21 Best Tourist Places Near Junagadh City: Explore the Culture and Art of Saurashtra

There is a large variety of tourist attractions in Gujarat. The Gujarat state is deeply rooted in its history and culture, which is reflected in all its cities and villages. We have coved some major tourist places near Junagadh city. Right from hills to beaches, Junagadh has something for every tourist. Locals can explore temples, historical monuments, hills, beaches, and many other popular attractions near the Junagadh area.

Best Tourist Places Near Junagadh City

Junagadh is a very ancient and pilgrimage city. Below listed are some of the top Junagadh tourist places.

1. Uparkot

A popular fort, Uparkot is one of the most popular historical spots in Junagadh. This Uparkot fort has tall walls with moats that were once considered to be the habitat of crocodiles to protect the fort. The fort has many attractions inside it which are huge crowd pullers.

• Attractions – The fort caves and steps, Navghan Kuwo (well)
• Distance from Junagadh– 76 km

Best time to visit – July to March

READ ALSO: Best Famous Historical Places In India

2. Girnar Hill

This is one of the top attractions near Junagadh and is visited by many tourists across the year. Girnar hill can be traced back thousands of years and it is also considered to be a holy place. It is visited by both Hindus and Jains and is a revered attraction among tourists. The hills are situated in the midst of Gir forests and have many activities to offer.

• Attractions and activities –Prehistoric remains of the fort, trekking points, and religious spots
• Distance from Junagadh –5 km

Best time to visit–Aug to March

3. Navghan Kuvo

These are two steep wells located inside the Uparkot Fort. The wells are completely carved in rocks and are visited by many tourists who visit the fort. Legend has it that the wells were carved through a single tone on the order of the king to trace water

• Attractions – Adi-Kadi Vav
• Distance from Junagadh – 1 km from the center of the city

Best time to visit – September to March

4. Gir National Park

A highlight of the region, the Gir forests are a major habitat of the Asiatic lion. The experience of visiting the Gir forest national park will be a unique one and you can experience many more animal species here. The Nawab of Junagadh had initiated the conservation of lions here and since then the forests have seen a steady increase in the number of lions

• Attractions – Asiatic lion, Leopard, Chinkara, Hyena, Sambar Deer
• Distance from Junagadh – 78 km

Best time to visit – October to March

5. Edicts of Ashoka

An edict is a decree passed by the official authority. The edict passed by King Ashoka was to leave the path of violence. He had renounced his throne to adopt Buddhism. Ashoka’s rock edicts inscribe the traits of Buddhism and this place is visited by many spiritual people.

• Attractions – Major rock edicts, Dhauli, Ashokan Edicts
• Distance from Junagadh – 4 km from city Junction

Best time to visit – November to February

6. Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach

Mandvi beach is situated on coastline of Gujarat state. This beach is one of the best attraction among other places of Gujarat. In addition, it also famous for its culture and tourist like to visit to see such beautiful places.

• Distance from Junagadh – 145 km from city Junction

Best time to visit – October to March

7. Buddhist Caves

These caves are where the headquarters for the Buddhist monks were. Many caves belong to the third century AD. Many of the caves were created under King Ashoka. They were placed to reside for the monks of the region.

• Attractions – Khapra Kodia caves
• Distance from Junagadh – 2 km from the center of the city

Best time to visit– November to May

8. Sarkeshwar Beach

The best place near Junagadh if you wish to relax is the Sarkeshwar beach. It is a soothing beach lined with seashells. The beach is calm and crowd-free and gives a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea. The beach is rocky and the sand here is full of pebbles, gravels, and cobblestone dust.

• Attractions – Waterside activities
• Distance from Junagadh – 157 km

Best time to visit- October to March

9. Sakkarbaug Zoo

This Zoological Garden is among the popular places in Junagadhand is a top spot among kids. The highlight of the zoo is the purely bred Asiatic lions. It also has a natural history museum and a veterinary hospital.

• Attractions -Asiatic Lions, Antelope, Wild Boar, Blue Bull
• Distance from Junagadh – 3 km from city center

Best time to visit – All round the year

10. Jain Temples

This group of fascinating temples in the Girnar region have similar architecture. These temples have quadrangle courtyards and its pillars are engraved with the carvings of Jain Tirthankars. Many monks visit here to attain moksha.

• Attractions – Neminath temple
• Distance from Junagadh – 2 km from city center

Best time to visit– October to March

11. Madhavpur Beach

One of the most serene and peaceful places to see near Junagadh is Madhavpur Beach. It is extremely peaceful and is worth a family vacation. The beach is lined by coconut trees and pleasant vegetation. It has calm waters that make it worth a visit with the family.

• Attractions–The turtles on the beach
• Distance from Junagadh – 90 km

Best time to visit – October to March

12. Tulsi Shyam Temple

These are the natural springs near Junagadh that are popular among tourists. The holy water of the Tulsi Shyam Springs is known to have minerals like sulphur. There is a group of three streams with varied temperatures and these possess curative properties.

• Distance from Junagadh – 115 km

Best time to visit – November to March

13. Somnath: Among the Most Visited Places Near Junagadh

One of the most popular religious sites, Somnath temple is popular as it houses a Jyotirlinga revered by the Hindus. Another attraction of the city is Somnath Beach which has violent waves but provides a great experience of being close to nature. The Saurashtra cuisine is another highlight in Somnath.

• Attractions – Mahadev Temple, Somnath Beach, Sun Temple, BhalkaTirtha, Buddhist Sana Caves, Mai Puri Masjid, Veraval
• Distance from Junagadh – 94 km

Best time to visit – October to February

14. Dwarka

This is an ancient city located on the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula. It is also called Dev-bhoomi as it was part of the ancient kingdom of Krishna. The city has a lot of religious significance and it attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Dwarka has a beachside and seashores are an added tourist attraction. The city was revealed through excavations and it was completely underwater once.

• Attractions – Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Seashore, beach side
• Distance from Junagadh – 208 km

Best time to visit– August to February

15. Dataar Hill: Among the Most Amazing Junagadh Tourist Places

This is a holy site opposite the Girnar Hills. It is a popular pilgrimage in Gujarat. Dataar Hills are among the five principal peaks of Mount Girnar. It is also called Guru Dattatray and also has the shrine of Jamiyal Shah Dataar. The Wellington Dam, built over the Kalwa River is another attraction here. It is extremely scenic during monsoons.

• Attractions – Dattatray Temple, Tomb and shrine of Jamiyal Shah Dataar, Koyala Vajir Temple, and Digambar Jain Bhagwan Neminath Temple
• Distance from Junagadh – 8 km from city center

Best time to visit – October to March

16. Diu: Among the Beautiful Places to Visit in Gujarat

One of the most beautiful islands that is located in the Veraval Port, Diu is one of the best attractions of the Kathiyawar region. Diu is one of the popular tourist places and has many natural beaches, museums, and many other attractions. Places to visit in Diu are perfect places for recreation and sightseeing.

• Attractions – Ghogla Beach, St Paul’s Cathedral, Fortress of Panikotha, Diu Museum, Bird Sanctuary
• Distance from Junagadh – 140 km

Best time to visit– August to February

17. Mohabbat Maqbara

Mohabbat Maqbara is one of the famous places in Junagadh. It is a beautiful monument that was built in 1678 by the ruler of Aurangabad, Abdulrahman Adil Shah. The tomb is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. Visitors can also explore the surrounding gardens, which feature a variety of plant life. Whether you are interested to know about ancient history or looking for a peaceful place to relax, Mohabbat Maqbara is definitely worth a visit.

• Attractions: A wonderful blend of Indo-Islamic architecture coupled with the Gothic art form in Mohabbat Maqbara is truly pleasing to the eyes. You can also visit Jami Masjid and Vazir’s Maqbara nearby.
• Distance from Junagadh: 1.5 km

Best time to visit: November to February

18. Swami Narayan Mandir

Swami Narayan Mandir is a Hindu temple, built in 1822. The temple is made of sandstone and marble, and its architecture is based on the traditional Indian style. The temple is also surrounded by a garden with fountains, and it has a museum that displays paintings and sculptures.

Visitors to Swami Narayan Mandir can learn about the history of the temple, see the beautiful architecture, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

• Attraction: Visitors can enjoy the morning and evening aarti in the mandir. There is also a sound and light laser show, narrating mythological stories, that can be enjoyed by tourists of all ages.
• Distance from Junagadh: 4 km

Best time to visit: October to March

19. Darbar Hall Museum

Darbar Hall Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Gujarat. The museum has a rich collection of artifacts that date back to the Mughal period. Visitors can also see how the Gujarati culture has evolved over the years. The museum is open every day from 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 5:15 pm. Admission is free for all visitors.

• Attraction: The museum includes an amazing collection of 19th-century paintings, weapons, textiles, costumes, and other artifacts. 
• Distance from Junagadh: 1 km

Best time to visit: November to February

20. Damodar Kund

If you’re looking for a breathtaking place to visit near Junagadh, Damodar Kund is definitely worth checking out. Situated at the foothills of Girnar Hill, this beautiful lake is surrounded by soaring mountains and lush greenery. It’s also a popular spot for pilgrims, as it’s said to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison that was churned up from the ocean. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax or simply want to take in the stunning scenery, Damodar Kund is definitely worth a visit.

• Attraction: The temples on the lakeside are worth paying a visit. There are two reservoirs nearby the lake where you can take a dip. You can enjoy trekking while being here and enjoy the majestic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other high mountains. You can also attend a fair, organized on Amavasya day of Bhadarva month nearby the lake.
• Distance from Junagadh: 3.8 km

Best time to visit: March to October

21. Sarkeshwar Beach

Sarkeshwar Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches near Junagadh. It is known for its cleanliness and serenity. The water of the Arabian sea here is crystal clear and of an aquamarine hue.

The sound of crashing waves soothes your mind. Sitting on the beach can be the best way to chill and relax. Sarkeshwar Beach is a must-visit for all tourists visiting Gujarat.

• Attraction: Have a walk on the beach and enjoy sunrise or sunset. You can enjoy sunbathing on the beach and water sports as well. And as the beach is less crowded and peaceful, you can have a relaxed evening sitting on the beach.
• Distance from Junagadh: 156.7 km

Best time to visit: Winter

Plan a Short Trip

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Frequently Asked Questions about Junagadh