Uparkot Fort

Gujarat is a leading historical place in India with a rich cultural heritage. The forts and palaces of Gujarat exhibit a splendid architectural grandeur. The major forts and palaces of Gujarat are Uparkot Fort, Pavagadh Fort, Kusum Vilas Palace, Nazar Bagh Palace, and Dabhoi Fort.

Uparkot Fort of Gujarat is a medieval era historical monument with well-defined battle stations in the form of battlements. It was famous in the past for its virtual inaccessibility. The architectural marvels of Hindu Chudasma rulers and Muslim Mohmud Beghda are perfectly blended in this ancient Uparkot Fort in Gujarat.

Location: Uparkot Fort is located on a hill in the city of Junagadh in Gujarat. Junagadh lies at the foot of Girnar Hill.

When to visit: The best time to visit Junagadh, the place that houses Uparkot Fort, is winter (October to March).

How to reach: The nearest airport to Junagadh is Keshod (about 40 kilometers). There are daily flights from Bombay to Keshod.

History of Uparkot Fort: Uparkot Fort was built during the Nawabi period. Uparkot Fort is said to have been sieged sixteen times, including one which lasted twelve years.

Specialties of Uparkot Fort

• Fort wall, which is over 20 meter high in some places
• A huge moat, around 300 feet deep
• Ornate entrance gateway leading to the ruins of the fort
• Ruins of a mosque
• Jama Masjid
• Buddhist caves including a three-storeyed one, which dates back to 2nd century AD

Heritage of Uparkot Fort: The walled fortress of Uparkot has witnessed all that has happened in Junagadh - monastic Buddhism, Aryan Hinduism, pious Jainism, Islamic invasions, British colonization, the Nawabi grandeur, and finally, the victory of democracy, as the Nawab was out-voted in the elections.

Last Updated on : 30 September 2011