Junagadh, Girnar hill - a little different

the_choker

Junagadh, a place that most only stay as a startoff point for Sasan Gir, but worth hanging around if you have the time. This is a very basic description, but don't want to ruin the discovery for the visitor. (or put you all to sleep) Recommend this trip to all if you get the opportunity.

The town itself is fairly standard, has an old fort and beautiful Mosque.

Not really a tourist town so there are few hassles here and the people are generally really friendly.

I went there in early October this year and found no other travellers.

Went to the fort at dusk, worth a look (costs 2RS to get in). Has good views of the town, the nearby Girnar Hill (the actual focus of this thread), and a spooky Masjid. Try and see this with no others around for effect.

Girnar Hill - located about 2-3 klms from town. Home to one of the biggest Jain holy sites in India, but also some unique Hindu temples.

My visit started pre dawn, walked to the base of the hill. Best time to do this as when you actually start climbing the hill, the sun is on the other side of the hill and you get some respite for the tough climb.

The hill itself is multi stage, the Jain temple town (as I call it) is the first major stop. To get here there are many many steps on a well worn path at the side of the hill. At times can be a bit tough due to the vertical nature but well worth it when you get there. (see photos recently posted)

Further on up the path is a Hindu temple at the top of the hill, a bit Gothic and spooky from the outside, Temple of Gorakhnath (photo). From here you view out across two neighbouring peaks to see the Hindu temples of Amba Mata and Dat Tatraya. (more photos)

Both are worth the extra few thousand steps to get here. Beautiful views of the surrounds. The temples themselves are quite simple, but it is all about the location here.

When you get to Dat Tatraya, take a breath for a bit before you head in for a blessing. It is a very long way here so enjoy it!!!

There is an altenate route down once you get back to the highest Jain Temples, if you want to avoid the crowds. It takes you back through more forest/jungle type areas and possibly an easier trip down. It takes you back to the village at the base of the hill.

The Hill walk will take a good 4-5 hours if you take it easy.

Have fun

Choker

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