat and across Saurashtra to the coast. This is a long journey of the best part of a day of driving, so while it is more doable than the far southern cities, many still prefer not to drive it in one go. A flight to Diu, Rajkot or Ahmedabad, followed by a road transfer or a train to Veraval near Somnath, is a faster and more comfortable way to reach the temple for many travellers. Flying, in particular, turns a long day of driving into a matter of hours.

Indore to Somnath route options

There are three main ways to drive from Indore to Somnath:

The route via NH 47 and NH 51 is the fastest at about 810 km, taking around 13 hours 24 minutes, running west through Gujarat and across Saurashtra to the Somnath coast. The route via NH 47 and NH 151 is a little shorter and almost as fast. Interestingly, the plain NH 47 route, though similar in distance, is much slower at over 16 hours, so it is not worth taking. For a road journey the NH 47 and NH 51 route is the best choice, though flying or the train is easier for many over such a distance.

Somnath to Indore distance

The return journey, the Somnath to Indore distance, is much the same, about 810 km in around 13 hours 18 minutes via NH 51 and NH 47. The route options for the reverse direction are:

As on the outward journey, the routes via NH 51 and NH 47 and via NH 151 and NH 47, are the fastest at around 13 to 14 hours, while the plain NH 47 route is much slower. This is a long drive in either direction, so the flight and train options are worth considering over the road for many travellers heading to or from the temple.

How to travel from Indore to Somnath

Given the long distance, it is worth weighing all the options:

Indore to Somnath by air

Flying is the fastest and easiest way to reach Somnath from Indore. Indore has good air connections, with flights to Ahmedabad, the major hub for Gujarat, in about an hour and flights to Rajkot and, with a connection, to Diu. The nearest airports to Somnath are Diu, about 90 km away, Keshod, about 55 km away and Rajkot, about 190 km away, with Ahmedabad, about 410 km away, offering the widest connections. From whichever airport you land at, a road transfer or a Somnath Dwarka taxi service, completes the journey to Somnath. Flying to Diu or Rajkot and driving on is the quickest way to reach the temple from Indore.

Indore to Somnath by train

The train is a popular way to travel from Indore towards Somnath for those who prefer rail. The nearest major railhead to Somnath is Veraval, about 7 km away and there are direct or connecting train services from Indore towards Veraval and Ahmedabad, from where you continue to Somnath. Given the distance, the rail journey is long, often around 18 to 24 hours or more with connections, so it is best suited to those who enjoy train travel and have the time. Comfortable overnight and long-distance services make it manageable. For the wider access options, see our how to reach Somnath guide.

Indore to Somnath by road

If you wish to drive, a private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to cover the long distance and at around 13 to 14 hours it is best split over two days with an overnight halt rather than a single stretch. The NH 47 and NH 51 route via Gujarat and Saurashtra is the fastest and smoothest, with plentiful fuel stations, dhabas and rest stops along the way. Self-drive is possible for the determined, but many prefer a driver or a flight or train. If you do drive, breaking the journey at cities like Vadodara or Rajkot makes it far more pleasant and Experience My India can help arrange the local legs and the onward Somnath sightseeing so the driving part is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Indore to Somnath by bus

Long-distance buses connect Indore towards Gujarat, though usually with a change, often at Ahmedabad or Rajkot, from where you continue to Somnath or Veraval by another bus or a car. The total journey by bus takes around 15 hours or more, so it is a long haul, best on comfortable air-conditioned sleeper services. Buses are the most budget-friendly way to travel, but for such a long journey a flight is far quicker and a train more comfortable, so buses are usually a budget rather than a first choice for reaching Somnath from Indore.

Why travel from Indore to Somnath?

Many pilgrims from Indore and Madhya Pradesh make the journey to Somnath, drawn by its immense spiritual significance as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The great temple, rebuilt many times over the centuries and standing majestically by the Arabian Sea, is one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism and its evening aarti and sound-and-light show are deeply moving. For Shiva devotees from Indore, the journey is especially meaningful, as their own city lies close to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga at Ujjain. Somnath also pairs beautifully with Dwarka, the golden city of Krishna up the coast and with a Gir lion safari, so a trip from Indore can combine a pilgrimage with the wildlife and coast of Saurashtra.

Best time to make the trip

The best time to travel from Indore to Somnath is the cooler season, October to March, when the coastal weather is pleasant for the temple and sightseeing, in line with the best time to visit Gujarat. The summer, April to June, is hot in both Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat and the monsoon, July to September, brings rain, so winter is ideal. If you plan to add a Gir safari, note that the safari zones close during the monsoon, roughly mid-June to mid-October. Whenever you travel, flying is the most comfortable option for the long distance, letting you arrive fresh for the darshan and the sights of the first Jyotirlinga.

Tips for the Indore to Somnath journey

A few pointers make the long trip smoother:

• Fly to Diu, Rajkot or Ahmedabad and drive on to Somnath for the fastest, easiest journey.

• Consider a train to Veraval, the Somnath railhead, if you prefer rail and have the time.

• If driving, split the journey over two days with an overnight halt at Vadodara or Rajkot.

• Use the NH 47 and NH 51 route, as the plain NH 47 route is much slower despite the similar distance.

• Combine Somnath with Dwarka and a Gir safari to make the long journey doubly rewarding.

• Visit in the cool season, October to March, for the most pleasant weather at the temple.

Indore to Somnath at a glance

Plan your Somnath trip from Indore

Experience My India can plan your Somnath trip from Indore, with flights, transfers and the sightseeing arranged. Plan your darshan with our Somnath temple timings, see the sights with our sightseeing places in Somnath guide, add a Gir safari, book Somnath Dwarka hotels and combine the temple with Dwarka on a Somnath Dwarka tour package or the wider Gujarat tour packages, so your long journey from Indore is used to the full.

Related guides

To plan the rest of your trip, these related guides help:

Plan your journey

Experience My India can arrange your Indore to Somnath trip, with flights, transfers and the temple. Browse more travel guides, message us on WhatsApp or call +91 73006 20809.