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Top 9 Attractions in Junagadh Not To Be Missed
Nestled beneath the Girnar Hills in Gujarat, Junagadh artfully blends spirituality, history and environment. Temple escapades culminate in mountain hikes, heritage hotels provide glimpses of palaces past, and this ancient city transports visitors to a time when lions roam free. Top 9 attractions in Junagadh are listed below and must not be missed.
1.Uparkot Fort
Perched on a high elevation, the ancient Upperkot fort houses remains unearthed at a strategic location tracing the history of Junagadh from Mauryan control to the Islamic Sultanate and colonial rule. Step wells, temples and the remains of once bustling palaces and tombs can all be found with medieval doorways still adorned with elephant insignia. Today, only the sound of songs fills the space. A sunset visit is recommended for the impressive hilltop vista over the ancient city.
2.Girnar Temples
Mount Girnar has more than 10,000 steps that climb to several Jain and Hindu shrines that are venerated as holy tirthas or pilgrimage sites. Among the many temples scattered around the sacred Girnar Hills, the most famous is the Neminath Temple, which dates back to the 12th century and houses a monolithic black idol. Devotees who complete the scenic tour are treated to an elaborate Derasar complex that displays the influence of Jain temple architecture using domes, fine carvings and soaring spires.
3.Mahabat Maqbara
The magnificent Mahabat Tomb was built as a memorial to the last Nawab who ruled Junagadh who sided with Pakistan during India’s independence. It is now the final resting place for him and his family. The monumental Indo-European monumental columns, arches and whitewashed exterior display French and Gothic influences, while the glittering interior reflects the grandeur of Indian royalty with exquisite glass work, royal chandeliers and Italian marble.
4.Gir National Park
Gir National Park, which covers an area of about 1400 square kilometers and is surrounded by the Sahyadri mountains that frame the horizon, is the only place on earth where Asiatic lions can roam freely. The park is covered with deciduous trees, meadows and rivers. Jeep safaris are enjoyable as they allow guests to spot more than 300 endemic bird species and other animals while exploring the lush green surroundings and listening to roars. Gir’s global ecological importance is enhanced by its great biodiversity and conservation success story.
5.Sakkarbaug Zoo
Established in 1863, this 158-acre forest park is the oldest and perhaps the best zoological park in Gujarat. Rich and unusual wildlife can now be seen in the nursery of Nawab Mahabat Khan, the last ruler of Junagadh. See majestic African lions, Indian leopards and Royal Bengal tigers in their woodland enclosures, walk-through avaries and carefully designed landscapes to enjoy the more than a hundred natural species that call this place home.
6.Adi-Kadi Vav
Explore the interior of the hill while walking around the imposing fortifications of Varkot Fort, expertly carved out of sandstone. Built over a millennium ago, symmetrically arranged steps open to a subterranean floor where the ‘Vav’ is now more silt and algae than the water it was designed for. Admire this architectural wonder that has been mostly preserved.
7.Durbar Hall Museum
Originally a royal residence with the Diwan-e-Aam public halls and Diwan-e-Khas private rooms, this magnificent piece of architecture was part of the royal grandeur of the later Nawabs. Redesigned as a historical museum, the Durbar Hall houses around two thousand artifacts including manuscripts, fossils, postal stamps and Mughal forms, all of which tell the stories of Junagadh’s glorious past and former kings. Seeing the wonders of the ancient city is worth a visit!
8.Swaminarayan Temple
Since its inception in 2014, the brand new Swaminarayan Complex in Junagadh has attracted followers with its exquisite details, contemplative atmosphere and community outreach programs. It was modeled after the Vadtal temple and has a shikhara and mandovar, two distinctive architectural features, sacred inner sanctum sanctorum containing idols essential to the beliefs of the Hindu sect. While there, do attend Aarti and Prakash Seva.
9.Bhavnath Mahadev Temple
Shaivites flock to the ancient Bhavnath temple, adjacent to the Shiva Kund hot springs at the Girnar foothills, to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and the healing properties of its waters. Honoring the history of the area, the bustling temple is dotted with small shrines of Ashapura Mata, Ganapati and Hanuman. As the place is a part of the Shravan pilgrimage, foot traffic increases during Mahashivratri as the beautiful Tabkadi snakes move through the streets of the ancient city.
Beyond lions and leopards, Junagadh surprises visitors with elaborate tombs, rock-cut step wells and temples venerated by monks and sultans for thousands of years. If you want to know about Gujarat’s interesting medieval history, don’t miss these 9 places to visit.
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