7 Incredible Places of Girnar,Junagadh: You Can’t Miss!
Friends, if you’re passionate about trekking, interested in history, and love mountains and forests, then your dreams can come true in Junagadh, Gujarat. Near the city of Junagadh lies the sacred Girnar Mountain, the highest peak in Gujarat.
Girnar Mountain holds immense spiritual significance and is believed to house 33 crore deities. It’s considered older than the Himalayas and is home to one of the 51 Shakti Peeths — the Ambaji Mata Temple, as well as the Guru Dattatreya Temple, Gorakhnath Temple, and Jain Tirthankara Neminath Temple.
To reach the highest summit, Guru Dattatreya Shikhar, you’ll need to climb approximately 9,999 steps. However, for those seeking convenience, a ropeway service was introduced last year, making the journey easier.
Festivals and Events
During Mahashivratri, over a million devotees participate in the festivities. Every Kartik Sud Ekadashi, the 36 km-long Girnar Parikramabegins—a five-day event filled with devotion and awe-inspiring views. Adventure lovers will enjoy the annual trekking competition, with a record time of just 54 minutes to complete the trek.
How to Reach Junagadh
- By Train: Junagadh Railway Station is well-connected with major cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot. If direct trains are unavailable from your city, you can travel to Ahmedabad or Rajkot and take a train or bus from there.
- By Road: Junagadh is accessible by road from cities like Ahmedabad (320 km), Rajkot (103 km), and Somnath (94 km). Buses are also available.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Rajkot, which is connected to major cities.
Accommodation in Junagadh
Affordable options are available near Bhavnath Taleti, including ashrams and dharamshalas starting at ₹250 per room, or hotels starting at ₹500.
Food in Junagadh
For a taste of authentic Gujarati cuisine, head to Apna Mitra Restaurant or Patel Restaurant near the Sakkarbaug Zoo. The famous Gujarati thali costs around ₹120–₹150.
Best Time to Visit Girnar
Although Girnar is open year-round, the best time for trekking is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant. A 2-day, 1-night trip is sufficient to explore Junagadh and Girnar.
Trekking at Girnar Mountain
Girnar has four main peaks:
- Mallinath Temple Peak (3,500 steps)
- Ambaji Mata Temple Peak (4,800 steps)
- Gorakhnath Peak (5,800 steps)
- Guru Dattatreya Peak (9,999 steps)
The ropeway, covering 2.3 km in 8 minutes, only goes up to Ambaji Peak. From there, you can trek further to Gorakhnath and Guru Dattatreya Peaks either on foot or by hiring a palanquin. Ropeway tickets cost ₹700 (round-trip) and ₹400 (one-way).
Other Attractions in Junagadh
1.Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, Girnar
- Location: At the foothills of Girnar Mountain, Junagadh, Gujarat.
Price: Free entry.
Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. - History:
Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, nestled at the base of the sacred Girnar mountain. It holds immense significance for devotees, especially during the famous Bhavnath Fair, which celebrates spirituality and culture. - Things to Do:
- Participate in the morning or evening aarti to experience spiritual tranquility.
- Explore the Bhavnath Fair if visiting during the Maha Shivratri festival.
- Begin your Girnar trekking journey from this point, soaking in the serene ambiance.
2.Damodar Kund
- Location: Foot of Girnar Mountain, Junagadh, Gujarat.
- Price: Free entry.
- Timings: Open all day.
- History: This sacred water body is believed to wash away sins. It is a revered pilgrimage site associated with Lord Krishna.
- Things to Do:
- Take a holy dip.
- Enjoy the tranquil ambiance and surrounding scenery.
3.Swaminarayan Temple
- Location: Junagadh city center.
- Price: Free entry.
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- History: A beautifully carved temple dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, known for its intricate architecture and peaceful vibe.
- Things to Do:
- Marvel at the carvings and sculptures.
- Participate in temple prayers.
4.Ashokan Edicts
- Location: On the way to Girnar Taleti, Junagadh.
- Price: ₹5 for Indian nationals, ₹100 for foreign visitors.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- History: Dating back to the 3rd century BCE, these 14 edicts by Emperor Ashoka are carved into a rock and promote Buddhist teachings and peace.
- Things to Do:
- Learn about ancient Indian history and Ashoka’s legacy.
- Capture photographs of the inscriptions.
5.Uparkot Fort
- Location: Junagadh city.
- Price: ₹5 for Indian nationals, ₹100 for foreign visitors.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- History: A 2,300-year-old fort built by Chandragupta Maurya, Uparkot has witnessed numerous sieges and boasts historical importance.
- Things to Do:
- Explore the Navghan Kuvo (stepwell) and Adi Kadi Vav.
- Visit the Buddhist caves within the fort.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Junagadh.
6.Sakkarbaug Zoo
- Location: Junagadh city, Gujarat.
- Price: ₹50 for adults, ₹20 for children, and ₹200 for foreign visitors.
- Timings: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays).
- History: Established in 1863, it is one of the oldest zoos in India and a breeding center for Asiatic lions.
- Things to Do:
- Observe exotic animals, including the Asiatic lion.
- Visit the zoo museum.
7.Gir Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km from Junagadh)
- Location: Sasan Gir, Gujarat.
- Price:
- ₹800 for Indians (6-person permit).
- ₹4,800 for foreigners (6-person permit).
- Additional charges for vehicles and guides.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Closed from June to mid-October).
- History: Established in 1965, Gir is the only home to the Asiatic lion. It spans over 1,400 square kilometers of forest and grasslands.
- Things to Do:
- Embark on a jeep safari to spot lions and other wildlife.
- Visit the Crocodile Breeding Center and Kamleshwar Dam.
Read also: Sasan Gir 2024: Best Time to Visit & Safari Booking Tips
Read also: Top 10 Hotels Near Girnar and Junagadh for a Perfect Stay
Estimated Expenses
A solo traveler’s daily expenses in Junagadh:
- Accommodation: ₹250 (ashram) to ₹500 (hotel)
- Meals: ₹240 (two meals)
- Snacks & Drinks: ₹70
- Local Transportation: ₹10
Total Daily Cost: ₹1,110
If you opt for the ropeway, add ₹700, making it ₹1,810 (excluding travel expenses to/from your city).
Final Words
This concludes our journey to Junagadh and Girnar. If you liked this post, give it a like and share your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon for updates on more such adventures.
Plan your trip and earn spiritual bliss at Girnar Mountain!