Junagadh does not get the attention it deserves. Most travellers drive straight through it on their way to Gir National Park, check in at their resort, and head out on safari the next morning without ever exploring what this ancient city has to offer. That is a mistake. Junagadh is one of Gujarat’s most layered destinations, a city where 2,300-year-old forts stand beside Indo-Gothic mausoleums, where sacred hilltop temples overlook the same forest that shelters the last wild Asiatic lions on earth. This guide covers everything worth seeing in and around Junagadh so your trip to Gir becomes a complete experience rather than just a safari stop.
Uparkot Fort — Where Junagadh’s History Begins
Begin your journey through Junagadh with Uparkot Fort, one of the city’s most historic and well-preserved landmarks. Built around 319 BCE during the Mauryan Dynasty, the fort has walls rising up to 20 metres high and has withstood centuries of sieges, dynastic changes, and monsoons. Walking inside feels like moving through layers of different eras — Buddhist caves, a Jami Masjid from the Mughal period, and ancient Buddhist chambers all coexist within the same fortified walls.
Inside the fort, do not miss the Adi Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuwo — two extraordinary stepwells carved entirely out of rock. The engineering precision of these ancient wells, built when most of the world had no such concept, is genuinely impressive. Climbing to the upper ramparts gives you sweeping panoramic views over Junagadh city and the green forests stretching toward Gir in the distance — a perfect photography spot in the early morning light.
Mahabat Maqbara — Junagadh’s Hidden Architectural Treasure
A short distance from the fort stands Mahabat Maqbara, one of the most strikingly unusual monuments in all of Gujarat. Built in the late 19th century as a mausoleum for the Nawab of Junagadh, the structure blends Gothic arches, Islamic domes, French columns, and Indian carved detailing into a single building that should not work aesthetically but absolutely does. The spiralling staircases, silver-plated doors, and intricate filigree stonework make this one of the most photographable spots in Saurashtra.
Despite its grandeur, Mahabat Maqbara remains off most tourist radars. Visit in the morning when the light catches the carved facade and the surrounding gardens are quiet. Entry is minimal and the experience is entirely unhurried, a rare thing at any Indian heritage site.
Girnar Hill — A Sacred Climb Above the City
Rising 3,672 feet above sea level, Mount Girnar is the defining landmark of Junagadh. An extinct volcano, it has been a sacred site for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists since at least the 3rd century BCE. The trek to the summit involves climbing roughly 10,000 steps and takes between three and five hours depending on your pace, but the journey is as rewarding as the destination.
Along the way you will pass the famous Edicts of Ashoka stone inscriptions dating to around 250 BCE and a complex of Jain temples near the first summit, some of which are over a thousand years old. Higher still sits the Amba Mata Temple, particularly beloved by newlyweds, and the Gorakhnath peak, which draws sadhus and pilgrims year-round. The view from the top over the Gir forest is extraordinary.
The Girnar Ropeway, inaugurated on 24 October 2020, now offers an alternative for those unable to manage the full climb, covering most of the ascent in around seven minutes.
Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden — Asiatic Lions Up Close
For a different kind of wildlife encounter, Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh is one of the most important Asiatic lion conservation facilities in the country. Originally established in 1863 by the Nawab of Junagadh to protect and breed Gir lions, the zoo today houses lions, leopards, Indian wolves, and a wide range of bird species in a green, well-maintained park setting.
This is especially worth visiting if you are travelling with children or if your Gir National Park safari permit did not result in a lion sighting. It is also a good primer for the safari itself; seeing lions at closer range before entering the forest helps you understand their scale and behaviour in a way that makes the wild encounter far more meaningful.
Durbar Hall Museum — Inside the Nawab’s Palace
Located inside the Uparkot Fort complex, the Durbar Hall Museum preserves an extraordinary collection of artefacts from Junagadh’s royal Nawabi period. Silver articles, royal costumes, thrones, decorative weapons, and paintings from the palace galleries are all on display here. One of the standout exhibits is a carpet woven inside Junagadh’s jail, a piece of history with a story attached to every thread.
The museum gives real context to the city you are exploring. Junagadh was a significant princely state with a complex political history, and the Durbar Hall makes that history tangible rather than abstract.
Gir National Park — The Real Reason You Are Here
Approximately 106 kilometres from Junagadh city, Gir National Park is the only place in the world outside Africa where you can see lions in the wild. The park spans over 1,412 square kilometres of dry deciduous forest and grassland, and currently supports a population of over 800 Asiatic lions, a conservation success story that was nearly a tragedy a century ago when the population had fallen to fewer than 20 individuals.
A Gir lion safari takes you through the forest in an open gypsy jeep with a trained naturalist guide. Beyond lions, the park shelters leopards, spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, Indian wild boar, striped hyenas, jackals, marsh crocodiles, and over 300 species of birds. Devalia Safari Park, also known as Gir Interpretation Zone, offers an enclosed safari that almost guarantees lion sightings and is a good option for families and first-time visitors.
Safari permits for Gir fill up quickly, especially from November to March when demand is at its peak. Book your Gir lion safari booking online in advance through a reliable partner like girlionbooking.com to secure your zone, slot, and date without last-minute uncertainty.
Somnath Temple and Beyond — Day Trips Worth Taking
Junagadh sits in a region rich with day-trip possibilities. Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines and among the most sacred sites in Hinduism, is just 90 kilometres away. Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, is 105 kilometres and easy to reach by road. Diu, with its Portuguese forts, quiet beaches, and relaxed atmosphere, is about 175 kilometres from the city.
For nature lovers, Tulsi Shyam Springs inside the Gir forest zone is a unique detour — three natural hot sulphur springs at different temperatures alongside a Lord Vishnu temple, believed by locals to have curative properties.
Also Read: How can I reach Sasan Gir National Park from Somnath Temple?
Best Time to Visit Junagadh and Gir National Park
October to March is the ideal window for visiting Junagadh and the surrounding region. The weather is pleasant for both sightseeing in the city and morning safaris inside Gir. Gir National Park is open from mid-October to mid-June and closes during the monsoon months. If Asiatic lion sightings are your priority, April and May also offer strong wildlife activity as animals gather near water sources in the summer heat.
How to Reach Junagadh
Junagadh does not have a direct airport. The closest airports are Rajkot (100 km) and Bhavnagar. Regular train services connect Junagadh to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Veraval. By road, Junagadh is well connected to all major Gujarat cities via state highways. Most travellers arriving for a Gir safari reach Junagadh first and then drive the 60-kilometre stretch to Sasan Gir on the day of their safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the top places to visit in Junagadh near Gir National Park?
Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara, Girnar Hill, Sakkarbaug Zoo, Durbar Hall Museum, and Gir National Park are the top attractions.
Q2. How far is Junagadh from Gir National Park?
Gir National Park is about 106 km from Junagadh, with a travel time of around 2 hours.
Q3. Is it worth spending time in Junagadh before a Gir safari?
Yes. Junagadh offers historical sites, cultural landmarks, and scenic attractions that complement a Gir safari.
Q4. What is the best time to visit Junagadh?
October to March is the best time due to pleasant weather and comfortable sightseeing conditions.
Q5. How many days are enough to explore Junagadh and Gir?
Three days are ideal for exploring Junagadh attractions, enjoying a Gir safari, and visiting nearby sites.
Q6. Is Girnar Hill suitable for all ages?
The trek is challenging, but the Girnar Ropeway makes the journey easier for most visitors.
Q7. What wildlife can I see in Gir apart from lions?
You can spot leopards, sambar, nilgai, hyenas, jackals, crocodiles, wild boar, and numerous bird species.
Conclusion
Junagadh is far more than a gateway to Gir National Park. It is a destination worthy of your time on its own terms. From the 2,300-year-old walls of Uparkot Fort to the surreal architecture of Mahabat Maqbara, from the sacred steps of Girnar Hill to the roar of an Asiatic lion echoing through dry teak forest, this corner of Gujarat delivers history, spirituality, and wildlife in one compact and deeply rewarding trip. Most travellers who give Junagadh just a single extra day leave wishing they had stayed longer.