Uparkot Fort

Uparkot Fort is an ancient fort located on a plateau on the eastern edge of Junagadh, Gujarat. Believed to have been originally built in the 4th century BCE and rebuilt over centuries, it is enclosed by massive walls and gateways. The large complex contains stepwells, Buddhist caves, a mosque, and historic cannons. Known for withstanding numerous sieges, it is a protected heritage monument illustrating the layered history of Saurashtra.

Visitors can explore a large walled fort complex on elevated ground overlooking Junagadh. Inside are historic gateways, massive fort walls, the rock-cut Adi-Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuwo stepwells, ancient Buddhist caves, the Jama Masjid, and two large cannons named Neelam and Manek. The terrain is rocky and uneven with open courtyards, stone structures and panoramic views of the city and Girnar Hills. The site is primarily for sightseeing, photography and heritage walks.

Uparkot Fort is believed to have been originally built by Chandragupta Maurya in 319 BCE and later extended by successive rulers including the Mauryas, Guptas, Maitrakas, Chudasamas, Gujarat Sultans, Mughals and the Nawabs of Junagadh. The fort was rebuilt and fortified over centuries and is noted for withstanding about 16 sieges, including a 12-year siege. Its structures reflect Mauryan to medieval periods, with Buddhist caves, stepwells and later Islamic additions.

The fort complex demonstrates a blend of cultural influences with Buddhist rock-cut caves, Hindu-associated stepwells Adi-Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuwo, and the Jama Masjid, reflecting the region's long religious and architectural history. The stepwells are associated with local legends and traditional water architecture of Saurashtra.