Nestled in the Girnar hills of Junagadh, Uparkot Fort is an ancient marvel that has survived over two millennia of battles, dynasties, and invaders. Known for its strategic elevation, exquisite stone carvings, rock-cut caves, and stepwells, this fort is not only Gujarat’s oldest but among India’s most historically significant hill forts.

Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Location	Junagadh, Gujarat
Founded	Originally 319 BCE (Mauryan period)
Rebuilt by	Chudasama rulers in 10th century
Style	Mauryan, Gupta, Rajput, and Islamic influences
Entry Fee	₹10 (Indian), ₹100 (Foreigners)
Best Time to Visit	October to March

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History of Uparkot Fort 📜

Mauryan & Gupta Periods

• First constructed during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya.

• Expanded under Ashoka and Guptas, known for Buddhist influence.

Medieval Revivals

• Rediscovered and reconstructed in the 10th century by Graharipu of the Chudasama dynasty.

• Later ruled by Mughals, Marathas, and Nawabs of Junagadh.

Archaeological Significance

• Home to Buddhist caves, Adi-Kadi Vav, and Navghan Kuvo.

• Known for surviving 16 sieges over 1000 years.

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Why Visit Uparkot Fort? 💼

• Ancient Monument: 2300+ years of continuous occupation.

• Stepwells & Rock-Cut Caves: Unique to Gujarat.

• Hilltop Views: Overlooks the city and nearby Girnar hills.

• Religious Harmony: Houses Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic relics.

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How to Reach Uparkot Fort ✈️🚄🚌

By Air:

• Nearest Airport: Rajkot Airport (100 km)

By Train:

• Junagadh Junction (2.5 km)

By Road:

• Well-connected to Rajkot, Somnath, and Ahmedabad by bus and car.

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Trekking and Exploration Routes 🥾

Route Options:

Trail Name	Start Point	Duration	Highlights
Main Gate Trail	Fort Base	25 mins	Fort gate, inscriptions, ramparts
Stepwell Path	Inside fort complex	30 mins	Navghan Kuvo, Adi-Kadi Vav, gardens
Cave Circuit	Southern edge	40 mins	Buddhist caves, stone arches

What to Carry 🎒

• Sturdy shoes

• Hat and water bottle

• Camera and torchlight for caves

• Basic first aid

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Gates and Towers 🏯

Name	Description
Fort Main Gate	Massive gateway with Mughal and Rajput carvings
Uparkot Bastion	Offers panoramic views and strategic cannon points
Buddhist Cave Entry	Intricate stone-carved gateway to meditation caves

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Things to Do 📸

• Explore Adi-Kadi Vav and its eerie twin stairs.

• Visit Navghan Kuvo, an ancient water harvesting marvel.

• Climb the bastions for sunset views over Girnar.

• Photograph Buddhist caves, stables, and secret tunnels.

Things to Avoid ❌

• Avoid dark corners without light.

• Do not carve or scratch monuments.

• Stay clear of slippery rock areas during rain.

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Best Time to Visit 🌞

• October to March: Pleasant weather, greenery after monsoon.

When to Avoid

• Summer (April–June): Very hot and exhausting.

• Monsoon: Slippery steps and poor visibility.

Whom Should Avoid

• Those with vertigo or difficulty walking steep paths.

• Visitors seeking a short, accessible stroll—fort needs exploration.

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Fascinating Facts About Uparkot Fort 📌

• Fort walls rise up to 70 feet high.

• Navghan Kuvo is carved entirely from a single stone shaft.

• Buddhist caves feature Chaitya and meditation chambers.

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Accommodation Nearby 🏨

Hotel Name	Type	Distance from Fort
Leo Resort	Mid-Range	2.5 km
Bellevue Sarovar Portico	Luxury	3 km
Hotel Harmony	Budget	2 km

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Travel Tips 🧭

• Hire a local guide for historical insights.

• Combine with a visit to Girnar Hills and Mahabat Maqbara.

• Avoid large backpacks—some stairways are narrow.

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Summary Table

Section	Highlights
History	From Maurya to Nawabs; Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic layers
Routes	Fort trail, stepwell walk, cave loop
Attractions	Caves, vavs, stables, bastions, Girnar views
Best Time	October to March
Avoid	Summer heat, monsoon conditions

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Conclusion ❤️

Uparkot Fort is not merely a monument—it is a timeline in stone. Its stepwells whisper tales, its caves chant meditations, and its bastions stand guard over Junagadh’s eternal horizon.