Gir Somnath district was carved out from Junagadh district as one of the new seven district in August 2013. Head quarter of the district is at Veraval. Gir Somnath district is located in Saurashtra region of Gujarat and surrounded by the Arabian sea to its south. The district is divided in to six talukas: Veraval, Una, Kodinar, Sutrapada, Talala and newly formed Gir Gadhada, Gir Somnath is very famous for Somnath Temple, first jyotirlinga of lord Shiva among the twelve jyotirlingas of India, and Gir Sanctuary, only abode to the Asiatic lion.
Major industries such as, Ambuja Cement, Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Limited, Aditya Birla (Indian Rayon), Gujarat Siddhi cement have their presence in this district. Total population of the district was about 9.47 lacs in the 2011 census. Major crops of Gir Somnath district are groundnut, wheat, cotton, mango, and sugar cane.
Veraval is a Municipality and the headquarters of Gir Somnath district. Fisheries have always been the main industries in the town and is dominated by the Kharwas (fisher folk). 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 G.I.D.C 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 are situated at Veraval which are helping development of fisheries sector in Gujarat. Veraval also is home to Aditya Birla Nuvo Ltd (Formerly: India-Rayon Industries Ltd) which is one of India’s largest rayon manufacturing companies.
Una: The biggest taluka in Gir Somnath district in number of villages. Main tourist attractions are Pauranik Talav (Ancient Lake), Rawal Dam, Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, Sana Cave, Tulsishyam famous for temple of lord Krishna, Banej Temple of Mahadev in middle of Gir forest. Una is one of the “the biggest Limestone supplier” in Gujarat State.
Kodinar : Main tourist attractions are Mul Dwarka, Kaj and Kanjotar: small seashore villages near Kodinar in which Mul Dwarka is a historic place of the original Dwarka of Mahabharata. Kodinar is home to Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd., one of the largest cement manufacturing company.
Talala: Gir is Famous for its “KESAR MANGO”, Siddi community’s folk dance “Dhamal” and Gir national park and Sanctuary. Siddi community who is originally from South Africa is found in Jambur village, also known as Mini Africa of India.
Sutrapada: A coastal taluka of Gir somnath district is known for GHCL plant, largest “Soda ash” producing company in the world. Gujarat Siddhi cement manufacturing plant is also located in this taluka.
Gir Gadhada: is the newly formed taluka of the district. It has been carved out from Una taluka in August 2013. Famous Tulsi Shyam, temple of Lord Krishna is situated in this taluka.