Junagadh packs shrines, forts and ancient inscriptions into a small area, and it is the gateway to Gir. Here is what to look at, nearest first.
Close to the ashram
- Bhavnath Mahadev temple and Mrigi Kund — the ancient Shiva temple below the mountain and the holy tank beside it. Details are in the Bhavnath Mela guide.
- Damodar Kund — a sacred bathing tank at the base of Girnar, beside a temple of Radha Damodar, long counted as a stop on the pilgrim circuit.
- The Girnar stairway at Taleti — where the 9,999-step climb starts; see the Girnar climb guide.
Along the Girnar road
- Ashoka’s Rock Edicts — the emperor Ashoka’s fourteen edicts, carved in the 3rd century BCE on a huge granite boulder by the road to Girnar. The same rock bears a later inscription of the Kshatrapa king Rudradaman. A brief stop that history lovers enjoy.
- The ropeway base — sits near the foot of the hill; handy if you would rather ride up to Ambaji.
Inside Junagadh
- Uparkot Fort — a hill fort whose origins go back to Mauryan times, with Buddhist caves and rock-cut stepwells. It has at times been closed for renovation, so check before heading there.
- Adi Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo — remarkable stepwells hewn from rock, near the fort.
- Mahabat Maqbara — an ornate 19th-century mausoleum blending Indo-Islamic and European touches, with spiral minarets, about 1 km from Junagadh railway station.
- Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden — one of India’s oldest zoos, established in 1863, involved in Asiatic lion conservation and housing a natural history museum.
- Darbar Hall Museum — relics of the former princely state of Junagadh.
Day trips
- Sasan Gir (Gir National Park) — about 65 to 77 km off, the sole natural habitat of the Asiatic lion; safaris generally need advance reservation and the park usually closes in the monsoon, so check the season.
- Somnath — among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, roughly 95 km from Junagadh on the coast.
- Dwarka and Porbandar — further outings or stops on a wider Saurashtra circuit.
A two-day plan
| Day | Idea |
|---|---|
| First day | Begin at dawn with the Girnar climb or ropeway (see the climb guide), rest through the afternoon, then visit Bhavnath Mahadev in the evening. |
| Second day | Visit Damodar Kund and Ashoka’s edict in the morning, then Uparkot Fort, the stepwells and Mahabat Maqbara — or spend the day travelling to Sasan Gir or Somnath. |
If pilgrimage is the heart of your trip, stay at Bhavnath Taleti. Browse the rooms, read how to get here, or phone +91 96274 27283.
Frequently asked questions
What should I see near Girnar?
Bhavnath Mahadev and Mrigi Kund, Damodar Kund, Ashoka’s edicts, Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara and Sakkarbaug Zoo, with Gir National Park and Somnath as longer outings.
How far is Gir National Park?
Roughly 65 to 77 km. Reserve safaris ahead, and note that the park generally closes in the monsoon.
How far is Somnath?
About 95 km — roughly two hours by road.
How long should I stay in Junagadh?
Two days cover the climb and the main city sights; add one or two more if you want Sasan Gir and Somnath.