Junagadh is world-famous
town located in Gujarat State, India. The town is having identity because of Junagadh
fort. Talking about Gujarat state, it is popular for having countless different
temples in various cities. Junagadh is having number of shrines with diverse messages
for devotees. Town got popularity because of holding sculptural proof of the
sati ceremony, though William Bentinck of British Empire stopped it during
British Ruling Period. Experts call Junagadh as city of temples.
Data
presented by census in 2001 expresses the population of Junagadh about 15,759
in which male strength was 51% and female strength was 49%. Their literacy rate
was 55%, which was lower comparing to other developed and centralized cities of
India.
Junagadh is seventh
largest city of Gujarat placed at foothills of Girnar. Gandhinagar the capital of Gujarat is just 355 kms away from Junagadh. The word Junagadh is made of two
different words Juna and Gadh, which means Old Fort. Town is located close to
the border of India and Pakistan and both nations were struggling to get the
area during the partition of India. On 9th November the town was
added to Indian territory after brief fight between India and Pakistan. After independence,
Junagadh was a part of Saurashtra state, though city was added to Bombay state
in late stage. During the Maha Gujarat movement, the town was added to newly
formed State Gujarat in 1960.
Mauryan Empire: King Chandragupta of
Mauryan Empire visited the place and constructed the fort in 319 BCE. Hard rock
fort was used until 6th century that means it served the city for more than 300
years. Buddhist caves and Khapra Kodia Caves are located close to the fort.
Attraction in Junagadh:
Girnar Taleti Lake: Girnar is the hill
area placed at 6 km distance from Junagadh. Around 8,000 steps are there to
reach upper area of hill. Bhimkund is first spot in Girnar hills, though few
more ponds like Satpuda, Pathar chati, Gaumukhi Ganga, Bhairavjap, Hanumandhara
and Bharatvan Sheshavan are also available in the hills. Kamandal kund is
another picnic spot located close to temples of Dattatreya and Gorakhnath.
Wild Museum: next location is zoo where
people can watch rare specimens of art furnishings, ancient coins, stuffed
animals, Persian Sanskrit and diverse other notes of interest.
Uparkot: fort Uparkot is another
holiday spot constructed in 319 BC. Few walls of fort are more than 20 meters
in height. However, taking single turn from the entry point will start the area
of Jama Masjid.
Buddhist Caves: the caves are 1500
years old but still the walls are stronger and perfect to visit. Caves are made
by carving the rocky hill and its location is close in south direction of
Uperkot fort.
Gayatri Temple and Wagheshwari Temple: two
religious spot of Junagadh are next spots for voyagers. Both temples are
available on the way towards Girnar Talati. Idols of Maa Gayatri and Maa
Wagheshwari are located in temples and a big celebration is done on navratris.
Junagadh Fort: the key destination of
city is Junagadh Fort built by King Rai Singh Ji. Construction period was
between 1588 to 1593 and supervisor was Karan Chand. Inside the fort travelers
can visit Chandra Mahal (also known as Moon Palace), which is astonishingly decorated
with mirrors, wall paintings and imprinted marble plates. Fort also contain Phool
Mahal (Flower Palace), Anup Mahal and Karan Mahal.
Countless places are available in Junagadh for voyagers such as Damodar Kund, Damodarji Temple, Aswatthama Hills, Dataar Hills, Jamiyalshah Datar temple, Science Museum, Wellington Dam, Moti Baug, Mujkund Caves, Ayurvedic Museum, Narsinh Mehta Lake and many more.
Attaining to Junagadh:
Local people
are using public transport for communication in city. Local buses and auto
rickshaws are available in city taking passengers to almost every tourist
places.
By Road: NH 8D is directly connected to
Junagadh with Veraval and Somnath cities. This highway is also linked to Rajkot and Ahmadabad so travelers can easily take the smooth road to reach spot.
By Rail: closest big rail hub is Rajkot then Ahmadabad and then Veraval railway station. Trains from major cities are
reaching Rajkot hence voyagers can book tickets as per convenient.