Through various phases of history, Junagadh is described
with equal importance and for many centuries it was the
capital of the western region ruled by several dynasties
of rulers such as Mauryas, Greeks, Kshtrapas and Guptas.
Stippled with hills, the medieval city of Junagadh derives
its name from an old fort called by the same name. Apart
from being a place of pilgrimage, it is a wonderful nature
reserve for various flora and fauna. It is also one of the
few places where lions still roam free as, it is the abode
of the majestic Asiatic Lion. Junagadh is a place of pilgrimage
and has produced a number of saints in its long histroy.
The most famous being the Gujarati saint-poet, Narsimha
Mehta.
Junagadh is a veritable treasure trove of ancient temples,
museums, palaces and caves. Every monument will remind you
of the grandeur of the Nawabs who once ruled Junagadh. The
famous rock edicts of Ashoka and the Girnar Temples are
popular attractions.
Prime Attractions
Ashokan Rock Edicts:
On the way to Girnar, there is a huge boulder, housed
in a small roadside building, on which are fourteen Rock
Edicts inscribed by Emperor Ashoka. The inscriptions are
written in Brahmi script in Pali language and date back
to 250 B.C. The fourteen edicts of Emperor Ashoka are actually
moral lectures.
Somnath:
Somnath holds one of the twelve most holy temples in India,
the shrines being dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated
at around 80 km from Junagadh.
Uparkot Fort:
Famous in the bygone times for its virtual inaccessibility,
the Upar Kot or the Upper Fort is girdled by a wall that
is in some places, over 200 metres high. An ornate entrance
gateway leads to the ruins. A mosque still stands in a state
of preservation.
Buddhist Caves:
The Buddhist Caves form an important rock-cut group of
the caves of Junagadh. The caves, scooped in three tiers,
are situated on the descent from the Jami Masjid. The central
section of the lowest storey has a main hall that is open
to the sky. The base, shaft and capital of the carved pillars
carry unique designs.
Mahabat Maqbara:
It is a mausoleum of one of the nawabs of Junagadh dazzles
with silver doors and intricate architecture, including
minarets encircled by spiralling stairways.
Durbar Hall Museum:
The museum displays weapons and armour from the days of
the Nawabs and many other curios and artifacts. A quick
foray into the museum will reveal silver chains, chandeliers,
settees, thrones, palanquins, howdahs, cushions, gowns and
a large carpet that was woven in the Junagadh jail.
Sakkarbaug Zoo:
The zoo of Junagadh, the oldest zoo in Gujarat, is home
to the famous Gir lions, tigers and leopards. This zoo was
set up in 1863 AD by the Nawab, to save the Asiatic lion
from extinction. Besides lions, there are also tigers, leopards,
bears, jackals, wild ass, snakes and birds. An open zoo
has also been developed over 500 acres of land.
How to Get There
Air:
Nearest airport Keshod 37 kms & Rajkot 99 kms. Rajkot
is connected to Mumbai by Indian Airlines flights.
Rail:
unagadh is connected by train to Ahmedabad .
Road:
G.S.R.T.C. bus services connect Junagadh with Bhavnagar,
Ahmedabad , Gir, Rajkot, Bhuj, Dwarka, Somnath, Palitana,
Surat, Vadodara, Porbandar.
