Junagadh or the old fort has been on the precipice of existence since India’s independence. It still has an old city charm which is attractive. The place is old as Indian mythology, with the city having been built as a town called Revath Nagri which was established by Raja Ugrasen, nana of Krishna and father of Kans. Since then the Gupta era remnants resonate as far as this location as per the Asokan rock edicts, followed by Solankis, the Moghals and finally the Babi Nawabs.
It was also called Sorath before the Babi Nawabs took over. However, in modern history after the demise of Parveen Babi, the last of the direct heiress of the Nawabs of Junagadh, the city has not seen much development and the hall itself is mired in legal custodial battles between the state and the remaining heirs. Nevertheless, history speaks itself in Junagadh.
This small friendly town of Junagadh has many interesting sites. It is known as a pilgrimage site of Mount Girnar which is highest mountain in Gujarat. Junagadh was once the capital of Gujarat under the Kshatrapa rulers from the 2nd to 4th centuries. The Chadva Rajputs ruled from Junagadh from 875 AD. After that Junagadh state came under the rulers of the Muslims. At the time of India (1947) Independence, the current Muslim ruler of Junagadh wanted Junagadh to become part of Pakistan, but the city’s Hindu majority exiled him.
The Solanki of the Chalukya dynasty, ruled Gujarat in the 11th and 12th centuries. The two large step wells (vavs) of Uperkot Fort were both commissioned by Rah Navghan in 1025-1044 C.E. The Muslims conquered Gujarat in 1299 and the Sultanate of Gujarat was formed in 1407.
Most of the palaces in Junagad can be visited in few rupees in an auto. You also can rent a bicycle from shops around Chittakhara Chowk (main town) just for Rs 20 to 30 a day
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - The nearest airport is Ahmedabad, around 300 kilometers from Junagadh. From Ahmedabad, one can take regular flights for other cities of India including Mumbai and Delhi.
BY RAIL – Regular trains run between Junagarh and Veraval, Ahmedabad, Sasan Gir, Delwada, Una, Diu, and Rajkot.
BY ROAD - Junagarh can be reached from most of the important cities in Gujarat as well as neighboring states. One can get to Junagarh from Rajkot (100 km), Porbandar (107 km), Ahmedabad (320 km), Veraval, Una, and Jamnagar (184 km).