A 5-day fair held at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple at the foothills of Mount Girnar near Junagadh. The festival culminates on the auspicious night of Maha Shivaratri when devotees believe Lord Shiva himself visits the temple. Naga Sadhus arrive in grand processions on elephants, blowing conch shells and chanting hymns. Grand puja of Lord Shiva is conducted at midnight.
Why it mattersAncient festival with thousands of pilgrims, saints, and devotees from across India gathering to participate in rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Features traditional folk music, dances, and tribal participation.
Getting there
Nearest airport
Rajkot — 100km
Nearest railway
Junagadh — 5km from base
Where to stay in Mount Girnar
Shri Bharati Ashram (Girnar Taleti)
₹ashram · Bhavnath Taleti
Ashram dharamshala in a large gardened compound at Bhavnath, with AC three- and four-bedded rooms and shared kitchens — the most authentic spiritual sleep for the Girnar Mahashivratri mela crowd. Book months ahead for Shivratri.
Hotel Asopalav Bhavnath
₹₹boutique · Bhavnath Road, near Girnar Ropeway
Mid-range hotel at Bhavnath taleti — the literal foot of Girnar's 9,999-step climb — where pilgrims base before pre-dawn ascents to Amba Mata and Dattatreya peaks. Open year-round, pool, restaurant, free parking.
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Where to eat
Geeta Lodge (post-climb lunch)
LegendaryMullawada, Junagadh town · ₹
SignatureUnlimited Kathiyawadi-Gujarati thali
Auto-rickshaw from Bhavnath to Mullawada is ₹100-150; share with other climbers descending at the same time. Ask for double rotla and extra buttermilk after the climb — you'll burn through both. Geeta closes at 3pm for lunch break before reopening at 7pm for dinner.
Bhavnath Mandir Food Stalls
Girnar trek base, Bhavnath · ₹
SignatureMaggi, masala chai, and chaas before the climb
Start before 5am to beat the heat. The chai before the climb is cheaper and stronger than the mid-trail stalls. Carry a 1L water bottle from a closed/sealed cart, not the open jugs (hygiene is poor on the open carts). Cash only.
Girnar Ropeway Base Canteen
Girnar Ropeway Lower Station, Bhavnath Road · ₹
SignaturePre-climb / post-climb cafeteria meals
Pre-ropeway breakfast is the right slot — climb to top via ropeway, eat at the top after seeing the temples; come back hungry to the base canteen. The thali is decent for the price (₹120-150). Avoid the cold drinks displayed in the open sun.
Mid-Trail Tea Stalls (4,000-step plateau)
Between Mali Parab and Jain Temple Cluster · ₹
SignatureLemon-juice, buttermilk, fresh fruit
Stock up here, not above — there's nothing reliable past step 7,000. Buttermilk (chaas) is the best electrolyte for the heat; better than the bottled energy drinks. Carry small notes; vendors don't make change for ₹500 readily. No UPI at most stalls.
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What else to see in Mount Girnar
Girnar Ropeway
Cable car to the first peak (Ambaji temple at 2,700 ft). Panoramic views of Junagadh and Saurashtra plains.
Neminath Jain Temple
Historic Jain temple rebuilt in 1129 CE by Sajjana (Solanki dynasty), on a sacred site for over 2,500 years. Exquisite marble carvings. Reward after the gruelling climb.
Other festivals in Mount Girnar
