About Junagadh

Country: India | State: Gujarat

Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 Days

Nearest City to Junagadh: Junagadh

Best Time to Visit Junagadh: October to March

Peak Season: December to February

At a distance of 54 km from Gir National Park, 91 km from Somnath, 99 km from Amreli, 103 km from Rajkot, 107 km from Porbandar, 139 km from Jamnagar, 147 km from Diu, 209 km from Dwarka, 289 km from Gandhidham, 319 km from Ahmedabad, 333 km from Bhuj and 388 km from Vadodara, Junagadh is a historical city located in the western Indian state of Gujarat. It is one of the must include places in Gujarat tour packages, and among the best places to visit near Rajkot.

Located in the foothills of Mount Girnar, Junagadh is the seventh-largest city in Gujarat. The literal meaning of the term 'Junagadh' is an 'old fort' which derives from Uparkot, an ancient fort built in the 4th century CE on a plateau in the middle of the town, and is the major attraction of Junagadh tour packages. It was also termed as 'Yonagadh,' which means 'City of the Greeks,' as it was once ruled by the Greeks. Junagadh is also known as 'Sorath', the name of the princely state that existed before the partition of India and Pakistan in the year 1947.

Steeped in the history, Junagadh is quite ancient, as it existed during the reigns of Chandragupta Maurya and King Ashoka. After that, it was ruled by several dynasties including Chudasama Dynasty, Chalukays, and Mughals before it came under the rule of the Babi dynasty in 1730, who ruled the city with an iron hand until 1946. In 1807, the princely state of Junagadh became a tributary state of the British Empire. During the period between the independence and partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, the 565 princely states that existed under British rule were given a choice to join either India or Pakistan. The last Babi Nawab named Mahabatkhanji III, decided to join Pakistan but the majority of Hindu people resorted to revolt against his decision. After a brief struggle, Junagadh joined India on 9th November 1947 as a part of Saurashtra state and later Bombay state. After the Maha Gujarat movement, it became part of the newly formed Gujarat state in 1960.

The ancient city of Junagadh is a famous tourism and pilgrimage center in Gujarat as it has an interesting mix of Buddhist monuments, mosques, Hindu temples, elaborate mansions, and Gothic archways. The attraction that tops the list of must-visit places in Junagadh is the Uperkot Fort, originally built by Chandragupta Maurya in 319 BCE. The fort was sieged 16 times over an 800-year period. Besides, Mahabat Maqbara, Durbar Hall Museum, Mount Girnar, Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Ashoka's Rock Edicts, and Buddhist Caves are some of the best places to visit in Junagadh.

Influenced by four major religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam, the city is home to many festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. The major festival celebrated in Junagadh is Bhavnath Fair held on Mahashivratri and is celebrated with much fanfare all over the city. A great mahapuja is performed at the midnight of Mahashivratri, when naga bavas, or naked sages, seated on elephants and decked in ornaments, arrive holding flags and blowing conch shells. Besides, Parikrama in October / November and Navratri are the other festivals celebrated in Junagadh with great enthusiasm.

Porbandar Airport (102 km) and Rajkot Airport (103 km) are the nearest airports to Junagadh. Both are well connected by flights with Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Junagadh Junction has a well-connected rail network with Somnath, Mumbai, Okha, Rajkot, Porbandar, Amreli, Jhansi, Trivandrum, Pune, Mumbai, Jabalpur, Vadodara, Mangalore, Kochi, Indore, and Ahmedabad. Junagadh is well connected by bus with all major cities and towns of Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Bhavnagar, Surat, Gandhidham, Vadodara, Dwarka, Somnath, and Rajkot along with Mumbai, Indore, and Nashik.

The best time to visit Junagadh is in the winter months between October to March when the weather is pleasant and is suitable for sightseeing. Better to avoid the summer months as the weather is very hot and dry in Junagadh.

...read more

Other Info
Internet Availability: Average
STD Code: 0285
Languages Spoken: Gujarati, Hindi & English
Major Festivals: Bhavnath Fair & Girnar Parikrama
Notes/Tips:
None

How to Reach Junagadh

By Air

Nearest Airport: Rajkot - Rajkot Airport (103 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Junagadh Railway Station (0 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Junagadh Bus Stand (1 Kms)

Top 10 Places to Visit in Junagadh

Heritage

#1 of 18 Places to Visit in Junagadh

At a distance of 1 km from Junagadh Junction, Mahabat Maqbara is a mausoleum situated in Mullawada locality of Junagadh. Also called Mausoleum of Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai, it is one of the historical monuments in Gujarat and among the prime places to visit in Junagadh.

Often considered as the most imposing architectural monument in Junagadh, Mahabat Maqbara was originally the residential palace of Babi Nawabs. The construction of the palace was started by Mahabat Khanji in 1878 CE and was completed by his successor Bahadur Kanji in 1892 CE. The palace complex is now houses the tombs of Mahabat Khan II, the 6th Nawab of Junagadh and Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai, the minister of Nawab Rasul Khanji.

Both mausoleums at Mahabat Maqbara palace complex are the fine examples of art and architecture, typical of the late 19th century royal monuments of Junagadh. Mahabat Maqbara, the mausoleum of Mahabat Khan, is a fusion of Indo-Islamic, European and Gothic architecture and was built in .....

...read more

Heritage

#2 of 18 Places to Visit in Junagadh

At a distance of 2 km from Junagadh Railway Station, Upperkot Fort is an ancient fort located in Junagadh, Gujarat. Situated at the foot of the sacred Girnar Hill, this is one of the major places of heritage in Gujarat, and among the must include places in Junagadh packages.

Also known as Uperkot, the magnificent fort of Upperkot is said to be built by Chandragupta Maurya in 319 BC and continued to be used during Gupta period. The fort lost its importance when the capital of the Saurashtra region was moved from Junagadh to Vallabhi by Maitrakas and was abandoned for 300 years. Later it was rediscovered and rebuilt with all the updated requirements during 976 AD by Rah Grahar of Chudasama dynasty and later it came under the rule of Mughals in 1473 CE. Further down, the fort came into the hands of Babi Nawabs. The fort has survived for 16 sieges over a period of 800 years due to its .....

...read more

Pilgrimage

#3 of 18 Places to Visit in Junagadh

At a distance of 4 km from Junagadh Junction, Shree Swaminarayan Temple is a revered Hindu temple situated at the Dipanjali locality of Junagadh. It is one of the important BAPS Mandirs in Gujarat and among the top Junagadh places to visit.

Located on Jawahar Road, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan - a Hindu saint, yogi, ascetic, and the founder of Swaminarayan Sampraday. This temple was ordered to be built by Lord Swaminarayan himself, the founder of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. The land for this temple was gifted by Jinabhai, Darbar of Panchala of King Hemant Singh. The foundation stone for the temple was laid by Gunatitanand Swami in 1826 AD while the construction of this temple was supervised by Brahmanand Swami.

On May 1, 1828 AD, Swaminarayan himself installed Shri Ranchhodrai and Trikamrai in the inner sanctum, Radharaman Dev, and Harikrishna Maharaj in the eastern wing .....

...read more

Wildlife

#4 of 18 Places to Visit in Junagadh

At a distance of 2 km from Junagadh Junction, Sakkarbaug Zoo is a massive zoo park situated in the Dolatpara locality of Junagadh. Also known as Junagadh Zoo, it is the second oldest zoo in India and among the must include places in Junagadh sightseeing packages.

The Sakkarbaug Zoo was established in the year 1863 AD by the Babi Nawabs of Junagadh state. Spread over an area of 490 acres, it is the fourth biggest zoo in India and the oldest zoo in Gujarat. The Nawabs of Junagadh has set up this zoo for saving the Asiatic Lions, as those days hunting among Nawabs and the princes from nearby areas were most common. The zoo provides purebred Asiatic lions for the Indian and the international endangered species captive breeding program for the critically endangered species.

Considered one of the prime Junagadh tourist attractions, the zoo authorities .....

...read more

Museum

#5 of 18 Places to Visit in Junagadh

At a distance of 2 km from Junagadh Junction, Darbar Hall Museum is a historical museum situated in Sardar Baug area of Junagadh in Gujarat. It is one of the finest museums in Gujarat and among the prime Junagadh Tourist Places.

Also known as Junagadh Museum, the Darbar Hall Museum was founded in the year 1964. The museum was initially a courthouse used by the then Nawabs of Junagadh state where cases were heard. The museum provides the tourists an opportunity to have a glimpse at the glory and grandeur of the Nawabs of Babi dynasty who have ruled Junagadh till India's independence. The majority of the exhibits in the museum date back to the 19th century.

Located in Taj Manzil Building, Darbar Hall Museum is exhibiting around 2900 artefacts in different galleries namely Picture Gallery, Palanquin Room, Textile and Costumes Gallery, Weapons Gallery, Darbar Hall etc. The Picture Gallery boasts a large collection of photographs and paintings of last Nawab with his numerous dogs. .....

...read more

Pilgrimage | Adventure

#6 of 18 Places to Visit in Junagadh

At a distance of 10 km from Junagadh Junction, Girnar Hill is a sacred mountain situated in Junagadh, Gujarat. It is one of the popular Jain places of pilgrimage in Gujarat, and among the must-visit places as part of Junagadh Tour.

Spread over an area of about 70 miles, Mount Girnar is older than the Himalayas and the Jain temples upon it are amongst the most ancient in the country. It has five principal peaks Ambaji, Gorakhnath, Guru Dattatreya, Oghad Ansuya and Kalika. Out of these, Gorakhnath is situated at an altitude of 3672 feet and is the highest point in Gujarat. For centuries, Mount Girnar has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Gujarat and indeed in all of Western India, with 866 Hindu and Jain temples spread over its 5 summits. For Jains, this place is considered holy as this is the Nirvana Kshetra of 22nd Tirthankara Neminath and for Hindus, this place .....

...read more

Pilgrimage

#7 of 18 Places to Visit in Junagadh

At a distance of 5 km from Junagadh Junction, Bhavnath Mahadev Mandir is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Bhavnath village near Junagadh. Located at the foothills of Mount Girnar, it is one of the most popular temples in Gujarat and among the top places to visit in Junagadh.

Bhavnath Temple in Junagadh is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shivling here is said to have emerged of its own divine intention. The Bhavnath Mahadev temple existence dates back to the ancient era and its story is found in the Puranic era. According to myth, once a while Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati were crossing the Girnar hills and then their divine garment fell over the present Mrigi Kund, making this place an auspicious site for Shiva worshippers. Even today, the naga bavas are known to bathe in the holy Mrigi Kund before joining the Mahashivaratri procession.

Visited by religious minded devotees all along the year, the shrine witnesses maximum footfalls on two religious occasions - during Maha .....

...read more

Heritage

#8 of 18 Places to Visit in Junagadh

At a distance of 25 km from Junagadh, 88 km from Rajkot, and 98 km from Porbandar, Darbargadh Fort is a historical fort situated at Dhoraji town in Rajkot district of Gujarat. Also referred to as Darbar Garh, it is one of the many imposing regal structures in Gujarat and among the major tourist attractions to visit during Junagadh Trip.

Darbargadh Fort is one of the famous forts in Gujarat holding immense prominence both historically and majestically. Dhoraji was acquired by Kumbhaji II of Gondal State from Junagadh State during the 18th century CE. The fortification of Dhoraji was completed in 1755 AD. The massive fort wall has several bastions, 4 main gates, and 3 smaller gates, known as baris. The four main gates are Kathiawadi Darwaja in the East, Porbandar Gate in the West, Halar Gate in the North, and Junagadh Gate in the South while the smaller gates are- Darbari Bari, Bhimji Bari, and Sati Bari.

Among the most interesting .....

...read more

Heritage

#9 of 18 Places to Visit in Junagadh

At a distance of 2 km from Junagadh Junction, Khapra Kodiya Caves are the ancient caves situated in Junagadh, Gujarat. Located to the north of Upperkot Fort, these are the part of Junagadh Buddhist Caves and among the prime Junagadh Tourist Places for history buffs.

The Khapra Kodiya Caves are the oldest caves in Junagadh Buddhist Cave Group which includes Baba Pyare Caves, Upperkot Caves and Khapra Kodiya Caves. The caves are dated to 3rd-4th century BCE during the Emperor Ashoka's rule and are considered the earliest monastic settlement in the area. Also known as Khangar Mahal, these caves were carved into living rock and are the plainest of all the caves in the group.

The caves were carved out in an east-west longitudinal ridge. There are two main components in this cave complex - one is the western wing that houses water tanks and the second is an L-shaped wing where the monks used to take shelter during monsoons. After many years of use, they were abandoned as water .....

...read more

Heritage

#10 of 18 Places to Visit in Junagadh

At a distance of 1 km from Upperkot Fort and 2 km from Junagadh Junction, Baba Pyare Caves are an ancient Buddhist caves situated in Mullawada locality of Junagadh in Gujarat. These are the part of Junagadh Buddhist Caves and among the prime Junagadh Tourist Places for history lovers.

Junagadh Buddhist Cave Group consists of three separate sites namely Khapra Kodiya Caves, Baba Pyare Caves and Upperkot Caves. Baba Pyare Caves are situated below the Southern walls of Uperkot Fort. Scholars believe that these caves were constructed during the Satavahana regime in 1st - 2nd century AD as the architecture of the caves show the influence of Satavahanas and Graeco-Scythian periods.

This group has 13 caves and was carved in 45 meters long. These caves are arranged in three lines. The first line on the north, the second line on the south and the third line runs back of the second line. The northern part of Baba Pyare Caves contains four caves. The south eastern group of Baba Pyare .....

...read more


Top 5 Junagadh Tour Packages