Girnar Ropeway: Sky High!

· Travel Team
Curious about the location of Asia's longest Ropeway? It is situated in Gujarat, India, atop Mount Girnar. Explore this article to learn all there is to know about Girnar Ropeway!
Dear Lykkers, the majestic rocky mountains served as a witness to the passage of time, likely observing the splendor of kings and now the advancements of technology with mobile tower placements.
Location and Overview
Asia’s longest ropeway is located on Mount Girnar in Gujarat, India. Officially inaugurated in October 2020, the Girnar Ropeway is a remarkable addition to Gujarat’s tourism circuit, offering a modern and efficient way to explore the iconic Mount Girnar.
About Mount Girnar
Mount Girnar is a prominent tourist attraction in Gujarat, renowned for its spiritual sites, including the Amba Temple, the Dattatreya Temple, and several ancient Jain temples. The hill, believed to be older than the Himalayas, is celebrated as the Nirvan Bhumi of the 22nd Tirthankara, Lord Neminath.
Girnar hosts 866 Hindu and Jain temples spread across various summits and remains a spiritual and trekking destination for visitors.
Girnar Parikrama
The Girnar Parikrama, or the circumambulation of Mount Girnar, spans 38 km and typically occurs in November. Pilgrims participate in this sacred journey, believing it equates to worshipping 33 deities said to reside on the holy mountain.
The Girnar Ropeway Experience
Key Features
Girnar Ropeway stretches 2.3 km and connects Bhavnath Taleti to the Ambaji Temple, covering 5000 steps of the climb. The ropeway significantly reduces the journey from a strenuous 4-hour hike to just 7 minutes.
The system operates with mono-cable gondola lifts, accommodating 7-8 passengers per cable car, with 25-30 cable cars running simultaneously.
Tickets and Timings
Online ticket booking is recommended to avoid crowds. The ticket prices are:
INR 400 (one-way).
INR 700 (two-way).
INR 350 for children aged 5-10 years.
The ropeway operates between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Missing the last slot requires walking back.
Best Time to Visit
Winters (November to February) are ideal for pleasant weather. For those solely exploring the ropeway, the air-conditioned waiting halls ensure comfort regardless of the season.
Facilities and Amenities
Refreshments
Refreshment stalls are available at the starting point (Taleti) and near the Ambaji Temple. Along the trekking route, small shops offer a variety of snacks and beverages, including Gujarati and Punjabi cuisines.
Accessibility
Girnar is located 5 km from Junagadh and can be reached by:
Air: Keshod Airport (40 km), Rajkot Airport (100 km), and Ahmedabad Airport (330 km).
Train: Junagadh Railway Station.
Bus/Car: Well-laid roads make road travel convenient.
Where to Stay
Junagadh offers a variety of accommodation options, including ashrams, dharamshalas, and hotels.
Popular choices include:
Budget/Mid-Range: Click Hotel, Hotel Magnum.
Luxury: Fern Leo Resort, Bellevue Sarovar Portico.
Highlights of the Ropeway Journey
The ropeway ride offers breathtaking views of Mount Girnar’s rugged cliffs, the sprawling temples, and the pilgrims climbing the steps.
The cable cars ensure a comfortable and ventilated experience. Upon reaching the Ambaji Temple, visitors can enjoy panoramic views and explore nearby attractions such as the Jain temples and the Dattatreya Temple.
Other Attractions in Junagadh
- Uparkot Fort - Mahabat Maqbara - Damodar Kund - Sakkarbaug Zoo - Ashoka Rock Edicts
Sustainability Tips
- Dispose of trash responsibly in designated bins. - Refill water bottles at the available stations.
Combining a visit to Girnar Ropeway with trips to Gir National Park and Somnath Temple enhances the experience, making it a memorable exploration of Gujarat’s cultural and natural treasures.