Uparkot Fort in Junagadh

Uparkot Fort in Junagadh is an ancient fortress that is traditionally attributed to its construction by the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta in 319 BC, although it has undergone numerous expansions over the years. Some sections of its walls rise to a towering height of 20 meters. The fortress has endured 16 sieges, and a legendary tale suggests that it once withstood a siege lasting 12 years. From the fort, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and Girnar Hill to the east. Inside its confines, you'll find a splendid former mosque, ancient Buddhist caves, and two impressive step-wells carved from solid rock. Among these, the Adi Kadi Vav is a circular well that plunges to a depth of 41 meters and dates back to the 15th century, named after two slave girls who fetched water from it. The Navghan Kuvo, which is 52 meters deep and designed to withstand sieges, is nearly 1000 years old, featuring a magnificent spiral staircase around the well shaft. Keep an eye out for the age-old dovecotes. Brief History: Although believed to have been originally built by Chandragupta in 319 BC, this fort changed hands multiple times throughout history. Evidence of different rulers can be observed in various parts of the structure. For instance, an inscription of Mandalika III, dating back to 1450, adorns the rampart above the gate. Another notable relic is a 10-inch bore cannon made of bell-metal, measuring 17 feet in length and 4 feet 8 inches in circumference at the mouth. This cannon was transported from Diu, where it was abandoned by the Ottoman Turks following their defeat in the Siege of Diu in the mid-16th century. Best Time to Visit: The optimal time to explore this site is between November and February.

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