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Junagadh was the capital of the Junagadh State under the
Muslim rulers of Babi Nawabs. In Gujarati, `Junagadh'
literally means an ancient fort. The junagadh town is located
at the foothills the sacred hill of Girnar and occupies a
special place in the history of Gujarat.
The history of junagadh is chequered by the rules of the
Mauryans, Kshatrapas, Guptas, Vilabhis, Chudasamas, Gujarat
Sultans and Babi Nawabs. Junagadh, at different times in
history, was under the influence of four major religions.
Hindu, Bhuddhist, Jain and Muslim. Both political powers and
religious influences enriched the culture and created edifices
leaving their mark on the architecture of Junagadh.
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Mahabat Maqbara
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Here Nawab
Mohabat Khan II, Bahadur Khan III and Rasool Khan were
buried.It is a fine specimen of medieval structure. On the one
side of this mausoleum is the Vazir's Maqbara and on the other
side is the Juma Masjid.
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Ashoka's Rock Edicts
- On the way to Girnar, fourteen
Rock Edicts of the Emperor Ashoka can be seen inscribed on a
great boulder. The inscriptions carry Brahmi script in Pali
language and dates back to 250 B.C. On the same rock are
inscriptions in Sanskrit.
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Narsinh Mehta's Choro
- The circular platform, from where the great poet,
philosopher, devotee and social reformer sang bhajans that
started the transformation of medieval Hindu society, is the
place devoid of glamour full of subtlety. It is situated on
the eastern side of the city near the Majewadi Gate. There is
a small temple with images of Damodarraiji and narsin Mehta.
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Sakkarbaug
Zoo -
Established in 1863 AD, this is the oldest zoo in Gujarat and
the third oldest in India. Here the Gir lions are held and
bred in captivity. An open zoo is developed in the area of 500
acres of land
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Junagadh Museum - Situated in the Sakkarbaug
Garden, the museum contains rare specimen of art, ancient
coins, furnituer, Persian and Sanskrit inscriptions, stuffed
animals and a large array of interesting artifacts.
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Darbar Hall Museum - It is the hall where erstwhile
Nawabs of Junagadh used to hold court. It has several
sections, like Picture Gallery, Palanquin, Textile, Arms
Gallery etc.
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Kutiyana - The town is visited by a large number of
Muslim pilgrims during Urs, which is held on the 13th, 14th
and 15th day of Hijri month of Sabaan, the lamps are burnt
not with oil but with the water of the step-well. It is
believed that the blessings of Pir Miskinsha are
instrumental for this miracle. Access : 68 kms. from
Junagadh
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Madhavpur - Endowed with beautiful sandy beaches
lined with coconut trees the town finds mention in
scriptures as that of great antiquity, for it is believed
that Krishna had married Rukmini at this place, the legend
kept alive by the Mer community by holding a fair on Chaitra
Sud 12 every year. The Haveli temple of Madhavraiji is the
chief attraction.
Access: 60 kms. Southwest of Porbandar.
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Uparkot Fort - Famous in bygone times for its
virtual inaccessibility, the UpaKot or Upper Fort is girdled
by a wall that is, in some places, over 20 mts. high. An
ornate entrance gateway leads to the ruins. A mosque still
stands in a state of preservation. A Nilamtope (canon) was
acquired by the Nawab of Junagadh from a Turkish Sultan.
There are also two step-wells. Jami Masjid and Buddhist cave
in the fort premises.
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Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach -
An Arabian
Sea Beach unpolluted by excessive human interference is on
its tranquil shores, where you will rediscover a rare
feeling of Peace, with an option to entertaining oneself
razing on the beach, swimming or enjoying water sports
facility.
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Chorwad Beach - 66 Kms. from Junagadh and 23 Kms.
from the fishing centre of Veraval, Chorwad is a delightful
resort on the sunny coast of Gujarat. The only beach in
India where you can live in the timeless splendour of a
palace built amidst soft golden sand facing the beach. It
was built by the former Nawabs of Junagadh.
It is 400
kms south west of Ahmedabad and 66 kms from Junagadh. The
nearest Airport is Keshod. And an excellent road connects it
to Junagadh, Girnar, the Gir Forest Sanctuary and the famous
temple of Somnath
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