Junagadh, Gujarat

Junagadh is located at the foothills of Girnar hill in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. It was the capital of the erstwhile Junagadh State under the Muslim rulers of Babi Nawabs. It is a historic city and its name means an ancient fort in Gujarati. Junagarh is a flourishing tourism destination in India, owing to the fact that it was ruled by many dynasties, which have enriched its cultural and historical heritage immensely. The profound influence of varied kingdoms is even visible in the architectural style of its monuments.

People travel to Junagadh to witness the magnificence of these historic structures. In addition to this, there are a number of other places apart from the monuments which are a must visit. The location of the city is such that the apart from the tourist attractions of the place, one can also enjoy a host of other places near the city. Owing to the fact that there is so much that Junagarh has to offer, one can easily say that it is a tourist paradise. Rarely has any other city in Gujarat been so richly endowed with historical and tourism wealth.

Transport

Places to See:

Sakkarbag Zoo

Sakkarbag Zoo is the oldest zoo of Gujarat and is the third oldest zoo in India. A number of Gir lions are bred here and supplied to the other zoos. There is even a museum in the zoo complex, with a collection of rare specimens of art furniture, stuffed animals, ancient coins, Persian Sanskrit inscriptions, etc. 

Narsinh Mehta Choro

It is said that Narsinh Mehta Choro is the place where the poet-saint and reformer Narsinh Mehta conducted his assemblies in the 15th century. 

Upperkot

Upperkot is a remarkable fort situated in the middle of the town. It was originally built in 319 BC and was rediscovered in 976 AD. The fort was attacked a number of times. The citadel has a huge gate and it is enclosed within fort walls that are around 20 m high. One can also see the mammoth Jama Masjid inside the complex. There are also a number of Buddhist caves situated in the complex of Upperkot. 

Darbar Hall Museum

The Darbar Hall Museum contains an interesting collection of weapons, thrones, silver articles, costumes, paintings, tapestries, and palanquins. It is located in the royal palace, just near the entrance to the fort. 

Ashoka's Major Rock Edict

At the foothills of Girnar Mountain, there is uneven rock with a circumference of seven meters by ten meters. It bears inscriptions in Brahmi script, etched with an iron pen. 

Science Museum

Science Museum of Junagarh is the first and the only private science museum in Gujarat. There are around 60 science projects that can be operated by visitors. There is even a small aquarium and an open air garden restaurant and café which serve South Indian and Punjabi dishes. 

Shree Swaminarayan Temple

Shree Swaminarayan Temple is a huge temple built in 1826-28 A.D. It is a splendid temple which rises to a height of 77 feet. 

Mujkund Caves

Mujkund Caves are the historic caves where Lord Krishna hid, when he came from Mathura. After this, he was named as Ranchod Raiji.

Gir National Park

Gir National Park has a sprawling area of 1412 sq. km. It was established in the year 1965 and is located about 65 km to the south-east of the Junagadh city of Gujarat. The forest area of Gir was initially protected by the Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh. 

Chorwad Beach

Chorwad Beach of Gujarat is another splendid beach situated on the west coast of India. It is situated at a distance of 66 km from Junagadh. Chorwad has a high potential of attracting both domestic as well as international tourists. 

Diu Beach

Diu beach is situated off the Saurashtra coast and is connected to the state of Gujarat via a causeway. Diu is a secluded island and does not have much population. This makes it the place ideal for a serene vacation, away from the worries of daily life. 

Girnar Temple

Girnar is one of the holiest places in Gujarat, situated near Junagadh at a distance of 327 from Ahmedabad. It is a holy place and an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Jains. There are a number of temples located here, which have converted it into a township of temples. 

Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple is situated in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. It is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the twelve jyotirlingas in India. The most interesting fact about the Somnath temple is that it has been built and destroyed six times. 

Marine National Park

Marine National Park is the first marine park of India. It is situated in the Gulf of Kutch, which falls under the Junagadh District of Gujarat. It was established in the year 1982 and covers an area of 162.89 sq. km. There is an archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Kutch which comes under the protected area............
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