Tourist Map Guide of Junagadh

Junagadh
Posted on | by Anuj

It includes all the essential details for tourists and city visitors, eliminating the need for any external resources.

1. Introduction to Junagadh

Junagadh is a historic city located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, at the foothills of the Girnar Hills. It is renowned for its architectural marvels, religious significance, and wildlife proximity (Gir National Park). The name Junagadh means “Old Fort”, indicating its rich heritage.

  • State: Gujarat
  • Language: Gujarati (Primary), Hindi and English are also spoken
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March
  • Climate: Tropical – Hot summers, mild winters

2. Key Transportation Hubs

By Air

  • Nearest Airport: Rajkot Airport (approx. 100 km) or Porbandar Airport (113 km)
  • International Access: Ahmedabad Airport (approx. 327 km)

By Rail

  • Junagadh Junction Railway Station: Well connected to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Somnath, and other cities in Gujarat.

By Road

  • Bus Station: GSRTC Bus Stand, Junagadh
  • Private Transport: Cabs, autos, bike rentals available

3. Top Tourist Attractions

A. Religious and Spiritual Sites

  1. Girnar Hills
    • A sacred pilgrimage with 10,000+ steps leading to temples
    • Jain temples (Neminath Temple, Amba Mata Temple)
    • Hindu temples (Dattatreya Temple, Bhavnath Temple)
  2. Bhavnath Mahadev Temple
    • Located at the base of Girnar Hills
    • Famous for the Bhavnath fair during Maha Shivratri
  3. Mahabat Maqbara
    • 19th-century mausoleum with Indo-Islamic architecture
  4. Jama Masjid
    • Historical mosque located near Uparkot Fort

B. Historical Sites

  1. Uparkot Fort
    • Over 2,000 years old
    • Attractions inside: Adi-Kadi Vav (stepwell), Navghan Kuvo, Buddhist caves
  2. Ashoka’s Rock Edicts
    • Rock inscriptions dating back to 250 BCE
    • Evidence of Ashoka’s embrace of Buddhism

C. Museums

  1. Junagadh Museum
    • Collection of ancient coins, manuscripts, weapons, and artifacts
  2. Sardar Baug and Palace Museum
    • Former palace turned museum, showcasing Nawabi heritage

D. Nature and Wildlife

  1. Gir National Park
    • 60 km from Junagadh
    • Only natural habitat of Asiatic Lions
  2. Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden
    • Second oldest zoo in India
    • Houses Asiatic lions and other endangered species
  3. Damodar Kund
    • Sacred lake near Girnar foothills; ritual site
  4. Willingdon Dam
    • A peaceful picnic spot at the base of Girnar Hills

4. Food & Cuisine

  • Famous Dishes: Gujarati Thali, Khakhra, Thepla, Fafda, Jalebi, Dhokla
  • Must-Visit Eateries: Patel Restaurant, Sugar N Spice, Hotel Bhagyoday
  • Street Food Zones: Zanzarda Road, MG Road

5. Accommodations

Budget Hotels

  • Hotel Magnum Inn
  • Hotel Sapphire
  • Girnar Hotel

Mid-Range

  • Leo Resort
  • Hotel Indralok
  • Hotel Harmony

Luxury Resorts (Near Gir)

  • The Fern Gir Forest Resort
  • Woods at Sasan
  • Lion Safari Camp

6. Local Transportation

  • Auto Rickshaws: Easily available, negotiate before ride
  • Private Cabs: Book via local agencies or online apps
  • Bike Rentals: Available near the railway station
  • Tourist Buses: Operated by GSRTC for nearby excursions

7. Shopping Guide

  • MG Road and Gandhi Chowk: Clothes, electronics, local artifacts
  • Girnar Market: Religious items, souvenirs
  • Local Handicrafts: Bandhani fabrics, silver jewelry, wooden toys

8. Festivals & Events

  • Girnar Parikrama Yatra: Major religious trek in November
  • Bhavnath Fair: Celebrated during Maha Shivratri
  • Navratri: Traditional Garba nights and local dance performances
  • Diwali and Holi: Grandly celebrated across the city

9. Emergency & Useful Contacts

ServiceContact
Police100 / +91-285-2620888
Fire Department101
Ambulance102 / 108
Junagadh Railway Station+91-285-2620281
Civil Hospital+91-285-2620291
Tourist Information Center+91-285-2633491
Forest Department (Gir Park)+91-2877-285540

10. Local Etiquette and Tips

  • Remove shoes when entering religious places
  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or mosques
  • Bargaining is common in markets
  • Carry bottled water when trekking Girnar or visiting remote areas
  • Avoid visiting Girnar during peak summer due to heat

11. Nearby Excursions

  • Somnath Temple (94 km) – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
  • Porbandar (113 km) – Birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi
  • Diu Island (170 km) – Beach getaway with Portuguese architecture

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