Junagadh is a perfect place of amalgamations of almost every type of culture, from Muslim to Hindu to even Persian, legends churning up from all dynasties. The Mughals also find place in its history. The contemporary lifestyle of dwellers and tourers stand in fine contrast of the old world edifices - a kind of bizarre Venice meets Lucknow.
The district headquarters of Junagadh district, Junagadh city is situated on the foothills of Girnar hills. The place is located in the southwest of Ahmedabad, at a distance of 327 km. The name `Junagadh` in Gujrati stands for `old fort`. Historical statistics speak of Junagadh, once serving as the capital of Mauryan and Gupta dynasties and the Chudasama Rajputs during the medieval period.
Geographical location: Geographically, the town is located between 21.52° North latitude and 70.47° East longitude, at an elevation of 107 metres (351 feet) above sea level. The climatic conditions of Junagadh fluctuate heavily according to the sultry summers and chilly winters. The approximate summer temperatures vary from 23°C to 44°C. The winter temperatures range from 10°C to 36°C. The town can be visited round the year.
History - History of Junagadh is diverse and varied, with the impressions of rules of the Mauryans, Kashatrapas, Guptas, Vallabhas, Chaudasamas, Gujarat Sultans and Babi Nawab. During the earlier eras, Junagadh was under the authority of four primary religions, principally - Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Muslims. Both political moguls and religious powers had enhanced the culture and gave shape to incredible edifices, leaving their mark on the architecture of Junagadh. The Babi ruler of Junagadh, Nawab Mahobat Khan II (1851-82 A.D.) had ornamented Junagadh and also had presided over the construction of several buildings and urban design proposes like Aina Mahal, Circle Chowk with clock tower and Dewan Chowk. Some of the other buildings of the Nawabi period comprise the Bahauddin College, Manoranjan Guest House, Mahobat Madresa (Narsi Vidya Mandir) and the maqbaras (mausoleums) of the royalty. All the architectural structures are exceedingly ornamental and reminds one of the last phase of architecture of Lucknow.
Arrival Information
Junagadh is a central town that can be reached from almost every part of India. It is conveniently linked by the three elemental means of travelling.
By Air: The nearest airport is located at Keshod and Porbandar, which are approximately located at a distance of 40 km and 113 km respectively. The nearest international airport is located in Ahmedabad.
By Rail: Junagadh Junction railway station is situated on the Ahmedabad-Junagadh and Rajkot-Junagadh line.
By Road: Junagadh is connected with numerous major cities in Gujarat, like Rajkot, Porbandar, Somnath, Veraval and Ahmedabad. It is conveniently located on the National Highway 8D, to be so easily accessible.
Where to stay
Most hotels in Junagadh city offer staple, elementary facilities. Hotel Girnar (Tariff - Rs 150-650), run by Gujarat Tourism, is a reasonably reliable budget option - it is placed just opposite to the RTO Office, Majewadi Gate. Other budget options comprise - Hotel National (Tariff - Rs 300-750) at Kalwa Chowk, and Hotel Somanth (Tariff - Rs 250-700), near the railway station.
Travel Guideline
Exciting, unblemished and vibrant, Junagadh is an ancient, fortified city at the base of the holy Girnar hills and is also a popular tourist destination. Although the local language is Gujarati yet Hindi and English are widely spoken. The best time to visit Junagadh is from October - March. There are a number of Nationalized Banks as well as private banks in Junagadh
Tourist spots in Junnagarh
Junagadh commands fullest attention to its every splendid architecture, built with immense meticulousness and also with a hint of obscurity. Abounded with both Hindu and Muslim shrines and overwhelming forts, Junagadh is home also to forts, some pretty bizarre in its built. History speaks of the mighty and overpowering rulers and of their ruthless conquests. After listening to all the spine tickling myths, one is naturally urged to visit these places, which are generally majestic to their standings.
Places Around Junagadh
Junagadh not only has stellar sights within its town limits, it is also bordered with several striking places with riches. The places around Junagadh town are truly worthy to be placed in a prestigious, elevated position, as the crowning glory. When one thinks of fables or myths, Junagadh is the place to visit, to be enlightened in outlandish folklore. The legendary Somnath temple is just a few kilometres away from Junagadh, steeped in grandeur and lores.
Where to eat
Geeta Lodge, close to the railway station, offers the most incredibly scrumptious and satisfying Kathiawadi thalis, a flavour manifestly dissimilar from Gujarati thalis. One can be on the look out for specialities like khasta kachori (lentil and spice-stuffed puri), undhiyon (marinated vegetables and a gram flour savoury cooked in a mud pot), the tangy lasania batata (garlic-flavoured spicy potatoes), the repleting bajra rotla (unleavened bread made with pearl millet), gatte ki pulao (steamed and deep fried gram flour in seasoned rice), chaula methi dhokla (steamed dish made of black-eyed beans) and masala bhaat (spicy rice). Desserts comprise the unique Kathiawadi kheer and malpua (milk-flavoured sugar pancakes). Sagar Restaurant, on Jaishree Raod, is good for Kathiawadi food as well.
Shopping
The town does not however offer too much for visiting shopaholics. There is a local market called panchatadi, which has shops selling saris and daily victuals. On Azad Road, there is a Khadi Gram Udyog where one can pick up handmade products, marketed by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission.
