Girnar

The most affordable and efficient way to get to the foot of the Girnar hill is to take a tuk-tuk or an 8-passenger seating vehicle that starts carrying passengers and travellers, right from early in the morning or to take the auto-rickshaws that run across the lengths and breadths of the town, but can be a little expensive. One will have to climb approximately 10,000 steps in order to reach the peak of the hill from its foot. Services like palki and rope chair are available for those who find it difficult to walk as many steps and are priced according to one’s weight. An official board has the price and weight ratio listed down, to avoid confusion and over-charging. During the initial few thousand steps, stalls are located on either side of the steps to provide basic amenities like water and food. After every 2500 steps or so, resting places (i.e Dharamshalas) have been constructed for the travellers to take rest in. The first few temples are Jain temples, the oldest one pays homage to the 22nd Jain Tirthankar - Neminath, followed by a temple of Amba Mata - which is popular amongst newly married couples. The final few thousand steps, lead to the last temple in the complex and a very few pilgrims are actually able to reach here. The area is surrounded by the presence and turnover of many sadhu babas of different sects like the Nath sect and the view from the peak is absolutely breathtaking!

Day 1 - Girnar Pilgrimage: The steps for the pilgrimage begin at Domdar Kund which are near Domodar and Baldvji temples. You should gradually ascent the steps as the journey is long and you should not tire yourself. Many temples will cross your path amongst which Bhavnath is an important one to Lord Shiv’s devotees. Here Naked Sadhu comes to celebrate Shivratri. As you ascend you shall come across various other temples and small kunds. After climbing around 4000 steps you shall reach a plateau. There is a Jain temple complex over there. The view and the beauty of temples is truly satisfying for the soul. Again after further climbing 2000 steps, you shall reach Amba Maa Temple. It is visited by Hindus and Jains. Then an up and down trail will take you to the last point where there is the temple of Kalika. Aghora ascetics stay here and smear themselves with ashes.

Although this place attracts many tourists and devotees it does not have many places to eat. Also, if elders are with you and cannot walk the whole way up, you might have to order palki and they really overcharge you.

The place is meant for Hindu and Jain followers. It is also for people who are interested in temples and mythological stories behind them. Perfect for adults and families. It is a very religious place so people who respect the supreme entity should visit here.

Famous for its temple and altitude, Girnar is the tallest peak in Gujarat with an elevation of 3600 ft above sea level. The sheer height of the place and the fact that it is located in Gujarat makes Winters (September - March) the best season to visit the temples in Girnar. These curious temples have been a point of fascination for many who visit here as well as a frequent spot for pilgrims who are looking to attain some salvation among the high mountains.

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While the area is brimming with natural beauty and spiritual and religious significance, it tends to be on the limited side in case of food options. There aren't any lavish or elaborate eating places. However local food joints provide decent food. Typically vegetarian, Gujarati Thali would consist of Roti or Rotlas, Dal or Kadhi, Rice and Vegetable Curries . Also sip into a refreshing glass of Lassi, Buttermilk or Chaas , while on you spiritual journey.
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Located about 5 km from Junagadh City, accessibility is not a problem. The Keshod airport is the nearest one (40km). Rajkot Airport is about 100km and is relatively better connected with all major cities. The nearest international airport is Ahmedabad. Rail and road connectivity is fairly decent as well.
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The top places near to Girnar are Gir national park which is 49 km from Girnar, Junagadh which is located 9 km from Girnar, Somnath which is located 70 km from Girnar, Diu which is located 100 km from Girnar, Porbandar which is located 96 km from Girnar