Unlocking Junnar: 3 Reasons Why You Can’t Miss Exploring Maharashtra’s Historical Gem

With HerZindagi's collaboration with Maharashtra Tourism, we got to explore a hidden gem in the Pune district of Maharashtra, Junnar. Junnar isn't a widely known city like Mumbai, Aurangabad, Pune, or Nashik, it is relatively smaller but its rich historical and cultural significance deserves attention.

As we drove from Pune airport to Junnar, lush greens, rolling hills, and scenic views welcomed us. To celebrate the 394th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, team HerZindagi made it to the Hindavi Swarahya Mahotsav 2024 in Junnar. During the expedition, we uncovered many reasons why Junnar should be on your travel bucket list!

3 Reasons Why You Should Visit Junnar

Junnar’s Connection With India’s Rich History

"Not many know that Junnar is a 2000-year-old city. Our history dates back to the ancient times. Junnar has been the center of various dynasties, especially the Marathas," said Chetan Parkhe, member, team Junnar Tourism Development Organisation. The Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is located near Junnar and serves enough proof of the city's role in the stronghold of the Marathas back when they were battling against the Mughal Empire.

Siddharth Kasbe, Founder, Junnar Tourism Development Organisation said, "2000 years old ancient route goes from Junnar to Naneghat, Kalyan to Paithan. Back then Roman traders carried out trade via sea through Egypt, Alexandria, and Arabia. Their ships were anchored in different places like Gujarat, Nalasopara in Mumbai, and Kalyan near Mumbai. They carried things like cotton, spices, silk, pearls, and tigers to Europe. The goods passed through different cities and Junnar was one of them." (Lesser known Gujarat Travel Destinations)

Travellers who enjoy visiting historic places, Junnar deserves your attention. There is a lot to explore through the ancient wonders here. On our trek to the Shivneri Fort, we also got to visit some of the lesser-known Buddhist caves in the region. While Junnar alone has 350 caves, 84 of them are at Shivneri. One of the walls of this cave has Greek inscriptions that confirm a Greek merchant's contribution to the Buddhist caves.

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Junnar's Many Archaeological Sites

Another lesser-known fact about Junnar is the presence of many archaeological sites. The city has the largest and longest cave excavations and the number is estimated to be 350. These caves are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Some popular caves you can explore while in Junnar are Ambika Buddhist Caves, Lenyadri Caves, Tulja Buddhist Caves, Bhimashankar Buddhist Caves among others. The rock-cut caves in Junnar date back to the 2nd Century BCE. These caves were earlier used as places of worship by Buddist and Jain monks, many monks used them as retreats as well.

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Junnar, A Natural Retreat

From Pune, as we drove to Junnar, we were welcomed by a gentle breeze. The roads were dotted with lush greens, offering scenic views. Junnar is surrounded by hills and is home to many waterfalls (North East India Waterfalls). The reverse waterfall near Junnar is a big tourist attraction. Manikdoh and Wadaj dams in Junnar also make great spots for visit, especially for nature lovers. With no more than 50K natives, Junnar is still untouched, the air feels pure and the surroundings are spotless.

How To Reach Junnar?

By Road

Via Pune-Nashik Highway (NH60), Junnar is a 2 to 3 hours drive from Pune city. From Mumbai, travellers can take the Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH160) and then turn to Pune-Nashik Highway (NH60) via Narayangaon to reach Junnar. It will be a 3 to 4-hour drive from Mumbai to Junnar. State and private buses are available too.

By Train

There are no direct trains to Junnar. The nearest railway station is Pune, about 95 km away. You can take a bus or taxi to reach Junnar.

By Air

Pune Airport is the nearest airport to Junnar, about 100 km away. Taxis and buses are easily available to reach Junnar.

Junnar native, Nagesh said, "You should come here during monsoon, it is the the best time to visit the city. It is all green around." You can consider spending Junnar for at least two to three days to explore the top spots of Junnar. If you have more time in hand, you can always extend your stay.

If you have any questions related to Junnar, write to us on our social handles and we would be happy to answer all your queries. For more such travel stories, stay tuned!