Junagadh is a city located in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is saturated in history and boasts a rich cultural heritage. With its superb historical monuments, such as the Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara, and the Ashokan Rock Edicts, Junagadh offers a peek into its glorious past. The city is also known for its beautiful temples, including the revered Girnar Jain Temples and the famous Somnath Temple.
Best Places to Visit in Junagadh
Surrounded by picturesque hills and offering delicious Gujarati cuisine, Junagadh is a magnetic destination that attracts history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Here are the Best Places to Visit in Junagadh.
1. Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Junagadh
The 84 hectare (210 acre) sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, also known as Sakkarbaug Zoo or Junagadh Zoo, was founded in Junagadh, Gujarat, India, in 1863. For the highly endangered species captive breeding programme in India and across the world, the zoo supplies purebred Asiatic lions. Asiatic lions roaming free in the wild are now extinct over much of the continent and are only still present in the neighbouring Gir Forest.
you can find more from official website https://forests.gujarat.gov.in/sakkarbaug-zoo.html
Click here to get location of Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden
Address :Rajkot Highway, Dolatpara, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001
Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden Fees
| Children (3- 12 Years) | Rs 5/- Per Head |
| Adults | Rs 20/- Per Head |
| Senior Citizen | Free |
| Divyang | Free |
Sakkarbaug Zoo Timing
Sakkarbaug Zoo is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. A weekly holiday, with Wednesday off
2. Gir National Park, Junagadh
The only location outside of Africa where lions may be viewed in their native environment is Gir National Park. With an average length of 2.75 metres and greater tail tassels, elbow tufts, and pronounced belly folds than their African cousins, who have thicker manes, Girian lions are gorgeous creatures. 40 species of animals and 425 species of birds may be found in Gir.
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Address :Girnar Nature Safari, Indreshwar Thana, Dolatpara,
Timing for Gir National Park
You can visit Gir National Park Everyday from 06:00 am to 05:00 pm
| Gir Jungle Safari Timing : | ||
|---|---|---|
| Days | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
| Monday To Sunday | 6:45 AM to 9:45 AM | 3 PM to 6 PM |
| 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM | 4 PM to 7 PM | |
| 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM | ||
| Gir Safari Timings | ||
Gir National Park Entry Fees
- Up to 6 persons – Rs.3800 – 4800 (Indian resident)
- Up to 6 persons – Rs.14500 – 17500 (Foreign resident).
Gir Jeep Safari Ticket Price
| Jeep Price | INR 4700 / per Jeep (Indian) | INR 13800 / Jeep (Foreigner) |
| Timings (16 Oct to Feb) | 06:30 AM to 09:30 AM | 09:30 AM to 12:30 PM | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
| Timings (1 March to 15 June) | 06:00 AM to 09:00 AM | 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM |
| Entry Gate | Gir Jungle Trail – Forest department organized open Jeep Safari ride approximately 3 hours. |
Gir Safari online booking:
Just log on: https://www.girlion.in/gir-jungle-trial and
- The full name of each candidate.
- Select preferred date and safari time (morning or afternoon).
- I’d proof: Passport / Aadhaar Card / Voter ID Card.
- Carrying ID proof at safari time.
Best Resort In Gir National Park :
3. Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh
Mahabat Maqbara and Bahauddin Maqbra are mausoleums in Junagadh, Gujarat, India. They were completed in 1892 and 1896 respectively and are dedicated to Mahabat Khan II, the Nawab of Junagadh State, and his minister Bahauddin Hussain Bhar respectively.
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Address : Junagadh – Mendarda Hwy, Mullawada, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001
Timing & Entry Fees for Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh
Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh opens 24 hours and There is no Entry fees for visitors
4. Uparkot Fort, Junagadh
The Mauryan monarch Chandragupta is said to have constructed this historic fort around 319 BC, however it has undergone several expansions. The ramparts are 20 metres high in certain areas. 16 occasions, and according to mythology, the fort once withstood a 12-year sieg.
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Address :: Mullawada, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001
Timing For Uparkot Fort, Junagadh
Uparkot Fort, Junagadh opens everyday from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm
Entry Fees For Uparkot Fort, Junagadh
There is certain Entry Fees for Uparkot fort which is 25 Rs per Indian tourists and 300 Rs Foreign tourists.
5. Girnar, Junagadh
Rising sharply from the lowlands, this holy mountain, also known as Girnar, is covered in Jain and Hindu temples. It is recommended to start the arduous ascent of 10,000 stone stairs to the top early daybreak, which attracts pilgrims from all over the world. If you wish to visit the topmost temples, plan on spending the entire day doing so. It is a magnificent experience to climb in the early morning light as pilgrims and porters shuffle up the stairs.
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6. Madhavapur Beach, Junagadh
Madhavpur Beach is a wonderful beach located on the Arabian Sea coast of Gujarat. The name Madhavpur comes from the famous ruler Madhav Rao. The villagers’ folklore states that Lord Krishna wed Rukmini in Madhavpur. Coconut palms border the coastline, and the water is as clear as crystal.
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7. Moti Baug, Junagadh
A park that is a part of Junagadh Agricultural University is called Moti Baug. Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III built the park in memory of his beloved dog. It is widely recognised for its brilliant flowers and lush greenery.
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Address : Inside Gate No. 1, Agriculture University, Junagadh University, Junagadh district, Gujarat 362001, India
8. Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, Junagadh
At the foot of Mount Girnar in Bhavnath hamlet, there is a shrine known as the Bhavnath Mahadev temple that is steeped in Puranic tales and stories. It is stated that the Shiva ling in this location manifested its own heavenly intention.
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Address : GGG2+XMG, Bhavnath, Gujarat 362004
9. Adi Kadi Vav, Junagadh
Within the Uparkot Fort are two renowned stepwells called the Adi-kadi Vav and Navghan Kuwo. The former was created by two Chudasama kingdom slave females, whilst the latter existed long before the Adi-kadi Vav.
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Address : Uparkot, Gujarat 362001
10. Navghan Kuvo, Junagadh
The Chudasama ruler Ra Navaghana inspired the name of Navghan Kuvo. He presumably had the forecourt to the well constructed in the 11th century during his rule. His son Khengara is thought to have finished it.[1]
The forecourt is thought to be newer than the well. According to some academics, it is one of the first examples of the stepwell. There are Uparkot Caves nearby. The well may have been constructed during the Kshatrapa or Maitraka periods .
Click here to get location of Navghn Kuvo
Address : Mullawada, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001
11. Damodar Kund Water Reservoir, Junagadh
This temple was constructed in the decade of 1890 under the rule of Nawab Sir Muhammad Bahadur Khan III at the request of his Diwan Haridas Viharidas Desai, who raised funds for the project by holding a lottery and using public funds to fund the construction of the temple and the stairs leading to Mount Girnar.
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Address : Girnar Taleti, Junagadh 362110 India
12 Rishabhadev Temple, Junagadh
Girnar is situated in Gujarat, India’s Junagadh district. Both Hindus and Jains consider this hill to be fortunate. At various times, it went by a variety of names. Among these, Ujjayant, Manipur, Chandraketupur, Raivat Nagar, Puratanpur, Girivar, and Girnar were the most admired.
Five of the seven peaks that make up Girnar—Amba Mata, Gorakhnath, Augadh, Guru Datatreya, and Kalika—are regarded as being the most significant. The 24-Tirthankar Rishabhadev temple in Girnar is decorated in golden hues.
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Adderess :Junagadh Ho, Junagadh – 362001 (Girnar Hills)
Photo Gallery Of Places to visit in Junagadh :
Top 10 Food Must Try in Junagadh
Junagadh offers a variety of delicious local Food.
Sattvik Thali: Junagadh is known for its traditional Sattvik Thali, which is a vegetarian
Khaman Dhokla: This savory and fluffy steamed snack is made from fermented chickpea flour and seasoned with spices. It is typically served with chutney and makes for a delightful breakfast or snack option.
Kesar Mango: Junagadh is famous for its delicious Kesar mangoes, which are known for their sweet, juicy, and aromatic taste. During the mango season (usually April to June), you can relish this local specialty.
Ganthiya: Ganthiya is a crispy and savory snack made from chickpea flour and spices. It is often enjoyed with tea and can be found in various variations like plain, masala, or jadi (twisted).
Bhajiyas: Junagadh is known for its delectable bhajiyas or pakoras. These deep-fried snacks are made by dipping vegetables like onions, potatoes, or chilies in a spiced chickpea flour batter. They are best enjoyed during monsoon or as an evening snack.
Handvo: Handvo is a popular Gujarati savory cake made from a mixture of rice, lentils, and vegetables. It is typically spiced with a variety of ingredients and cooked until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside
Mitho Undhiyu: Undhiyu is a traditional Gujarati vegetable curry made with a variety of winter vegetables like yam, beans, potatoes, and eggplant. It is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and served with puri or rice. The Junagadh version of Undhiyu is known for its unique sweet flavor.
Trip Plan For Junagadh
Day 1:
- Arrive in Junagadh.
- Check in to your hotel and freshen up.
- Visit Uparkot Fort, explore the ancient structures, and step wells, and enjoy the panoramic views from the fort.
- In the evening, take a stroll in the nearby markets and try some local street food.
- Return to your hotel and rest.
Day 2:
- Have an early breakfast.
- Head to Gir National Park, located approximately 60 km from Junagadh. Enjoy a safari to spot the majestic Asiatic lions and other wildlife.
- After the safari, return to Junagadh and have lunch at a local restaurant.
- Visit the Mahabat Maqbara, a beautiful mausoleum known for its intricate architecture.
- Explore the nearby Jama Masjid, which is also worth a visit.
- In the evening, you can visit the Swaminarayan Temple and witness the evening aarti (prayer) ceremony.
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and then return to your hotel.
Day 3:
- After breakfast, visit the Junagadh Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region.
- Explore the nearby attractions such as Damodar Kund and Adi-Kadi Vav.
- Have lunch at a local eatery, savoring the local cuisine.
- In the afternoon, you can visit the Sakkarbaug Zoo, known for its diverse collection of animals.
- Spend the evening leisurely exploring the local markets and shopping for souvenirs.
- Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice and return to your hotel.
Day 4:
- Check out from your hotel after breakfast.
- If you have time, you can visit the nearby Somnath Temple, which is approximately a 2/3 h drive from Junagadh.
- After visiting Somnath Temple, you can proceed to your next destination or head back home.
Please keep in mind that this is only a general itinerary that you can change based on your hobbies, free time, and personal preferences. Consider looking up the entry requirements and any opening hours for the attractions you intend to visit.
You can find more places to visit in Gujarat here.. https://www.yourvacationtrip.com/category/best-places-to-visit-in-india/place-to-visit-in-gujarat/
