Our advice is to visit the temple first thing in the morning. There will be fewer crowds and nice lighting and you’ll avoid the midday heat (that starts around 9 a.m.).
Arrive to the spot as early as possible. We arrived at 5:45 a.m. (15 minutes before the morning first prayer started) and there was already a decently long queue. If we were to do it again, we would try to arrive at 5:15 a.m. The line was wrapping outside the temple.
Even though it is half a km to the main entrance from the parking, it’s not a bad walk. There are plenty of wheelchairs you can take to help the old age people in your group. Hire if your grandparents don’t want to make it on foot.

Our advice is to visit the temple first thing in the morning. There will be fewer crowds and nice lighting and you’ll avoid the midday heat (that starts around 9 a.m.).
Arrive to the spot as early as possible. We arrived at 5:45 a.m. (15 minutes before the morning first prayer started) and there was already a decently long queue. If we were to do it again, we would try to arrive at 5:15 a.m. The line was wrapping outside the temple.
Even though it is half a km to the main entrance from the parking, it’s not a bad walk. There are plenty of wheelchairs you can take to help the old age people in your group. Hire if your grandparents don’t want to make it on foot.

At the early gate entrance, there is a line for men and women. If you’re traveling with the opposite sex, be sure you are prepared to separate and find a meeting place on the other side of the checkpoint because it gets crowded fast.
If you’re going to attend Maha Aarti or going to attend the night show. Make sure to keep your little ones close so they don’t get lost in the chaos.

The dress code is not enforced at the Somnath. I saw some women wearing strappy dresses and tank tops.
Even though there’s no code enforced, I would recommend dressing modestly. The general rule of thumb in Somnath for ladies is to cover your shoulders and everything below your knees. Wear light and loose clothing, as it can get incredibly hot, especially when shade is scarce and the sun is reflecting structures around you.

Somnath temple is a high-security area. You will be screened and frisked once at the time of entry and only frisked at the entrance of the temple. All Electronic/Electric Equipment and gadgets are strictly prohibited (viz. Mobile, Camera, laptop, tablets, calculators, etc., etc.). All these can be stored in Lockers available in Cloak Room. The Cloakroom facility is free of cost. You are also not allowed to wear a leather belt or carry your purse inside. It can be left in your car or deposited in the locker outside the premises.

If you need a pick-me-up mood after you visit the Somnath, you won’t have to go far. Right outside the temple is a food area and a shopping mart can make you happy and sad at the same time… wohh ha-ha yes it can make your pocket sad but your companion will be witnessing your happy face definitely at the same time. An Indian style decorative stuff, street food or Indian proper meal. It’s a good place to escape the heat and regain your energy.

Yes, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Somnath temple. It’s easy to take all sorts of pictures outside the premises and also at the seaside or nearby spots where you will get a nice view again. If you are traveling with a companion, it’s easy to exchange photos of each other.