Girnar Ropeway is Asia’s longest ropeway, spanning 2.3 kilometres. The ropeway covers half of the climb, with 5000 steps, and ends at Ambaji Temple. The climb, which would otherwise take four hours, can be completed in seven minutes using the ropeway. The ropeway operates mono-cable gondola detachable lifts, also known as cable cars. Nine towers have been built between Bhavnath Taleti and the Ambaji Temple. The highest pole is 66 meters tall and is located on the 1000th step of Girnar. The cable cars can hold 7-8 passengers. A total of 25-30 cable cars can operate at the same time. Keep reading to know more about the Girnar Ropeway.
Features of the Girnar Ropeway
- The ropeway is 2,320 meters (7,600 feet) long.
- The building cost ₹130 crore (equivalent to ₹162 crore or US$19 million in 2023) and included the lower and higher terminals, as well as nine poles supporting the rope.
- Girnar Ropeway operates mono cable gondola detachable lifts.
- It transports visitors 850 meters (2,800 feet) above the hill to the Ambika Temple.
- Girnar Ropeway contains 25 trolleys, each capable of transporting eight passengers.
- It has a capacity of 1000 people per hour but only operates at 800 and 8000 per day. The trip takes 7.43 minutes.
Timings and Ticket Information
| Timings | Ticket Price |
| 8 am – 5 pm | Rs 400 (one-way) and Rs 700 (two-way). For children between 5 and 10 years of age, the fare is Rs 350. |
History of Girnar Ropeway
Mount Girnar is a popular pilgrimage location due to the existence of the Ambika temple, the Dattatreya shrine, numerous Hindu temples, and several Jain temples. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) proposed the proposal in 1983, suggesting the diversion of around 9.1 hectares (22 acres) of forest land. In 1994, the Gujarat government finalized the diversion of 7.29 hectares (18.0 acres) of forest land, with compensated forest land allocated near Toraniya village. In 1995, the Indian government granted permission as well.
The project was delayed when the palanquin-bearers, who transported pilgrims up the mount, protested and petitioned the Gujarat High Court for their livelihood. The petition was dismissed after Usha Breco Limited, the business that built the ropeway, agreed to provide a compensated livelihood. As of 2020, 104 stores for palanquin-bearers affected by the project are under construction in the lower terminal’s parking area. After environmental groups’ complaints, the building was halted in 1999.
The work continued in 2002 once the objections were resolved, and the land was acquired in 2007. Narendra Modi, the state chief minister, then set the foundation stone. The National Board for Wildlife awarded wildlife permission for the project in 2011, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change of India provided environmental clearance in 2016.
The proposed ropeway alignment was deemed hazardous to the area’s endangered long-billed vultures. A Public Interest Litigation was launched in 2017. However, the Gujarat High Court dismissed it in 2020. Construction was restarted in September 2018. The project was supposed to open in May 2020, but it was further delayed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trial runs were carried out in September 2020, and construction was finished on October 17, 2020. The initiative was launched on October 24, 2020, by current Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Experience of the Ride
Visitors must proceed to the Girnar Taleti, where their tickets will be examined. From here, there will be a body search and bag check. Then, you’ll be led into a massive waiting area with ropeway history and Girnar ropeway information presented. There is a food section where you may buy some beverages, as well as clean restrooms throughout the waiting area. The waiting area at the ropeway also has seating arrangements with social distancing instructions in case guests or the elderly desire to rest their feet. Just before boarding, the tickets will be scanned again. The cable car never actually comes to a stop. It will drop off visitors on one side and then instantly board from the opposite side. And then it’ll take off.
The 9-minute Girnar ropeway trip is exceedingly quiet, comfortable, and stunning. If you’ve never been on a ropeway before, here is the perfect place to start. The views from the cable car were pilgrims panting and puffing as they climbed the steps and vultures taking off from the edge of the mountains. You could see the Jain temples on your right, and then the 9 minutes will be over. You can climb one floor to receive blessings from the Ambaji Temple and enjoy the spectacular views.
How to Reach the Girnar Ropeway
Ahmedabad Airport, approximately 330 kilometres away and reachable in about 6 hours, is the nearest international airport to Girnar Ropeway. Private taxis, trains, and buses leave Ahmedabad often. Junagadh has a train station with a frequent service from Ahmedabad.
Nearby Attractions
Let’s look into the nearby attractions of Girnar Ropeway:
- Uparkot Fort
- Mahabat Maqbara
- Damodar Kund
- Sakkarbaug Zoo
- Ashoka Rock Edicts
Best Time to Visit
If you wish to go on the Girnar Ropeway, the time and weather don’t matter because there are air-conditioned waiting areas. However, the winter months (November to February) are the greatest time to visit Girnar because the temperatures are pleasant for trekking.
Travel Tips
- Carry your bottles and refill them in the water stations.
- Book Girnar Ropeway tickets in advance.
- Confirm the ropeway timings before planning your trip.
- Arrive on time.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, medicines, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Follow the rules of the temple.
- Carry only essential items with you.
- Check the weather conditions before going.
- Plan for other places sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The cable ride at Girnar Ropeway costs Rs 700 per person for the two-way fee, with a one-way ticket available for Rs 400, and the fare is Rs 350 for children aged 5 to 10. There is no fare for children under the age of five.
The Girnar Cable Car ride operates between 8 am and 5 pm. If you miss the 5 pm window, you’ll have to hike back to Mount Girnar’s base camp.
To reach Mount Girnar, you must climb 9999 stone stairs.
Girnar is an ancient hill in Junagadh, Gujarat. Shashwat Tirth is one of Jains’ holiest pilgrimages, where Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar, found tranquillity. It is also supposed to be where the following 24 Tirthankaras would attain nirvana in the future. Girnar Mountain also houses various Hindu temples.
The ropeway will transport visitors to an altitude of 900 meters, equivalent to 5,000 steps. Yatris who use the ropeway must descend 1200 stairs to Shree Neminathji’s Temple and then climb back 1200 steps to reach the ropeway, which will take them back to ground level.
Conclusion
Girnar ropeway is one of India’s best tourist attractions. The gorgeous biodiversity and exposure to flora and fauna make it a popular destination for youngsters and international tourists searching for a vacation site in India.
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