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Junagadh

An ancient, fortified city situated at the base of the Girnar hills,Junagadh is an exciting place to explore. Junagadh means an ancient fort and it was the capital of the Junagadh state during the rule of Babi Nawabs. Junagadh was better known as Girnar and was the capital of Gujarat during the reign of Mauryas. Hindu dominance over the place lasted till around the middle ages. This ancient town has witnessed change in history as various religions took centre stage; with rulers from different religions namely Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Islam ruled the place at some point of time in history. The religious confluence has left behind an indelible impression on the culture, monuments and history of this place.

Junagadh is situated in the western state of Gujarat at the foothills of the Girnar Hills. It was an important trade centre and during the time of partition the Nawab of Junagarh wished to take this place into Pakistan. The predominant Hindu population did not allow him to do so and on the contrary the Nawab was forced out of the country.

Junagadh as the name suggests is a fortified place and the two main forts are the fort walls surrounding the town and Uparkot towards the west. For tourists who love time honored monuments, Junagadh is certainly a place worth visiting. Apart from the forts and monuments it also boasts of trekking spots, wildlife sanctuary and beach. Some of the important places to visit in Junagadh are as follows:

Ashoka's Edicts

Contstructed by Ashoka, the emperor himself, it serves as a source of information about the history of Gujarat and the Mauryan dynasty. Situated on the way from Junagadh to Girnar, it has fourteen edicts of emperor Asoka inscribed on a great boulder. The inscription carries the Brahmi script and it is in Pali language. The inscriptions convey the message of self control, secular thinking, and are opposed to animal sacrifice and greed. They also depict the destructions of the war waged by him and the tale of Ashoka`s regret for death and devastation caused by the war.

Maqbara

It was once home to the Nawabs of Junagadh. The art and architecture is extremely attractive and this makes it one of the most important historical landmarks of the city. The structure is vibrant with its intricately built doors of silver and minarets .These minarets have sprawling stairs. t is also a part of the 1001 nights. Despite the fact that it was nurtured as a beautiful monument its present state is one that requires restoration.

Uparkot Fort

It is the upper fort and was built during the Nawabi period. It is a medieval era historical monument with well-defined battle stations in the form of battlements. It is an outstanding example for a blend of Hindu Chudasma rulers and Muslim Mohmud Beghda`s architectural marvel. It is situated atop a hill and in the past it was famous for its accessibility.

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Jinabhai (Hemantsingh) Darbar of Panchala presented the land on which stands the Swami Narayan Mandir. The temple was built by the Swami himself. Within the shrine one will find the idols of Shri Ranchhodji and Shri Trivikramray Dev adorned in sandalwood paste, Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and Shri Siddheshwar Mahadev. Bhagwan Swaminarayan's murti is posed in a lunch-posture that was specially made as per the instruction of Sadguru Nityanand Swami for worship in his daily puja

Damodar Kund

A sacred bathing tank located at the foot of Girnar Hill, in Gujarat. According to epic it is the place where Lord Shiva and Parvati`s Garment fell while on a cruise. Very close to this place is the Revati Kund. It is believed that, after his daughter married Lord Balarama, Revata left Dwarka and moved to Girnar Hill. To the North of Damodar Kund and very close to Ashwathama Hill there is a temple known as the Damodarji Temple. It is believed to have been built by Vajranabha, Lord Krishna’s great-grandson.

Sonapur

Situated in Junagadh it has many statues of saints and a Sai Baba Temple. It also serves as a cemetery.

Gayatri Mandir & Vagheshwari Mandir

It is situated on the way to Girnar Talati,it houses temples of Maa Gayatri and Maa Vigneshwari respectively.Navrari is special as a mela is held here every here.

Science Museum

It is Gujarat`s first and only private science museum and has 60 working science projects which can be operated by visitors.

Reaching There

By Air: The nearest airport is Ahmedabad.

By rail: Regular trains run between Junagarh and Verawal, Ahmedabad, Sasan Gir,Delwada, Una, and Jamnagar.

By Road: Junagadh can be reached from different cities of Gujarat by state transport buses and private vehicles.

Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are the most common modes of local transport. Tongas are available, but the best way to get around in the town is to walk.

Staying There

Leo Resorts,
Taleti Road,
Junagadh - 362 001

Hotel Shivam
Nr. Somnath Temple,
Somnath,
Veraval Junagadh,

The Lotus Hotel
Station Road
Places to visit near Junagadh
Kutiyana

During the Hijri month of Sabaan Muslims visit the town. It is more popular for a miraculous way in which lamps are burned with water. The blessings of Pir Miskinsha are considered to be responsible for this miracle.

Prabhas patan-Somnath

Formerly known as ‘Prabhas Patan’, Somnath is home to one of the twelve most sacred Shiva shrines in India. It is situated 80km from Junagadh. Though situated in an underdeveloped place the temple stands out in its religious and monumental appeal. It is believed that the temple was built in gold by Lord Soma. Mahmud of Ghazni plundered the temple in 1024 and this marked the beginning of a series of Muslim invasion and Hindu rebuilding, which continued for centuries. The temple was again razed in 1297, 1394 and finally in 1706 by Aurangzeb. Despite the devastations it was brought under the scrutiny of the Indian Government, and erected again.

A 50 m high shikara tower, intricate carvings, silver doors, a pretty Nandi, the Shivling, a lot of holy idols and images are the unique features of the temple that speak volumes about the architectural splendor. The somanth beach situated close by is also unique by virtue of its close proximity to a pilgrim spot.

Madhavpur

It is believed that Lord Krishna married Rukmini at this place. A fair is conducted every year on Chaitra Sud to mark the event of historic importance. This place is festooned with beaches lined with coconut trees.

Chorwad Beach

It is situated 66 km from Junagadh and is a delightful resort on the coast of Gujarat.A magnificient palace is built amidst soft golden sands. It is situated 400km southwest of Ahmedabad. Excellent roads connect the place to Junagadh, Girnar, the Gir Forest Sanctuary and the famous temple of Somnath.

Reaching there

The nearest airport is Keshod

State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat.