10 Best Sightseeing Places to Visit in Junagadh

Situated at the foothills of the Girnar range, Junagadh is a captivating city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Dating back to 319 BC, Junagadh offers a fascinating combination of spiritual destinations, architectural marvels, and natural wonders. The word Junagadh is a Gujarati term, which interprets as the old fort given the location of Uparkot Fort - a 2300-year-old ancient fort in the city. While it is the 7th largest city of Gujarat, Junagadh remains a hidden gem in the state. Famous worldwide for its Kesari mangoes, Junagarh is dotted with majestic forts, palaces, and cave temples. This quaint place is perfect for a quick getaway from the hectic city life.

Best Sightseeing Places in Junagadh

Here is the list of the top sightseeing places in Junagarh to keep you occupied for days.

• Uparkot Fort
• Dattatreya Temple
• Girnar Jain Temple
• Goddess Ambe Temple
• Buddhist Caves
• Mahabat Maqbara
• Edicts of Ashoka
• Darbar Hall Museum
• Sarkheswar Beach
• Gir National Park

Uparkot Fort

One of the best tourist places in Junagadh, Uparkot Fort is an ancient fort built by the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta in 319 BC. Nestled in the foothills of Girnar Mountain, the fort is 60 to 70 feet high with an Indo-Gothic architectural style. While the fort was the architectural work of Chandragupta, it was restructured and redesigned many times. Every facet of the Uparkot Fort illustrates outstanding work of creativity and vision. The chaitya windows, intricate pillars, and labyrinthine passages will take you back in time. Owing to its high historical and cultural value, the Uparkot Fort is one of the major parts of Gujarat and Gir tour packages.

Dattatreya Temple

A prominent religious site, the Dattatreya temple is a revered place for Hindus. Perched at the peak of Girnar Parvat, the temple is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, who is a Hindu god believed to be an incarnation of the Holy Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva)). The Girnar Mountain ranges provide a terrain surrounded by thick vegetation and wildlife. The peak of Girnar Parvat is believed to be the only residence for the footprints of God Dattatreya. To reach the holy temple of Dattatreya, you need to climb approximately 10,000 steps. Here, you will seek the blessings of Lord Dattatreya and witness the mesmerising sights of magical sunrises, lush forested valleys, and jagged mountains. One of the most best places to visit in Junagadh, Dattatreya Temple, must be on your bucket list.

Girnar Jain Temple

Located in the Girnar Mountains, the Jain temple has a collection of gorgeous temples dedicated to several Tirthankaras who meditated here in the solitude of the mountains. The group of temples has similar architecture and significance among Jain devotees. Built from 1128 AD to 1159 AD, the largest Jain temple here is known as the Tirthankara Neminath temple, dedicated to the lord Neminath. One has to climb up around 10,000 stone steps to reach the summit. However, those who are unable to climb these stairs can use a palkhi (palanquin) found at the base.

Goddess Ambe Temple

One of the best places to visit in Junagadh, Goddess Ambe Temple, is perched at the top of the Girnar Mountains. Established in the early 12th Century, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Amba. It is one of the major Shakti Peethas in India, thus visited by a number of devotees throughout the year. It is believed that the heart of Goddess Sati fell here after her body broke into 51 pieces after the destructive Tandav dance of Lord Shiva. The temple of Goddess Amba is a must-visit place where you can enjoy a fascinating view of the surroundings and experience divine bliss.

Buddhist Caves

Another addition to the list of best tourist places in Junagadh, Buddhist Caves are located in the eastern part of Uparkot Fort. These were ancient man-made caves carved between the 1st to 4th centuries AD. The Buddhist Caves comprise several caves featuring Buddhist sculptures formed in different groups in different time frames. Some of the caves are named Khapra Kodiya Caves, Baba Pyare Caves, and Uperkot Caves. Initially, these caves were frequently visited by historians and archaeologists, who were keen to look inside the mysteries of structures and their uses through the ages. But, with increased awareness of Buddhist sites in Gujarat, the caves have started getting popular among Indian and international tourists.

Mahabat Maqbara

Located at a distance of 1 km from Junagadh Junction, Mahabat Maqbara is one of the most interesting places for local sightseeing in Junagadh. It is a 19th-century mausoleum, serving as the landmark of Junagadh now. The construction of this historical place started in 1878 by Mahabat Khanji and was completed in 1892 by Bahadur Kanji, the descendant of Mahabat Khanji. Also known as the Mausoleum of Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai, Mahabat Maqbara is a brilliant combination of Indo-Islamic, Gothic and European architecture. The Mahabat Maqbara is in yellow with an onion-shaped dome. This magnificent historical monument remains one of India’s best-kept secrets.

Edicts of Ashoka

Another major sightseeing place in Junagadh, Ashoka's Rock Edicts, is located on the way to Girnar Hills. These are ancient rock inscriptions, considered among the most important Buddhist heritage and a must-visit historical place in Junagadh. Dating back to 257 BC, the Edicts of Ashoka are inscribed on a huge stone placed at the entrance of the valley that provides access to the Girnar hills. Edicts illustrate the life journey of King Ashok, how he became a firm follower of Buddhism, giving up war and violence. All these edicts feature strong historical connections and impart the message of peace, communal harmony, and resistance to greed and animal sacrifice. When you are on the Junagadh sightseeing tour, do not miss the Edicts of Ashoka.

Darbar Hall Museum

A well-known historical place of interest in Junagadh, Darbar Hall Museum is listed amongst the finest museums in Gujarat. The former palace of the Junagadh Nawab has been converted into a museum showcasing the prized possessions of that era. This museum provides an opportunity to witness the luxurious lifestyle led by the royal family in the past. Darbar Hall Museum features different galleries demonstrating around 2900 artefacts, including weapons, armour, howdahs, palanquins, diamond woven carpets, sparkling chandeliers, photos, gowns, silver items, and paintings. If you want to spend some time exploring the history and royal lifestyle of Nawabs, this magnificent museum is a great choice.

Sarkheswar Beach

Located on the Junagadh border, close to Amreli district, Sarkeshwar Beach is one of the most striking places to visit in Junagadh. It is an offbeat destination highly treasured for its scenic beauty and tranquil vibes. With stunning turquoise water and bright sand, Sarkheswar Beach is the most picturesque sightseeing place in Junagadh. To witness the sheer beauty of this place, it is best to visit it during sunrise or sunset. Sarkheswar Beach is the best place to enjoy some peaceful time away from the city vibes.

Gir National Park

Situated just 65 Kilometers southeast of Junagarh, Gir National Park is a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife lovers. Spread over an area of 1,412 sq km, Gir National Park Gujarat is the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions, known to be the world's most endangered species. Established in 1965, this park is home to more than 40 species of reptiles and amphibians, around 300 species of birds, including resident and migratory, and other wild animals like Chinkara, Chital, Wild Boar, Mongoose, Nilgai, Desert Cats, Honey Badger, Porcupine, Rusty Spotted Cats, Crested Serpent Eagle, and the endangered White-backed Vulture.

Listed above are some of the best places to visit in Junagarh that tourists should explore on their vacation to the city. You can easily plan a trip for sightseeing in Junagadh with Veena World’s meticulously crafted itineraries.