A lake below Girnar
At the foot of Mount Girnar, just outside Junagadh, lies the Willingdon Dam, an old reservoir built in the British colonial era and named after a Viceroy of India. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Girnar massif, the dam and its lake form a calm, scenic spot popular with locals for evening outings, with pleasant views of water and mountain and birdlife along the shallows in the cooler months.
The surrounding area, on the fringe of the Girnar forest, adds to its natural appeal. While modest as a sight in itself, Willingdon Dam offers a refreshing green-and-blue pause amid Junagadh’s monuments and the climb of Girnar — a quiet place to enjoy the setting of the sacred mountain reflected in still water.
A lake at the foot of Girnar
The reservoir.
The dam was built in the colonial period as a water-supply reservoir for Junagadh, impounding a stream coming off the Girnar massif.
It carries the name of Lord Willingdon, Viceroy of India between 1931 and 1936, in the way many public works of the period were named.
It lies at the foot of Girnar, so the sacred massif rises directly behind the water and is reflected in it on still days.
It has since become a local outing spot — walkers, families and birdwatchers rather than tourists, and free to visit.
Reasons to make the time
Scenic reservoir
Still water in the foreground with Girnar's peaks directly behind is the whole composition, and the reason people come.
Girnar backdrop
Girnar has been sacred for over two thousand years and carries Hindu and Jain temples up its slopes and on its summits.
British-era dam
The dam itself is a plain piece of colonial waterworks, interesting mainly for its date and its setting.
Birdlife
Waders work the shallows, and the winter months bring migratory birds onto the reservoir.
Evening outings
This is a Junagadh local spot rather than a sight — quiet on weekdays, busier on a weekend evening.
Green pause
It sits within a few kilometres of Girnar's temples, Uparkot fort and the Ashokan rock edict.
What to look for inside
Reservoir
A colonial-era reservoir at the foot of the Girnar massif, still holding the town's water.
Girnar reflected
Girnar reflected in the still water — the view that makes the trip worthwhile.
How to spend an hour or two
Enjoy the views
Walk the bund for the view across the water to Girnar, which is the main thing to do here.
Watch the birds
Look along the shallows for waders and, in winter, for the migratory birds that come onto the reservoir.
See Girnar reflected
Come on a still morning or evening, when the surface is calm enough to hold the mountain's reflection.
Take an evening walk
Treat it as the locals do — a green break from Junagadh rather than a monument to tick off.
Pause amid sights
Bring binoculars in winter; the birdlife is the reservoir's real interest in the cooler months.
Photograph the lake
Combine it with Girnar, Uparkot fort and the Ashokan edict, all within a few kilometres.
Reservoir below the mountain
Willingdon Dam is a British-era reservoir at the foot of Mount Girnar near Junagadh, its embankment holding back a calm lake against the dramatic backdrop of the sacred massif. More a scenic local outing than a major sight, it offers water, mountain views and birdlife — a refreshing pause amid Junagadh’s monuments and the Girnar climb. (A public reservoir; freely accessible. )
More places to visit across the district are gathered in our Junagadh travel guide.
British-era reservoir
At the foot of Girnar
Lake & embankment
Birdlife in winter
When to go
November to February is best — clear air, comfortable walking and the peak of the migratory bird season on the water.
The monsoon fills the reservoir and turns the Girnar slopes green, though haze often hides the peaks.
April to June is hot and the water level drops; come at first light or not at all.
⏰ Come in the late afternoon for the best light on Girnar reflected in the water; winter brings birdlife.
Timings & entry
- Open daytime; evenings popular
- Winter for birdlife
- Take care near the water
- Allow about an hour
- A free public spot
- Don't litter at the lake
- Take care near the water
- Pair with Girnar sights
Getting there
By Air
Keshod / Rajkot airports.
By Rail
Junagadh station.
By Road
At Girnar's foot, near Junagadh.
At the dam
WATER & MOUNTAIN
A reservoir below Girnar
What to shoot
The reservoir and dam wall together, shot from the bund with the water leading in.
Backdrop
Girnar reflected in still water — the signature frame, best at first light or last.
Wildlife
Waders in the shallows, which need a long lens and some patience.
Best light
Late afternoon, when the massif warms up and the reflection holds.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Jama Masjid, Uparkot
A pillared mosque within the old fort
ANCIENTAshokan Rock Edicts
Emperor Ashoka’s edicts carved ~250 BCE
CAVESKhapra Kodiya Caves
Buddhist rock-cut monastic caves
Asiatic Lion
◐ Gir / Sakkarbaug
FORTUparkot Fort
Ancient citadel with stepwells, caves & cannons
WILDLIFESakkarbaug Zoo
India’s third-oldest zoo, home to Asiatic lions
Where to eat near Willingdon Dam
THALIKathiyawadi Thali
Spicy Saurashtra meals.
FARSANGhughra & farsan
Fried and steamed snacks.
STREETJunagadh chaat
Lively bazaar snacks.
Kesar mangoes
Famous Girnar-region Kesar mango & farsan.
Willingdon Dam FAQ
What is Willingdon Dam?
A British-era reservoir at the foot of Mount Girnar near Junagadh.
Why the name?
It was named after Lord Willingdon, a Viceroy of India.
What's special about it?
Its scenic lake with the dramatic Girnar massif as a backdrop.
Is there birdlife?
Yes — along the shallows, especially in winter.
Is there an entry fee?
No, it's a free public spot.
How far is Junagadh?
About 5 km, at Girnar's foot.
What's nearby?
Mount Girnar, Bhavnath and Damodar Kund.
When should I visit?
October to February, late afternoon.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026