Junagadh

Few places offer you the chance to probe the earth and the heavens, the human and the wild, as Junagadh does. In the city of Junagadh, you can reach out and touch the two and a half millennia of human civilization, spanning dominant periods of Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, all of whom left deep imprints on the city.  And then you can set off for the Gir National Park to come face to face with the utter wildness of the last of Asiatic Lions, where human civilization is still just incidental to the natural rhythms that have continued for centuries. 

Sightseeing in Junagadh -

Uperkot Fort: is situated at the foot of the Girnar Hills. The fort, due to its strategic location, is said to have survived about 16 sieges over a period of 1000 years. The entrance of Uparkot Fort leads to a number archaeological sites, including Baba Pyara Caves, Navghan Kuvo, Jami Masjid, Buddhist Caves and Adi-Kadi Vav.

Somnath: The temple at Somnath is located at a distance of about seventy nine kilometres away from the city of Junagadh and this temple is one of the sacred spots included in the twelve jyothirlingas. The temple at Somnath is dedicated to the main deity Lord Shiva, and it is also known as the ‘Eternal Shrine’. This temple has been destroyed six times through the course of history and rebuilt from scratch. 

Girnar Mountain: The Girnar Mountain is yet another important tourist destination in Junagadh, and a temple dedicated to Ambaji is located atop this mountain. To reach atop this mountain you have to climb 9,999 steps.

How to reach Junagadh -

By Air - There is an airport in Keshod (37Kms. from Junagadh) and the major domestic airlines run flights between Keshod and Mumbai. 

By Rail - Regular trains connect Junagadh to other important cities in Gujarat and India. There are trains for Jabalpur, Pune and Trivenndrum from Junagadh. There is also a meter-gauge service to Delvada and broad-gauge to Veraval and Rajkot.

By Road - The State Transport Corporation runs regular buses to and from Junagadh to other cities of Gujarat. There are a number of private bus services connecting to other cities of Gujarat as well.