Junagadh is the 7th largest city in Gujarat. Junagadh means Old Fort. Earlier it was named as Sorath. Till independence this place was ruled by Nawabs. Last Nawab made promise to Pakistan that this city will be merged into Pakistan. At that time India and Pakistan struggled for this city. India won in this struggle as a result Junagadh joined in India on 9th November 1947. In the history, this city acted as capital to Nawabs. Tourists considered this as pilgrim centre. On the Girnar range several Jain and Hindu temples are located. Visitors have to reach to this place by climbing 10,000 steps.
During the regime of Nawabs several beautiful building were built. Visitors can see those building even today. Of all the structures visitors attracts towards Bahauddin Maqbara and Mahabat Maqbara structures. Bhavnath Fair festival is most famous festival. This festival celebrates for 5 days during Mahashivaratri. Several prominent people born in this city. Few are Parveen Babi (Bollywood actress), Narsinh Mehta (Gujarati litterateur), etc…
What to see in Junagadh:
Mount Girnar : Several Jain and Hindu temples can be seen in this place. It takes 2 hours to climb the mountain. 16 temples are there on this mountain.
Jama Masjid: It was the palace of Rankadevi. When Saurashtra was handed over by Sultan Muhammed Begda this was converted into Mosque.
Upper Fort: This is also known as Uparkot. In this place visitors can see 1500 years old Buddhist caves. One of the interesting things in this place is Navgan Kua. Two step wells that go 170 feet below sea level are known as Navgan Kua. Visitors can find 3 beautiful entrances.
Wild Museum: when the Visitors entered into this museum they will feel that they have entered into zoo. In this place one can see Persian Sanskrit, ancient coins, stuffed animals, art furniture etc…
Ashoka’s Edicts: This place can be see when tourists are moving towards Mount Girnar. In this place 14 Edicts of Ashoka can be seen. Edicts are carved. Timings to visit this place are between 8 AM to 6 PM.
Other attractions in Junagadh: Junagadh Zoo, Durbar Hall Museum, Ayurvedic Museum, Swami Vivekananda Vinay Mandir, Moti Baug, Wellington Dam, Dataar Hills, Damodarji Temple, Damodar Kund, Gayatri Mandir,
What to see around Junagadh:
Chorwad Beach: Visitors can reach to this place by roadways. This beach was located 66 Kms away from the city.
Veveral : This place is famous for beaches. Now this place has become most commercialised place. It is located 85 kms away from the city.
Somnath Temple: This temple is one of the 12 Jyothirlingas in India. It is the seventh temple to worship of Lord Somnath in India. It is locate 87 kms away from the city.
Getting to Junagadh: This place is well connected with road and railways. From all the major cities like Rajkot, Ahmadabad, Somanth Bhubaneswar, Dwarka etc… bus and train facility is available. Nearest airport is Rajkot.
Getting around Junagadh: Private vehicles, buses, autos, taxis are available to reach surrounding places of Junagadh.
Best time to visit this place: Visitors to prefer to come to this place between October to April.
Where to stay in Junagadh: All range of hotels starting from lower level to luxurious hotels are available to stay in Junagadh. On Jayashree and MG Road, mid range hotels are located. Affordable hotels are located in Alkapuri Road and Zanzarda Road.
Where to eat in Junagadh: Only vegetarian food is available. Almost all the restaurants serve Gujarati cuisine. Only few restaurants which are located near Jayashree Road offer South Indian and Continental Cuisine.