Girnar Hill : Sacred Hills of Gujarat
Girnar hill or Girnar parvat, is a well-known and ancient pilgrimage site in India. Here in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, Girnar is also an area of breathtaking natural beauty, an incredible hiking destination, and an equally compelling place for history lovers. Girnar Hills has enormous sentimental value for devotees of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. The lush green forests, mythical stories, and centuries-old temples make Girnar Parvat a unique fusion of devotion, customs, and flora and fauna.
In this travel guide, we will cover the relevant religious sites and their importance, how to get there, the temples and other activities that could occupy your time, the best time to go, and important tips for tourists.
Religious Importance of Girnar Hill
The Girnar Hill are thought to have existed even before the Himalayas, appearing in numerous Hindu texts. There are some Shiva-shrines on the hills, revered by Hindus. The hill is associated with Lord Dattatreya, who is said to have meditated on the peak. On the other side, Girnar holds significance for Jains, since it has some of the oldest Jain temples in all of India.
It is said that the 9th Tirthankara of Jainism, Neminath, attained moksha (salvation) at Girnar Hill. Jain pilgrims make the pilgrimage to the temple on the hill by climbing thousands of steps. Hindus treat the site reverentially since it includes temples to Lord Dattatreya, Amba Mata, and other reverent deities. Girnar is a metaphor for penance, power, and enlightenment.
Geography and Location
The Girnar Hill are located about 5 km east of the city of Junagadh in Gujarat. The hills are part of the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary and contain many peaks, including the tallest, Guru Dattatreya peak, at just under 3,666 feet (1,118 meters), which is the highest peak in Gujarat.
The hill is comprised of igneous rocks and also contains lush forests and rare flora and fauna. Area surrounding Girnar is as beautiful naturally as it is religiously.
How to get to Girnar Hill
• By Air
The nearest airport is Rajkot airport, approximately 100 km distance. Taxi and bus services are available from Rajkot to Junagadh.
• By Train
Junagadh is a major railway station and is well connected by a regular supply of trains from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and other major cities in Gujarat.
• By Road
Junagadh is well connected to, and within a reasonable travel distance by road from, cities including, Ahmedabad (320 km) Rajkot (100 km), and Somnath (90 km). State transport and private bus travel is frequent. From Junagadh, one can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the base of Girnar Hill.
In addition to its popularity as a place of pilgrimage, trekking is by far the most adventurous aspect of Girnar. The trek involves climbing over 10,000 stone steps to reach the very top of the hill. It is mentally and physically difficult, but can be spiritually fulfilling.
Pilgrims begin to trek from the bottom and often climb via a series of temples. Many pilgrims arrive to the base of Girnar in the early morning hours between 3 and 4 a.m. to avoid the heat during the day, as well as crowds.
Electric ropeway option
In 2020, the Girnar Ropeway, which is the longest ropeway in Asia, was introduced to allow visitors to get to the Ambaji Temple much easier than climbing on foot. The ropeway is around 2.3 km long, and takes approximately 10 minutes. In comparing the train ropeway ride to climbing to the Ambaji Temple, the ropeway saves hours of climbing. However, the gondola does not go all the way to the Dattatreya Temple, so those who would like to reach the top will still need to ascend some distance after the Ambaji Temple.
Important Temples and Places on Girnar
1. Ambaji Temple
Around 5,000 steps up Girnar, Ambaji Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Amba. It is one of the most important and frequently visited shrines on the hill, and it is characterized by beautiful architecture and at Ambaji Temple there is a commanding view of the surrounding area.
2. Jain Temples
There are many ancient Jain temples located on Girnar Hill, representing mostly the Digambara and Shwetambara sects.
The main temple is Neminath Temple, built around the 12th century. Of course, there are also Mallinath Temple and temples of Tirthankaras.
3. Guru Dattatreya Temple
This temple is located right at the top of the Girnar Hills after climbing around 10,000 steps. This temple is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, merged into Dattatreya), who is believed to have meditated here for many years. The view is heavenly, the cool winds blowing and the peaceful.
4. Gaumukhi Ganga
This sacred kund or water tank on the way is considered holy water flowing from Gaumukhi (a mouth of a cow statue). Devotees take a dip in it before continuing their climb.
5. Bhavnath Mahadev Temple
Located at the foot of Girnar, this Shiva temple has a fair which is famous – Bhavnath fair celebrated on Maha Shivratri. The fair is attended by Naga Sadhus and devotees come from all over India.
Festivals and Events
1. Girnar Parikrama
This is a big event held in November, during which thousands of devotees do a circumambulation (parikrama) around the entire Girnar Hill. The parikrama route is around 36 km and completes in five days. It is a big spiritual event with devotion and chants.
2. Maha Shivratri
During Maha Shivratri, a significant fair is organized at Bhavnath Mahadev temple where a huge number of sadhus, pilgrims and tourists gather there for the occasion. It is one of the most colorful spiritual events in Gujarat.
Best Time to Visit Girnar Parvat
The best time to visit Girnar is from October to March, when the weather is favorable for trekking. The slippery steps during the monsoon season (July to September) and the high temperatures in summer (April to June) can create a somewhat awkward experience.
If you would like to experience any festivities visiting during Maha Shivratri or Girnar Parikrama, will be ideal, although it may be crowded.
Wildlife and Nature
Girnar is also a wildlife sanctuary called Girnar wildlife sanctuary, which is more than 170 sq km in area. It accommodates leopards, hyenas, wild bores, many species of birds and reptiles. Its dense forest area and rocky landscape comprise rich natural habitat. Many nature lovers and birdwatchers come to explore the biodiversity and the landscapes of Girnar.
1. Plan to leave early in the morning to avoid the heat and finish your pilgrimage hike in the daylight.
2. Wear comfortable trekking shoes and bring a water bottle.
3. Bring light snacks but be careful not to litter.
4. Be considerate of the rules around the temples and local customs.If you don’t want to climb long steep hills.
6. Some temples may not allow photography inside – read signs carefully
7. If elderly or unfit, you can use the ropeway and palki (a seat people carry)
8. Be careful of monkeys on the way, especially around food stalls
9. Keep emergency phone numbers and basic medicines with you
10. Stay hydrated and take rest breaks when climbing
Accomodation
| Hotel/Resort Name | Type | Distance from Girnar | Key Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo Resort Junagadh | Resort | ~3 km | Garden views, traditional style, peaceful | Family, Leisure |
| Hotel Magnum Inn | Budget Hotel | ~2.5 km | AC rooms, free Wi-Fi, central location | Budget Travelers |
| Bellevue Sarovar Portico | Premium Hotel | ~3.5 km | Luxury stay, modern amenities, dining | Comfort seekers |
| Hotel Sapphire Junagadh | Business Hotel | ~2.5 km | Clean rooms, walkable to city spots | Business, Families |
| Hotel Indralok | 3-Star Hotel | ~3 km | Spacious, veg food, banquet | Groups, Families |
| The Byke Suraj Club | Mid-range Hotel | ~3 km | Furnished rooms, vegetarian restaurant | Tourists |
| Girnar Dharamshalas / Ashrams | Pilgrim Stay | Base Area | Simple, spiritual ambiance, low cost | Pilgrims |
Conclusion
Girnar hill is not just a religious hill; it is a journey, one that connects your body, mind and soul. Girnar harbors ancient temples, breathtaking landscape views and a spiritual energy that embodies one of India’s most fulfilling pilgrimages. Whether you are a devotee seeking blessings from deities at temples, a trekker looking for adventure, or a traveler wanting to learn about India’s socio-cultural richness and heritage, Girnar has something special in store for all.
Sure, the climb is tough, but the experience at the top is divinely extraordinary. Plan your trip to Girnar and take a step towards discovering the spiritual heart of Gujarat.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Girnar Hill located?
Girnar Hill is located near Junagadh city in the state of Gujarat, India. It is a popular pilgrimage and trekking destination.
What is Girnar famous for?
Girnar is known for its ancient temples, especially the Jain temples and the Amba Mata temple. It is also famous for the Girnar Parikrama and spiritual trekking.
How many steps are there in Girnar Hill trek?
The main trek to the Amba Mata temple consists of around 10,000 steps. The full trek covering all peaks may include more.
Are there any ropeway facilities at Girnar Hill?
Yes, the Girnar Ropeway (also called Udan Khatola) helps visitors reach Ambaji Temple easily, avoiding thousands of steps.
