Junagadh at a Glance
Junagadh, meaning “Old Fort” in Sanskrit and Gujarati, it is one of the Gujarat’s most historically and spiritually rich cities. Nestled at the foothills of the sacred Girnar Mountain, this ancient city carries layers of history spanning over 2,300 years — from the Mauryan Empire to the Nawabs of Junagadh.
The city holds deep significance for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists alike. Girnar Mountain hosts some of the most revered Jain temples in India, the famous Ambaji Mata Temple, and the ancient Ashoka Rock Edicts from the 3rd century BCE. The Uparkot Fort, dating back over 1,000 years, stands as a testament to the city’s storied past.
Junagadh is also the gateway to Gir National Park — the last refuge of the Asiatic Lion — making it a ideal gateway for wildlife travelers. Whether you are a pilgrim, a history enthusiast, or a wildlife explorer, Junagadh offers a uniquely layered experience found nowhere else in Gujarat.
For centuries, Junagadh has attracted saints, scholars, kings, and travelers, and today it continues to draw visitors with its extraordinary blend of spiritual heritage, architectural grandeur, and natural beauty.
📍 Where Is Junagadh Located?
Junagadh is located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, in the Saurashtra region of western India.
- Situated at the foothills of Girnar Mountain
- Surrounded by the Gir Forest on three sides
- Well connected by road, rail, and air
Distances from Major Cities:
- Somnath: 85 km (1.5–2 hours)
- Gir National Park (Sasan): 50 km (1 hour)
- Rajkot: 105 km (2 hours)
- Ahmedabad: 320 km (5–6 hours)
- Dwarka: 210 km (3–4 hours)
🗺️ Places to Visit in & Near Junagadh
Inside Junagadh City:
- Uparkot Fort – Ancient fort with Buddhist caves, step wells (Adi Kadi Vav, Navghan Kuvo) and cannon gallery
- Mahabat Maqbara – Gothic-Islamic mausoleum of Nawab Mahabat Khan II; one of Gujarat’s finest monuments
- Bahauddin Maqbara – Adjacent to Mahabat Maqbara; equally stunning architecture
- Ashoka Rock Edicts – 3rd century BCE inscriptions at the foot of Girnar
- Damodar Kund – Sacred bathing tank; important during Girnar Parikrama
- Junagadh Museum (Darbar Hall Museum) – Royal artefacts, weapons, and Nawabi era exhibits
- Sakkarbaug Zoo – One of India’s oldest zoos; home to Asiatic Lions
- Girnar Ropeway – Cable car to Girnar summit (operational subject to availability)
Near Junagadh:
- Gir National Park / Sasan Gir – 65 km; Asiatic Lion safari
- Somnath Temple – 85 km; First Jyotirlinga
- Diu Island – 160 km; beaches, fort, and Portuguese heritage
- Porbandar – 105 km; birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi
ℹ️ Important Visitor Information
- Carry valid ID proof for entry to monuments (Uparkot, Museum)
- Entry fees apply at Uparkot Fort, Darbar Hall Museum, and Sakkarbaug Zoo
- Wear comfortable footwear — essential for Girnar steps and fort exploration
- Remove footwear before entering all temples on Girnar and in the city
- Modest dress code expected at all religious sites
- Photography allowed at most sites; restricted inside certain temple sanctums
- No mobile phones in some inner temple shrines — follow on-site instructions
- Girnar Ropeway timings vary — confirm in advance before planning
- The Girnar climb is not recommended for those with heart conditions or severe mobility issues without the ropeway option
- Carry cash — most local shops, doli carriers, and small stalls are cash-only
