Bike Rental in Junagadh Scooty on Rent in Junagadh for Uparkot, Girnar & Old City Rides

Uparkot Fort is a massive citadel on a plateau above the old city, with origins traditionally dated to the Mauryan period. Its walls enclose Buddhist caves, two remarkable stepwells, a mosque and old cannons. Its grand carved gateway sets the tone as you ride in. Allow at least two hours to explore, and carry water, as there is little shade. The Adi Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo, seen in the gallery, are cut deep into the rock, and the ramparts offer wide views of Girnar.

Mahabat Maqbara , completed in 1892, is the mausoleum of Nawab Mahabat Khan II. Its onion domes, carved silver doors and minarets with spiral staircases wound around the outside make it one of Gujarat's most photographed buildings. Visit in the late afternoon, when the stone glows in the soft light. Next door stands the Bahauddin Maqbara, built for the Nawab's vizier and just as richly decorated.

The Girnar ropeway, opened in October 2020, is about 2.3 km long and carries visitors to the Amba Mata temple in minutes, a climb that otherwise takes thousands of steps. From the top, the views of the Girnar range and the forests below are stunning. Book tickets online and arrive early, especially on weekends and festival days. Keen trekkers can continue up the stone steps past Amba Mata to the Jain temples and the Guru Dattatreya peak.

A large granite boulder on the way to Girnar carries 14 of Emperor Ashoka's major rock edicts, along with later inscriptions by the Saka ruler Rudradaman and the Gupta emperor Skandagupta. It is one of India's most important historical records, preserving texts from three dynasties across roughly seven centuries. The boulder is protected in a small building. Stop on the way to the ropeway, and ask the attendant about photography rules.

Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, founded in 1863, is one of India's oldest zoos and plays a key role in breeding Asiatic lions. Visitors can also see leopards, birds such as demoiselle cranes, and other wildlife. Check the weekly closing day before visiting, and allow time for the safari area. The zoo also sends lions to other zoos in India as part of conservation breeding. Go early in the morning, when the animals are most active.

Damodar Kund is a sacred tank on the way to Girnar, where pilgrims take a holy dip. It is closely associated with the 15th-century poet-saint Narsinh Mehta, whose devotional songs are still sung across Gujarat. Remove footwear near the ghats and respect the rituals of pilgrims. Small temples and ashrams stand among the trees around the tank.