Information on Junagadh
Junagadh was the capital of the Junagadh state under the Muslim rulers of Babi Nawabs. In Gujarati, "Junagadh" means an ancient fort. The town of Junagadh takes its name from the fort that enclosed the medieval town. Junagadh is situated in the Saurashtra region at the foothills of the Mount Girnar and occupies a special place in the history of Gujarat. The town of Junagadh is beautiful with very wide streets, arches, shopping arcades and cool gardens. Its splendour is more like an English city rather than a city in the remote corner of Gujarat. Various ancient temples, museums, forts and palaces are the major interesting monuments located in Junagadh. History of Junagadh
The history of Junagadh can be known by the rule of the Mauryans, Kashatrapas, Guptas, Vallabhas, Babi Nawab, Chaudasamas, Gujarat Sultans. In the earlier periods, Junagadh was under the influence of four major religions mainly, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Muslims. Both, political powers and religious influences enriched the culture and created fantastic edifices leaving their mark on the architecture of Junagadh. The Nawab Mahobat Khan II beautified Junagadh and patronized the construction of several buildings and urban projects like Aina Mahal, Circle |  |
| Chowk with clock tower and Dewan Chowk. Some of the other buildings of the Nawabi period are the Bahauddin College, Manoranjan Guest House, Mahobat Madarsa (Narsi Vidya Mandir) and the maqbaras (mausoleums) of the royal family. All the architectural elements are highly decorative and reminds one of the last phase of architecture of Lucknow. The 14 rock edicts 256-57 BC of the great Emperor Ashoka, inscription by King Rudradaman and Skandagupta are the proof of importance of Junagadh from the ancient times. This city was also home of one of the great poets of India, Narsinh Mehta. Tourist Attractions in Junagadh
The most important tourist attraction in Junagadh is the remarkable Upperkot Fort (Upper Fort). Over the centuries, enemies had tried to capture this fort but couldn't do so. The walls of the fort are as high as 70 feet. Some Buddhist caves are also situated in Junagadh which show that there might have been a monastery here before its regal history began. Another attraction in Junagadh are the 14 rock edicts of the great emperor Ashoka which are inscribed on a huge stone in Pali script. His 14 edicts in Pali are exhortations to virtue and assurances that he, "the Beloved of the Gods", is looking after all his subjects. Other important place in Junagadh is the Mount Girnar. Mount Girnar is one of the hills which is most sacred to the Jain community. The Neminath temple, one of the largest and the oldest temple, the Bhavnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Amba Mata temple are also situated on this hill. Various tourist attractions in Junagadh are the Mahabat Maqbara, Durbar Hall Museum, Narsinh Mehta's Choro, Mount Girnar, Upperkot Fort, Jama Masjid and Ashoka's Rock Edicts. | | Mahabat Maqbara
Mahabat Maqbara is a stunning mausoleum of one of the Nawabs of Junagadh. This mausoleum is one of the Gujarat's most glorious examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. This mausoleum was built in 1892 and topped with silver doors and intricate architecture, including minarets encircled by spiraling stairways. This mosque is generally locked. Narsinh Mehta's Choro
Narsinh Mehta's Choro is a great revered place where the great poet and saint Narsinh Mehta used to hold his assemblies, religious discourses and Bhajans in the 15th century. There is a small temple of Gopinath |  |
| and the idol of Shri Damodar Raiji and Narsinh Mehta. Narsinh Mehta was one of the great poets of India. He was a great devotee of Lord Krishna and a scholar, philosopher and a social reformer. Durbar Hall Museum
Durbar Hall Museum houses a large collection of silver chains, chandeliers, thrones, palanquins, weapons and armour from the days of the Nawabs. There is also a portrait gallery of the Nawabs. This museum was once the hall where the Nawabs held their Darbars (assemblies). | | Mount Girnar
Mount Girnar is one of the hill in Ahmedabad which is most sacred to the Jain community. This hill rises to a height of more than 600 m, a climb marked by 10,000 stone-steps. On this hill various Hindu and five Jain temples are located. There is a group of 16 Jain temples on the hill. This sacred hill is visited by millions of Hindus and Jains. The Amba Mata temple is situated on the top of the hill. The newly weds came here and worship the Amba Mata in order to ensure a happy marriage. One of the largest and the oldest Jain temple, dedicated to the Neminath, the 22nd Jain Tirthankar and the Mallinath, the 19th Jain Tirthankar are situated just below the Amba Mata temple. There is an image of Neminath in each of the courtyard colonnade's 70 cells. This temple was built in the 12th century. The corbelled domes, maidens and flying figures as decoration are typical of the Solanki period. A popular fair is also held here during the Kartika Purnima festival in November - December. Besides this the Bhavnath temple of Hindus is also located on this hill. The Bhavnath temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The Mahashivaratri fair held here is attended by Nagasadhus and pilgrims from all over India. When a traveler to Gujarat, Joss Graham, climbed up the hill for the festival of Shivaratri, |  |
| he slept there overnight. He woke up on hearing the praying murmurs of the great mass of devotees, about 100,000 of them in their communities and tribal groups. There is also the temple of Samprati Raja, a fine example of the later period and the Melak Vasahi temple. Damodar Kund
Damodar Kund is a holy water reservoir that marks the ascent to the Girnar temples. It is surrounded by a well-built ghat. It is believed that here Lord Krishna placed a flower garland around the neck of the great poet and saint Narsinh Mehta. Ashoka's Rock Edicts
Ashoka's Rock Edicts are located on the route to the Mount Girnar hill. This rock edict is a huge boulder that is housed in a small roadside building. On the rock edicts the fourteen Edicts of Emperor Ashoka are inscribed. The inscriptions carry Brahmi script in Pali language and belongs to 250 BC. On the same rock the inscriptions in the Sanskrit language are also inscribed. The Ashoka's Rock Edicts incorporate moral lectures. The emperor Ashoka began the stone written history of Junagadh on this boulder. His 14 edicts in Pali states that he, the Beloved of the Gods, looks after all his subjects.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is built inside the Upperkot Fort in Junagadh. This mosque was built from a demolished Hindu temple and has an interior filled with columns. | | Upperkot Fort
Upperkot Fort, also known as the Upper Fort is located on the eastern side of Junagadh. This fort was built in 319 BC by Chandragupta Maurya, though it has been rebuilt and extended many times over the centuries. During the period, various enemies tried to capture the fort but it can not be captured by any of the king for a longer time. The king of Anhilwad Patan once attacked Junagadh to win the Raja's wife. He won the battle only because one of the Raja's ministers betrayed him, but he could not win the wife of the Raja as she committed Sati. This fort was the stronghold of the Mauryans and Gupta empire and as such has survived for 16 |  |
| sieges in the last 1000 years due to its strategic location and difficult access. The entrance to the fort is formed by an ornate triple gateway. This gateway is like the Hindu Toran, leading to flat land dotted with various archeological sites. In some of the places, the walls of this fort are as high as 70 feet. The fort has many interesting exhibits like the canon guns placed on the western wall and believed to have been cast in Egypt. The two step wells (Adi-Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo), a tomb, mosque and some ancient Buddhist caves belonging to 200 BC to 200 AD are located within the fort premises. Now only, some of the ruins of the buildings, Jama Masjid and the Buddhist caves are located within the fort premises. Adi-Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo are the two step wells which are located within the fort. These wells were built by the Chudasama Rajputs and are the unique water structures among the various step wells of Gujarat. Both these wells served as the main sources of drinking water for years and were the essential part of the basic need of the fort. The Adi-Kadi Vav has a long flight of 120 steps which lead to the water and was built in the 15th century. While the Navghan Kuvo of 1026 AD is built from soft rock and is 52 meter deep, reached by a circular staircase winding around the shaft. The Buddhist caves are fine examples of rock cut architecture. These caves have ornamented pillars, carved entrances, water cisterns, chaitya hall, monastic cells for meditation and chaitya windows. |
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How to reach Junagadh
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Keshod and Porbandar which are about 40 and 113 kms. respectively.
By Rail:
The railway station is located on the Ahmedabad – Junagadh and Rajkot – Junagadh line.
By Road:
Junagadh is connected with various major cities in Gujarat like Rajkot, Porbandar and Ahmedabad.
Adi-kadi Vav, built in the 15th century, is carved entirely out of hard rock. A narrow flight of 120 stairs cuts down through the stone to meet the well shaft deep in the stone. Two different legends claim to explain the name of the well. One says that the king ordered a stepwell to be built and workers excavated down into this hard stone, but no water was found. The royal priest said that water would only be found if two unmarried girls were sacrificed. Adi and Kadi were the unlucky ones chosen for this and after their sacrifice, water was found. The other story, less fantastic but probably more likely, claims that Adi and Kadi were the names of the royal servant girls who fetched water from the well every day. Either way, people still hang cloth and bangles on a tree nearby in their memory.
The Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach is one of the most sought after places of the entire state of Gujarat. The clear water, fishing hamlets and colorful birds make it one of the most commonly visited places of the region. The tourists can also participate in a variety of water sports and swimming at this place. Ahmedpur Mandvi is probably one of the finest beaches in India on the coastline of Gujarat. It is heaven for the water sports freaks. There is water scooting, skiing, surfing, Para sailing, and speed boat trips. It has beautiful blue waters, bubbly birds, soft sands and the captivating colorful fishing hamlets.
About 2 km east of Junagadh and 3 km from the foot of Girnar Hill, between the two places, is an edict of Emperor Ashoka inscribed on a rock dating from the third century BC. The Ashokan edicts impart moral instructions on dharma, harmony, tolerance, and peace. An uneven rock, with a circumference of seven metres and a height of ten metres, bears insciptions in Brahmi script etched with an iron pen.
Ayurvedic Museum, Junagarh is situated in Ayurvedic College at Sadarbag. It is located in the western part of the town. At this site, the tourists can learn more about ancient medicine. The museum also provides a detailed knowledge about natural medical treatment.
The so-called ?Buddhist Caves" around Uparkot are not actually caves, but three separate sites of rooms carved out of stone to be used as monks' quarters, hence the name. They are all a little over 2000 years old, give or take a couple of centuries. Across Uparkot from Khapara Kodia are the caves of Baba Pyara. Baba Pyara caves are lying close to the Modhimath, which has four caves in its northern group. The next set of south group caves has a unified plan with a spacious court and a chaitya hall. The art tradition of Satavahanas period has influence over these cave pillars and door jambs of the caves.
Chorwad Beach, Junagarh is located about 66 kilometers from the city. It is connected to the city, as well as the Gir Forest Sanctuary and Girnar, with an excellent network of roadways. It is one of the main attractions of this place is the spectacular view of the rocky shores. The tourists also enjoy a ride on country boats as well.
Damodar Kund is a sacred bathing tank located at the foot of Girnar Hill, in Gujarat. Situated near the Revati Kund, the tank marks the ascent to the numerous beautifully carved ancient Jain temples of Girnar. Damodar Kund is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's garment fell during a cruise. The size of Damodar Kund is 40 feet high, 56 feet broad and 5 feet deep. By bathing in this river people get rid off their sins. The Pilgrims who take bath here by having fasts in the month of Kartak especially on Agyaras and Baras goes divinely at the feet of Shri Hari.
Shri Damodar Pilgrimage is situated along the road to Girnar in Junagadh city in the south of Saurashtra. The renovation of this pilgrim place was done during the regime of king Skand Gupta who was from the Gupta dynasty in the year 462 A.D. The Shri Damodar Hari's main temple is made up of two parts?Nij mandir's shikhar is 65 feet and the height of saloha Mandap's shikhar is 30.5 feet. In all the Nij mandir and the saloha Mandap has 32 arcs and 84 decorated and well crafted pillars. A flag has been hoisted at the apex of the Nij mandir.
Picture gallery , textiles, arms gallery, the kacheri, the hall which was used by Nawabs of Junagadh to hold their darbar. The Durbar Hall and Museum has an interesting collection of weapons, thrones, silver articles, costumes, paintings, tapestries, and palanquins on display. It is not far from the entrance to the fort.
2,779 feet high stepway is built for going up shrine of Jamiyalshah Datar.
On the way to Girnar Talati, are both of the beautiful temples of Maa Gayatri and Maa Vagheshwari. At every navratris, a mela is held.
The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965, with a total area of 1412 km? (about 258 km? for the fully protected area (the national park) and 1153 km? for the Sanctuary), the park is located 65 km to the south-east of Junagadh and 60 km to south west of Amreli. The count of 2,375 distinct fauna species of Gir includes about 38 species of mammals, around 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and more than 2,000 species of insects. The carnivores group mainly comprises Asiatic lions, Indian Leopards, Sloth bears, Indian Cobras, Jungle cats, Striped Hyenas, Golden Jackals, Indian Mongoose, Indian Palm Civets, and Ratels. Desert cats and Rusty-spotted cats exist but are rarely seen. The main herbivores of Gir are Chital, Nilgai (or Bluebull), Sambar, Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara and Wild boar. Blackbucks from the surrounding area are sometimes seen in the sanctuary.
Girnar Jain temles are on the Girnar mountais located at a distance of 5 km from Junagadh. It is is easily accessible by trains and roads and state transport are also available. Mount Girnar is a gigantic five peaked rock formation of volcanic origin, the tallest of these rises to 945 meters (3600 feet) above sea level.The five peaks of Girnar are topped by 866 intricately carved stone temples. There are around 8,000 steps from the trailhead to the highest peak. The five peaks, crowned by sixteen beautifully carved and sculptured marble shrines on the western flank of the mountain forms one of the most beautifully situated group of Jain temples in India. It is a sacred place for Jains, Hindus and also for Muslims. Mt. Girnar is also unique in that both the Digambar and Shwetambar have temples on its hills.
The Jama Masjid was originally the palace of Ranakdevi, but was converted to a mosque by Sultan Muhammad Begda when he conquered the princes of Saurashtra. Perhaps for that reason, it is easily mistaken for a fort. It also has a covered courtyard, which is very unusual in Indian mosques.
Khapra Kodia Cave, Junagadh On the basis of scribbles and short cursive letters on the wall, Khapra Kodia caves are datable to 3rd-4th century AD. This is the plainest of all cave groups. The chambers are cut into an east-west longitudinal ridge. The important components of the caves are the oblong western wing and the 'L' shaped wing used by Monks as a monsoon shelter.
Junagadh Museum is situated in Sakar Bagh in the Junagadh District of Gujarat. The museum houses a fabulous collection of prehistoric and proto-historic stone, bone implements, manuscripts and stone sculptures including a standing statue of Lord Vishnu. Stone and copper inscriptions, silverware, glass, porcelain, woodcarving, textiles and folk art are also on exhibit.
In the heart of the jungle, 50 km from Sasan Gir, there is a shrine to Kankai Mata, the benefactor of the shepherds of Gir forest. A supremely wild place, here you can hear lions roar at night and animals gathering at the nearby lake. There is a bus from Junagadh every morning that leaves at 8am, stays one hour at the temple, and departs on the return journey at 9:45am. But to really experience the place, go with private transport and stay the night. The high temple walls ensure your safety, and once night falls, you can watch the stars through the jungle treetops, hear lions roaming outside and experience a night in the true wilderness.
Madhvapur Beach is one of the beautiful sandy beaches in Gujarat. Beautiful sandy beaches lined here with coconut trees. It is home to the name of Madhav Raoji. The temple of Madhav Raoji is a cynosure of all eyes along with the Madhavpur Beach. The Haveli temple of Madhavraiji is the chief attraction. It is believed that Lord Krishna had married Rukmini in Madhavpur. The Legend is kept alive by holding a fair on Chaitra Sud 12 every year. There is also a Bethak of Mahaprabhuji as Shri Vallabhachrya who had given discourse on Shrimad Bhagwat for seven days here.
A fusion of Indo-Islamic architecture coupled with Gothic art form , the Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh, emits the sense of secularism going beyond petty religious egos and reaching new heights of equality and exchange of respective cultures. On one side of the mausoleum is the Jami Masjid and the Vazir's maqbara on the other. The Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh is generally kept under lock and key, but can be glimpsed into by obtaining the keys from the mosque situated beside the mausoleum.
Mitiyala grasslands known for the rustic, untamed essence of undulating hill tracks engulfed with tall grasses, semi-dry deciduous trees, is almost like an offshoot of Gir Lion Sanctuary. Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary occupying an area of 18.22 square kilometers got the confirmed status in the year 2004. The jungle pre-independence was part of the royal estate of Bhavnagar and Asiatic Lions in their most Majestic aura were preserved along with other wildlife native to this region. Driving around the sanctuary, the winters is best time to experience the place and spend a day away from the daily routine. This small sanctuary with its diverse natural variety on offer is an ideal place to unwind and learn from environment and enjoy the experience of nature's creation. A day in the haven looking around the inhabitants can be quite an exciting endeavor, but just remember the King of Jungle does continue his life at his own fancy.
The best garden the campus of agricultural university and botanical garden. It also houses the Junagadh Agricultural University Campus which has total land area of 754.62 ha and 2485 ha including 17 sub centers and 1500 manpower with annual budget around 28.5 crores.
Junagadh is a town of historical importance. It is situated at the foot of the celebrated mount Girnar. The town junagadh derives its name from the old fortress situated in the uparkot (Citadel) . The uparkot forms the ancient Junagadh, which was named Mustafabd by Mahmud Begada
A beautiful lake constructed by joint effort of the people of Junagadh near Talav Gate.
Navghan Kuwo, just a few years shy of being a thousand years old (it was apparently built in 1026 AD, though some accounts say it is much older), is partly hewn out of soft rock and partly built up structurally like other wells. The stairs that lead down 52 m (170 ft.) to the water level spiral around the well shaft itself, which is also very uncommon. The water from Navghan Kuwo is what allowed Uparkot to withstand many long sieges.
Precipitous, undulating landscape carpeted with wild grass and vegetation in-houses the Pania Wildlife Sanctuary. The ecological refuge also known by the name of Chanchai-Pania has been home to varied species of endangered and rare animals and was declared a Sanctuary in 1989. The 39.63 square kilometers sanctuary is an extended stretch of the Gir Sanctuary and the majestic lions and leopards frequently roam around this area. The Pania Wildlife refuge is differentiated from Gir to emphasize preservation of the Chinkaras and antelopes who wander around freely in the grassy region. Patches of grassy land amidst the hilly arid areas render the area suitably for the elegant and graceful Chinkara or Indian Gazelle. Small animals like Hyena, wild cat, civet cat, antelopes bearing four horns, pangolins, and foxes are seen almost playing hide and seek with the varied species of grasses while majestic animals like mighty lions stomping around the bumpy terrain in their full glory might offer a pleasurable surprise.
Sakkarbaug Zoo also known as "Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden" or "Junagadh Zoo" at Junagadh. It is famous worldwide for providing purebreed Asiatic Lions for the Indian and the international Endangered species captive breeding program for the critically endangered Asiatic Lions. Currently, the zoo is home to over 900 wild animals, including 42 lions and 48 leopards. Over eight lakh people visit it every year. Cheetah is said to have been last seen in the Saurashtra region over six decades ago. The animal assumes significance for the city as there is place named 'Cheetah Khana Chowk' located in the heart of the Junagadh city.
A beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of an ocean, sea or lake. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles, or cobblestones. The particles of which the beach is composed can sometimes instead have biological origins, such as shell fragments or coralline algae fragments. Wild beaches are beaches which do not have lifeguards or trappings of modernity nearby, such as resorts and hotels. They are sometimes called undeclared, undeveloped, undefined, or undiscovered beaches. Wild beaches can be valued for their untouched beauty and preserved nature. They are found in less developed areas such as Puerto Rico, Thailand or Indonesia.Beaches often occur along coastal areas where wave or current action deposits and reworks sediments.
Gujarat's first and the only private science museum. More than 60 working science projects based on science facts. Which can be operated by visitors. Worth visiting attached one small aquarium and evening open air garden restaurant garden caf? serves south Indian and Punjabi dishes since 1981.
It is a Hindu temple in Junagadh. This temple was built by Swaminarayan himself. The construction of this temple was supervised by Brahmanand Swami. The land for this shrine was gifted by King Hemantsinh(Jinabhai, Darbar of Panchala), and memories of him have been maintained here. 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
Somnath Shiva Temple is located in veraval (Junagadh District), Gujarat. Somnath temple, a highly revered temple, is one of the main 12 Shiva temples in India enshrining the Jyotorlingas. This temple is constructed in the Chalukya style with a height of about 155 ft. Marvelously adorned Jyotirlinga with flowers, silver and gold adornments is a special attraction in this temple. The aarati puja at this temple is rejuvenating and is best for spiritual enlightenment. Mythological evidences put the foundation of this temple by Soma, the Moon. This temple was constructed by the moon and dedicated to Somnath as the moon got reprieve from the curse of Daksha at this place. This is a real august specimen of Indian temple architecture and the worthy religious destination to enlighten strong belief in God.
Where many statues of saints are erected. It also has a Sai Baba temple and serves as a cemetery.
It is one of the oldest secondary and higher secondary schools of Gujarat. Widely spread in a very big land with a very large playground, gardens and a very oldish dombs. The very special thing about this school"s one of the lagendary students named Dhirubhai Ambani, Vivek Jasani,Prageesh P Nair.
Talala, 75 km from Junagadh, is famous for two things: the Bhimdeval Sun Temple and its huge orchards of kesar mangoes. If you are around in the summertime during the mango season, be sure to go visit the orchards and get your face all sticky from eating just far too many of these deliciously sweet fruits. Then be sure to wipe your face before visiting the cathedral-like Bhimdeval Sun Temple nearby, whose spire you can climb to the top for an excellent view of the surrounding area.
Here in the city various tombs are situated. They are known for their historical architecture, domes, pillars. Babi Nawabs were buried here. This is a fine specimen of medieval structure.
The oldest part of Junagadh, and the center of any visit to the city, is the upper citadel, known as Uparkot. Over 2300 years old, with walls up to 20 m high in some places, Uparkot is what allowed Junagadh to withstand a 12-year siege at one point. It is believed that these caves belong to 1st-4th Century AD and are gilded with beautiful pillars and entrances, water cisterns, horseshoe shaped chatiya windows, an assembly hall and cell for meditation. There is also a 300 ft.-deep moat inside the walls, that reportedly used to be inhabited by crocodiles, so that if any attacker managed to surmount the high fortifications, they would then either be exposed on the upper battlements or fall into the crocodile-infested trench. Just inside the entrance are the insignia of some of Uparkot's former rulers and temples to Ganesh, Hanuman and Shakti. Closeby are two medieval cannons named Neelam and Manek, forged in Cairo and brought by the Turks who sailed to Saurashtra to aid in defending Diu against the Portuguese.
Veraval is located at a distance of 6 kilometers from the Somnath town and Veraval is supposed to be the fortified royal town of the dynasty of Junagarh. The fort in Veraval lies alongside the Veraval Beach and though the very many thick and impressive walls have been pulled down but still the impressive veneer of the Veraval fort near the Veraval Beach remains intact. The Veraval Beach is provided with benches and a jogging track which can be utilized by the morning joggers and also go for safe swimming.
Built by the Britishers near the foot of Datar hill. The three sides and a garden in front it affords an enchanting view.
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