Uparkot Fort

Uparkot Fort was originally founded around 319 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya, establishing a fortified citadel overlooking the ancient city of Girinagar (modern Junagadh). The fort was subsequently abandoned and buried under dense forest for centuries before being rediscovered in 976 CE by Chudasama ruler Graharipu, who restored its massive double walls, deep defensive moats, and stone gateways to protect the realm against invading regional armies.

Over the next eight centuries, Uparkot became famous throughout Saurashtra for its incredible defensive resilience, withstanding sixteen separate military sieges mounted by regional sultans, Solanki rulers, and Mughal armies. One infamous siege by Gujarat Sultan Mahmud Begada in 1472 lasted over twelve years before the fort finally fell, leading to the annexation of Junagadh into the Gujarat Sultanate.

Within the sprawling citadel walls lie extraordinary archaeological monuments, including the 2nd-century BCE rock-cut Uparkot Buddhist Caves, the massive 15th-century Jama Masjid built over a Solanki palace, two unique deep stepwells (Adi Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo), and giant medieval cannons (Neelam and Manek). Centuries of warfare, prolonged sieges, and political turnover created an atmosphere rich in historical trauma and local Saurashtra folklore.

The primary legends associated with Uparkot Fort center on the tragic fate of Queen Ranakdevi and the long, bloody sieges that claimed thousands of lives within the fortress walls. According to local Gujarati folklore, Solanki King Siddharaj Jaysinh invaded Junagadh, slew Chudasama ruler Ra Khengar, and forcibly captured Queen Ranakdevi, leading her to utter a tragic curse before committing sati at Wadhwan.

Local lore holds that the spirits of Ra Khengar's fallen soldiers and loyal guards continue to patrol the dark stone corridors and high ramparts of Uparkot Fort at night, guarding their ancient kingdom against long-vanished invaders. Visitors and night guards frequently report seeing translucent figures in traditional Solanki armor standing watch near the massive entrance gates.

Another famous legend surrounds the Adi Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo stepwells. According to local traditions, two royal maiden sisters (Adi and Kadi) were sacrificed during construction to locate water deep within the solid rock plateau. Locals believe their spirits linger near the long stone staircases that descend into dark water pits, whispering warnings to those who linger past sunset, while phantom lights hover over the water surface late at night. Stories also speak of ghostly cries echoing from the deep water shafts when shadows cover the ramparts during cold winter evenings. Furthermore, local folklore speaks of a phantom horse rider galloping across the central parade grounds.

Reported paranormal phenomena at Uparkot Fort are concentrated primarily near the subterranean Buddhist caves, the deep rock-cut stepwells, and the deserted battlements after sunset. Tourists exploring the lower chambers of the 2nd-century Buddhist caves report experiencing sudden, overwhelming feelings of claustrophobia, unexplainable cold breezes in sealed rock-cut rooms, and soft disembodied chanting echoing through stone corridors.

Security guards stationed at the fort perimeter after visiting hours report hearing heavy iron gates creaking, footsteps echoing across paved courtyards, and faint cries emanating from the depths of Navghan Kuvo stepwell. Visitors near the old cannons report sudden, localized temperature drops, while night watchmen describe observing shadowy figures pacing the upper walls late at night.

Additionally, electronic cameras used near the rock-cut stepwell entrances reportedly suffer sudden battery discharge, and digital photos taken inside the caves frequently reveal mysterious orb flares and misty silhouettes. Unexplained footsteps are also heard in empty royal quarters.

Uparkot Fort is built on a high, rocky plateau surrounded by massive stone ramparts rising up to twenty meters high, encircled by a deep defensive moat carved directly into solid rock. The fort complex spans over two square kilometers.

Key architectural features include the 15th-century Jama Masjid featuring intricate stone pillars, the multi-tiered 2nd-century BCE rock-cut Buddhist Caves, and two deep rock-cut stepwells—Adi Kadi Vav, carved out of single rock strata, and Navghan Kuvo, featuring a circular stair shaft descending over eighty meters.

The fort offers sweeping 360-degree views of Junagadh city and the holy peaks of Mount Girnar, blending ancient Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic architectural heritage.

Uparkot Fort is a major heritage tourist destination located in central Junagadh, Gujarat. Managed by Gujarat Tourism and the State Archaeology Department, the fort is open daily to visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for a nominal entry fee.

The fort is easily accessible via auto-rickshaw or taxi from Junagadh Junction Railway Station. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate steep inclines, uneven stone steps, and subterranean cave chambers.

Visitors are required to leave the fort premises strictly before 6:00 PM when main gates are locked. Photography is permitted throughout the public areas, but climbing unstable wall sections is strictly prohibited.

Uparkot Fort's haunted reputation is a natural reflection of its ancient origins, violent military history, and dramatic archaeological features. Surviving sixteen major historical sieges across two millennia left deep historical memories in Saurashtra culture.

The combination of dark rock-cut underground caves, mysterious water stepwells, and towering isolated battlements naturally fosters supernatural folklore among locals and travelers visiting the ancient citadel.