Junagadh

A historically volatile city Junagadh, literally meaning ‘old fort’, nestled at the foot of Mt Girnar, is an amazing amalgam of the old and new where one can reach out and touch the two and a half millennia of human civilization, spanning dominant periods of Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, all of whom left deep imprints on the city.  And then you can set off for the Gir National Park to come face to face with the utter wildness of the last of Asiatic Lions, where human civilization is still just incidental to the natural rhythms that have continued for centuries.

Being the capital of Junagadh Princely State once, the town shines with historical significance with many historical monuments to see. The Nawabs built several beautiful buildings which still stand today. The Mahabat Maqbara and the Bahauddin Maqbara are spectacular structures, a must visit. The fort at Uperkot is another tourist magnet.Also visit the Girnar Hills and get a feel of the serene yet religious atmosphere.

An interesting mix of Buddhist monuments, mosques, Hindu temples, elaborate mansions and Gothic archways, Junagarh is a must visit for any history lover.Junagad is also very close to the Girnar Hills and the world renowned Gir National Park. The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only remaining habitat of the pure Asiatic Lion. The countryside has much to offer Junagadh.

Junagadh has quiet some options for some lip-smacking Gujarati snacks and sweets like Dhokla, Khandvi, Thepala, Ghe, Basundi and probably a few more.Few places offer you the chance to probe the earth and the heavens, the human and the wild, as Junagadh does.