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	{{Use dmy dates\|date=June 2018}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=June 2018}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=June 2018}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=June 2018}}
			{{about\|a city in Gujarat, India\|the Hindustani raga\|Bilaval}}

	<!-- See ] for details -->{{Infobox settlement		<!-- See ] for details -->{{Infobox settlement
	\| name = Veraval		\| name = Veraval
	\| official_name =		\| official_name =
	\| settlement_type = City		\| settlement_type = City
	\| image_skyline = ~~BHALKA-06.jpg~~		\| image_skyline = {{multiple image
			\| border = infobox
			\| total_width = 280
			\| image_style =
			\| perrow = 1/2/1
			\| caption_align = center
			\| image1 = Somanath mandir (cropped).jpg {{!}} Somnath Temple
			\| image2 = BHALKA-06.jpg {{!}} Bhalka Tirth
			\| image3 = Gita Mandir, Somnath, Gujarat during Dwaraka DWARASPDB 2015 (12).jpg {{!}} Triveni Sangam
			\| image4 = Grasim Industries plant.jpg {{!}} Indian rayon factory
			}}
	\| image_alt =		\| image_alt =
	\| image_caption = ]		\| image_caption = '''Clockwise from top''': ], ], ] factory, ]
	\| nickname = <!-- DO NOT INSERT Somnath OR OTHER RELATED NAMES HERE. IT IS A DIFFERENT TOWN -->		\| nickname = <!-- DO NOT INSERT Somnath OR OTHER RELATED NAMES HERE. IT IS A DIFFERENT TOWN -->
	\| pushpin_map = India Gujarat#India3		\| pushpin_map = India Gujarat#India3
Line 18:		Line 30:
	\| subdivision_type1 = ]		\| subdivision_type1 = ]
	\| subdivision_type2 = ]		\| subdivision_type2 = ]
	\| subdivision_name1 = ]		\| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image\|Flag of Gujarat.svg}} ]
	\| subdivision_name2 = ]		\| subdivision_name2 = ]
	\| established_title = <!-- Established -->		\| established_title = <!-- Established -->
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	\| timezone1 = ]		\| timezone1 = ]
	\| utc_offset1 = +5:30		\| utc_offset1 = +5:30
	\| postal_code_type = ]		\| postal_code_type = ]
	\| postal_code = 362265 ~~- 69~~		\| postal_code = 362265{{ndash}}362269
	\| area_code = +912876xxxxxx		\| area_code = +912876xxxxxx
	\| blank2_name = ]		\| blank2_name = ]
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	\| registration_plate = GJ-32		\| registration_plate = GJ-32
	\| website = {{URL\|https://veravalpatanjointmunicipality.org/\|Somanth Municipal Council}}		\| website = {{URL\|https://veravalpatanjointmunicipality.org/\|Somanth Municipal Council}}
	\| demographics1_info1 = ]		\| demographics1_info1 = {{hlist\|]\|]}}
	\| leader_title = President		\| leader_title = President
	\| leader_name = Piyush Fofandi (])		\| leader_name = Piyush Fofandi (])
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	}}		}}

	'''Veraval''' is a city and the headquarters of ] in the ]n ] of ]. ], a place of pilgrimage due to its importance as ] ~~site~~ dedicated to ], is located here. It is also known for the hub of fishing industries in ].		'''Veraval''' is a city and the headquarters of ] in the ]n ] of ]. ], a place of pilgrimage due to its importance as one of the 12 ] sites dedicated to the Hindu deity ], is located here. It is also known for the hub of fishing industries in ].

⚫	==Geography==
⚫	<!-- Deleted image removed: ] -->
⚫	]
⚫	Veraval is located at {{Coord\|20.9\|N\|70.37\|E}}.<ref></ref> It has an average elevation of 0 metres (0 feet).
⚫	{{expand section\|date=June 2022}}
⚫	{{clear left}}

	== History ==		== History ==
	] at the ~~neighbouring~~ Prabhas Patan ~~(also called ])]]~~		] at the ], Veraval.]]
	Veraval was founded in 13th or 14th century by Rao Veravalji Vadher, a ]. ~~Present~~ name is believed to be derived from its old name "Velakul" meaning Port City. Veraval was once a fortified port town of the royal family of Junagadh. It was a part of the Kingdom of Junagadh till 1947 when ] was merged with India. The city still bears some remnants of the old Nawabi heritage, the Nawabi summer palace being among them. There are ruins of the old Nawabi fort and Nawabi ~~Gates~~ in and around the place. The old walls of the port are now ruined, but the impressive Junagadh gate and the Patan gate are still seen, ~~but are~~ in a very bad state.		Veraval was founded in the 13th or 14th century by Rao Veravalji Vadher, a ]. Its present name is believed to be derived from its old name "Velakul" meaning Port City. Veraval was once a fortified port town of the royal family of Junagadh. It was a part of the Kingdom of Junagadh till 1947 when ] was merged with India. The city still bears some remnants of the old ] heritage, the Nawabi summer palace being among them. There are ruins of the old Nawabi fort and Nawabi gates in and around the place. The old walls of the port are now ruined, but the impressive Junagadh gate and the Patan gate are still seen, although in a very bad state.

	The Nawabi Palace with Gothic ~~features~~ ~~which~~ is one of the main attractions. It is popularly known as Somnath College (the palace was converted into a college after it was abandoned by the Nawab). At present it is the building of a Sanskrit university. The town is often known as the gateway to the magnificent ] and the pilgrimage centres of ] and Bhalkha. Veraval is also the nearest town to the ] (42 km away).		The Nawabi Palace with ] features is one of the main attractions. It is popularly known as Somnath College (the palace was converted into a college after it was abandoned by the Nawab). At present it is the building of a Sanskrit university. The town is often known as the gateway to the magnificent ] and the pilgrimage centres of ] and ]. Veraval is also the nearest town to the ] (42 km away).

	Before the rise of Surat, Veraval was the major seaport for pilgrims to ]. Its importance now is as a fishing port, one of the largest in India. Seafaring dhows and wooden fishing boats are still built by the fishermen without the use of any modern technology. Traditional skills are passed down from father to son.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2013}}		Before the rise of ], Veraval was the major seaport for pilgrims to ]. Its importance now is as a fishing port, one of the largest in India. Seafaring ] and wooden fishing boats are still built by the fishermen without the use of any modern technology. Traditional skills are passed down from father to son.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2013}}

	On 30 March 2021, Veraval–Pabhas Patan joint municipality passed a resolution to change its name to Somnath Municipality. The final decision will be taken by Home Ministry of India.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-03-30\|title=Veraval – Patan municipality decides to change the name of the town as Somnath\|url=https://www.deshgujarat.com/2021/03/30/veraval-patan-municipality-decides-to-change-the-name-of-the-town-as-somnath/\|access-date=2021-09-05\|website=DeshGujarat\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|date=2021-03-31\|title=વેરાવળનું નામ સોમનાથ કરવા ઠરાવ, 71 વર્ષે નગર પાલિકાનું નામ બદલશે\|language=gu\|work=]\|url=https://www.divyabhaskar.co.in/local/gujarat/veraval/news/the-resolution-to-rename-veraval-as-somnath-will-change-the-name-of-the-municipality-to-71-years-128370494.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-03-31\|title=Veraval-Patan municipality to be rename as Somnath \|department=Rajkot News \|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/veraval-patan-municipality-to-be-rename-as-somnath/articleshow/81765763.cms\|access-date=2021-09-05\|website=The Times of India\|language=en}}</ref>		On 30 March 2021, Veraval–Pabhas Patan joint municipality passed a resolution to change its name to Somnath Municipality. The final decision will be taken by Home Ministry of India.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-03-30\|title=Veraval – Patan municipality decides to change the name of the town as Somnath\|url=https://www.deshgujarat.com/2021/03/30/veraval-patan-municipality-decides-to-change-the-name-of-the-town-as-somnath/\|access-date=2021-09-05\|website=DeshGujarat\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|date=2021-03-31\|title=વેરાવળનું નામ સોમનાથ કરવા ઠરાવ, 71 વર્ષે નગર પાલિકાનું નામ બદલશે\|language=gu\|work=]\|url=https://www.divyabhaskar.co.in/local/gujarat/veraval/news/the-resolution-to-rename-veraval-as-somnath-will-change-the-name-of-the-municipality-to-71-years-128370494.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-03-31\|title=Veraval-Patan municipality to be rename as Somnath \|department=Rajkot News \|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/veraval-patan-municipality-to-be-rename-as-somnath/articleshow/81765763.cms\|access-date=2021-09-05\|website=The Times of India\|language=en}}</ref>

		⚫	==Geography==
		⚫	<!-- Deleted image removed: ] -->
		⚫	]
		⚫	Veraval is located at {{Coord\|20.9\|N\|70.37\|E}}.<ref></ref> It has an average elevation of 0 metres (0 feet).
		⚫	{{expand section\|date=June 2022}}
		⚫	{{clear left}}

	==Demographics==		==Demographics==
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	==Climate==		==Climate==
	Veraval has a ~~borderline~~ ] (] ''~~BSh~~'')/] (''Aw'') ~~climate~~ with very warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. Almost all rainfall occurs during the summer monsoon season from June to September.		Veraval has a ] (] ''Aw'') borderline on a ] (] ''BSh'') with very warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. Almost all rainfall occurs during the summer monsoon season from June to September.

	{{weather box\|width=auto		{{weather box\|width=auto
	\| location = Veraval (~~1981–2010~~, extremes ~~1901–2012~~)		\| location = Veraval (1991–2020, extremes 1901–present)
	\| metric first = yes		\| metric first = yes
	\| single line = yes		\| single line = yes
	\| Jan record high C = 37.0		\| Jan record high C = 37.4
	\| Feb record high C = 38.8		\| Feb record high C = 38.8
	\| Mar record high C = 42.9		\| Mar record high C = 42.9
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	\| year record high C = 44.2		\| year record high C = 44.2
	\| Jan high C = 29.2		\| Jan high C = 29.2
	\| Feb high C = 29.8		\| Feb high C = 30.0
	\| Mar high C = 31.7		\| Mar high C = 32.0
	\| Apr high C = 32.1		\| Apr high C = 32.5
	\| May high C = 32.6		\| May high C = 33.0
	\| Jun high C = 32.5		\| Jun high C = 32.8
	\| Jul high C = 30.8		\| Jul high C = 30.8
	\| Aug high C = 29.9		\| Aug high C = 30.0
	\| Sep high C = 31.1		\| Sep high C = 31.1
	\| Oct high C = 33.9		\| Oct high C = 34.1
	\| Nov high C = 33.4		\| Nov high C = 33.7
	\| Dec high C = 30.8		\| Dec high C = 30.9
	\|year high C = 31.5		\|year high C = 31.7
	\| Jan ~~low~~ C = 15.1		\| Jan mean C = 22.3
	\| Feb ~~low~~ C = 16.2		\| Feb mean C = 23.6
	\| Mar ~~low~~ C = 19.4		\| Mar mean C = 26.1
	\| Apr ~~low~~ C = 22.7		\| Apr mean C = 27.9
	\| May ~~low~~ C = 25.8		\| May mean C = 29.7
	\| Jun ~~low~~ C = 27.4		\| Jun mean C = 30.3
	\| Jul ~~low~~ C = 26.4		\| Jul mean C = 28.8
	\| Aug ~~low~~ C = 25.5		\| Aug mean C = 28.0
	\| Sep ~~low~~ C = 24.8		\| Sep mean C = 28.2
	\| Oct ~~low~~ C = 23.2		\| Oct mean C = 29.0
	\| Nov ~~low~~ C = 20.2		\| Nov mean C = 27.3
	\| Dec ~~low~~ C = 16.8		\| Dec mean C = 24.2
	\|year ~~low~~ C = ~~21.9~~		\| year mean C =
			\| Jan low C = 15.4
			\| Feb low C = 17.1
			\| Mar low C = 20.2
			\| Apr low C = 23.5
			\| May low C = 26.5
			\| Jun low C = 27.7
			\| Jul low C = 26.8
			\| Aug low C = 25.9
			\| Sep low C = 25.4
			\| Oct low C = 24.0
			\| Nov low C = 21.2
			\| Dec low C = 17.5
			\|year low C = 22.6
	\| Jan record low C = 4.4		\| Jan record low C = 4.4
	\| Feb record low C = 4.4		\| Feb record low C = 4.4
	\| Mar record low C = 9.4		\| Mar record low C = 9.4
	\| Apr record low C = 13.9		\| Apr record low C = 13.9
	\| May record low C = 18.9		\| May record low C = 18.1
	\| Jun record low C = 20.0		\| Jun record low C = 20.0
	\| Jul record low C = 20.4		\| Jul record low C = 20.4
Line 153:		Line 178:
	\|year record low C = 4.4		\|year record low C = 4.4
	\| rain colour = green		\| rain colour = green
	\| Jan rain mm = 1.1		\| Jan rain mm = 0.9
	\| Feb rain mm = 0.2		\| Feb rain mm = 0.2
	\| Mar rain mm = 0.2		\| Mar rain mm = 0.3
	\| Apr rain mm = 0.0		\| Apr rain mm = 0.3
	\| May rain mm = 1.8		\| May rain mm = 1.5
	\| Jun rain mm = ~~171~~.6		\| Jun rain mm = 146.8
	\| Jul rain mm = ~~311~~.5		\| Jul rain mm = 342.0
	\| Aug rain mm = ~~205~~.3		\| Aug rain mm = 255.6
	\| Sep rain mm = 94.1		\| Sep rain mm = 110.1
	\| Oct rain mm = 14.0		\| Oct rain mm = 13.9
	\| Nov rain mm = 4.9		\| Nov rain mm = 4.7
	\| Dec rain mm = 0.0		\| Dec rain mm = 0.9
			\|year rain mm = 877.1
	\| Jan rain days = 0.2		\| Jan rain days = 0.2
	\| Feb rain days = 0.0		\| Feb rain days = 0.0
	\| Mar rain days = 0.0		\| Mar rain days = 0.0
	\| Apr rain days = 0.0		\| Apr rain days = 0.0
	\| May rain days = 0.3		\| May rain days = 0.1
	\| Jun rain days = 4.8		\| Jun rain days = 5.2
	\| Jul rain days = 10.5		\| Jul rain days = 11.2
	\| Aug rain days = 8.8		\| Aug rain days = 9.2
	\| Sep rain days = 4.4		\| Sep rain days = 5.1
	\| Oct rain days = 0.9		\| Oct rain days = 1.0
	\| Nov rain days = 0.3		\| Nov rain days = 0.3
	\| Dec rain days = 0.0		\| Dec rain days = 0.1
	\|year rain days = 30.4		\|year rain days = 32.5
	\|time day = 17:30 ]		\|time day = 17:30 ]
	\| Jan humidity = 57		\| Jan humidity = 55
	\| Feb humidity = 63		\| Feb humidity = 62
	\| Mar humidity = 72		\| Mar humidity = 70
	\| Apr humidity = 76		\| Apr humidity = 74
	\| May humidity = 77		\| May humidity = 76
	\| Jun humidity = 80		\| Jun humidity = 79
	\| Jul humidity = 84		\| Jul humidity = 84
	\| Aug humidity = 85		\| Aug humidity = 85
	\| Sep humidity = 80		\| Sep humidity = 80
	\| Oct humidity = 72		\| Oct humidity = 71
	\| Nov humidity = 63		\| Nov humidity = 62
	\| Dec humidity = 59		\| Dec humidity = 56
	\|year humidity = 72		\|year humidity = 71
	\|source 1 = ]<ref ~~name=IMDnormals~~>		\|source 1 = ]<ref>{{cite web
			\| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
			\| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020
			\| publisher = ]
			\| access-date = April 8, 2024
			}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals>
	{{cite web		{{cite web
	\| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf		\| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
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	\| page = M62		\| page = M62
	\| access-date = 28 December 2020}}</ref>		\| access-date = 28 December 2020}}</ref>
			\|source 2 = Tokyo Climate Center (mean temperatures 1991–2020)<ref name=TCC1>
			{{cite web
			\| url = https://ds.data.jma.go.jp/gmd/tcc/tcc/products/climate/normal/parts/NrmMonth_e.php?stn=42909
			\| title = Normals Data: Veraval – India Latitude: 20.90°N Longitude: 70.37°E Height: 6 (m)
			\| publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency
			\| access-date = 1 December 2022}}</ref>
	}}		}}

	== People ==		== People ==
	Veraval has a predominant ] population. Amongst Gujaratis, ], Kumbhar Samaj (Prajapati), Jains (Oswal), the Soni (Jewellers, mainly from the clans of Dhakan, Patt, Sagar, etc.), ], ] (Yadav), brahma samaj and the ] ], Rajwadi bhois, ], ], ], ], and ]s. There is also a sizable population ]s.		Veraval has a predominant ] population. Amongst Gujaratis, ], Kumbhar Samaj (Prajapati), Jains (Oswal), the Soni (Jewellers, mainly from the clans of Dhakan, Patt, Sagar, etc.), ],DHUNDHA FAMILY ] (Yadav), brahma samaj and the ] ], Rajwadi bhois, ], ], ], ], and ]s. There is also a sizable population ]s.
	] and ] are the most common languages in the town. Migratory people from other parts of the country also hold a good amount of population in the city.		] and ] are the most common languages in the town. Migratory people from other parts of the country also hold a good amount of population in the city.

	== Education ==		== Education ==
			]
			The city is home to ]. Some of the other institutions which provide higher education are College of Fisheries Science and Government Science College.

	== ~~Industry~~ ==		== Economy ==
	]		]
	Fisheries have always been the main industries in the town and are dominated by the Kharwas (fisherfolk). The fishing is done mostly on traditional boats and trawlers. Veraval also has a large boat making industry. Veraval is home to a large number of fish processing factories in ] (GIDC) which export prime quality seafood to USA, Japan, SE Asian, Gulf and EU Countries. The seafood-industry which was started through government initiative now is in its prime and many importers are attracted towards Veraval from around the globe. Regional research centers of CIFT and CMFRI situated at Veraval have done Yeoman service in development of fisheries sector in Gujarat.		Fisheries have always been the main industries in the town and are dominated by the Kharwas (fisherfolk). The fishing is done mostly on traditional boats and trawlers. Veraval also has a large boat making industry. Veraval is home to a large number of fish processing factories in ] (GIDC) which export prime quality seafood to USA, Japan, SE Asian, Gulf and EU Countries. The seafood-industry which was started through government initiative now is in its prime and many importers are attracted towards Veraval from around the globe. Regional research centers of CIFT and CMFRI situated at Veraval have done Yeoman service in development of fisheries sector in Gujarat.
Line 230:		Line 270:
	== Transport ==		== Transport ==
	]		]
	The city has two railway stations namely Veraval Junction and Somnath. ~~{{rws~~\|Veraval Junction }} is a fairly busy railway junction station for Western Railways and is served by more than 14 pairs of ] and long-distance trains.		The city has two railway stations namely ] and ]. Veraval Junction is a fairly busy railway junction station for Western Railways and is served by more than 14 pairs of ] and long-distance trains.

	Daily (or multiple daily) trains connect it to major cities in Gujarat such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].		Daily (or multiple daily) trains connect it to major cities in Gujarat such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].
Line 236:		Line 276:
	Daily connections are also available to many other towns in Gujarat such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].		Daily connections are also available to many other towns in Gujarat such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].

	Daily long-distance trains connect Veraval to several cities in India including ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].		Daily long-distance trains connect Veraval to several cities in India including ],], ], ], ], ] and ].

	], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] are some of the cities connected by weekly long-distance trains.		], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] are some of the cities connected by weekly long-distance trains.

	The nearest airports are ] And ]. Daily Flights connect Diu to Mumbai.		The nearest airports are ], Keshod And ]. Daily Flights connect Diu and Keshod to Mumbai.

	==Lalit Tribhangi Temple==		==Lalit Tribhangi Temple==
	An important place of pushtimarg founded by Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu. The deity Lalit Tribhangi is a swarup of lord Krishna, bending too much and playing flute.		An important place of pushtimarg founded by Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu. The deity Lalit Tribhangi is a swarup of lord Krishna, bending too much and playing flute.

			== Notable people ==
			* ] - 16th ]
			* ] - An Indian social worker
			* ] - businessman and the grandfather of ]

	== Points of interests ==		== Points of interests ==
Line 253:		Line 298:

	<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
	File:~~Nwe~~.jpg\|Veraval Beach		File:Veraval Beach.jpg\|Veraval Beach
	File:Veraval Beach Sunset 2013.jpg\|Sunset at Veraval Beach		File:Veraval Beach Sunset 2013.jpg\|Sunset at Veraval Beach
	File:Camel on the beach (16495607540).jpg\|Camel on the beach		File:Camel on the beach (16495607540).jpg\|Camel on the beach

Latest revision as of 13:56, 2 January 2025

This article is about a city in Gujarat, India. For the Hindustani raga, see Bilaval. City in Gujarat, India

Veraval
City
Clockwise from top: Somnath Temple, Triveni Sangam, Indian rayon factory, Bhalka Tirth
VeravalVeraval (Gujarat)Show map of GujaratVeravalVeraval (India)Show map of India
Coordinates: 20°54′57.2″N 70°21′46.4″E / 20.915889°N 70.362889°E / 20.915889; 70.362889
Country	India
State	Gujarat
Region	Saurashtra
District	Gir Somnath
Government
• Type	Municipal Council
• Body	Somnath Municipal Council
• President	Piyush Fofandi (BJP)
Area
• Total	39.95 km (15.42 sq mi)
Elevation	18.62 m (61.09 ft)
Population
• Total	185,797
• Density	4,700/km (12,000/sq mi)
Demonym	Veravali
Languages
• Official	Gujarati Hindi
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PINs	362265–362269
Area code	+912876xxxxxx
Vehicle registration	GJ-32
Sex ratio	965/1000 (♀/♂)
Literacy rate	76.49%
Website	Somanth Municipal Council

Veraval is a city and the headquarters of Gir Somnath district in the Indian state of Gujarat. Somnath temple, a place of pilgrimage due to its importance as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga sites dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, is located here. It is also known for the hub of fishing industries in India.

History

Veraval was founded in the 13th or 14th century by Rao Veravalji Vadher, a Rajput. Its present name is believed to be derived from its old name "Velakul" meaning Port City. Veraval was once a fortified port town of the royal family of Junagadh. It was a part of the Kingdom of Junagadh till 1947 when Junagadh was merged with India. The city still bears some remnants of the old Nawabi heritage, the Nawabi summer palace being among them. There are ruins of the old Nawabi fort and Nawabi gates in and around the place. The old walls of the port are now ruined, but the impressive Junagadh gate and the Patan gate are still seen, although in a very bad state.

The Nawabi Palace with Gothic features is one of the main attractions. It is popularly known as Somnath College (the palace was converted into a college after it was abandoned by the Nawab). At present it is the building of a Sanskrit university. The town is often known as the gateway to the magnificent Somnath Temple and the pilgrimage centres of Prabhas Patan and Bhalkha. Veraval is also the nearest town to the Gir National Park (42 km away).

Before the rise of Surat, Veraval was the major seaport for pilgrims to Mecca. Its importance now is as a fishing port, one of the largest in India. Seafaring dhows and wooden fishing boats are still built by the fishermen without the use of any modern technology. Traditional skills are passed down from father to son.

On 30 March 2021, Veraval–Pabhas Patan joint municipality passed a resolution to change its name to Somnath Municipality. The final decision will be taken by Home Ministry of India.

Geography

Veraval is located at 20°54′N 70°22′E / 20.9°N 70.37°E / 20.9; 70.37. It has an average elevation of 0 metres (0 feet).

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2022)

Demographics

Religions in Veraval (2011)
Religion			Percent
Hindus			68.33%
Muslims			30.71%
Other or not stated			0.96%

As of the 2011 India census, Veraval had a population of 153,696. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Veraval has an average literacy rate of 62%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 71%, and female literacy is 53%. In Veraval, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Climate

Veraval has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification Aw) borderline on a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh) with very warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. Almost all rainfall occurs during the summer monsoon season from June to September.

Climate data for Veraval (1991–2020, extremes 1901–present)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	37.4 (99.3)	38.8 (101.8)	42.9 (109.2)	43.1 (109.6)	44.2 (111.6)	39.2 (102.6)	37.1 (98.8)	34.9 (94.8)	38.2 (100.8)	41.2 (106.2)	38.9 (102.0)	35.8 (96.4)	44.2 (111.6)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	29.2 (84.6)	30.0 (86.0)	32.0 (89.6)	32.5 (90.5)	33.0 (91.4)	32.8 (91.0)	30.8 (87.4)	30.0 (86.0)	31.1 (88.0)	34.1 (93.4)	33.7 (92.7)	30.9 (87.6)	31.7 (89.1)
Daily mean °C (°F)	22.3 (72.1)	23.6 (74.5)	26.1 (79.0)	27.9 (82.2)	29.7 (85.5)	30.3 (86.5)	28.8 (83.8)	28.0 (82.4)	28.2 (82.8)	29.0 (84.2)	27.3 (81.1)	24.2 (75.6)	27.1 (80.8)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	15.4 (59.7)	17.1 (62.8)	20.2 (68.4)	23.5 (74.3)	26.5 (79.7)	27.7 (81.9)	26.8 (80.2)	25.9 (78.6)	25.4 (77.7)	24.0 (75.2)	21.2 (70.2)	17.5 (63.5)	22.6 (72.7)
Record low °C (°F)	4.4 (39.9)	4.4 (39.9)	9.4 (48.9)	13.9 (57.0)	18.1 (64.6)	20.0 (68.0)	20.4 (68.7)	20.4 (68.7)	19.0 (66.2)	13.3 (55.9)	10.0 (50.0)	7.2 (45.0)	4.4 (39.9)
Average rainfall mm (inches)	0.9 (0.04)	0.2 (0.01)	0.3 (0.01)	0.3 (0.01)	1.5 (0.06)	146.8 (5.78)	342.0 (13.46)	255.6 (10.06)	110.1 (4.33)	13.9 (0.55)	4.7 (0.19)	0.9 (0.04)	877.1 (34.53)
Average rainy days	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	5.2	11.2	9.2	5.1	1.0	0.3	0.1	32.5
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST)	55	62	70	74	76	79	84	85	80	71	62	56	71
Source 1: India Meteorological Department
Source 2: Tokyo Climate Center (mean temperatures 1991–2020)

People

Veraval has a predominant Gujarati population. Amongst Gujaratis, Karadiya Rajput, Kumbhar Samaj (Prajapati), Jains (Oswal), the Soni (Jewellers, mainly from the clans of Dhakan, Patt, Sagar, etc.), Kharwa,DHUNDHA FAMILY Ahir (Yadav), brahma samaj and the Kolis Patni Jamat, Rajwadi bhois, Hadi, Lohanas, Maleks, Memons, and Raykas. There is also a sizable population Sindhis. Gujarati and Hindi are the most common languages in the town. Migratory people from other parts of the country also hold a good amount of population in the city.

Education

The city is home to Shree Somnath Sanskrit University. Some of the other institutions which provide higher education are College of Fisheries Science and Government Science College.

Economy

Fisheries have always been the main industries in the town and are dominated by the Kharwas (fisherfolk). The fishing is done mostly on traditional boats and trawlers. Veraval also has a large boat making industry. Veraval is home to a large number of fish processing factories in Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) which export prime quality seafood to USA, Japan, SE Asian, Gulf and EU Countries. The seafood-industry which was started through government initiative now is in its prime and many importers are attracted towards Veraval from around the globe. Regional research centers of CIFT and CMFRI situated at Veraval have done Yeoman service in development of fisheries sector in Gujarat.

Veraval also is home to Grasim Industries limited (Unit - Indian Rayon) which is one of India's largest rayon manufacturing companies.

There are various chemical, thread and cement companies around Veraval which provide employment to the local youth. The major ones being Indian Rayon Unit of Grasim industries limited, Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd, Gujarat Siddhee Cement Ltd and Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd.

Kharwa and Patni Jamat, a local inhabitants have flourished as main seafood exporter after the 1990s. They have a very good hold on the fishing business.

Transport

The city has two railway stations namely Veraval Junction and Somnath. Veraval Junction is a fairly busy railway junction station for Western Railways and is served by more than 14 pairs of regional and long-distance trains.

Daily (or multiple daily) trains connect it to major cities in Gujarat such as Ahmedabad, Bharuch, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara.

Daily connections are also available to many other towns in Gujarat such as Keshod, Jetalsar, Gondal, Wankaner, Surendranagar, Viramgam, Nadiad, Anand, Valsad, Vapi, Dahod and Godhra.

Daily long-distance trains connect Veraval to several cities in India including Bhopal,Jabalpur, Itarsi, Ratlam, Ujjain, Indore and Mumbai.

Pune, Varanasi, Trivandrum, Kochi, Kollam, Kottayam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kannur, Mangalore, Karwar, Madgaon, Ratnagiri and Panvel are some of the cities connected by weekly long-distance trains.

The nearest airports are Diu, Keshod And Rajkot. Daily Flights connect Diu and Keshod to Mumbai.

Lalit Tribhangi Temple

An important place of pushtimarg founded by Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu. The deity Lalit Tribhangi is a swarup of lord Krishna, bending too much and playing flute.