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NATURE · DAM · GIRNARWillingdon Dam
A reservoir below the sacred mountain — Willingdon Dam near Junagadh, a scenic old dam and lake at the foot of Girnar, a tranquil spot for views, water and birdlife.
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.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Illustration — the reservoir.
The dam is built in colonial times.
After Viceroy Lord Willingdon.
It sits at the mountain's foot.
A scenic local outing spot.
Reasons to make the time
Scenic reservoir
Water and mountain.
Girnar backdrop
The sacred massif.
British-era dam
A colonial relic.
Birdlife
Along the shallows.
Evening outings
A local favourite.
Green pause
Amid the monuments.
What to look for inside
Reservoir
Below Girnar.
Girnar reflected
Mountain and water.
How to spend an hour or two
Enjoy the views
Water and mountain.
Watch the birds
In the shallows.
See Girnar reflected
In still water.
Take an evening walk
A local outing.
Pause amid sights
A green break.
Photograph the lake
Girnar behind.
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. Illustrated emblem shown.)
British-era reservoir
At the foot of Girnar
Lake & embankment
Birdlife in winter
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season.
Green and atmospheric after rain.
Hot and dry — start early.
⏰ 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 lake and dam.
Backdrop
Girnar reflected.
Wildlife
Birds in the shallows.
Best light
Late-afternoon glow.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Durbar Hall Museum
A holy bathing tank at the foot of Girnar
Adi Kadi Vav
A rock-cut stepwell carved into living stone
Ashokan Rock Edicts
Emperor Ashoka's edicts carved ~250 BCE
Girnar Parikrama
A 36 km circumambulation through the forest
Girnar Steps
◐ Dawn · the long climb
Amba Mata Temple
Hindu shrines crowning Girnar's summits
Where to eat around the ashram
Kathiyawadi Thali
Spicy Saurashtra meals.
Ghughra & farsan
Fried and steamed snacks.
Junagadh 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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