Vastrapur , Ahmedabad

Vastrapur

Located at the western borders of the city, Vastrapur houses world renowned Indian Institute of Management. Apang Manay Mandal is another educational institution for handicapped. Bhav Nizar Temple and Ahram is visited by lot of people. Sundaram Snake Park also falls within the vicinity of this place.

Vastrapur village is home for a lot of village workers who are working with different cotton spinning and manufacturing mills across the city. In order to travel to other parts of the city, one may board at a bus from Lal Darwaja Bus Station located here.

Vasana

Vasana is located at the South-Western part of Ahmedabad. It is basically a residential area. Sharda Nagar, Shrikunhj, Chandranagar and Jawahar Nagar are among the residential colonies set here. In order to provide traditional and natural medical assistance to its residents, Sanjivani Ayurvedic Hospital is the main health care center located here. Secondary Teachers Training College is the educational institute falling in the vicinity of this place.

Vadaj

Vadaj is most important area in Ahmedabad for its association with Mahatama Gandhi. The area has two parets, Old Vadaj and new Vadaj. Old Vadaj houses Sabarmati (GandAhmedabadm and Gandhi Smarak Sanghralaya. Gandhi Ahram Shopping area is a store house of Khadhi and can be a bliss for those who wish to cottons.

New Vadaj stands as a residential area of Ahmedabad with more than a dozen residential colonies spread across this place. Vadaj has been separated from rest of the city by a railway line in the west and Sabarmati river at its eastern side.

University Area

The educational hub of Ahmedabad, University Area is campus ground for all major educational institutions in Ahmedabad. This place houses office of reputed Gujarat university. School of performing arts, school of architecture, engineering colleges, commerce colleges and arts colleges are set here with other vocational training institutions.

There are innumerable hotels, restaurants, guest houses and hostels spread across the place to provide proper accommodation to the students residing here.

Paldi

Paldi is located at the western banks of Sabarmati River. This place houses various places of tourist interest. Philatelic Museum of Indian Stamps, Prembhai Hal and Sanskar kendra are can be visited to explore Indian heritage. Several restaurants and hotels dot this region.

A large number of residential colonies are also spread in and around this place. For bus travelers, Paldi Bus Station can be very convenient to board a bus to almost any part of the city.

Navrangpura

Navrangpura is one of the clustered places in Ahmedabad. Many important offices of government like office of Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, High Court and Income Tax office are also located here. In case you wish to get your currency converted, there are a few banks located here with money changers.

Among tourists attractions here, Gujarat Tribal Museum is a must visit. Usmanpura Garden and Saiyad Usman Mosque are also visited by hordes of people. Sardar Patel Sports Club is visited by people for rejuvenating experience.

There are innumerable schools and colleges situated here out of which some are specialized dance and music schools. Madhuvan, Kamal and Jal Vihar are few residential colonies here. A wide network of roads provide connectivity to different parts of this place.

Naranpura

Located in western region of Ahmedabad, Naranpura is a residential area. A railway line passes by this place to form its boundary. Innumerable residential colonies dot this region of Ahmedabad. Chirag, Ramjyot, Maneklal and Amarnath are to name a few.

You can take Gujarat State Transport Buses from Ankur Bus Stand to travel across the city. This place also abides a famous Hindu shrine, Kamnath Mahadev Mandir which is visited by hordes of people across the city.

Mem Nagar

Mem Nagar is situated at the outskirts of Ahmedabad city. It is mainly a residential area. To recreational needs of people, Sunset is a movie theater here.

Ellis Bridge

Located along the sides of Sabarmati river, it is an amalgam of residential settlements, hospitals, and educational institutions. Navkunj, Krishnakunj and Maharashtra are the names of residential colonies set here. Among the educational institutes, Gujarat College, Harold Laski Institute, Gujarat Institute of civil Engineers and Architects and Law College are most prestigious colleges here. A large number of schools are also situated here along the sides of Sabarmati river.

This place is also famous for abiding famous Law garden within its vicinity. Ellis Bridge Gymkhana and Oriental Club are finest recreational clubs here. Nehru as well as Ellis Bridge connect this place to other parts of Ahmedab

Ambawadi

Ambawadi is a residential colony in western part of Ahmedabad. Punita, Mehta Park, Parimal, Brahman Mitra Mandal, Panchvati, Niyojan Nagar and Swaraj nagar are some of the residential colonies here.

C.N. Vidyavihar is the educational institution here. Panchvati garden is a famous recreational spot here. This place is best for a leisurely evening stroll. A well planned network of road provides connectivity to this place. Ellis Bridge, located very close to this place, can take you to other side of Sabarmati river.

Shahpur

Situated along the sides of Sabarmati River, Shahpur is yet another important region in Ahmedabad। Sarvodayanagar and Luharnagar are two residential colonies situated at the outskirts of Shahpur. Gandhi bridge on Sabarmati River connects this place to other parts of Ahmedabad.


If you wish to visit some of the tourist destinations near Shahpur then Qutab Shah Mosque and Rani Sipri's Mosque are at a distance of few kilometers from here. You can also some good restaurants at the southern end of this place

Raipur

Raipur is located in the central region of Ahmedabad. This place is famous for abiding Dwarkadheesh Vishnav Mandir and Ranchhodji Mandir. Vivekanand Arts and Commerce College situated here is a renowned college. Central Bus Station is located at the outskirts of Raipur area.

Several hotels and wholesale markets dot this place. A good network of roads provides accessibility to Raipur from different parts of the city.

Lal Darwaza

Situated on the eastern bank of Sabarmati river, Lal Darwaza sprawls across the heart of the city. It is one of the busiest regions of the city. Innumerable educational institutions dot this place. Offices of airline operators as well as government offices are situated here.

Lal Darwaza is famous for housing Victoria Garden which is one of the tourist destinations in Ahmedabad. You can find good hotels and money changers all around this place. A few movie theaters located here screen some of the latest movies. So you can also plan one with your friends or family.

Astodia

Located on the eastern bank of Sabarmati River, Astodia is famous for abiding Methodist Church. There are offices of airlines operators like Jet Airways, set here. General Post Office is also situated here which can help you send mails and parcels across globe. Innumerable and small small and large business houses and offices are situated here. There is an excellent network of roads with specialized markets for shopping

Sarangpur Darwaza

Sarangpur Darwaza is located in the eastern part of Ahmedabad. A railway line divided into two parts. Ranchhodji Mandir and Dwarkadhish Vaishnav Mandir are two Hindu religious sanctum situated here. There are several hotels spread across this place to providing good accommodation facilities.

A few cotton mills are situated at Sarangpur area. Rosy, Shital and English are few movie theaters located in and around this place. Well laid roads connect different parts of Sarangpur.

Saraspur

Saraspur is a residential area in eastern Ahmedabad. This place sets adjoining to Ahmedabad city Railway Station. There are several hotels and homes available on rent here. Ashok wadi, Bhol Shankar, Shramjiva, Kailasnagar, Jay Jadeshwar and Bombay Government Housing Colony are some of the urban settlements here. There are a few cotton mills as well which are set in this part of Ahmedabad. Everest, Hajner and Milan are some movie theaters of this region. You can also plan to watch a movie at one of these theaters.

Rakhial

Rakhial is more or less an industrial hub at Ahmedabad. There are innumerable cotton spinning and weaving mills situated here. A few residential colonies like Suddhodhan Nagar, Prabhu Park, Shnati Nagar, New Cotton Nagar, Manhamagar and Bhart, dot this region.


This place is famous for housing Shaking Minarets (Jhulta Minar). These mysterious minarets are one of the most amazing tourist spots in Ahmedabad. Movie theaters like Amrapali, Usha and Anupama provide good recreational option.

Bapu Nagar

At the eastern end of Ahmedabad city, Bapu Nagar is famous for abiding Lal Bahadur Shastru Stadium। It was a sprawling open area with a few residential settlements. Akhand Laxmi, Mahashiv Darshan and Aram Nagar are three Minrates located here. There is also a government aided hospital to provide free medical facilities to its residents.

Jamalpur

Jamalpur in southern Ahmedabad is famous for housing some of the tourist destinations in Ahmedabad. Calico textile museum, Jaggannath temple, Alliance Church and Gita Mandir are visited by hordes of people. At the banks of Sabarmati river, Jamalpur is located in scenic surroundings.


Many residential colonies dot this region. Among the health care institutions, Infectious Disease Hospital is most prominent. Swaminarayan Arts and Science College is also situated here.

Dani Limbada

Located at the Southern tip of Ahmedabad, Dani Limbada is famous for housing famous Chandola lake of Ahmedabad. Another important tourist destination is Shah Alam Roza. This place also holds a few residential colonies within its vicinity. Some of the major roads of Ahmedabad pass through this region.

Major highways connecting different parts of Gujarat also pass by here. If you are looking for some recreational activities the you can plan a movie at Shalimar and Mira Movie Theaters.

Shahibaug

Shahibaug is one of the busiest regions in Ahmedabad. This place is located along the eastern banks of Sabarmati river in northern part of Bangalore. Shahibaug boasts of housing some of the imminent places of tourist interest in Ahmedabad. Mahakali Mandir, Gurudwara Dudheshwar, Swaminarayan Mandir, Hatheesingh Mandir, Ambaji Mandir and Hazipur Garden are the prominent names.

Apart from tourist destinations, Shahibag is also famous for abiding several cotton weaving mills within its vicinity. Office of commissioner of Police and D.S.P. as well as Rajbhavan are set here. To provide adequate dinning options to its residents, there are a large of restaurants dotting this region. If you like to watch some movies, Vasant is the local movie theater here.

Sabarmati

Well known place in Ahmedabad, Sabarmati is a well planned area in Northern block of the city. This place is bordered by Sabarmati River on one side and railway line on the other side while National Highway No. 8A divides it into two parts.

This place has its own railway station with some residential colonies like Tribhovan, Shitalkunj, Ramnagar, Marudhar and Shubhlaxmi. It has an excellent network of roads with some well laid parks like Tulsibaug.

Adalaj Vav is an important tourist destination located here, along National Highway. For the admirers of Cinema, Roshini and Kamal are two movie theaters here. Gujarat Stadium at the northern end of this place hosts various sporting events which are attended by hordes of peop

Ranip

Criss crossed by railway line, Ranip is an important area in Northern Ahmedabad. Among the residential colonies, Railway Colony is most prominent, residing the employees of Indian Railways. This place is set adjoining to Northern borders of the city.

Kali, Digvijay Nagar and Nirnay Nagar are other urban settlements located in this region. If you are looking for some recreational activities, Lalit Mehal is ideal place to watch movies. Sabarmati Jail is also located at the outskirts of Ranip.

Asarwa

Spread along Hanumansingh Road, Asarwa is a well organized colony in Ahmedabad. This place is divided into two parts, New Asarwa and old Asarwa. New Asawa abides newly developed residential colonies while Old Asarwa abides a small village and several manufacturing and weaving industries.

Among the tourists destinations located here, Nilakanth Mahadev temple is an old temple while Asarwa village can be visited to have an insight of village life. There are two major hospitable as well situated here. Dendal Hospital and M.B. Shah Cancer Hospital provide excellent medical facilities and are well renowned.

वदावली टेम्पले

his is a brief history of Temple with a few photos, however there is a more was submitted by forum contributor, Archie Young.

Temple derives its name from the famous military order of the Knights Templar who had their Scottish base here between the 12th century and their suppression in the early 14th century. The Order of the Temple was founded to protect the pilgrims in the Holy Land. As a reward for these duties, the Knights were given land in Scotland and England. In 1312 the Order was suppressed and the land at Temple was given to the Knights of St John in Jerusalem, whose chief Scottish seat was at Torphichen in West Lothian. The Knights of St John were funded by the residents of Temple who gave them a tenth of their income. Prior to 1570 the village was known as Balantradoch (or Balantrodach/Balantrodoch).

The Old Temple Kirk may date back to the 12th century although it is more likely to have been built by the Knights of St John soon after they succeeded the Templars in 1312. The late Gothic tracery can still be seen with animals carved at the ends of the mouldings above the windows. This theory is confirmed by the inscription on the gable end of the church "VAESEC MUHM" that has been translated as "Vienne Sacrum Concilium Militibus Johannis Hierosolymitani Melitensbus" meaning The Sacred Council of Vienne, to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem and Malta".

In 2006, 2 local historians and members of the Scottish Knights Templar of the Commandery of Jacques de Molay 1314 - Chevalier Archie Young and Chevalier Robert Hunter - discovered what looked like a small headstone. On further examination of photos of the stone, it appears to be Floral Cross or Knights Templar Baculus — the staff of office for either a Knight or an Abbot. The stone has been passed on to Historic Scotland for further tests and it may well be from between the 13th and 15th centuries. Pictures of the stone can be viewed here.

In the churchyard are many interesting headstones including the memorial to the farmer at Outerston, John Craig, who died in 1742. He is shown in his best clothing and with his children.

Opposite the Old Temple Kirk is situated the "new" Temple Kirk constructed in 1832 and now converted to a private house.

Over the years, Temple's function has changed affecting its character and ambience. In the 18th and 19th centuries the village would have been a busy farming community with its full complement of shops and services. As elsewhere, the village has changed to a quiet residential settlement.

Temple House gateway still stands remote in a field to the east of the village. It led one time to Temple House.

In the 17th century, this area was known as "Clerkington" or the "Priest's Town". The land was sold to the Primrose family and made by charter in 1695 into a new Barony of Rosebery. Rosebery House lies to the west of the village adjacent to the steading of c. 1805 with its clock tower and doocot.

Temple and Arniston conservation area was designated by Midlothian County Council on 11 October 1972.

If you have any information you would like added to this page, please get in touch.

Mahua Shiva Temple

Mahua Shiva Temple, built around the 7th century, is situated at Mahua in Shivpuri District, Madhya Pradesh. It has decorated pilasters with sculptured niches on the cardinal offsets. The temple also has an inscribed record of the 7th century.

The temple, which was built during the 7th and 8th century are smaller and simple in its architecture than the Gupta temples at Sanchi and Tigawa. Mahua Shiva Temple has a more ornate doorframe and pillars and sculptured niches. It is a good example for an ornate temple of the 7th and 8th century.

Kutch Rann Utsav

Kutch Rann Utsav is most successful tourism product of Gujarat
By Japan K Pathak
Ahmedabad, 23 December, 2010

My source in Gujarat’s Tourism department is very happy. These days he happily and energetically narrates that in his two and half decades long service period in state’s tourism department, he has not seen such golden days. He says the Kutch Rann Utsav is super duper hit this year, and after long time Gujarat’s tourism seems on perfect track. “Rann Utsav is the most successful tourism product of Gujarat,” he says.

He says that the Kutch Rann Utsav is so superb a product that next year it could be a two-month long event, and private players might jump in for making good profit. He also adds that the satisfaction level of tourists is amazing this year, and positive feedback of each tourist would bring in more tourists next year. This would have trigger effect, and ultimately Rann Utsav will be a grand international travel product.

Following are some major points that I heard during my talk with my source in tourism department.

-Somebody called Tourism department through Chief Minister’s personal assistant, requesting for one tent, just one tent. The person was ready for full payment, but tourism officials had to reply politely but repeatedly that booking was full, and no more booking was available!

-Two helicopters are at service at Dhordo tent city. While one is three seater, the other one is four seater.On Monday, the chopper service started very late, but it had 65 passengers. On Wednesday, there was a blank day, but there were 85 passengers. A 15-minute round in helicopter costs Rs.3500 per person. There’s 25% discount for group booking.

-Chief Minister Narendra Modi stayed in Dhordo tent city’s Darbari tent for two nights. After his departure, now his grand full facility tent is open for public allocation. Two nights and three days package of Modi’s Darbari tent costs Rs. 15000 per head for tourists. The tent is booked for next one week.

-Till last year, Rann Utsav was just a three-day event, but this year it is a month-long event. Don’t be surprise if it continue for two month from next year onwards. Demand is such huge.

-Till last year Gujarat Tourism officials had to request journalists outside Gujarat to visit Gujarat Tourism events and give coverage. Hundreds of journalists were paid in past for their visits and Gujarat Tourism paid entire cost of their travel and stay. But this year when one media house from outside the state approached Gujarat Tourism, demanding accommodation, visit cost etc to cover Rann Utsav, the Tourism department in reply couldn’t assure anything, and demanded full payment, and the media group paid it. So they – the media people – are coming on their own by paying full cost. In fact they are thankful that they were provided tent when booking was full.

-Tents and facilities are superb this year in Rann Utsav’s Dhordo tent city. This because of the hard work and experience of previous years. Only food was not found upto the mark, and the food caterer has been changed.

Whale Shark’s tagging,tissue collecting kicks

Whale Shark’s tagging,tissue collecting kicks off in Gujarat sea
Veraval, 20 December, 2010

Gujarat’s Saurashtra coast is one of the places in the world where world’s largest fish whale shark is seen in good population. Gujarat ultimately wants to develop Australia-like whale shark tourism off Saurashtra coast. But in the beginning the research activity is planned. The research project involves tagging of this giant fish, and collecting tissue for its genetic study. Good news is that the first fish was tagged last week, and its tissue too was collected for genetic study.

Gujarat’s fishermen no more kill whale shark for monitory gain. Whenever they find whale shark in their net, they call forest department persons and make whale shark free in the sea. While doing so, they have to cut their costly net, but they do it to save whale shark.

Now onwards, whenever the will inform the forest department, there will be a procedure of tagging and tissue collecting prior to whale shark’s release. Ultimately the forest department and Wild life trust want to do this procedure with at least fifty whale sharks.

Champaner Tourism

Champaner Tourism

The famous Muslim king of Gujarat, Muhammad Begada captured the fort in late 15th century after a long siege against the Khichi Chauhan Rajputs. Champaner is an ancient fort located at the foothills of Pavagadh. The town derives its name from the Champa tree or from Champaraj founder of the town, a contemporary of King Vanraj Chavda of Anhilwada.

Muhammad Begada decided to establish the new capital of Gujarat at this place in 1484 AD and changed the name of the town to Muhammadabad. It took 23 years to built the town and had a meteoric rise and attained glory as a great town of western India. Many edifices were constructed during these years : bazaars,town squares, Royal Gardens and water structures, including mosques. It also became a major trading center producing fine silk, woven and dyed textile and sword manufacturing.

Its decline started after attacks by the Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1535 AD. After the death of Sultan Bahadurshah (1536 AD), the Royal Capital was again moved back to Ahmedabad. Later, the fort came under control of Mughals, Marathas and British; but Champaner could never regain its glory. In 1803 AD, when the British took the town, it was overgrown with jungles and had only 500 inhabitants.

The entire landscape for miles around is scattered with remains of fort walls, ruined tombs, gardens, arches, pillars and wells. Champaner reminds the visitor of other such great deserted towns of India Mandu, Hampi, Orchha and Fatehpur Sikri.

At Champaner, one can see three fortifications the base (Champaner), the top (Pavagadh) and the area connecting both of them (Marchi).

The lower fortification is the Citadel Royal enclosure- of Muhammad Begada, a perfect rectangle enclosed by massive walls with huge bastions and entrance gates with carved Citadel a huge lake Vada Talav and the ruins of Sultan's Palace are worth visiting. Other interesting Places are : Air Manzil an excavated site showing a residential area, gardens, houses, water channels, custom house and three Gates Halol gate, Delhi gate and Godhra gate. The major mosques in this area are Shehar ki Masjid, Jami Masjid, Kewada Masjid and Nagina Masjid.


Jami Masjid is one of the finest examples of Sultanate architecture of Gujarat. It is an imposing structure on a high plinth with two tall minarets of 30 meter height, 172 pillars and seven mihrabs. The central dome, the placement of balconies and carved entrance gates with fine stone jalis and rich decoration make the visit a delightful aesthetic experience.

The ruins of Khapra Zaveri Palace are located on the way from the base to Machi. From its terrace, one can have a fabulous view of the origin of Vishwamitri river. Atak gate is one of the nine gates that leads to the hill top. It has two catapult stands for hurling stones at the enemies. Other group of monuments from Machi to hilltop are : Makai Kothar- a granary with the fort, Kalika Temple and a shrine of Muslim Saint Sadanshah are located. Kalika Mata Temple (10th-11th century) is situated on the highest peak of Pavagadh hill and is one of the most sacred center of Hindu pilgrimage for devotees of Goddess Kali. Every year about million people visit the temple is a Lakulish Temple (10th century) at Chhashia Talav. It has some beautiful sculptures depicting various forms of Shiva-Dakshinamurti, Ardhanarishvara and Kalyanasundaramurti.

Gondal Tourism

Gondal Tourism

Gondal is a testimony to the great visionary ruler Sir Bhagwatsinhiji, who introduced social reforms, planned the development of Gondal town and created a model state of Saurashtra in late 19th and early 20th century. Gondal, the capital of the former princely State of Gondal, was ruled by the Jadeja Rajput clan, till the independence of India. It is a fortified town located on the river Gondali.

Sir Bhagwatsinhji's high education and extensive tours to Europe enhanced his aesthetic taste, which can be seen in the architecture and planning of public buildings, parks, bazaars dn palaces builts during his regime.

One of the oldest and most beautiful of Gondal palaces, the Navlakha palace complex (17th century), is situated on a river bank, on a grand masonary base, rising to the monumental scale of at least 30 meter above the river bed. The palace is approached by the high gateway with the clock tower from the town side. The entrance leads to a huge open space with administrate blocks on height and a grand stairfcase with balustrade on the extreme left corner leading to the intricately carved pavilions on the open terrace. The grand Darbar Hall, with a series of huge windows opening onto a long balcony supported by intricately carved brackets, overlooks the river. Darbar Hall, with a series of huge windows opening onto a long balcony supported by intricately carved brackets, overlooks the river. Darbar Hall has large chandeliers, stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture and anitique Belgian mirrors. The private palace museum displays artifacts, gifts and messages received by Sir Bhagwatsinhji, on his 50^th birthday.

Other two Royal Palaces- the Riverside Palace and Orchard Palace are converted into heritage hotels. The Riverside Palace is located at the edge of the Gondali river; built in colonial style of architecture, amidst a garden with huge trees. The living room is decorated in European taste, while the Indian room has brassware, beadwork and paintings in typical Indian style. The series of galleries and terraces ot the palace building bring nature close to the visitors of this heritage hotel.

The Orchard Palace was originally a state guest house, built in colonial style with an arcade of semi circular arches, set in the midst of fruit orchards. The garden in the front, a beautiful fountain with lily pond and marble statues enhances the beauty of the palace. The main sitting room has a collection of paintings, antique furniture, bird eggs and many interesting art objects.


The rulers of Gondal were great lovers of automibiles and one can see several vintage and Classic cars in the royal garage. Two Royal Rail saloons of the Gondal State were renovated, keeping the original decor and are availbale for accommodation in theOrchard Garden palace. The stay at saloons provides a unique experience a nostalgia of the great days of the Indianrailways combined with royal grandeur.

Sangramsinhji High School is built on the model of Eton in England. It is constructed in Gothic style with central clock tower, with beautifully designed spacious lecture halls, carved wooden ceilings, Italian marble flooring and has a laboratory with European equipments. Other intersting places to visit are the Swami Narayan Temple, Bhavaneshwari Temple, Ayurvedic pharmacy and the stud farm of Kathiawadi horses.

Jasdan: (47 km from Gondal)
The house of Jasdan was ruled by the great warrior clan of Khachar Kathis. They founded the fortified town of Jasdan on the banks of Bhadar river. The Darbargadh at Jasdan is a beautiful example compaining plaster decoration with intricate wrought iron work. The decoration above the arches and jharokhas are noteworthy. Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary int hevicinity of jasdan is a beautiful example combining plaster decoration with intricate wrought iron work. The decoration above the arches andjharokhas are noteworthy. Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary in the vicinity of Jasdan, is a creation of the nature loving rulers of Jasdan. Here, nature education camps are organised to create awareness about wildlife nad environment. The royal palace on the hilltop, is now a heritage hotel, offering a nice and comfortable stay amidst natural surroundings.

Patan Tourism

Patan Tourism

Patan is an ancient fortified town, situated on the banks of the sacred Saraswati river. Vanraj Chavda, founded it in 746 AD and Patan enjoyed a privileged status of capital of Gujarat, for about 600 years from 746 AD to 1411 AD. The major Rajput clans of Chavadas (746-942 AD), Solankis (942-1244 AD) and Vaghelas (1244-1304 AD) ruled Gujarat from Patan. The glory of Patan reached its zenith during the Solanki period the golden age of Gujarat. During these years, the city was a great place of learning and a prosperous trading center. The rulers were great patrons of fine arts and architecture and undertook construction of many civic and religious edifices in the city.

The Jain text, 'Kumarpala Rasa', describes Patan as a prosperous fortified town; 18 miles in circumference with 84 town squares, 52 bazaars, mints of gold and silver, well laid gardens with fountains and trees, grammar school of Sanskrit and Prakrit, numerous Hindu and Jain temples and Sahastralinga Talav.

After last Vaghela ruler, Karan Ghelo lost to Ulugh Khan in 1289 AD, the Muslims plundered the town, destroyed the temples and ruined the entire city. Today, one can barely find the traces of such a magnificent town. The most significant monuments in Patan are Rani ki Vav, Sahastralinga Talav and Khan Sarovar.

Rani ki Vav is an excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat. This Vav was constructed by Udaymati, the queen of Bhimdev (1022-63 AD). The exisquisitely carved side walls, pillars, beams, series of steps and platforms lead to the elaborately carved water well. Every surface is adorned with finelly chiselled sculptures of maidens and Hindu deities, religious motifs and geometrical patterns. Rani ki Vav represents the finest of the Indian sculptures and architecture.

Sahastralinga Talav is among the many artificial tanks built in different parts of Gujarat, under the patronage of Siddhraj Jaisinh (1093-1143 AD). The architecture of this tank integrated the great sense of water management and sanctity of water in Hindu religion. The tank used to receive water from a canal of the Saraswati river and had spread of about five km with masonary embankments. There were thousand Shiva Shrines on the edge of the tank. Some remains of the same are even visible today. Looking at the rums, one can imagine the grandeur of this great water tank. The famous legend of Siddhraj Jaisinh's desire for Jasma Odan, a beautiful woman of the tank diggers' community, revolves around this tank. She refused to marry him and committed sati to protect her honour. It is believed that her curse made this tank waterless and the king without a heir to the kingdom of Gujarat.

Khan Sarovar, located outside South Gate, is a water tank from Solanki period with stone steps and masonary. Mirza Aziz Kokah (1589 AD) renovated this tank using the stones from ruined structures.


There are at least 100 Jain temples in Patan; the most important to visit is the Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhandherwad with exquisitely carved wooden dome. The important Hindu temples are Kalika Mata, Sindhwai Mata, Harihareshwar Mahadev and Brahma Kund.

For visitors interested in Jainism and Indology, a visit to the Hemachandracharya Gyan Mandir is a must. It contains thousands of rare ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit and Prakrit. Hemachandracharya was a great scholar and grammarian- the first one to formulate the grammar of the Gujarati Rajasthani Language. Patan is the only center of unique weaving craft of 'Patola' since the time of King Kumarpal (ruled 1143-73 AD). Even today, this age old traditional weaving craft is practised by a few families.

The urban structure of the town is made of several neighbourhoods called 'Pols'. 'Pols' are densely populated and are like a maze with winding narrow lanes. Some of them contain old beautiful houses with carved wooden facades in traditional Gujarati architectural style.

Porbandar Tourism

Porbandar Tourism

Porbandar was the last capital of the Jethwa Rajputs, who ruled this area for about 1200 years- shifting capitals from Ghumli, Ranpur and Chhaya. Present day Porbandar was established as a capital by Rana Sartanji in 1785 AD. Porbandar, originally a fortified town. with high rampart walls, bastions and five gates, lost its fortification by the order of Colonel Lally in 1888 AD. Even today, a ritual to circumambulate the fortification is performed by Hindus.

The prosperity of Porbandar was due to maritime trade and it was a thriving port in the Mughal period. It was attacked by the Portuguese in the wake of achieving supremacy over sea trade in 1531 AD. The Walker Treaty of 1807 AD between the ruling clans of Saurashtra and the British put an end to the feuds and it resulted in a favorable environment for the civic development of the Porbandar State.

The most impressive feature of Porbandar is the city planning and the stone buildings with ashlar masonary and rich carving. The facades of the houses on either side of the streets, with series of windows, carved gateways, using eclectic architectural Rajasthani Language, invites tourists to experience the streetscape on foot. The series of vistas enriched by a skyline of temples and beautiful public buildings and edifices overlooking the sea on Marine Drive puts Porbandar on the list of coastal heritage towns of Gujarat.

Kirti Mandir is built next to the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born here in 1869 AD. Lacs of Indian tourists visit the house of the Mahatma and Kasturba, his wife. Kirti Mandir has a Gandhian library and a prayer hall.

There is no Indian, who has not heard of the legendary friendship of king and devotee- Krishna and Sudama- starting from the ashram of Sandipani Rishi and culminating at the court of Lord Krishna, in the city of gold, Dwarika. The story comes alive with the sight of a beautiful temple in the middle of Porbandar town. In whole of India, this is the only temple dedicated to Sudama. The maze on the platform in the campus is an interesting feature.

Rana Sartanji built Darbargadh, the fortified palace, with a huge carved stone entrance gate flanked by high turrets and massive wooden doors. It is a typical example of such royal enclosures situated within the town of Gujarat. The nearby edifices on the left of the entrance are also good examples of large mansions with courtyards and intricately carved wooden elements.

Rana Sartanji built the three-storeyed summer pavilion, Sartanji Choro, in Rajput style as a retreat in the midst of the garden, each side representing a different season. The pillars with images of musicians, profusely carved foliated arches and a single dome at the top gives an idea of bygone days, when Rana Sartanji used to compose poems in Braj bhasha, sitting under this pavillion.

Huzoor Palace is located at the end of Marine Drive, in a huge campus. The sprawling palace, built in the European style with sloping roofs is a horizontal structure with several wings and big windows, overlooking the sea. The wings are interspersed with the back and front yards, bringing nature and the building together by gardens and fountains. The semi-circular porticos with neo-classical pillars, decorated entrance gate and commanding view makes it a must for the visitor. Other such examples of Royal and Public heritage buildings from the colonial period are public library, old Raj Mahal (now a college), Victoria Jubilee Madresa, Collectorate, Bhavsinhji High School, Natwarsinhji Sports Club.