The short answer
Girnar Ropeway (Udan Khatola): what visitors should know first
Yes if the climb is too much but you want the views and the temple. The ride takes about ten minutes each way. Book the slot online, expect queues at weekends and festivals, and check current timings, fares and closure days with the operator before going.
History and context
The story behind Girnar Ropeway (Udan Khatola)
The ropeway was first proposed in 1983. Construction began in September 2018, and it was inaugurated on 24 October 2020. Wikipedia gives the length as about 2,320 m, while other sources quote about 2.1 km, so treat the length as a little over two kilometres. It ends at the Ambika Jain temple, known as Ambaji, in about ten minutes.
The ropeway has been closed on some Jain holy days, and operating hours and fares have changed over time.
Useful facts
Girnar Ropeway (Udan Khatola) facts at a glance
- Location
- Girnar foothills near Bhavnath, Junagadh
- Experience type
- Cable car to Ambaji temple
- Length
- A little over 2 km (about 2.3 km per Wikipedia)
- Ride time
- About 10 minutes each way
- Opened
- 24 October 2020
Why it matters
Why Girnar Ropeway (Udan Khatola) is worth your time
Before the ropeway, Girnar was a hill that only the fit or the determined could reach, and many older pilgrims simply could not. The cable car, inaugurated on 24 October 2020, changed that, and it is described as one of the longest ropeways in Asia. For Jain and Hindu devotees who cannot climb, it makes a visit to the Ambika temple realistic.
It also lets casual visitors see Girnar's scale. From the air you see how steeply the hill rises from the plain and how the steps wind along the ridge, which makes the effort of pilgrims easier to understand. The project had been proposed since the 1980s, which shows how long the idea took to be realised.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The ride
About ten minutes above forest and ridge, with views of Bhavnath and Junagadh.
- 02
Ambaji temple
The upper station stops at the Ambika temple on the second tunk.
- 03
Wider views
Viewpoints near the top show the plain stretching to the horizon.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Book online for a morning slot and arrive early at the lower station. After a short queue, you board a cabin, and in around ten minutes you glide up above the forest to the upper station near the Ambaji (Ambika) temple. Sit by a window for the views of Bhavnath and Junagadh, and keep bags closed since cabins sway.
At the top you still have to walk. The Ambika temple is reached by steps and there are viewpoints close by. Most people spend an hour or so here, then return by ropeway. A quick prayer, a look at the Jain complex further up the hill from afar and a rest are all one needs. If you are a fit climber you can continue upwards on foot, but note that thousands of steps remain beyond Ambaji.
Go midweek if you can. Weekends, school holidays and the Maha Shivaratri fair make queues much longer. Carry water, a cap and ID, and keep to the rules at the temple, including removing shoes.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Book online for a morning slot
- Check timings, fares and closure days with the operator
- Avoid weekends and festival days
- Carry ID, water and a cap
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Girnar foothills, near Bhavnath, east of Junagadh
- Time needed
- About 2 to 3 hours including the ride and time at Ambaji
- Best time
- Morning, on clear days between October and February; avoid crowded festival days
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The ride removes most of the climb, so it suits many seniors. There are still steps at both stations and to reach the temple, and queues can be long and hot. Wheelchair access is limited and should be confirmed in advance. The top is cooler and breezy.
- Tickets and access
- Tickets are sold online through the operator's site and at the counter. Prices and timings vary by season, and the ropeway has been closed on certain Jain holy days. Call the operator's customer care or check the official site for current arrangements.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Girnar Ropeway (Udan Khatola)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The ride removes most of the climb, so it suits many seniors. There are still steps at both stations and to reach the temple, and queues can be long and hot. Wheelchair access is limited and should be confirmed in advance. The top is cooler and breezy.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How long is the Girnar ropeway ride?
About ten minutes each way, covering a little over two kilometres.
Where does the ropeway go?
To the Ambaji (Ambika) Jain temple on the hill, not to the summit.
Can I book Girnar ropeway tickets online?
Yes, through the operator's site, which also lists a customer care number. Check current timings and fares.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
