MONT GIRNAR

Mount Gilnar, known locally as Revatak Parvata, is a sacred mountain dotted with Jain and Hindu temples. The site's first Jain temple, commemorating the ^22nd tirthankhara, is said to have been built in the ^11th century. A major pilgrimage site, it is Junagadh's main attraction. To get there from downtown, take an auto-rickshaw (approx. Rs 50). From here, you'll have to climb 9,999 steps (!) to reach the 1,118 m summit. The long walk begins near the sacred Damodar Kund lake, in a teak forest, and you'll be in the shade until the 3^, 000th step. Unlike Palitana, there are refreshment stands along the way. Those who need a refreshment can take the brand-new Udan Khatola Ropeway to the summit, which runs daily from 7am to 6pm.

The Neminath temple, with its black marble statue, was built in the ^12th century. It is dedicated to the ^22nd tirthankara of the Jain tradition, Neminath. The Mallinatha temple is dedicated to the ^19th tirthankara. These two temples are among the most beautiful. The most courageous will reach the Gaumukh temple, perched at the very summit. Shivaite tridents (trishul) are planted in the rock. A saffron flag flaps in the wind. The view is splendid, you've almost reached nirvana.

In November or December, Mount Girnar comes alive: the Kartika Purnima festival is the occasion for a giant festival. Hundreds of sadhus (ascetics) gather here.