Buddhist Caves in Uparkot Fort in Junagadh in Gujarat

Sunday, October 8, 2017

The Buddhist Caves are located in the Uparkot Fort premises in Junagadh.

Buddhist Caves in Uparkot Fort in Junagadh in Gujarat

 Unlike the fort there is a entrance fee to see the Caves. "What is so special about these caves, that there is fee to see it?" is the question, I had in my mind. The ticket would provide me with some answers. We bought tickets at a cost of Rs.15 each for Indian citizen. The price is different for foreigners. There is also a QR code which is scanned by the person at the door when entering the cave premises.

Information on Buddhist Caves in Uparkot Fort in Junagadh in Gujarat

To know more about these caves, please read this photo.

Buddhist Caves in Uparkot Fort in Junagadh in Gujarat are underground

I have been to Buddhist Caves in Maharashtra, but these were nothing like them. These caves are underground, now this is interesting. Three storey's underground, made it even more interesting. How did they manage to built these caves and why were they built underground? there was no one there who could answer this question. Certain portions of the caves have been worked upon to maintain the caves. No wonder there is a charge to see the caves.

Buddhist Caves in Uparkot Fort in Junagadh in Gujarat

The caves were beautifully carved from within, entry is allowed to all the caves below. The resting places are also carved out of stone. Some of the pillars were symmetrical and that the common Buddhist Caves logo atop them.

Buddhist Caves in Uparkot Fort in Junagadh in Gujarat

There are huge openings atop so that sufficient light can be provided to all the three levels below. 

Buddhist Caves in Uparkot Fort in Junagadh in Gujarat

Buddhist Caves in Uparkot Fort in Junagadh in Gujarat

Refer to this signboard for a little more info on the Buddhist Caves.

More Information on Buddhist Caves in Uparkot Fort in Junagadh in Gujarat

There is no food or water available here.

Fathima and Me at Buddhist Caves in Uparkot Fort in Junagadh in Gujarat

As we had already explore Jama Masjid, we then walked to the Adi Kadi Vav, a couple of meters away.


NOTE: Please click on the words in large font in the blog to read about them. 

Uparkot fort in Junagadh in Gujarat

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Uparkot fort is located very near to the city of Junagadh. From atop the fort one gets a very good view of the city.

Entrance to Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

We had visited the Tombs of the Babi Kings yesterday. 

We boarded rickshaw at a cost of Rs.50 to reach the fort premises.

The rickshaw traveled through the narrow lanes occupied by houses on either sides of the road to reach the fort premises.

Fort map of Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

They is no entry fee to see the fort and the fort is open all days of the week from morning to evening.

For all those to love to explore fort via a map, attached is a map of the fort.

Another photo of Entrance to Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

Uparkot fort is a hill fort. But then you will see houses of locals around the fort premises. The fortification is in good shape. There are cannons placed on the fort walls. Meaning many rulers did rule over this fort in its glory days.

Door to enter Entrance to Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

We passed through a couple of temples , not sure if they are old or new construction as they looked pretty new.

Temple within Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

We saw this small signboard placed near a small cannon near one of the temples. It read as Lashkari Vav. It was a stepwell. But were not able to spot the stepwell. Not sure if one of the temples was built around it.

Lashkari Vav in Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

One can walk on the wall of the fort. It gives a good view of the fort from the outside but not inside due to thick dried grass growing on the inside. We decided to drop the plan and exploring the fort from the inside.

Fortification of Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

Structure in Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

The Kadanal gun or cannon. It is placed on the fort walls. The cannon is facing the city. The artwork on the cannon is beautiful. To read more on the cannon read this photo for details.

Information on Kadanal Gun in Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

Kadanal Gun in Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

I have seen beautifully crafted cannons at Diu and Daman (Union Territory). Solapur, Daulatabad and Naldurg fort in Maharashtra. The biggest cannon I have seen so far was at Murud Janjira near Alibag.

Cannon in Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

We then headed over to see the Neelam and Manek Guns or cannons. These two cannons were beautifully crafted. Again these cannons are placed facing the city.

Information on Neelam and Manek Gun in Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

Neelam and Manek Guns in Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

Have seen beautifully crafted guns at Ausa fort, Kandhar fort and Udgir fort in Maharashtra.

Fortification of  Uparkot fort in  Junagadh in Gujarat

Next we visited Jama Masjid in Uparkot fort premises.


NOTE: Please click on the words in large font in the blog to read about them.