Long weekends are a bliss for travel lovers and there are many places in almost every city that you can cover to make the most of the weekend! So, let’s explore a new place this weekend that makes you enjoy the most within a weekend’s time span. Junagarh, a city in Gujarat is one such destination that you will be pleased to go to due to a variety of things to do and see during your mini trip.
To make things easier for you, I prepared a complete three days itinerary to help you know what to do and when! Be it monuments, hill, temples or wildlife sanctuary I have covered it all in this mini trip to make it just awesome! Read on, note it down, pack your bags and thank me later 😉
Day 1- Junagarh
Mahabat Maqbara
Also known as the Mausoleum of Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai and Bahauddin Makbara, Mohabbat Maqbara was once home to the Nawabs of Junagadh. A tribute to the architectural beauty of 18th century, this monument stands tall and proud in the heart of the city next to Jama Masjid and has intricate carvings.
Built by Sheikh Bahauddin during the period between 1891 and 1896, the monument stands peacefully and modestly boasting some really impressive architecture with carved columns, stone carvings, domes, cornices and looming arches.
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Uparkot Fort
Nestled on a plateau in the middle of the town, is the upper citadel known as the Uparkot Fort that was built more than 2000 years ago in 319 bC and was rediscovered in 976 A.D. Built during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, the fort was redesigned multiple times by many kings over the centuries. The fort has a 300 feet deep moat in the fort’s interiors and intriguing rock Caves which are believed to be Buddhist caves.
The most prominent ones are the Kapra Kodia Caves and the Babupyana Caves located inside the fort. Besides, there are insignia of some of Uparkot’s former rulers and temples to Ganesh, Hanuman and Shakti inside the fort. The fort is worth visiting for the seekers of historical places and forts.
Sarkeshwar beach
Turquoise blue waters, calm breezy air, serene atmosphere and fine golden sand- Sarkeshwar Beach is certainly a perfect place to relax. Located on the south-western part of Jaffrabad town, Amreli , this beach offers a number of water sport activities apart from some nice “me” time. Also, this least explored beach has many other noteworthy sites around that you may visit if you find the time.
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Edicts of Asoka
Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts refer to 14 separate major Edicts of Asoka which are inscribe on a boulder on a small building on the outskirts of Junagarh on the Saurashtra peninsula, some 2kms away from the Uparkot. These edicts impart moral instructions on religion (Dharma), harmony, tolerance, and peace. The inscriptions carry Brahmi script in Pali language that dates back to 250 BC and are definitely worth your time if you are a history buff!
Day 2- Junagarh
Girnar Hill
Situated at the far end of the ancient town of Junagadh, Girnar Hill is covered with beautiful Jain and Hindu temples. The 3672 feet high hill has 10,000 steps which takes you to thepeak of the hill.
Be prepared to spend a full day if you want to reach the uppermost temples. The largest and oldest of Jain Temples is the 12th-century Temple of Neminath, dedicated to the 22nd tirthankar. You can spot pilgrims from across the nation here to visit these holy temples.
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Day 3- Gir National Park
The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1965 in Gujrat. The park is is the sole home of the Asiatic lions has plenty of diverse flora and fauna. According to the 14th Asiatic Lion Census 2015, there are 523 Asiatic lions in this park.
Besides, you can also spot Asiatic wild ass, hyenas, Gir foxes, pygmy woodpecker, brown fish owl and black buck in the park. A jeep safari will surely make your visit smoother!
So, pack your bags and head away to enjoy a whole dose of sun, sand, relaxation, history wildlife and adventure! Feel free to share your thoughts below 🙂
