There Are Nine Must-See Tourist Destinations in Junagadh
The Top 9 Things to Do in Junagadh Not to be overlooked
Situated under the Girnar Hills in Gujarat, Junagadh artfully combines spirituality, history, and environment. Temple escapades culminate in mountain climbs, historic hotels provide views of past palaces, and this ancient city transports guests to a time when lions roamed free. The top 9 attractions in Junagadh are listed below and should not be missed.
1. Parkot Fort
Situated on high elevation, the ancient Uparkot Fort has remnants that trace the history of Junagadh from Mauryan control to Islamic sultanates and colonial rule in accordance with strategic position. Stair wells, temples, and the ruins of once-bustling palaces and tombs may all be found within the medieval gates, still adorned with elephant emblems. Today, just the sound of songbirds fills the space. It’s a suggested sunset visit because of the impressive hilltop vista over the ancient city.
Important Details:
Constructed about 320 BCE and expanded under many dynasties
location of Buddhist caves, the Adi-Kadi Vav ruins, and the Jumma Masjid mosquepresents light and sound performances for guests
State Archaeology Department maintains
2. Temples in Girnar
The Girnar Mountains include more than 10,000 steps that ascend to many Jain and Hindu temples that are revered as holy tirthas, or places of pilgrimage. The most well-known of the several temples scattered around the holy Girnar Hills is the Neminath temple, which dates to the 12th century and has an unbroken black idol. Devotees who complete the picturesque trip are rewarded with elaborate derasar complexes that display the influence of Jain temple architecture via the use of domes, fine carvings, and upward-pointing spires.
Important Details:
866 houses that house Hindu and Jain temples along the mountain path
22nd Jain Tirthankara Neminath is the site of the yearly Girnar Parikrama pilgrimage
Under the direction of the Shri Girnar-Ambaji Jain Temple Trust
3.Maqbara Mahabat
The imposing Mahabat Maqbara was constructed as a memorial to the last Nawab to rule Junagadh, who had sided with Pakistan during India’s independence. It now serves as the last resting place for him and his family. The Indo-European monument’s massive columns, arches, and whitewashed exterior display French and Gothic influences, while the glistening interiors highlight the magnificence of an Indian royal with exquisite glasswork, regal chandeliers, and Italian marble.
Important Details:
Built between 1878 and 1892 on Bahadur Khan’s order, the graves of Nawab Mahabat Khanji and his close relatives
Overseeing State Department of Archaeology
Locations where movies are shot 4. Gir National Park
Gir National Park, which covers an area of about 1400 square kilometers and is surrounded by Sahyadri hills that frame the horizon, is the only site on Earth where Asiatic Lions may wander freely. The park is covered with deciduous trees, meadows, and rivers. Jeep safaris are exhilarating because they allow guests to see over 300 local bird species and other animals while searching the lush area and listening for the roar of pride. Gir’s worldwide ecological importance is enhanced by its great biodiversity and success story in conservation.
Important Details:
Originally a sanctuary, it was established in 1965 and became a national park in 1975. It is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site.
more than 3,00 Asian lions live there
overseen by the Gujarat Forest Department
5.Sakkarbaug Zoo
Established in 1863, this 158-acre forest park is Gujarat’s oldest and maybe best zoological park. Rich and unusual wildlife may be seen there now, having formerly been the menagerie of Nawab Mahabat Khan, the last ruler of Junagadh. See majestic African lions, Indian leopards, and Royal Bengal tigers in their woodland enclosures, walk-through aviaries, and carefully designed landscapes to enjoy the more than one hundred naturally occurring species that call this place home.
Important Details:
Asiatic lions, Indian rhinoceroses, zebras, etc. may be found there.
has a museum on site with marine artifacts on display.
oversees veterinary internship and animal adoption programs.
overseen by the Gujarat State Forest Department
6. Adi-Kadi Vav
Explore the interior of the hillside while meandering around the imposing walls of Uparkot Fort to see the magnificent Adi Kadi-Vav temple stepwell, which is expertly fashioned from pieces of sandstone. Constructed over a millennium ago, the symmetrically arranged steps open up to underground floors where silt and mossy algae now predominate rather than the waters the ‘vav’ was designed for. Admire this architectural wonder that has been mostly conserved.
Important Details:
Built in the tenth or eleventh century CE
features lintels on the walls and decorative columns
The well is more than 125 feet deep.
State Archaeological Department maintains
7. Museum at Durbar Hall
Originally a royal home with Diwan-e-aam public halls and Diwan-e-khas private rooms, this stunning piece of architecture housed the kingly quarters of succeeding Nawabs. Redesigned as a historical museum, Durbar Hall is home to around two thousand artifacts, including manuscripts, fossils, postal stamps, and Mughal farmans, all of which tell stories of Junagadh’s illustrious past and former kings. Worth a dekko while seeing the wonders of the ancient city!
Important Details:
located in a 130-year-old palace and opened in 1962
showcases art, textiles, weaponry, and palanquins associated with the way of life in the Nawabi period.
Highlights: Silver train and Nawabi throne
overseen by Gujarat 8 Museum Department.Temple of Swaminarayan
Since its 2014 opening, the brand-new Swaminarayan complex in Junagadh has attracted followers with its exquisite detailing, contemplative atmosphere, and community outreach programmes. It was modeled after the Vadtal temple and has shikhars and mandovars, two distinctive architectural features, surrounding hallowed inner shrines containing murtis that are essential to the beliefs of the Hindu sect. While there, be sure to attend aarti and light seva.
Important Details:
Contains the shrines for the gods Ghanshyam Maharaj, Harikrishna Maharaj, and Krishna.
Hand-carved marble flooring for religious instruction in the Active Women’s Section wing of Rajasthan
belongs to the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha class 9. Temple of Bhavnath Mahadev
Shaivites come to the ancient Bhavnath Temple, located next to the Shiv Kund hot springs in the Girnar foothills, to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and the curative properties of its waters. The bustling temple honoring the history of the area is ringed by smaller shrines to Ashapura Mata, Ganpati, and Hanuman. Foot traffic surges during Maha Shivratri, when beautiful tableaus snake through the streets of the ancient city, since this location is part of the Shravan pilgrimage path.
Important Details:
contains the unique self-Manifest Shiva lingam, or swayambhu.
Location of a thriving Mahashivratri fair
Situated just 2 kilometers from the town of Junagadh,
Members of the Temple Trust Committee are the caregivers.
Beyond the lions and leopards, Junagadh astonishes guests with a complex tapestry that spans elaborate tombs, step wells carved out of rock, and temples revered for millennia by both sadhus and sultans. Don’t miss these top 9 sights if you want to learn about Gujarat’s interesting medieval history.
