Historical Places in Gujarat

Situated at the extreme western end of India, Gujarat is known by one more name “The Land of Legends” as it is a birthplace of many legends like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Iron Man of India), Morarji Desai and our present Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. The city is famous for its cloth industries, art and culture. The state is rich in holy temples, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, captivating handicrafts etc. The state is developing very rapidly nowadays in every field including industries, transport and many others. The consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited in this state which disheartens many tourists who visit the state. Gujarati, Urdu and Sindhi are the languages which are mostly spoken in Gujarat. Dhokla, Thepla, Fafda, Kachori, Khandvi etc. are some of the famous delicacies found in Gujarat. Garba the famous folk dance of Gujarat has gained a lot of fame in all the Indian states. The origin of Gujarat is as old as Indus Valley Civilization and is related to many historical events like birth of Mahatma Gandhi, Junagarh event etc.

1- Dwarkadhish Temple

The temple is situated in Dwarka, a city related to the life of Lord Krishna and mythological stories. Millions of people from every nook and corner of the country flock at this place as the details of this is significantly mentioned in the holy books of Hindus Skanda Purana and Mahabharata. Dwarka is located on the river Gomati and is clubbed under Char Dham Yatra pilgrimages. The architecture used in the temple is deeply connected with Lord Krishna and enhances its charisma.

Attractions: A celebration of Janmashtami is nationwide famous and a number of tourists come at this place to seek for the blessing. A unique image of Lord Vishnu with 4 hands and a shrine of Kusheshwar Mahadev.

Nearby Places to Visit: Somnath Temple, Gita Mandir, Rukshmani Mandir, Beyt Dwarka.

2- Rani Ki Vav

It is a unique step well located in the small town of Patan which is situated on the banks of the River Saraswati. It doesn’t represent a water body only but also a collection of craftsmanship of Gujarat. The step well was constructed by Udaymati (a widow queen). The monument has been chosen as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The well was surrounded by medicinal herbs that add up medical nature to the water. The water of this well was used to cure patients suffering from viral diseases and fever during ancient time.

Attractions: More than 800 sculptures can be seen inside the well and Rani Ki Vav Festival which gets celebrated during the month of January.

Nearby Places to Visit: Sahasralinga Talav, Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir.

3- Laxmi Vilas Palace

The palace was built for the residential purpose by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad 3 in 1890. The elements used to construct this monument are hybrid elements of Hindu, Muslim and Gothic architectural style. The palace was built in the western style and it was equipped with elevators so that it could become an appropriate modern palace with all the desired facilities available. Inside the premises of this palace, many activities get organized like a cricket match, golf course, swimming pool and serves as a tourist spot too.

Attractions: Interior of the palace which is adorned with mosaics, chandeliers and crafts. Navlakhi Stepwell, a small zoo are some other things to attract tourists.

Nearby Places to Visit: EME Temple, Surya Mandir, Vadodara Museum and Picture gallery.

4- Dholavira

A historical site of Gujarat whose origin is related to Indus Valley Civilization and is the second largest site of Harappa Civilization in India. This is a site of Indus Civilization which gives us the evidence of a city with wide roads, citadel, dwelling and markets of that time. The town is located between two rivers Manhar and Mansar whose water is stored in the well and used by the local residents. The city of Dholavira is very accessible and one can easily reach there by using any modes of transport but on the other hand, accommodation is quite difficult.

Attractions: The buildings made up of sun-dried mud bricks and stone are standing in a good situation now and the ancient water reservoirs also which make tourists surprised and amazed.

Nearby Places to Visit: Kutch Fossil Park, Kala Dunga, Purneshwar Temple.

5- Lothal

Going back to the Harappa Civilization, we can come to know about the origin of this ancient site of Gujarat. This ancient site has its significance on the bead industry, gems and valuable ornaments. A fire god was used to be worshipped by the local people of Lothal which means “The city of Dead”. The long stretch dockyard having an area of around 37metreswhich is stretched from east to west. The city served as a trading link between Sindh and Saurashtra. It is very sad to know that the place is ruining its beauty as there is no one to take of it.

Attractions: Numerous ruins of the oldest Indian civilization and the dockyard whose walls were used to protect the site from flood.

Nearby Places to Visit: Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary, Wild Ass Sanctuary.

6- Sun Temple

Modhera village of Gujarat which is located in Mehsana district is famous for holding a very famous historical site Sun Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Sun and it was constructed at the same time when some other historical temples like Somnath Temple, Rudra Mahal Temple and Jain Temples were constructed. The temple has ruined now but still, its beauty holds magnificence. The premise of this temple is divided into 3 parts namely main temple, Kirti Toran and Surya Kund.

Attractions: There are 2 secret underground constructions inside the temple and the 12 different gestures of Sun god. The court gallery whose pillars have inscriptions of incidents occurred during Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Nearby Places to Visit: Modheshwari Mata Temple, Ram ji Mandir, Hanuman Mandir.

7- Sabarmati Ashram

The Ashram gained its fame since when it served as an Abode to Mahatma Gandhi from where he initiated Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha). The revolt started to protest against British Government as it had imposed a heavy tax on salt. The Ashram is situated on the bank of River Sabarmati and was serving as a place of farming, cow breeding, animal husbandry and Khadi work for Mahatma Gandhi. The ashram has a great significance in making it free from British colonial rule. One can find archive of letters written by Gandhi Ji.

Attractions: Photo galleries related to Gandhiji’s life, a museum which holds many articles written by Gandhi Ji, an auditorium and plenty of books related to Gandhiji’s life.

Nearby Places to Visit: Akshardham Temple, Adalaj Stepwell, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial.

8- Jhulta Minar

It is a worldwide popular architecture which is also known by its other name “Sidi Bashar Mosque”. The construction of this Minar was done during the reign of Emperor Mahmud Begada. The reason behind being a tourist attraction is its 2 sparkling and vibrating minarets. Britishers tried to solve the mystery behind the vibration of the minarets but they were failed to do so. They even destroyed one of the minarets in order to get the conclusion but nothing worked out and the reason is still not revealed.

Attractions: Mystery of sparkling and vibrating minarets of the Minar and a fun place for children inside the premise.

Nearby Places to Visit: Lal Darwaza, Dada Hari Wav, Manek Chowk.

9- Mahabat Maqbara

A historical monument which is a combined architectural form of Indo-Islamic and Gothic. It is a mausoleum of Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai situated in Junagarh. The mausoleum is surrounded by 2 mosques from the two sides. One is Jama Masjid and the other one is Wazir’s Maqbara. Dating back to the 19th century, the royal monuments of Junagarh were inspired by Hindu, Islam and European influences. The architecture of this Maqbara, stone carvings done on the walls and windows of the monument deserve appreciation.

Attractions: Eye-catching stone carvings on the walls and windows of the Maqbara, the domes structured in onion shape, winding staircase attract tourists towards the place.

Nearby Places to Visit: Mandvi Beach, Chorwad Beach, Durbar Hall Museum, Temple of Mallinath.

10- Monuments of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park consists of numerous architectural beauties and got declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The place holds a mixture combination of mythological and historical significance. The designs used at this park are a compilation of Hindu and Muslim architectures. There are around 114 monuments structured in the park but only 39 of them are getting maintained by the government so the beauty of rest of the monuments is fading gradually.

Attractions: The perseverance of sites of Chalcolithic Age, Jami Masjid, Pavagadh Hills, Kevada Masjid, some ancient temples and beautiful parks.

Nearby Places to Visit: Shehar Ki Masjid, Lila Gumbaj ki Masjid, Kalika Mata Temple.