Junagadh is a city in Gujarat, India. Literally translated, Junagadh means “Old Fort”. Located in the Saurashtra region, Junagadh is famous for its fort, its markets, the song-dance culture, the spices and pickles, and the friendly people. The history of Junagadh dates back many centuries. The Mauryan king Chandragupta Maurya constructed the famous Junagadh Fort or Uparkot Fort, located on a plateau in the middle of town, There as far back as 319 BC.
The fort remained in use until the 6th century, when it was abandoned for about 300 years, then rediscovered by the Chudasama ruler Graharipu in 976 CE. 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) of Uparkot Fort is an inscription with fourteen Edicts of Ashoka on a large boulder and date from 250 BCE. On the same rock there is a later inscription in Sanskrit, which was added around 150 CE by Mahakshatrap Rudradaman I, the Saka (Scythian) ruler of Malwa. Sultan Mahmud Begada changed the name of Junagadh to Mustafabad and built the fortifications around the town and the mosque in Uparkot Fort.
In 1730, Mohammad Sher Khan Babi, who owed allegiance to the Mughal governor of Gujarat Subah declared independence after invasion by Maratha Gaekwad dynasty and founded the Babi Dynasty and Junagadh State. His descendants, ruled for the next two centuries, first as tributaries of Marathas, and later under the suzerainty of British. Junagarh had acceded to Pakistan. in 15 Aug 1947 but the 24 Feb 1948 referendum approved its accession to India Mahabat Maqbara is the huge 19th-century mausoleum of a local ruler, which showcases intricate Indo-Islamic architectural details.
Uparkot Fort, founded around 300 BC, has city views from its ramparts. Within the fort are the stone-cut step-wells Adi Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuwo, plus Buddhist caves. To the west, Darbar Hall Museum is housed in a former palace. A major industrial hub,.the main economic sectors are the mineral-based cement industry, agriculture-based industries, and the power sector. The presence of large reserves of limestone makes the cement industry a thriving industrial sector. Well connected by rail;, road and sea Junagadh boasts of some of the best tourist destinations in the state, there are numerous places worth visiting n and around the city.
these include Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, also known as the Sakkarbaug Zoo, is around 200 hectares, established in 1863, also worth visiting are Junagadh Buddhist Caves known for their intricately carved gateways, Chaitya halls, sculptured pillars, and sanctums, as well as Nabghan Kuvo and Adi Kadi Vav, Jami Masjid, people in Junagadh celebrate all Indian festivals including Diwali, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, Janmashtami, Muharram, Navratri, Christmas, Good Friday, Dussera. Among other places worth visiting are Durbar Hall Museum, Damodar Kund, Ambe Temple, Somnath Temple, Girnar Hill sacred to both Hindus and Jains.
Other places to visit in and around Junagadh are Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Narsinh Mehta’s Choro, Sarkhadiya Hanuman Temple, Moti Magh, Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, Veraval Beach, Jamnagar, Diu and Porbandar. Junagadh is the gateway to the Gir National Park, the last abode of Asiatic Lions in the wild and the heart of tourism in the area. As such there are numerous hotels, resorts, and lodges that provide luxurious, mid-range, and budget accommodation to tourist. there are numerous markets where shoppers can buy products at cheap rates in the city. However footwear and textiles are the most sought after items. Restaurants serve delicious Gujarati veg non veg meals. A visit to Junagarh not only gives you glimpse of wildlife but human history.
