Places to Visit Near Junagadh

Just 5 km from Junagadh town, Girnar Hills are a collection of hills, whose origins can be traced back to the Vedas. It has been considered to be a religious place even as long before in the Mohan-jo-daro period. Flocked by Hindu and Jain pilgrims alike, this place is also nature's paradise located in midst of the Gir Forest. Girnar offers its visitors some good trekking avenues, religious spots and pre-historic sites and mountains.
 

Distance from Junagadh: 32 km

Gir National Park is the only remaining home for the Asiatic Lions that are almost a definition to this park in Gujarat, which has a lot more to offer. Gir provides you with the unique experience of visiting a place which almost singularly plays a crucial and defining role in the preservation and sustaining of a certain species. The preservation of these lions was initiated by the Nawab of Junagadh when these were just about to enter the phase of extinction due to hunting. Official count said that there were 411 lions in 2010.

Distance from Junagadh: 73 km

Best Time: July to March

Sarkeshwar Beach is one good place to relax and enjoy. Sound of the waves here are very soothing and the shore is lined by tiny and beautiful sea shells. It is a wild beach which means it can be referred to as an undeclared, undeveloped, undefined, or undiscovered beach which assures calm surroundings and beautiful landscape.
 

Distance from Junagadh: 153 km

Madhavpur is a stunning beach in Madhavpur, Gujarat, lined with gorgeous coconut trees and boasting of an ethereal landscape. The other side of the beach, across the road has verdant green grass and vegetation which makes the area look even more pleasant. The beach is not considered ideal for swimming due to high tides; and is home to thousands of turtles.

Distance from Junagadh: 76 km

Located in the premises of Gir Forest National Park, Tulsi Shyam Springs is a group of three hot sulphur streams alongside a Lord Vishnu Temple. The first is warm, second is slightly hot and the third stream is boiling hot; it is believed to have curative powers. It is believed a dip in the springs can cure one of skin diseases.

Distance from Junagadh: 115 km

Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach is a 6 kms long pristine coastline kissed by the sparkling waters of the Arabian Sea. Situated on the junction of Diu and Gujarat, the beach is dotted with windmills and boasts of soft white sands. The beach is ideal of swimming, water sports and dolphin spotting and is visited by a large number of tourists throughout the year.

Distance from Junagadh: 144 km

Known For : Ambika Niketan Temple Sarthana Nature Park Jagdishchandra Bose Aquarium

Distance from Junagadh: 542 km

Best Time: October to March

44 Surat Attractions

Known For : Somnath Jytorilinga Temple Bhalka Tirth Somnath Beach

Somnath, literally meaning 'lord of the moon' is a pilgrim center and is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is a town which derives much of its identity from the mythology, religion, and legends that surround it. Primarily a temple town, Somnath is a place where a strong scent of religion and legends lingers around tourism and even daily life. Its spiritual environment is ornamented by the huge number of temples in the area, however, Somnath also offers beaches, museums and other attractions.

Distance from Junagadh: 95 km

Best Time: September to March

16 Somnath Attractions

Pirotan Island spreads over an area of 3 square kilometres and is one of forty-two islands in the marine park area, nestled within the vicinity of the Marine National Park in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat on the western coast. As part of the first marine national park - the Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park, established in 1982, Pirotan Island offers an undisturbed rendezvous with nature in its abode. It is one of the two islands in the area which is normally permitted for tourists and visitors, Narara Island being the other one.

Known For : Gaurishankar Lake Nilambag Palace Shopping in Bhavnagar

Located at the southern tip of Gujarat peninsula, Bhavnagar is known as the cultural centre of the state of Gujarat. Literary achievers like Govardhan Tripathi, Kavi Kant, Narsihm Mehta and Ganga Sati have their roots in Bhavnagar. While on one side, you'd see the careless waves of Gulf of Khambat, on the other hand, you can see the busiest port of ocean trading in India.

Distance from Junagadh: 215 km

Best Time: October to January

10 Bhavnagar Attractions

Situated at the bending point of River Macchu in Gujarat, Wankaner is a princely town known for its royal lineage and heritage monuments. The city gets its name from its location; ‘wanka’ meaning ‘bend’ and ‘ner’ meaning ‘river’. Also known as Jhalawar, the city was originally ruled by Jhala Rajputs. The rulers were known for their patronage of architecture and arts and that clearly reflects in the beautiful monuments and palaces of Wankaner. The quaint town has several bewitching attractions and historical monuments which are open for sightseeing.

Distance from Junagadh: 162 km

Known For : Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Kirti Mandir, Porbandar Porbandar Bird Sanctuary

The birth place of Mahatma Gandhi, Porbandar is a beautiful beach town with some temples and dams, and is now also a popular trading hub. 
The coastal city with a significant event in its history is a tourist destination which modestly offers a number of attractions. Apart from the haveli where Gandhiji was born which has now been converted into a temple, there are a few more temples, dams, reservoirs, serene beaches and wildlife spots as well to add to your experience in Porbandar.

Distance from Junagadh: 104 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

24 Porbandar Attractions

Known For : Dwarkadhish Temple Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Bet Dwarka

Located on the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, Dwarka is popularly known as the "home of Lord Krishna". The name Dwarka literally translates to dwar meaning 'door' and ka meaning 'moksha' meaning the ‘door to salvation. And so the aura of the religious town reverberates with spiritual holiness and chants of the devotees seeking moksha. Dwarka boasts of being the only city that is a part of both Char Dham (four principal holy places) and also Sapta Puris (seven holy cities) mentioned in the Hindu religion.

Distance from Junagadh: 207 km

Best Time: July to March

15 Dwarka Attractions

Known For : Khambhalida Caves Kaba Gandhi no Delo Pradhyuman Zoological Park

Located in the western region of the country, Rajkot is the fourth-largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat. A commercial city with not many sightseeing options, Rajkot should be visited for its sweets, traditional snacks, Navratri celebrations, handicrafts (silverwork, patola weaving, bandhani) and its maze of narrow alleys with distinct cultural character. Located halfway between Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Rajkot is perfect for a one-day trip.

Distance from Junagadh: 102 km

Best Time: October to March

23 Rajkot Attractions