Day 16, 17: (02, 03 Feb 2015):
Adalaj & Sabarmati in Ahmadabad
Back to Home-Sweet-Home
(Note: If you have come to this page while searching for some travel related information of Gujarat, I suggest you start from Page 1 of this travelogue)
As said earlier, we wanted to tour the entire state. However due to shortage of time, we were forced to skip some more places. I am listing out those places here. This is only to benefit those people, who want to make their own itinerary based on our travelogue. You may decide to include these places or leave few/some/all among these. These places are in the order in which they have to be covered.
I have not included the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar (AMD-GN) circuit in this list. It is the state capital region, and can be covered separately also. It might require 2-3 days to see all the places in this circuit, as the traffic in this circuit is more.
So, now on to other places.
Places that we skipped; and truncated our TOTAL GUJARAT tour:
Becharaji:
{Becharaji has the temple of Bahuchar Mata, an incarnation of the Mother Goddess. Pilgrimages are undertaken to this site for vows fulfilled and boons granted. 'Bahuchar Mata' is the patron goddess of the women folk who invoke her intervention in domestic violence and problems within the family. The goddess is also principle deity of transvestites and eunuchs who flock here large numbers to seek the blessings of the goddess.
Ph: 02734286317, 09428460682; Time: 0600-12:00, 1500-2100. Source - Internet}
Ghantakarna Mahavir Temple:
{Mahudi is a village near the river Sabarmati. The main temple of Ghantakarna Mahavir was built around Vikram Savant 1980. Acharyadev Buddhi Sagarsurisvarji was inpired in a dream and drew a figure of Ghantakarna Mahavir with bow and arrow and an idol was carved accordingly. In this shrine there is another larger temple with a 22-inch marble idol of Bhagawan Padmaprabhu sitting in padmasana posture, installed by Acharyadev.
Tel: 02763 284625. Accommodation is available here. Source - Internet}
Shri Idar Tirth:
{Shree Pavapuri Jal Mandir Tirth in Idar, Sabarkatha is an exact replica of Bihar's world famous Pavapuri Jal mandir. Shree Pavapuri Jal Mandir covering an area of 20,000 sq. feet is surrounded by Beautiful Ranitalav covering an area of 110 sq mt, and is linked with 800 feet long and 11 feet wide bridge. Lord Mahavir's main mandir is 72 feet long, 72 feet high and is built on 72 stambhs. Height of Lord Mahvir's Idol is 72 cms, surrounded by 72 Carved Figures. Source - Internet}
Shamlaji Temple:
{Shamlaji is one of the largest pilgrim temples of the Sabarkantha district. It is more commonly known among locals as "Dhodi Dhwaja Vada" because it always has a white silk flag flittering on top of temple. Their unique design on the outer part of temple is one of its greatest attractions; the image becomes more interesting with the mountains in the background. The temple has a beautiful sculpture of Lord Krishna as Shamdiya bhagwan, with a piece of real diamond embossed on his chin. The Shamlaji Temple stands in honour of Lord Vishnu. The magnificence of the temple is enhanced by exquisite stone carvings, idols of gods, nymphs, musicians and celestial dancers, beautiful domed ceilings and a toweing spire.Scenes from the epic stories "Mahabharata" and "Ramayana" grace the walls of this 16th- century temple.
Time: 0600 - 1200; 1400 - 2030. Ph: 09974335693. Source - Internet}
Balasinor - India's Jurassic Park:
{In the early 1980s, palaeontologists stumbled upon dinosaur bones and fossils during a regular geological survey of Balasinor in Kheda District. Since then excavations have thrown up a veritable trove of dinosaur remains - eggs, bones, a skeleton which is now kept in a Kolkata museum - bringing hordes of scientists and tourists to the place. Piecing together the evidence in Balasinor, researchers now believe that Gujarat is home to one of the largest clutch of dinosaur hatcheries in the world. At least 13 species of dinosaurs lived here, possibly for more than 100 million years until their extinction some 66 million years ago. The soft soil made hatching and protecting eggs easier for the animals. So well-protected are the fossilised eggs found here that many researchers call them the best-preserved eggs in the world after the ones found in Aix-en-Provence in France. Source - Internet}
Ambaji temple:
{Ambaji temple is an old temple in Balasinor, which is worth a visit. This temple is quite close to the Balasinor Fossil Park. Source - Internet}
Hot Water Spring:
{The Hot Water Springs at Tua & Timba is on the Ahmedabad-Godhra highway, just before Godhra 15-20 km away. You have to take right turn when you see signboard of Timba village. It is known for hot water springs that contain sulphur which is said to have medicinal value, miraculous cure for arthritis and rheumatism. You can easily bath here in hot water. Dense forest area is starting from here. Source - Internet}
Panchmahal:
{Panchmahal refers to the five sub-divisions namely - Godhra, Dahod, Halol, Kalol and Jhalod that were transferred by the Maharaja Jivajirao Scindia Gwalior to the British. The history of Panchmahals district revolves around the city of Champaner. It was established in 7th century (647) in the territory of King Vanraj of Solanki dynasty. In the 13th century, Chauhans acquired the city from Muslim rulers under Alauddin Khilji. There are over 20 UNESCO certified world heritage structures in Champaner and Pavagadh hill combined. Pavagarh hosts a temple of Kalika mata, whose holy shrine attracts about two million pilgrims per annum. Source - Internet}
Godhra :
{One of the religious places in India, Godhra has four temples for Vaishnav Sampraday (Vaisnal community), two temples for Lord Gokulanathji, and one each for Lord Gusaiji and Lord Mahaprabhuji. Source - Internet}
Jama Masjid:
{The Jami Masjid is the most elaborate of all the heritage structures in Godhra, Champaner. The pinkish hue of Jami Masjid is from the sandstone used in its construction. The East side has a porch with a perforated stone screen. Intricately carved pillars, domes and arches with Islamic as well as Hindu motifs make it a stand out structure. Outside the masjid, there is a tank which resembles Suryakund at Modhera as its steps leading to water are similar to those at Modhera. Visit to Jama Masjid is a must to understand how the Sultan employed local material and men to construct the Masjid even though the artesans were conversant with only Hindu and / or Jain temple architecture. (This is a less crowded place) Source - Internet}
Juni Masjid:
{Juni Masjid (JamiMasjid?) is in the Champaner complex of sites. This masjid is quite near to bus stand and can be reached in just 10 minutes by own vehicle. Built in the year 1508-09 by Mehmud Begda, Jami Masjid stands truly large and magnificent till date and is considered the most prominent structure in Champaner. It encloses an area of 72 Meters by 60 Meters with a huge courtyard, arcaded corridors with 52 pillars, 62 windows with Jali work on the outer walls and 3 entrance pavilions in the center of its east, north and south walls. 33 meter high minarets adorn each side of the main entrance and prayer hall and four minarets at the corners are half its height. Notice the most prominent design i.e the Flower, Foliage motif and the Pot design, which probably was indicative of the confluence of Islamic architecture and Hindu craftsmanship. Source - Internet}
Also Visit:
Kevada Masjid, Lila Gumbaj ki Masjid, Nagina Masjid at Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Champaner, India
Champaner:
{Made popular by the Oscar nominated Bollywood movie Lagaan; Champaner is around 50 km away from Balasinor. This small village is home to some 1000-yr old well-preserved Hindu and Jain temples. There are a number of mosques, forts and palaces as well. In 2004, Champaner was declared the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Source - Internet}
Pavagadh Hill:
{Pawagadh has following main places to see: Pawagarh Temple on the Hill top; Fort in foothill; Forest in the surrounding area. Pavagadh is strongest hill fortress, where Kaalikaa Mata Temple is situated. The old fort of Champaner, the medieval capital of the Gujarat, is located at the southern part of the Pavagadh hill.
A Passenger Ropeway (Tel: 02676 245649, 245650, 293415, 09909925026, 09909925045) is operating from Manchi (ground station) to the hill top near the Maha Kalika Temple. Time: 6am to 6pm. After getting down from Ropeway and further climbing 250 steep, we reach to the Mahakali temple. Teliya Talav and Dudhia Talav are on the way. Some Jain temples are also seen here. Source - Internet}
In the company of BAD people: 