Uperkot Fort or Upper Fort stands on the eastern side of
Junagadh, in
Gujarat. This impressive fort, built by Chandragupta in 319 BC, was rebuilt several times in the later centuries. It is said that the fort was besieged 16 times, the longest of which was for 12 continuous years. Uperkot Fort was a stronghold of Mauryans and
Gupta empires.
An extensively carved and decorated triple gateway welcomes one in to the fort. Some parts of the fort walls are 20 m high. On the left side of the gate is a Jama Masjid which was built on top of a Hindu temple. It has 140 pillars supporting its ceiling.
The fort also houses the tomb of Nuri Shah and two baolis (step wells) - Adi Chadi and Navaghan Kuva (dating back to 11th century). The fort has two cannons placed on the western wall. The bigger one is the colossal 5 m long cannon called 'Nilam Tope', which was made in Egypt.
The garden situated in the vicinity is an ideal place to rest and relax.
Situated to the north of Uperkot Fort is the Khapra Kodia Caves and to the south is the Babupyana Caves.
Uperkot Fort can be easily accessed from the Junagadh Junction Railway Station.
