Gujarat has all the reasons to be on every vacationer’s bucket list. And the reasons are quite clear which grip tourist attractions are White desert known as Run of Kutch, its longest coastline, ancient and religious sites, Asian lion habitat, first marine national park, Buddhist caves, the tallest statue of Sardar Patel. Apart from this, all cities of Gujarat are renowned in itself such as Surat, Ahemdabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Vadodra and Champaner.
In this blog, we are exploring Champner the untouched beauty which is renowned in Gujarat for its picturesque and historical temples. Take a look –
Ancient City of Gujarat – Champaner
Champaner is an awe-inspiringly historic city located in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat. The main attractions here include the mosques and of course the Champaner- Pavagadh Park. The Kalika Mata Temple on top of the Pavagadh Hill is an added attraction here. This is the only completed Islamic city of the Pre- Moughal Era in India.
You find everything from the ruins of historical monuments, palaces, temples and so much more here. At Champaner, there is a Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It’s also a place for nature and history lovers to admire. I am sure Champaer won’t disappoint you during its voyage.
Chronicles of Champaner
As you have known about the history behind the establishment Champaner as it was established by King Vanraj Chavda of the Chavda dynasty in the 8th century and named the general, Champaraj. It is also believed that champak flower is also the reason behind the name of this city because the igneous rocks in this area have a light yellow colour quite similar to the flower.
You will read about Pavagadh Fort later but this fort was founded by the Khichi Chauhan Rajputs just above Champaner and later captured by Mahmud Begda. Here he set up his capital and named it Mahmudabad, later he rebuilt and upgraded the city. The capital was shifted to Ahmedabad during the Mughal reign and Champaner lost its splendour and importance. It remained a part of a forest for several years and later, its existence was discovered again due to surveys undertaken by the British. Now, travellers came to see the city’s architectural elegance, and the precision it was designed with.
Popular Attractions of Champaner
There are many eye-catching points in Champaner, mostly this city is famous for ancient mosques such as Jama Masjid, Sikander Shah’s Tomb, Sakar Khan Dargah and for Pavagadh Fort. Common one and most renowned attractions of Champaner I am discussing here. Check them out.
Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat. Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park has preserved the remains of the historical city of Champaner, built by Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat in the 16th century. One can see here an old palace, fort, several mosques, Hindu and Jain temples and can take a walk through the ancient streets as well.
The city is remarkably well-preserved with whole workings of a well-planned capital city still in evidence, from granaries and fortifications to step-wells and cemeteries. History lovers will be left awestruck while exploring this interesting place.
Pavagadh Fort
The ancient fort of Pavgadha is the most magnificent and oldest piece of architecture in Champaner. It was built by the Mughal ruler, Mahmud Begda in the 10th century. This hilltop fort from the Solanki era is an integral part of the Pavagadh hill landscape. There are numerous temples of Hindus and Jain community can be seen but the Lakulish Temple is the highlight of this fort located in the Mauliya plateau and is renowned as the earliest religious site. Many Nagara temples between the 1200s and the 1400s are also found here.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is one of the most visited mosques of Champaner which is situated around 46m. This Masjid dates back to the 15 century and though it is widely considered as one of the finest mosques in western India. It is adorned by two proud minarets of 30 m each. The detailed carvings and beautifully worked pillars make this place a lovely sight.
The monument has some very majestic artwork on its symmetric pillars and all this has been conserved very well. Along with modern techniques of architecture, this mosque also reflects how the architects used modern techniques to cultivate rainwater harvesting systems.
Kalika Mata
This hilltop temple of Kalika Mata is dedicated to the Hindu goddess, Maa Kali, also known as the Great Black Mother. This temple is the oldest and the most celebrated temple in the vicinity of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
You have to walk numerous steps to reach the temple as this temple as it is located at high hills resided between the dense forests near Halol. This temple is also the part of Pavagadh UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed amongst the 52 Shaktipeethas in India.
Also Read:Â Top 5 Places To Visit In Gujarat
Sikander Shah Tomb
Sikander Shah’s tomb is located in Gujarat, at Champaner. Champaner’s last king, Imam-ul-Mulk assassinated Sikander Shah, is buried here along with his two brothers. Although it is a simple stone structure with fluted domes, it is popular for its elegance and artistic work.
Kevada Masjid
Out of the prominent mosques in Champaner, the Kevada Masjid is one of the places important for ritual purposes. Kevada Masjid was constructed amid a lot of greenery and open spaces, which is not a normal thing in Islam. A cenotaph near the mosque is used for ritual ablutions and this area has many mihrabs.
The most interesting part about this mosque is its mausoleum and the globe-shaped domes along with its prayer hall. It was built under the regime of Mahmud Begada during the 15th century. It is worth giving a visit, due to the highly unusual location of the monument. The long window-like balconies are also intricately designed and the whole mosque is in the shape of rectangular.
Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary
Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary has located 20 km from Champaner and 70 km from Vadodara. On a tour to Champaner, this is a pleasant destination to visit. It is home to the rich flora and fauna, packed with the abundant lush green foliage of Teak, Mahuda, and Bamboo, etc. Nilgai, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Hyna, Jackal are some of the species that have been found here apart from the Leopard at the top of the food chain. It provides a nice camping and hiking place for visitors.
You can also appreciate nature and trey some adventure activities at Kevdi Eco Campsite and Dhanpari Eco Campsite which are located along the way from Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary to Ratanmahal Sanctuary. These campsites are best known for the flying squirrel that is spotted in the evenings and
Nagina Mosque
Nagina Masjid, known for its intricate carvings, is yet another lovely mosque located at Champaner in Gujarat. It is built upon a high plinth and has three domes over the main hall. There’s a cenotaph nearby which is impressively carved.
Apart from this, you can also visit, Lila Gumbai ki Masjid, Sakar Khan Dargah, Makai Kothar Or Navlakha Kothar, Lakulisa temple, popular Jain temples, Machi Haveli and Sadanshah Pir Dargah.
Concluding here but, Champaner is that destination which can be preferred by any kind of tourists be it family, kids and couples. Guys visit this ancient location filled with many heritage sites and let us know what you like the most here.
Also Read: Wilson Hills – Most Loved Hill Station of Gujarat
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