Complete Guide to Chorwad Beach Near Somnath – History, Route & Travel Tips

35-37 km from Somnath. 21 km from Veraval. Chorwad Beach—the hidden stretch of sand where the Nawab of Junagadh once spent his summers. This isn’t a tourist beach. It’s a quiet coastline with a palace in ruins, casuarina trees swaying in the wind, and the kind of silence that makes you forget Gujarat’s busy highways exist. Chorwad sits between Veraval and Junagadh on Gujarat’s western edge—where the Saurashtra coast meets the Arabian Sea. And it’s been hiding in plain sight for decades. Here’s everything—history, how to reach, what to see, and a few opinions I couldn’t resist throwing in.

Chorwad Beach Near Somnath Full Road Map and Travel Guide

Chorwad Beach is a coastal village in Malla Taluka, Junagadh district, Gujarat. The beach stretches for kilometers—wide, sandy, and mostly empty. Unlike Diu or Somnath’s beaches, Chorwad hasn’t been commercialized. No food courts. No souvenir shops. No jet ski operators shouting at you to take a ride. Just sand, sea, and the ruins of a palace that once hosted Nawabs. The village has a population of around 10,000. It’s quiet. Rural. The kind of place where fishermen still pull their boats ashore by hand and children play cricket on the beach without worrying about tourists. Important: Chorwad is not commercialized. There are no shacks, food vendors, or reliable facilities on the beach itself. Carry your own drinking water, snacks, and sun protection. The nearest shops are in Chorwad village, about 500 meters from the beach. The full road map from Somnath to Chorwad is straightforward. Exit Somnath, follow the Junagadh-Somnath highway, take a turn towards the coast near Gadu town. Total distance: 35-37 km. Travel time: 45-60 minutes. The road is mostly smooth—two-lane highway through farmland and fishing villages. No tolls. No traffic. Just open road and the occasional cow crossing. From Veraval, it’s closer—21 km via the coastal road. From Junagadh, 65 km south. And from Ahmedabad? 380 km via Rajkot and Junagadh.

History of Chorwad Beach and Nawab of Junagadh Palace

Chorwad’s history is a tapestry woven with threads of conquests and transitions. After the collapse of the Mughal Empire in Saurashtra, the Raizadas seized Chorwad, marking the beginning of its journey through different rulers. Subsequently, it came under the rule of Rana Sultanji of Porbandar until the late 18th century. The 19th century saw a shift in control, with the Nawab of Junagadh taking charge, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Chorwad. Many decades ago, Mohabat Khan, the Nawab of Junagadh chanced upon the sleepy seaside hamlet of Chorwad and saw its potential as an ideal summer resort cooled by fresh sea breezes from the Arabian Sea—an escape from the clammy, energy-snapping heat of Junagadh. He built the Chorwad Palace—a grand structure overlooking the beach. The palace served as the royal summer retreat. The Nawabs would arrive with their entourage—horses, servants, cooks—and spend weeks here. The beach was their private playground. The palace was their escape. Today, the palace lies in ruins. The walls are weathered. The gardens are overgrown. But the structure still stands—massive, imposing, the kind of building that makes you pause and imagine what it must have looked like in its prime.

How to Reach Chorwad Beach from Somnath Temple

Four ways. All simple.

By Car (Recommended)

Somnath to Chorwad: 35-37 km via Junagadh-Somnath highway. Travel time: 45-60 minutes. The road is smooth—two-lane highway through farmland. No tolls. No traffic. Hire a cab from Veraval or Somnath. Book a cab here. The driver drops you right at the beach. Door-to-door. AC. No transfers.

By Train

Chorwad has its own railway station—Chorwad Road Railway Station—located about 6 km from the beach. Trains from Veraval and Junagadh stop here. From the station, hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach the beach. The station connects to Junagadh, which has better connectivity to other Gujarat cities.

By Bus

GSRTC buses run from Somnath to Chorwad every 2 hours. Travel time: 60-75 minutes. Fare: ₹50-80. The bus drops you at Chorwad village center—500 meters from the beach. Walk. The road is flat. The beach is visible from the village.

By Auto-Rickshaw

Auto-rickshaws wait outside Somnath temple. Negotiate the fare before boarding. Expect ₹400-600 for the 35-37 km trip. Takes 50-60 minutes. Not the most comfortable option, but it works. And you get to see the countryside at a slower pace.

Best Time to Visit Chorwad Beach Gujarat

October to March. The winter months. Pleasant 18-28°C. Cool sea breeze. Perfect for long walks on the beach. The sun sets around 6:00 PM—golden light on the sand, the palace ruins casting long shadows.

Season	Months	Experience
Winter	October – March	Best time. Pleasant 18-28°C. Ideal for beach walks and palace visits.
Summer	April – June	Hot (35-42°C). Beach is hot underfoot. Visit early morning or evening.
Monsoon	July – September	Heavy rainfall. Beach can flood. Roads slippery. Avoid if possible.

Somnath to Chorwad Beach Distance and Full Road Map

Somnath to Chorwad Beach: 35-37 km. Travel time: 45-60 minutes by car. The route is straightforward—exit Somnath, follow the Junagadh-Somnath highway, take a turn towards the coast near Gadu town. The road passes through farmland, fishing villages, and the occasional mango orchard. No tolls. No traffic. Just open road.

From	Distance	Travel Time	Route
Somnath	35-37 km	45-60 min	Junagadh-Somnath Highway → Gadu → Chorwad
Veraval	21 km	30-40 min	Coastal Road → Chorwad
Junagadh	65 km	1.5 hours	NH 151 → Chorwad
Ahmedabad	380 km	7-8 hours	NH 47 → Rajkot → Junagadh → Chorwad
Rajkot	165 km	3.5-4 hours	NH 151 → Junagadh → Chorwad

Chorwad Beach Places to Visit and Local Attractions

Chorwad isn’t just a beach. It’s a destination with layers. Here’s what to see.

Chorwad Palace

The ruins of the Nawab of Junagadh’s summer palace. Built in the 19th century, overlooking the beach. The structure is weathered—walls crumbling, gardens overgrown. But the architecture is impressive. Arched windows. Carved pillars. The kind of detail that modern buildings don’t bother with. Walk around the perimeter. Imagine the Nawabs arriving with their entourage. Note: Parts of the palace property are restricted. Stay on public pathways.

Dhirubhai Ambani Memorial House

Chorwad is the birthplace of Dhirubhai Ambani—founder of Reliance Industries. The Dhirubhai Ambani Memorial House is a meticulously maintained property managed by the Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation. It features landscaped gardens, exhibition galleries, and a memorial to one of India’s most influential business leaders. Entry fee: ₹2. Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays. From this fishing village to one of India’s largest business empires—the story is worth witnessing.

Beach Activities

Horse riding along the shore. The Kathiawadi thoroughbreds—once housed in the palace—add a touch of regality to this experience. Fishing with locals. The fishermen here still use traditional methods. Ask to join. They’ll teach you. Boat rides on calm waters. The beach is best for walks, photography, and relaxation—not for water sports.

History of Chorwad Palace Entry Fee and Timings

The Chorwad Palace ruins are accessible during daylight hours. There is no formal entry fee, but parts of the property are restricted. The palace is in ruins—crumbling walls, overgrown gardens, the kind of decay that makes you think about time and power. Walk cautiously. The ground is uneven in places. The palace was built by the Nawab of Junagadh in the 19th century as a summer retreat. The architecture blends Islamic and Gujarati styles—arched windows, carved pillars, open courtyards designed to catch sea breezes. The palace overlooked the beach—the Nawabs would watch the sunset from their private terrace.

Hidden Beaches Near Somnath Chorwad Travel Itinerary

Chorwad is one of several hidden beaches near Somnath. Here’s a 3-day itinerary that covers them all.

Day	Destination	Distance from Somnath	Highlights
Day 1	Somnath Temple + Veraval Port	0-5 km	Jyotirlinga darshan, fishing port, breakfast at local dhaba
Day 2	Chorwad Beach + Palace	35-37 km	Beach walk, palace ruins, horse riding, Dhirubhai Memorial
Day 3	Madhavpur Beach	73-75 km	Cleanest beach in Gujarat, sunset, seafood dinner

The itinerary works for families, couples, and solo travelers. Adjust the pace based on your interests. History buffs? Spend more time at the palace. Beach lovers? Skip the temple and stay at Chorwad all day.

Ahmedabad to Chorwad Beach Full Road Map by Car

Ahmedabad to Chorwad: 380 km. Travel time: 7-8 hours. The route is straightforward—NH 47 to Rajkot, NH 151 to Junagadh, then south to Chorwad. The highway is mostly four-lane, smooth surface. In light traffic, you can cover 380 km in under 8 hours. Most people take longer because the stops along the way earn the time. Stop at Rajkot for lunch—4 hours in. The city has excellent Kathiawadi thali restaurants. Stop at Junagadh for a quick heritage visit—Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara. Then the final 65 km to Chorwad through quiet farmland. The Arabian Sea appears on the horizon.

Is Chorwad Beach Safe for Tourists and Families

For walking, photography, and relaxation—yes, Chorwad is safe. The beach is clean. The locals are friendly. The village is small—everyone knows everyone. Crime is virtually nonexistent. The palace ruins are accessible but watch your step—uneven ground, loose stones. Swimming Warning: Swimming at Chorwad Beach is strictly prohibited and dangerous. The beach has a rocky shoreline, unpredictable undercurrents, and a sudden drop-off. Gujarat Tourism explicitly warns against swimming here. Do not enter the water. This beach is for walking, photography, and relaxing—not for swimming. For families: the beach is wide, the sand is soft. Children can play on the shore without worry. The palace ruins are fascinating for kids who like history. The horse riding is popular with all ages. Remember to carry water and sun protection—there are no facilities on the beach.

Chorwad Beach Resort and Nearby Budget Hotels

Chorwad currently does not offer reliable accommodation facilities. Gujarat Tourism states that Chorwad has limited lodging options. For a comfortable stay, look at Somnath (35-37 km) or Veraval (21 km). Both towns have hotels ranging from budget to mid-range.

Option	Location	Price Range	Distance from Chorwad
Hotel Somnath	Somnath	₹1,200-3,000/night	35-37 km
Hotel Veraval	Veraval	₹800-2,000/night	21 km
Gujarat Tourism Resort	Somnath	₹2,000-4,500/night	35-37 km

Note: The Chorwad Palace was once a resort decades ago, but it is no longer a fully functioning accommodation. Parts of the property are restricted. Plan to stay in Somnath or Veraval and visit Chorwad as a day trip.

Things to Do at Chorwad Beach During a Weekend Trip

A weekend at Chorwad Beach isn’t about bucket lists. It’s about slowing down. Here’s what works.

Saturday Morning

Arrive early. 8:00 AM. The beach is empty. The air is cool. Walk the shoreline—kilometers of sand, no footprints. The palace ruins are visible from the beach. Walk to them. Explore. Take photos. The morning light is perfect for photography.

Saturday Afternoon

Horse riding along the shore. The Kathiawadi thoroughbreds—once housed in the palace—add a touch of regality. ₹100-200 for a 15-minute ride. Then lunch at a local dhaba—Kathiawadi thali, the kind of food that makes you forget you’re on a diet.

Saturday Evening

Sunset. The Arabian Sea turns gold. The palace ruins cast long shadows. Sit on the sand. Watch. No phone. No photos. Just the moment.

Sunday

Visit the Dhirubhai Ambani Memorial House. Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry: ₹2. Closed Mondays. Then drive to Madhavpur Beach—40-50 km from Chorwad. The cleanest beach in Gujarat. Return by evening.

Rajkot to Chorwad Beach Driving Directions and Route

Rajkot to Chorwad: 165 km. Travel time: 3.5-4 hours. The route is straightforward—NH 151 south to Junagadh, then west to Chorwad. The highway is mostly two-lane, smooth surface. In light traffic, you can cover 165 km in under 4 hours. Stop at Junagadh for a quick heritage visit—Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara. 30-45 minutes. Then the final 65 km to Chorwad through quiet farmland. The Arabian Sea appears on the horizon.

Chorwad Beach Local Sightseeing and Historical Significance

Chorwad’s historical significance goes beyond the palace. This is where Dhirubhai Ambani was born—from this fishing village to one of India’s largest business empires. The village has been home to the Raizadas, the Rana of Porbandar, and the Nawab of Junagadh. Each ruler left their mark on this coastal settlement. The local sightseeing is modest—palace ruins, beach, Dhirubhai Memorial. But the historical significance is layered. Each layer tells a different story. The Nawabs built the palace. The fishermen built the village. Dhirubhai built an empire.

Veraval to Chorwad Beach Travel Time and Full Road Map

Veraval to Chorwad: 21 km. Travel time: 30-40 minutes. The route is straightforward—coastal road through fishing villages. Note: Somnath to Chorwad is longer (35-37 km) because it goes via the Junagadh-Somnath highway, while Veraval to Chorwad takes the direct coastal road. The road is mostly two-lane, smooth surface. The coastal road passes through small fishing villages—nets drying on the shore, boats pulled up on the sand, the kind of coastal life that tourists rarely see. Stop at a village. Watch the fishermen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Chorwad Beach from Somnath?

35-37 km by road via Junagadh-Somnath highway. Travel time: 45-60 minutes. The route is straightforward—exit Somnath, follow the highway, take a turn towards the coast near Gadu town.

What is the history of Chorwad Palace?

Built by the Nawab of Junagadh in the 19th century as a summer retreat. The palace blends Islamic and Gujarati styles—arched windows, carved pillars, open courtyards. Today, it lies in ruins but remains accessible to visitors. Parts of the property are restricted.

Is there an entry fee for Chorwad Palace?

The palace ruins are accessible during daylight hours. There is no formal entry fee, but parts of the property are restricted. Stay on public pathways.

Is Chorwad Beach safe for swimming?

No. Swimming is strictly prohibited and dangerous at Chorwad Beach. The beach has a rocky shoreline, unpredictable undercurrents, and a sudden drop-off. Gujarat Tourism explicitly warns against swimming here. The beach is for walking, photography, and relaxation only.

What is the best time to visit Chorwad Beach?

October to March. The winter months. Pleasant 18-28°C. Cool sea breeze. Perfect for long walks on the beach.

Are there hotels near Chorwad Beach?

Chorwad currently does not offer reliable accommodation facilities. Stay in Somnath (35-37 km) or Veraval (21 km). Both towns have hotels ranging from budget to mid-range.

What is the distance from Ahmedabad to Chorwad Beach?

380 km by road via NH 47 and NH 151. Travel time: 7-8 hours. The highway is mostly four-lane, smooth surface.

What activities are available at Chorwad Beach?

Horse riding, fishing, boat rides, beach walks, palace exploration, Dhirubhai Ambani Memorial visit. The beach is best for relaxation, not water sports.

Is Chorwad Beach crowded?

No. Chorwad remains relatively undiscovered by the masses. The beach is wide, the sand is soft, and the atmosphere is peaceful.

Can I visit Chorwad Beach as a day trip from Somnath?

Yes. Somnath to Chorwad: 35-37 km, 45-60 minutes. Leave early, explore the beach and palace, return by evening. A day trip works perfectly.