| FACTS
& FIGURES
Population : 225,000
Languages : Gujarati, Hindi, & English
Best time to visit : October to March
STD Code : 0285
LOCATION
Junagarh is situated in the western state of
Gujarat at the foothills of the Girnar Hills. The city
extends from latitude 21°31¢ in the North to
longitude 70°36¢ in the East. It is an ideal
departure point for visiting the Gir forests.
CLIMATE
The climate of Junagarh is mild with temperature
ranging between 20-28°C in winters and 28-34°C
in the summers. Although the place can be visited throughout
the year, the best season to do so is winter (October-March).
PAST
The city of Junagarh takes its name
from the fort that encloses the old city. Junagarh was
an important trade center as testified by the Ashokan
edicts dating from 250 BC. At the time of partition,
the Nawab of Junagarh opted to take his tiny state into
Pakistan. However, the predominantly Hindu population
forced the Nawab to leave the country instead. The present-day
city has many archeological sites and historical monuments
that reflect the rich history of the place.
SITES TO VISIT
Uperkot Fort stands on the eastern side
of Junagarh. Although the fort is believed to be built
by Chandragupta in AD 319, it was rebuilt several times
in the later centuries. Legend has it that the fort
was besieged 16 times, the longest of which was for
12 continuous years. The fort is open from 7 am to 6.30
pm daily.
The fort also houses Jami Masjid, Tomb of Nuri Shah,
and two baolis (step wells)-Adi Chadi and the Navaghan
Kuva. There are some Buddhist caves, which are believed
to be 1,500 years old.
Mahabat Maqbara is the mausoleum of one of the nawabs
of Junagarh. The structure is resplendent with silver
doors and intricate architecture.
The Durbar Hall Museum displays weapons and armor from
the days of the nawabs and many other curios and artifacts.
A quick foray into the museum will reveal silver chains,
chandeliers, settees, thrones, palanquins, howdahs,
cushions, gowns and a large carpet that was woven in
the Junagarh jail.
On the way to Girnar Hill temples, one can find a huge
boulder on which Emperor Ashoka inscribed 14 edicts.
Later on, Rudradamana and Skandagupta also added some
inscriptions in Sanskrit that are very significant archeologically.
The Girnar Hill houses many temples of the Jains that
are quite significant. There are temples of Neminath,
Mallinath, Amba Mata, and Damodar Kind. There are 7,000
steps to reach the summit of this hill. Dolis (rope
chairs) can be hired by those who are unable to climb
these steps.
SITES NEARBY
The Gir National Park, situated around
59 km off Junagarh, is the last home of the Asiatic
lion. This 1,400 sq km sanctuary was set up to protect
the dwindling population of the lions.
Chorwad is a new beach resort developed by the Tourism
Corporation of Gujarat, near Junagarh.
Somnath is a famous Hindu shrine and a seat of one
of the Jyotirlingas. The temple of Somnath was once
one of the richest shrines in the country. The temple
was looted and plundered many times by the Muslims in
the 10th and 11th century because of its wealth.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The Bhavnath Fair in the month of Magha
(January/February) is supposed to be organized first
by Lord Krishna to honor the Mahabharata hero, Arjuna.
The fair is marked by folk music and dancing and is
an ideal platform to enjoy the culture of Saurashtra.
WHERE TO STAY
There are not too many options in accommodation
around Junagarh. Some low-budget and middle-budget accommodation
options are available in the city.
WHAT TO EAT
If one happens to visit Junagarh in
the summer, he must try the delicious kesar mangoes.
During winter, one can enjoy the delicious chikoos grown
in the region.
HOW TO REACH
By Air
The nearest airport is Ahmedabad, around 300
kilometers from Junagadh. From Ahmedabad, one can take
regular flights for other cities of India including
Mumbai and Delhi.
By Rail
Regular trains run between Junagarh and Veraval, Ahmedabad,
Sasan Gir, Delwada, Una, Diu, and Rajkot.
By Road
Junagarh can be reached from most of the important
cities in Gujarat as well as neighboring states. One
can get to Junagarh from Rajkot (100 km), Porbandar
(107 km), Ahmedabad (320 km), Veraval, Una, and Jamnagar
(184 km).
Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws and taxis are the most
common modes of local transport. Tongas are also available,
but the best way to get around in the town is to walk.
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