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Wonderful Places to Visit in Junagadh

Explore the true beauty of Junagadh

If you are looking for a destination that has so much to offer, then Junagadh is the place to be. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and diverse culture, there is no better place than Junagadh for you to explore the true beauty of India.

The majestic Girnar Hill

The majestic Girnar Hill, a sacred site for both Hindus and Jains, offers breathtaking views and challenging hiking trails. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama's wife Sita in Hindu mythology. The natural beauty of this hill makes it ideal for taking photos or simply enjoying nature’s bounty at its best!

The beautiful Uparkot Fort

The beautiful Uparkot Fort, which dates back to the Mauryan period, is a must-visit attraction for history buffs.

The fort was built during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya in around 316 BC and it has been continuously inhabited since then. It houses several Junagadh Temples and pilgrimage sites, including one dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The ancient Mahabat Maqbara

The ancient Mahabat Maqbara, an elaborate mausoleum with stunning architectural details, is a marvel of Islamic art and design. It was built by Nawab Mahabat Khan in 1568 to honor his father, who died while fighting against the Mughals. The tomb has been restored several times over the centuries but still retains its original appearance.

The mausoleum's most striking feature is its roof dome that rises to over 90 feet in height—the tallest dome ever constructed anywhere in India or Asia!

The stunning Jama Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in Gujarat

The stunning Jama Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in Gujarat, is a great place to explore Islamic history and culture. This mosque was built between 1427 and 1430 by Mirza Raja Jai Singh II of Amber (now Jaipur). It's located near Junagadh Fort and has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The architecture is quite different from other Muslim mosques we've seen in India: its dome is octagonal instead of spherical like most other mosques we've seen before. And unlike most other domed buildings that touch the ground at their base (like Delhi's Red Fort), this one doesn't have any steps leading up towards it—instead there are stairs leading down from inside towards a separate entrance on one side that leads directly into an inner courtyard area where people can pray without entering through the main entrance doors yet still enjoy beautiful views out over town!

The tranquil Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden

You can visit the Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, which is home to a diverse range of animals and birds, including lions, tigers and peacocks. The tranquil garden was created by Maharaja Ganesha Sandalwood in 1885. It has been recently renovated with modern facilities like an amphitheater that hosts plays for tourists every evening.

The serene Damodar Kund

The serene Damodar Kund, a natural lake surrounded by temples and forests, is a popular destination for pilgrims and nature lovers.

The Damodar Kund is considered to be the origin of all rivers in India. The region has been enriched with numerous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and other deities.

The beautiful Adi-Kadi Vav, an ancient stepwell with intricate carvings and sculptures, is a testament to India's rich cultural heritage.

The stepwell was built in the 14th century by King Jam Dev II (1285-1311) of Khandesh as a gift to his wife Maharani Chandrasen. It has been renovated several times over the centuries and now serves as an important tourist attraction in Junagadh city. The steps leading down into this natural rock formation are carved out of limestone so that people can easily access it from above ground level without any need for climbing down into darkness below ground level like other traditional wells do today!

The picturesque Narsinh Mehta Lake

The picturesque Narsinh Mehta Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful temples, is a popular spot for boating and picnics. The lake is also home to a large number of migratory birds that fly from their winter quarters in Kashmir to the summer habitat here.

The lake has been identified as one of the best bird watching spots in Gujarat because it attracts over 300 species during summer months. Visitors can enjoy watching these exotic birds while on tours or enjoying themselves at various picnic spots near the lake which have been developed by local authorities to provide visitors with comfortable seating arrangements as well as food options such as pav bhaji or tandoori roti (flatbread).

The charming Ashoka Rock Edict

The charming Ashoka Rock Edict, which bears inscriptions from Emperor Ashoka, provides a glimpse into the ancient history of Junagadh. The edict was discovered by British archaeologists in 1915 at Jambughoda village in Girnar hills and is now housed in the Junagadh Museum.

The peaceful Jain Temples at Girnar Hill

The peaceful Jain Temples at Girnar Hill, which feature stunning marble carvings and sculptures, are a testament to the beauty of Jain architecture. You can also visit the Hari Om Temple which was built by Maharaja Daulat Rao III in 1855. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is believed to be present here even today.

The impressive Navghan Kuvo

The impressive Navghan Kuvo, an ancient stepwell with intricate carvings and a unique architectural style, is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. It was built by the Chalukya rulers in the 9th century AD as part of their cultural heritage but has since been abandoned due to its dilapidated condition. The steps leading down into the well have been carved out of natural rock which gives it an otherworldly feel; some people even claim that they can hear faint voices coming from it at night! The well is now protected by government officials who have taken measures to preserve its structural integrity by closing off access points so that tourists don't disturb any living organisms inside.

The tranquil Bhavnath Mahadev Temple

The tranquil Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The temple was built in 1499 by King Khengarji II who ruled over Junagadh from 1459 until his death in 1512. It has been renovated many times since then and is now considered one of Gujarat’s finest examples of Hindu architecture.

The main attraction at this temple is its extensive carvings that cover all four sides of the building with intricate designs depicting scenes from mythology as well as scenes regarding daily life such as weddings or festivals like Diwali (also known as Festival of Lights).

The colorful markets of Junagadh

The colorful markets of Junagadh Shopping areas, including the Gandhi Chowk and the M.G. Road market, are great places to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

The Maruwa Tola Bazar is a popular destination for tourists during winter when the city's temperature drops below freezing point. It’s also a good place to find traditional toys and clothes from Rajasthan that have been made using traditional methods such as silk weaving or leather workmanship.

If you're looking to do some shopping yourself without having to leave your hotel room or hostel then consider visiting one of these local markets:

The fascinating Uperkot Caves

The fascinating Uperkot Caves, which feature ancient rock-cut architecture and intricate carvings, are a great place to explore the history of Junagadh. The caves date back to the 9th century AD and were used as a monastic retreat by local rulers.

The caves are carved into sandstone cliffs on either side of the Bhairavnath River in Uperkot village. They contain several temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu that have been preserved for centuries despite being exposed to natural elements such as water damage from rains or heat from sunlight falling on them throughout their existence.