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PILGRIMAGE · SUFI HILLDatar Hill
A revered hilltop shrine of Jamiyal Shah Datar facing Girnar — a rare symbol of shared Hindu-Muslim faith, reached by a climb or ropeway with sweeping views.
A hill of shared faith
Facing Girnar across Junagadh rises Datar Hill (Datar Parvat), crowned by the dargah of the Sufi saint Jamiyal Shah Datar. For centuries the shrine has been a striking example of Gujarat’s syncretic faith — revered by Muslims and Hindus alike, who climb its roughly two thousand steps (a ropeway now also serves the hill) to seek the saint’s blessings.
The summit offers a tranquil shrine wrapped in green flags and incense, and panoramic views back across the city to the soaring peaks of Girnar opposite. Pilgrims of both faiths share the climb, the prayers and the langar (community meal), in a quietly moving display of harmony.
Less crowded than Girnar itself, Datar is a gentler but deeply atmospheric pilgrimage — a place where two great traditions meet on one quiet hilltop.
Illustration — the Datar dargah hill.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Illustration — a Sufi hilltop shrine.
Jamiyal Shah Datar, a revered Sufi, is enshrined on the hill.
Hindus and Muslims alike come to seek blessings.
Some 2,000 steps lead up the Datar Parvat.
A ropeway now also serves the hilltop shrine.
Reasons to make the time
Sufi dargah
The shrine of Jamiyal Shah Datar.
Shared faith
Hindus and Muslims worship together.
The climb
~2,000 steps up the hill.
Ropeway
An easier ride to the top.
Girnar views
The great mountain opposite.
Peaceful
Quieter than Girnar itself.
What to look for inside
Hilltop shrine
The saint's resting place.
Facing Girnar
Panoramas over the city.
How to spend an hour or two
Climb or ride
Take the steps or the ropeway.
Visit the dargah
Pay respects at the shrine.
See the harmony
Both faiths worship together.
Share the langar
Join the community meal if offered.
Soak the views
Girnar rises opposite.
Go early
Beat the heat and crowds.
Illustration — a dargah on the hill.
A shrine crowning the parvat
Datar Hill is a natural rise crowned by the modest dargah of Jamiyal Shah Datar — a shrine hung with green flags and busy with incense and prayer, reached by a long stairway (and now a ropeway) up the hillside.
Like many pilgrim hills, its architecture is simple and its power lies in setting and spirit: the climb, the summit views toward Girnar, and above all the shared devotion of Hindu and Muslim pilgrims who make their way up together.
Hilltop Sufi dargah
~2,000-step stairway
Ropeway to the summit
Views toward Girnar
When to go
Cool and clear — the best season for the climb.
Green and misty; steps can be slippery.
Hot — climb before dawn with water.
⏰ Climb early in winter, carry water, and take in the Girnar views from the top; dress respectfully at the dargah.
Timings & entry
- Reached by ~2,000 steps or ropeway
- Climb early to beat heat and crowds
- Carry water for the ascent
- Dress respectfully at the shrine
- No entry fee at the dargah
- The ropeway is ticketed
- Cover your head at the shrine
- Be respectful of all worshippers
Getting there
By Air
Keshod Airport (~45 km) is nearest.
By Rail
Junagadh, then road to the Datar base.
By Road
On the Junagadh side facing Girnar.
On the hill
FLAGS & VIEW
A shared shrine facing Girnar
What to shoot
The dargah and its green flags.
Vista
Girnar rising across the city.
The climb
Pilgrims on the long stairway.
Be discreet
Respect worshippers and rites.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Girnar Jain Temples
Marble temple cluster high on the mountain
Adi Kadi Vav
A rock-cut stepwell carved into living stone
Mahabat Maqbara
A fantastical Indo-Islamic royal mausoleum
Sakkarbaug Zoo
India's third-oldest zoo, home to Asiatic lions
Girnar Steps
◐ Dawn · the long climb
Asiatic Lion
◐ Gir / Sakkarbaug
Where to eat around the ashram
Kathiawadi Thali
Rotla, kadhi, shaak and ghee-rich fare.
Ganthiya & farsan
Saurashtra's beloved fried snacks.
Chaat & kachori
Bustling old-city bazaar bites.
Kesar mangoes
Junagadh's Girnar-grown Kesar mango is famed (summer).
Datar Hill FAQ
What is Datar Hill?
A hill near Junagadh crowned by the Sufi dargah of Jamiyal Shah Datar, facing Girnar.
Why is it special?
It is revered by both Hindus and Muslims — a symbol of shared faith.
How do I reach the top?
By about 2,000 steps, or a ropeway.
Is there an entry fee?
No fee at the dargah; the ropeway is ticketed.
When should I go?
Winter, climbing early in the day.
What should I wear?
Modest clothing; cover your head at the shrine.
Is it as crowded as Girnar?
No — it's generally quieter and gentler.
What's the view like?
Panoramic, with Girnar rising opposite across the city.
Related places across Gujarat
Viewing Gallery
A gallery at the statue's chest, 153 m up
Khedbrahma
Hatkeshwar Mahadev
The ornate Nagar Brahmin temple
Limkheda
A gateway town of the highlands
Surat Castle
A 16th-century riverside fort by the Tapi
Nal Sarovar
Gujarat's largest wetland — flamingos & pelicans (~60 km)
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