The hills located in Junagadh district of Gujarat state of India are known as Girnar. This is the Siddha Kshetra of Jains, from here Lord Devadidev, the eldest brother of Narayan Shri Krishna, Tirthankar Bhagwan Devadidev 1008 Neminath Bhagwan has attained salvation. It is located at Bhavnath, 10 miles east of Junagadh at a distance of 327 km from Ahmedabad. It is a holy place which is an important pilgrimage for Jains. The mountain range amidst the lush green Gir forest serves as a center of religious activity.
Places to see near Girnar
Girnar
There is an ancient and holy hill of Junagadh, which is situated at an altitude of 3672 feet. There are 866 Hindu and Jain temples spread over the Girnar Hills. One has to climb 9,999 steps to reach the final peak which starts from Girnar Taleti. An early morning walk to Girnar Hill is a blissful experience that a tourist remembers for a lifetime. People of the Hindu and Jain religions often visit these temples.
Hindu pilgrimage site
There are Gorakshanath Temple, Dattatreya Temple and Amba Mata Temple, and some other temples that are worth visiting. And Dattatreya Paduka, an ancient temple, is the most revered place for Hindus.
Jain pilgrimage site
Girnar Hill has been an important site for Jains since the 3rd century. Tirthankara Neminath Temple, Lord Rishabhdev, Mallinath, and Lord Parshvanath Temple are some of the Jain temples that can be seen on Girnar Hill.
Edicts of Ashoka
Edicts of Ashoka, situated on the right side of the road while going from Junagadh to Girnar. This inscription is famous by the name of Ashoka who belonged to the Mauryan dynasty. Here Ashoka's 14 commandments are engraved which are written in the Pali language, it has been kept in a 75 feet enclosure for about 2200 years. This inscription, preserved for 200 years, is now protected by the Archaeological Department of the Government of India. This place is worth visiting for pilgrims visiting Girnar.
Mahobat Tomb
Here is the tomb of Baharuddin Hussainbhai, who was once the Nawab of Junagadh. This mausoleum was built between 1851 and 1882. The structure of the Mahobat Tomb is a mixture of European, Neo-Gothic, and Indo-Islamic styles. The domes and minarets of the Mahobat tomb are built in the Islamic style and its pillars are built in the Gothic style. This is a very attractive place for history lovers.
JAMA Masjid
Jama Masjid is also one of the historical symbols of Junagadh which was built in 1423. Jama Masjid has an open courtyard, which is decorated with white marble. The hall of the mosque has 260 pillars and 15 domes. Jama Masjid has prayers 5 times a day like other mosques and it is a mosque of Sunni Muslims.
Bhavnath
Bhavanath Mahadev Temple is one of the holiest places in Junagadh. Bhavnath is situated at the foot of Girnar hills since ancient times. Bhavnath is a beautiful and exquisite place, the place is more beautiful during the rainy season. It is also popular for the Mini-Kumbh which is held on Mahashivaratri. Bhavnath is also known for the famous Bhavnath fair which takes place during January or February.
Damodar Kund
According to Hindu belief, Damodar Kund is one of the holy lakes, situated at the foothills of Mount Girnar in Junagadh. Damodar Kund Lake is 257 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 5 feet deep. It is surrounded by a fine mold, which one comes across on the way to Bhavnath.
Moti Bagh
Moti Bagh is also one of the major places to visit in Junagadh for nature lovers. Moti Bagh has a pond and many shrubs and plants. If lush green gardens are your thing then Moti Bagh is an incredible place that should be on your list.
Datar Hill
Datar Hill is a sacred place in the city of Junagadh. Datar Mountain is a popular tourist destination and is a very popular place for devotees of both Muslim and Hindu religions. The place becomes even more attractive during the rains. On the way to Datar Shikhar, tourists can also visit Chitharia Pir, Hathi Patthar, Koyla Wazir, Dargah of Jamial Shah Datar, and Digambar Jain Lord Neminath Temple.
Shakkarbagh Zoological Museum
Shakkarbagh Zoological Museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Junagadh. Sakkarbagh is a great place to visit with kids. The main attraction of Sakkar Bagh is the Asiatic Lion. Apart from this, there is also leopard, antelope, deer, black buck, wild boar, blue bull, birds, and aquarium. Shakkarbagh Zoological Museum The park also houses a natural history museum and a veterinary hospital. Sakkarbagh is spread over an area of 200 hectares of land.
Willingdon Dam
The Willingdon Dam is built on the Kalwa River from where the river begins. It was built for the collection of drinking water for the people of Junagadh. It was named after Lord Willingdon, the then Governor of India. From Willingdon Dam begins the steps of Datar Hill which lead to Jameel Shah Datar. It is a place of faith for devotees of both Hindu and Muslim religions.
Uparkot Fort
Uparkot Fort is one of the historical places to visit in Junagadh. This fort is one of the ancient forts. There are tourist attractions like Adi Kadi Vav, Navaghan wells, Nilam and Manek cannons, Jama Masjid, Nuri Shah's tomb, Buddhist caves, etc. This fort is about 2,300 years old. The walls of the Uparkot fort are up to twenty meters high. This fort is a must-visit if you are in Junagadh.
Durbar Hall Museum
The Durbar Hall Museum houses a collection of historical and antiques. The Durbar Hall Museum consists of several rooms. Among these rooms, you can see the Weapons Room, the Silver Room, the Wooden Wares Room, the Coins Room, the Glass and Pottery Room, the Nawab Portrait Room, and the Howrah and Palki Room.
Swaminarayan Temple
This is a new Hindu temple built in recent years. Since its inception, this temple has made a special identity among tourists. Tourists visiting Junagadh or Girnar mountains come here. The construction of the Swaminarayan Temple was completed in 2006 and since then it is a famous Hindu temple in Junagadh. Swami Narayan Temple has many idols and minarets.
Platform of Narsingh Mehta
It is a vast place. It is made simply. Narsingh Mehta's discourses and meetings were held at this place. There is also a small temple of Gopnath and the idols of Shri Damodar Rai ji and Narsingh Mehta.
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