My next stop in Gujarat was Junagadh. I had several reasons for coming here. One, the ancient fort is supposed to have been first built by Chandragupta, the father of on
e of two very underappreciated (in the west) genius rulers in India, Asoka, a personal hero. Secondly, was the pilgrimage site of Girnar Hill where several important Jain and Hindu temples are located.
e of two very underappreciated (in the west) genius rulers in India, Asoka, a personal hero. Secondly, was the pilgrimage site of Girnar Hill where several important Jain and Hindu temples are located. The fort was interesting, but I never did see anything that could without a doubt date to the period of Chandragupta. There were some cool baolis (step wells), though they were crap compared to the one I saw in Ahmedabad. And the Masjid (Mosque) was pretty cool too, being so old.
Perhaps the most noteworthy thing
about Girnar Hill for the non-expert is the 10,000 stairs that must be climbed to reach the top. I set out early in the morning and had a pretty uneventful journey. It's a well maintained hiking trail with friendly pilgrims and ultra relaxed vendors who don't even ask you to look at their stuff. So far this has been characteristic of Gujarat. Hospitality, openness, good cheer, and tourist free. Sometimes it's been tough going, but it is definitely one of my favorite places in India, and especially with regards t
he people.[Pics, from top to bottom, Mahabat Maqbara (mausoleum in Junagadh), a view from the top of Girnar Hill, and a pic of some pilgrims leaving the Temple of Neminath I believe (the most important Jain temple on the hill?).
