JUNAGADH CITY

Ahmedabad Anand Bharuch Bhuj Baroda Bhavnagar Dwarka Gandhidham Junagadh Kutch Palitana Porbandar Saputara Surat Siddhpur Rajkot

       Junagadh breathes history. These edicts, set up by Ashoka, the Great Indian emperor, date back 2200 years. Within this ancient fort of Uparkot, the architectural marvels of Hindu Chudasma rulers and Muslim Mohmud Beghda coexist in perfect harmony. The majestic Mohabatkhan Maqbara, a memorial to Junagadh's Babi Ruler and the Veritable Darbar Hall Museum show that Junagadh continued to make history untill as recently as 100 years ago.

Places to visit

Uparkot Fort: This fort is famous in days bygone for its virtual inaccessibility, the Upar Kot or Upper Fort is girdled by a wall that is, in some places, over 20m high. An ornate entrance gateway leads to the ruins. A mosque still stands in a state of preservation. A Nilamtope (canon) was acquired by the Nawab of Junagadh from a Turkish Sultan. There are also two stepwells, Jami Masjid and Buddhist caves in the fort premises.

Damodar Kund: A sacred tank marks the ascent to the Girnar temples.

Ashoka's Rock edict: On the way to Girnar, fourteen rock edicts of the Emperor Ashoka can be seen inscribed on a great boulder. The inscription carry Brahmi script in Pali language and dates back to 263 B.C. On the same rock are inscriptions in Sanskrit.

Maqbara : The mausolea of the Nawabs, the traditional rulers of Junagadh.

Tulsi Shyam Hot Spring: In the heart of the Gir Forest 165 Kms. from Junagadh is the scenic spot of Tulsi Shyam with its hot spring.

Somnath temple : Situated 79 Kms. from Junagadh and 30 Kms from Chorwad, the legendary shore temple of Somnath is one of the twelve most sacred Shiva shrines in India. According to the legend, Somnath is as old as creation, built by none other than Soma, the Moon God himself. Somnath was destroyed seven times, and seven times, it was rebuilt. Mehmud of Gazni having heard of its fabulous treasure, raided it in 1026 and carried away camel-loads of jewels and gold.

       Ahilya Bai Mandir, named after the Maratha queen of Holkar dynasty (1765-95) and Surya Mandir are the other attractions.

Girnar Temple : Girnar is one of two hills most sacred to the Jain community of India. Girnar is an under 4000 feet high hill. It rises to a height of more than 600 meters, its five peaks crowned by 16 carved and sculptured marble shrines that adorn this famous hilltop temple city. The beautiful Jain temples of Neminath and Mallinath are a strong attraction. There are Hindu temples as well. It is an abode of Hindu ascetics. The annual Bhavnath fair dedicated to Hindu Lord Shiva draws thousands of people.

Chowad Beach: 66 Kms. from Junagadh and 23 Kms. from the fishing centre of Veraval, Chorwad is a delightful resort on the sunny coast of Gujarat. And an excellent road connects it to Junagadh, Girnar, the Gir Forest Sanctuary and the famous temple of Somnath.

Ahmedpur - Mandvi: Ahmedapur Mandvi is one of the finest beaches of the country.Lazing on the beach, swimming or enjoying water sports facilities is a great fun.

Sasan Gir Forest & Sanctuary: It is situated 65 Kms. from Junagadh via Keshod (where there is an airport). It is connected both by Rail as well as Road. Sasan Gir Sanctuary provides refuge to that rare species-the Asiatic Lion. The sanctuary covers an area of 500 sq. miles of dry, open scrubland where the lions roam freely. They can be seen on guided jeep tours through the jungles. The museum inside the sanctuary provides knowledge about environment and its relationship with human beings. Apart from the lions, the wild life includes antelope, hyena, fox, monkeys, lipard, the nilgai or black buck, chinkara, chousingha and other species of the deer family. The habitat varies from arid to semi-arid. Grasslands, scrub, savannah and dry deciduous forests are intersected by several hill and river systems.

       There is a crocodile rearing centre at Kamleshwar dam. Visitors are invited to see feeding in the evening on alternate days. Sasan is an ideal spot for birdwatchers. 310 species of birds have been recorded here.

       The forest is home to the Maldhari or pastoralists and sidi's. The pastoralists are a local tribe having a highly ethnic and colourful lifestyle. The sidi's are an African tribe settled here which has preserved its identity and physical features. Their 'Dhamal' dance is a treat to watch.

       Sasan is a regular destination for the Royal Orient, operated by TCGL. There is a comfortable hotel managed by the well-known Indian hotel chain - the Taj.

How to get there

Nearest Airport is Keshod 40 km.. Daily flight from Bombay to Keshod.

395 km. from Ahmedabad, meter gauge line.

400 km. from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda, 43 km. from Veraval and 65 km. from Junagadh Via Mendarda.

State Transport buses Available from Junagadh and Veraval.

Ahmedabad Anand Bharuch Bhuj Baroda Bhavnagar Dwarka Gandhidham Junagadh Kutch Palitana Porbandar Saputara Surat Siddhpur Rajkot