Junagadh - Hammock Holidays

An ancient fortified city, rich in myth and legend, Junagadh lies at the foot of the sacred Girnar Hills (visited by millions of Hindus and Jains) and occupies a special place in the history of Gujarat. The antiquity of Junagadh goes back to the times of Emperor Ashoka (250 B.C.) whose fourteen Rock Edicts, inscribed on a huge stone in Pali script, can be seen cut into a great rock outside the city.

Climate
The climate of Junagadh is mild with temperatures ranging between 20-28°C in winters and 28-34°C in the summers. Although the place can be visited throughout the year, the best season to do so is winter (Oct-Mar).

Connectivity
Nearest Airport(s): Rajkot Domestic - approximately 105 kms
Nearest Railway Station(s): Junagadh
Nearest Bus Stop: Junagadh

Both political powers and religious influences enriched the culture and created fantastic edifices leaving their mark on the architecture of Junagadh. The most interesting structures are the maqbaras (Musoleums) of the royal family, representing the creative and eclectic phase of Nawabi architecture.

There are two fortifications in Junagadh: the fort walls surrounding the town and Uparkot (an ancient citadel with a fine specimen of Hindu Toran and is said to have survived 16 sieges in the last 1000 years) in the west.

The major archaelogical sites around Uparkot are Buddhist caves, Baba Pyara caves, the step wells of Adi-Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo (unique water structures) and Jami Masjid mosque.

Other places of interest in Junagadh include the Khapara-Kodia caves, Aina Mahal, Circle Chowk with clock tower, Dewan Chowk, Bahauddin College, Manoranjan Guest House, Mahobat Madresa (Narsi Vidya Mandir),Sakkarbag zoo, Wellingdon Dam, Damodar Kund, Bhavnath Temple, city Rajmahal, Darbar Hall Museum, Gir National Park (the only home of Asiatic lions), Prabhas Patan- Somnath (one of the twelve most sacred Shiva Shrines) and Chorwad (a delightful resort on the beach).

The city was also home to one of the great poets of India, Narsinh Mehta(15 th century). The Mahashivratri fair held at Junagadh is attended by Naga Sadhus and pilgrims from all over India.