- Junagadh was a princely state that famously opted to join Pakistan during the 1947 partition of India before a subsequent plebiscite resulted in its integration into the Indian Union.
- The city is one of the few places in India that retains rock-cut edicts of Emperor Ashoka, dating back to 250 BCE, inscribed on a large boulder located on the way to Girnar.
- It is home to the last remaining natural habitat of Asiatic lions in the nearby Gir Forest, making it the only place outside of Africa where these big cats exist in the wild.
- The architectural style of the Mahabat Maqbara represents a unique fusion of Gothic, Islamic, and European influences, characterized by its towering minarets and winding staircases.
- Junagadh's name translates literally to 'Old Fort,' a reference to the ancient Uparkot structure which has been occupied since at least the Mauryan period.
About Junagadh
Junagadh is a historic city in Gujarat, India, positioned at the foothills of the Girnar mountain range, which serves as a major pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Jains. The cityscape is defined by the blend of medieval fortresses like Uparkot Fort and the intricate Indo-Islamic architecture of Mahabat Maqbara Palace. Visitors frequently travel to this region to access the Girnar Taleti starting point for trekking the sacred peaks. Religious significance is central to the local identity, marked by sites such as the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple and the ornate BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Junagadh. The city remains a critical gateway for those traversing the Kathiawar peninsula's cultural and religious landmarks.
Highlights of Junagadh
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Explore the ancient defensive walls and subterranean caves that have protected this site for over a millennium.
Historical places
Admire the intricate carvings and unusual blend of European and Islamic architectural styles on this 19th-century mausoleum.
Temples
Begin the challenging and sacred ascent of the Girnar mountains from this primary access point.
Temples
Visit this historic site to experience the traditional religious atmosphere near the base of the Girnar hills.
Temples
Observe the ritual bathing practices at this sacred pond located at the base of the Girnar mountain.
Historical places
Pass through this traditional stone entrance that marks the threshold of the historic walled section of the city.
Temples
Discover the long-standing Jain spiritual heritage housed within these mountain-side temple complexes.
Temples
View the ornate craftsmanship and expansive grounds of this modern architectural landmark of the Swaminarayan sect.
Top things to do in Junagadh
The 1,645 highest-rated places in Junagadh, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Shree Khodaldham Mandir is a massive temple complex in Kagvad, Gujarat, dedicated to Goddess Khodiyar, the patron deity...
2
Historical places
Majevadi Gate is one of the primary historical entry points into the walled city of Junagadh, Gujarat. It serves as a re...
3
Historical places
Uparkot Fort is an ancient citadel in Junagadh, Gujarat, established around 319 BC during the Mauryan Empire. The site f...
4
Parks
Gir National Park is the world's only natural habitat for the endangered Asiatic lion (Panthera leo leo). Located in the...
5
Temples
The Shree Swaminarayan Mukhya Temple in Junagadh is distinguished by its iconic five-spire architecture and serves as a...
6
Temples
Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva situated at the base of the Girnar mountain...
7
Temples
BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Junagadh is a prominent stone-carved Hindu temple complex managed by the Bochasanwasi...
8
Temples
Jalaram Bapa Temple in Virpur is the primary shrine dedicated to the 19th-century saint Jalaram Bapa, a figure revered f...
9
Historical places
Mahabat Maqbara is an ornate 19th-century mausoleum complex in Junagadh, Gujarat, known for its fusion of Indo-Islamic a...
10
Temples
Girnar Taleti serves as the base camp and starting point for the 9,999-step pilgrimage to the summit of Girnar mountain...
11
Temples
Damodar Kund is a sacred water reservoir located at the foothills of the Girnar mountain range in Junagadh, Gujarat. The...
12
Amusement parks
Suraj Fun World is a multiplex cinema complex situated on College Road in Junagadh, Gujarat. It serves as a primary ente...
13
Temples
Shree Ambaji Mandir is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site situated on the second peak of the Girnar mountain range in J...
14
Parks
The Heaven Water Resort & Restaurant is a recreational water park located in Kagvad, Gujarat, featuring multiple swimmin...
15
Temples
The Virpur Gayatri Temple is a significant spiritual site situated in the town of Virpur, Gujarat, dedicated to the wors...
16
Temples
Girnar Neminath Shwetambar Jain Tirth is a prominent religious complex situated on the Girnar mountain range near Junaga...
17
Museums
The Junagadh Museum is housed within the Darbar Hall of the former Junagadh state, located in the Taj Manzil building. I...
18
Temples
Jatashankar Mahadev Mandir is a secluded cave-temple located within the dense forest regions of the Girnar mountain rang...
19
Temples
Shri Umiya Mataji Temple Ganthila is a prominent religious site dedicated to Goddess Umiya, the presiding deity of the K...
20
Temples
Aai Sonal Maa Temple in Madhda is a significant spiritual center dedicated to the Charan community's revered deity, Aai...
21
Temples
Parabdham is a dedicated spiritual complex situated in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. The site centers on the ashram...
22
Temples
Guru Dattatreya Shikhar is located on the third peak of the Girnar mountain range in Junagadh, Gujarat, at an elevation...
23
Temples
Gaytri Ashram in Gadhethad is a spiritual center dedicated to the Gayatri Shaktipeeth tradition, located in the Junagadh...
24
Museums
Ashok Shilalekh consists of fourteen major rock edicts inscribed by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty around 250 BCE....
25
Historical places
Osam Parvat, located in the Rajkot district near Patanvav, is a significant hill site associated with the Mahabharata er...
26
Temples
Sarkadiya Hanuman Temple is a revered pilgrimage site situated within the dense forest regions of the Girnar mountain ra...
27
Temples
Bhuthnath Mahadev Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine situated in the heart of Junagadh near the Kalva Chok area. The tem...
28
Temples
The Khambhalida Rock Caves consist of three distinct Buddhist caves carved into a limestone cliff face dating back to th...
29
Museums
The Sasan Gir Museum, located in the buffer zone of the Gir National Park, serves as an educational center dedicated to...
30
Temples
Shree Swaminarayan Gadisthan Mandir in Jetpur is the historical site where Lord Swaminarayan installed his sandals (padu...
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Junagadh on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Junagadh
November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for the steep trekking required to visit temples on Girnar mountain.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the historic city center, the Maqbara, and complete the trek up the Girnar range.
Auto-rickshaws are the primary mode of public transit within the city, while walking is suitable for exploring the historic walled areas.
Stay near the city center or the base of Girnar (Taleti) to ensure proximity to primary historical sites and the mountain trekking base.
Budget-friendly; affordable guesthouses and local street food are readily available throughout the city.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 1,645 curated attractions in and around Junagadh, ranked by traveller ratings.
Shree Khodaldham Mandir, Kagvad is the highest-rated place to visit in Junagadh right now.
The largest category is temples, with 1,531 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bangalore, Howrah, Kottayam.
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