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	:: W E S T I N D I A > V E R A V A L ::

	Brief -
	On the south coast of Saurashtra, Veraval was the major seaport, for Mecca pilgrims, before the rise of Surat. It still has some importance, as one of Indias major fishing ports. Its importance is now as a fishing port. Sea going dhows and fishing boats are still being built by the sea, without the use of any instruments other than a tape measure. Traditional skills are passed down from father to son. Veraval is the base for visiting the Hindu pilgrimage centre of Somnath at Prabhas Patan.

	History - Culture - Climate & Geographical Location -
	Summers are hot while winters are warm and balmy. Veraval is located on the south coast of Saurashtra.

	How to Reach -
	Veraval is well connected by air, road and rail. By air, the nearest airport is at Keshod at 47 Km and is connected to Mumbai. By rail, the nearest railhead is at Veraval and trains run regularly to Ahmedabad, Sasan Gir, Diu and Rajkot. Veraval is 431Km from Ahmedabad. By road, Veraval is well connected to the rest of Gujarat and neighbouring states by road. Buses link Veraval to Junagadh, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sasan Gir and Diu.

	: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

	Somnath Temple -
	The fabled Temple of Somnath is mired in many myths. It is believed that the temple was built out of gold by Somraj (the moon god),and later rebuilt out of silver by Ravana. Later it was rebuilt by Krishna in wood and finally by Bhimdev in stone. The temple was known for its riches in entire Asia and this prompted several conquerors to loot it. Mahmud of Ghazni came knocking in 1024, the next two raids took place in 1297 and 1394; and the last led by Aurangzeb in 1706. After Aurangzeb's attack, the temple was not restored till 1950, when Sardar Patel took personal interest in the proceedings. The temple was built according to the traditional design and is one of the most-visited Hindu shrines in India, thanks to it being ranked as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It stands along a beach which is good for a short swim ,but not for lolling around.

	Chorwad Beach -
	23 Km from the fishing centre of Veraval and 66 Km from Junagadh, Chorwad is a delightful resort on the sunny coast of Gujarat. The only beach in India, where you can live in the timeless splendour of a palace, built amidst soft golden sand facing the beach, it was built by the former Nawabs of Junagadh.

	Sasan Gir -
	Gir forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The forest also harbours a variety of smaller animals and birds. Other predators, are the powerful Panther and the ungainly striped Hyena. The largest Indian Deer, Sambar, Chital (spotted deer) Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara and the unique Chowsingha (four horned antelope) are found here, along with the bear and the long tailed langur. The beautiful Peacock, Indias national bird with its resplendent plumage is among the common birds in Gir. Another attraction is a crocodile farm developed in the forest.

	Junagadh -
	An ancient fortified city, rich in myth and legend, Junagadh is at the base of the temple-studded Girnar Hill and is the departure point, for visits to the Gir Forest. Taking its name from the Old Fort, which circles the medieval town, this interesting and unspoilt town, has some exotic old buildings, and is a fascinating place to explore. The Girnar Hills stands from 2500 years B.C., having a legend of its own. Justifiably proud for its glorious past, Junagadh is unique in more ways than one. Known world over for its earliest message of peace and non-violence in the form of instructions chiselled on the rock, known popularly as Ashoka Rock Edicts; the city has witnessed great upheavals of history.

	Others

	BHALKA TIRTH - This sacred spot lies to the east of the town and is marked by the confluence of three rivers. It is believed that Lord Krishna was mistaken for a deer and wounded by an arrow as he lay sleeping here in a deerskin.

	JAMA MASJID - The Jama Masjid in Somnaths bustling little bazaar was built, like most mosques, from the debris and remains of many Hindu temples. The masjid now serves as a museum with a collection of carved stones and rocks from many temples.

	MAI PURI - The temple of Mai Puri stands barely a Km from the Junagadh Gate, which is the main gateway into the town from Veraval. Dedicated originally to the Sun God, it was later converted into a mosque and is now surrounded by countless tombs.

	SOMNATH MUSEUM - The museum stands down a lane from the temple and is home to debris and remains of the temple from the time when the temple was desecrated by Muslim conquerors.

	SURAJ MANDIR - This temple is dedicated to the Sun God and lies to the north of Bhalka Tirth. Mahamud of Ghazni also took a shot at this temple and went about desecrating it with great relish.