Girnar
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Girnar (also known as "Girnar Hill") is a collection of mountains in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. The tallest of these rises to 945 meters (3100 feet), the highest peak in Gujarat. The five peaks of Girnar are topped by 866 intricately carved stone temple. A sturdy stone path - a pilgrimage route for both Hindus and Jains -- climbs from peak to peak. It is claimed that there are exactly 9,999 steps from the trailhead to the last temple on the highest peak, but the actual number is roughly 8,000. Every year, a race is held, running from the base of the mountain to the peak and back. The locals in nearby Junagadh insist that the fastest-ever time was 45 minutes, which strikes those who have taken 5-8 hours to climb the mountain as distinctly improbable. In the Hindu religion, the legend is that climbing Girnar barefooted earns one a place in Heaven.
The nearby Gir Forest serves as sanctuary for the last remaining Asiatic Lions, famous for their dark black manes.
It is also famous for the Kathiawadi culture in the adjacent region.
Places of interest
- Sasan Gir Forest & Sanctuary - This 500 sq. mile sanctuary is dry, open scrubland where the lions roam freely. They can be seen on guided jeep tours through the jungles
- Girnar Temple
- Tulsi Shyam Hot Spring
- Ashoka's Rock edict