GUJARAT TOURISM
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Showing posts with label Featured. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Featured. Show all posts
Surat
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Surat
"Diamond City of India"
Surat Tourism
Surat, having its name associated with Saurashtra (the good land) is a port city in Gujarat. Surat is the second most populated city in Gujarat. Known as 'the city of flyovers', it is a commercial centre of textiles and diamonds.
In the vibrant state of Gujarat, is this city of Surat which attracts tourists who are interested in the colonial history of the region and those interested in wildlife. Packed on the south bank of a sharp bend in the Tapi River (Tapti), it is located 306 km south of the state capital, Gandhinagar. This city has the reputation of being light-hearted, easy-going, and fun-loving, with a passion for food. It is an absolutely great place to visit with family and friends and have a memorable trip.
Vansda National park, Saputara Overview
- Tucked in between the Sahyadri ranges, lies this conserved wildlife park spanning over an area of about 24 sq kilometres. It got its name as Vansda because it was once privately owned by the Maharaja of Vansda. Not a single tree has been cut since then. Owing to this, in some places, the canopies are so thick that sunlight does not pass through. It is an open park, and you can easily get a permit if you want to explore it in your own vehicle.
- It is situated in the Navsari district of Gujarat and is a 110-minute drive from Vansda town. Vansda, the park is the principal trading place for the village of Vansda and its surrounding area, which are inhabited by tribes, commonly known as Adivasis. The park is very close to Waghai town which forms an entry point for the Dang jungles. A botanist's and wildlife enthusiast's paradise, the place is home to over hundreds of different and unique varieties of flora and fauna. River Ambika flows along its north-eastern boundary, and a major part of the park falls under the catchment area.
- Unlike other National Parks, Vansda provides two trail options to its visitors. They can opt to walk or take a vehicle inside. The park also has other attractions like interacting with local tribes, the Gira Falls and the Conservation Centre. The Gira Falls of Vansda is the park's pride and should be experienced by everyone who plans on visiting the park. It is an ideal scenic getaway forming an important part of your itinerary whenever you happen to visit Gujarat.
Anand
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Anand Tourism
The epicenter of the white revolution in the country back in the 60s, Anand is a place known for its semi-rural set up and the Swami Narayan Mandir which is the crown jewel of the city. An emerging city, Anand still has traces of its rural past which can be seen when one is traveling to this wonderful city.
While traveling to Anand, one can also go through the history and the factories of one of the biggest dairy companies in the world - AMUL. The Swami Narayan Mandir in the heart of the city is its main attraction with devotees and lovers of architecture coming from all parts of the state to experience its enchanting beauty. Anand, gives you a place for some relaxation and rejuvenation in a very peaceful urban setting. The city is known for being very welcoming and peaceful.Girnar
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Girnar Tourism
Keeping up the delicate balance between the fine golden-brown sand of Gujarat’s richest desert on one hand, and the lush green of the Gir Forest on the other - Girnar - a group of mountains in the Junagadh district of Gujarat are a haven for thrill seekers and religious devotees alike due to their ability to be both - a hub for religious activity and also a retreat for trekkers, because of the hills that lead up to splendid views.
An important pilgrimage site, Girnar hills are flocked daily by many devotees. While the summit of the Datar Peak is held sacred by both Hindus and Muslims, temples like the Neminath temple and the Meravasi temple are sacred to the Jain community. Another major highlight of this place is the Girnar Parikrama Festival and the Bhavnath Fair between the months of January and February every year - when Hindu and Jain devotees, gather here in huge numbers.
Many small wonders of historical significance can be found here, for instance: Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts and the Junagarh rock inscription of Rudradaman, from many centuries ago. Being the highest point of Gujarat - Mt. Girnar stands at 1,031 metres (or 3,383 ft) and is symbolic of the rich history and heritage of the land. It is also of major importance and so is its base which is called the Girnar Taleti, which is just 4 kms east of the centre of Junagadh.
Many small wonders of historical significance can be found here, for instance: Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts and the Junagarh rock inscription of Rudradaman, from many centuries ago. Being the highest point of Gujarat - Mt. Girnar stands at 1,031 metres (or 3,383 ft) and is symbolic of the rich history and heritage of the land. It is also of major importance and so is its base which is called the Girnar Taleti, which is just 4 kms east of the centre of Junagadh.
Traditional Dresses of Gujarat
The traditional Gujarati dresses for men include kediyu or kurta on the top and dhoti or chorno at the bottom. Women in Gujarat wear sarees or chaniya choli. Recently, they have started wearing salwar kameez as well.
Traditional Dresses of Gujarati Men
Chorn
Chorno is a type of cotton pants that the Gujarati men wear. It looks like a stitched dhoti and is very loose and comfortable. Chorno either has a string to tie at the waist or have elastic.Kediyu
Kediyu is a garment that is worn above the chorno to cover the top part of the body. A kediyu is frock type kurta with frills, worn by the men in Gujarat. Kediyu is also referred to as Angrakhu.Dhoti
Dhotee or dhoti is a long piece of garment that is wrapped around the lower body of men. The garment is wrapped around the waist and tucked from between the legs. Gujarati men wore white or light coloured dhotis for normal wear.Kurta
A kurta is the top worn to cover the torso of men. The Kurtas for everyday use are made up of cotton. Festive kurtas may have embroideries or some designs in them.
Phento
Phento is a headwear or a turban worn by Gujarati men, especially in rural area. It consists of a layered cloth wrapped around the head.Jewellery
Young boys do not wear much jewellery. The men of Gujarat may wear a gold ring and a gold chain.Traditional Dresses of Gujarati Women
Ghagra Choli or Chaniya Choli
The traditional attire of Gujarati women is Chaniya Choli or Ghagra Choli; Women also wear an Odhni (dupatta or chunni) with it.Chaniyo
The Chaniyo or lehengas is a coloured petticoat or skirt-like garment worn by the women. The Chaniyo is designed with mirrors and thread workCholi
The women wear Polku or Choli on the top. It is an embroidered short blouse.Chunni
Chunni, Odhni or dupatta is an elongated piece of cloth to complete the dress. The churn is worn diagonally and is used to cover their heads.The women may also wear Kurtas instead of choli known as Zhabo and lehenga along with it.
Saree
A saree is a long piece of garment that is wrapped around the woman's body, and the excess or the end is wrapped around the shoulder. However, the Gujarati women wear sarees with the end of the saree in the frontThe Gujarati women carry house keys with them tucked into the saree that wraps around their waist with the help of the silver hook. This is because traditionally their role was to look after the house and house-related tasks.
Traditional Jewellery of Gujarati Women
A married woman in Gujarat wears Mangal Sutra, bangles, necklaces, earrings and nose rings. Unmarried women wear small balis (loop earrings) and may even get their nose pierced and wear nath (studded nose jewellery). Married women also wear bindi and sindoor.
Dresses For Special Ceremonies
Raas Garba
Women wear chaniya choli or ghagra choli with a kamarbandha. A kamarbandha is a coloured waistband. It may be made out of cloth or in a chain like jewellery manner. The kamarbandha is worn over the chunni to keep the chunni from flying away.
Men wear keviya and churidars. Churidars are tight trousers. Keviya is tight long sleeved coat plaited with frills. They are embroidered with mirror work to add to the festive feel. Marriage Bride: The bride wears saree for the wedding ceremony. The saree may a panetar saree or a 'gharchola'. Panetar is a white saree with red bandhini border. Gharchola is a traditional red bandhini saree with woven squares pattern all over it.
Dress for Gujarati Groom
The groom wears a Kurta with some design like embroidery or zari work and a Dhoti to match. The groom may also wear a turban. However, nowadays, grooms have started wearing churidar under the Kurtas instead of Dhotis.Traditional Dresses of Kutch
The women of Kutch wear a special type of choli called abha or kanjari. Abha is a long piece of blouse which is decorated with mirror work and golden/silver thread work.The men wear loose pants with short frock-like coats that are tied together with a string attached to the coat instead of buttons. They wear under long sleeved under jackets beneath the coat. They usually wear white coloured clothes with red or white coloured phento on their heads.
Influence of Western Culture
The women of Gujarat have shifted from wearing sarees to salwar kameez. Women in cities are also working, and it is difficult for them to wear sarees every day. Western clothes add comfort and allow them to move about freely. The men have started wearing shirts and pants instead of traditional kurta and dhoti. The younger generations, especially in the cities are well acquainted with western culture and its fashion. Thus have found wearing western clothes very normal.It is perhaps in certain rural areas especially in Kutch that you will see the folks dressed in the traditional attire. In cities, people wear traditional attires during marriage or Navratri. The dresses of Gujarat are very colourful and festive. The garments are heavy with a lot of detailed work on them. The clothes are famous for bandhani or bandhej design, embroidery with gold and zari threads and the jewellery that gives the costumes a complete look.
In the month of November, pilgrims in huge numbers make their way to the Shamlaji fair. People visit Shamlaji fair to take a holy dip in the pious Meshwo River, which looks best during the festival, sparkling and pristine. Goddess Shamlaji, whom tribes call Kaliyo Dev (Dark Divinity), is revered by the people of Tribal community as they have faith in the power of the divinity. During the festival, one can see barter of silver jewellery, clothes, house items and many other household items.Shamlaji Fair Gujarat
Shamlaji is small shrine on the bank of Meshwo River. It is one of the rare temples of Lord Krishna where cow idols are also worshipped depicting his childhood as a cowherd. Built of sandstone and brick, this two storey architecture is believed to be 500 years old. Exteriors walls are adorned with frescos that depict episodes from the epics- Ramayana and Mahabharata.
When: Around the month of November. Kartik Purnima (Full moon night)
Where: Shamlaji, Sabarkantha district, Near the border between Gujarat and Rajasthan
Duration: Three Weeks
Rann utsav
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Rann Utsav, Kutch Overview
Kutch is a mesmerising place in Gujarat that is known for its beautiful topography and rich ecology. Rann Utsav in Kutch provides a multifaceted view of the place's culture, tradition, artwork and natural beauty. It celebrates the magnificent beauty of Kutch and its stunning landscape of endless white deserts. Celebrating the varied ethnic flavour of Gujarat through crafts, music, dance and people, Rann Utsav this year will be held from 1st November 2018 to 20th February 2019. An initiative by the Tourism Coporation of Gujarat Limited, the Rann Utsav is packed with leisure, delicious food and adventure spread over 5 Lakh Sq metres with more than 350 luxurious tents. It is a 100+ full-filled days of Kutch.
- Rann Utsav - Venue
Kutch, Gujarat, India
- Rann Utsav - Dates
Full Moon Nights of 2019
20 January 2019 - 22 January 2019
18 February 2019 - 20 February 2019
Republic Day
26 January 2019
Valentine's Day
14 February 2019
- Rann Utsav - Entry Pass
INR 100 per person
INR 50 per vehicle
- Rann Utsav in Kutch - History & Details
Source
Rann Utsav is a festival that is celebrated for months in the city of Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. Starting from 1st November, the carnival ends on 20th February and is marked by a lot of freshness and enthusiasm. It captures the elegant beauty of Kutch and echoes the ethnicity, traditions, and rituals of the countryside. The whole festival is replete with enthralling performances of both folk and traditional dances and foot tapping music. One can witness the exceptional skills of our country's tribe of meticulous artisans. The handicraft bazaar brims with vibrance as artists showcase their charming collection of artwork. It is an ultimate platform for artisans to display their distinctiveness and thus the Utsav presents an enthralling spectacle of beautiful artworks.
The carnival evokes the rich cultural and traditional splendor of Gujarat. It underlines the diverse life of Kutch with all its colors and beauty. The fair is a repository of vibrant processions, parade, and performances; hence, an enthusiastic spirit of the festival underlines the warmth and creative ingenuity of the people of Kutch.
The carnival evokes the rich cultural and traditional splendor of Gujarat. It underlines the diverse life of Kutch with all its colors and beauty. The fair is a repository of vibrant processions, parade, and performances; hence, an enthusiastic spirit of the festival underlines the warmth and creative ingenuity of the people of Kutch.
- Rann Utsav Activities - Features of the Festival
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- The festival acknowledges and celebrates the skill of native artisans. Some of the most outstanding products and artworks can be seen here. One can marvel over the beauty of Kutch handicraft culture which includes captivating mirror and embroidery work, Bandhani sarees amongst other indigenous artworks.
- It is a cultural extravaganza that is spread over an overwhelming area of 5,00,000 sq meter and has one of the grandest tent accommodations in India.
- The tents are clustered together in C shape, with each having a dining hall than sprawls over 1200 sq meter each.
- The Rann Utsav is organized in the vicinity of village Dhordo which is about 85 kms away from the city of Bhuj in Gujarat. The setting of the tent city, where the whole carnival is set up takes a massive time of two months. Thus, one can imagine the hardships and labor of the people behind the celebration of this lavish festival.
- The carnival witnesses a footfall of more than one thousand people per day and employs the services of about four hundred hospitality personnel taking up varied tasks. The range of activities is vast enormous, and the whole festival is celebrated on a mammoth scale.
- The festival provides a refreshing experience as there are a lot of facilities one can avail. The Utsav starts from the reception area where the guests are warmly welcomed. There is a large conference hall that is specially designed for large gatherings. Besides, there is also a clubhouse where people can participate in the fun and frolic of indoor games.
- Apart from the heartwarming dance and music performances, one can also engage in camel ride, paramotoring and immerse themselves in the bliss of meditation. The festival also has areas where people can practice the age-old renowned exercise of Yoga.
Why is Rann Utsav Worth Visiting?
Source
The festival celebrates the spellbound beauty and natural heritage of Kutch. It provides an exclusive opportunity to acquaint oneself with the exquisite handicraft and extensive art of our country's artisans. One can witness the cultural superfluity and mind-blowing performances of dance and music in the festival. People can engage themselves in an array of indoor games like carom board, ludo amongst others, savor the lip-smacking delicacies and enjoy the relishing traditional recipes of Kuch. Besides, people can also take a ride over the picturesque desert of Kutch with its seemingly boundless white sand. A visit to The Rann Mahotsav is thus a perfect blend of both rejuvenation and recreation.
How to Reach
One can take any mode of transportation to reach here. There are frequent buses from Bhuj, both private and state-owned to reach The Rann Utsav. Private luxury coaches also provide services to Bhuj from various major cities of India. One can even come by train, with the nearest train station being Bhuj. One can hire a taxi or a cab to reach Kutch from here. Air facilities are also available with both private and government airlines providing connectivity at the Bhuj airport. The Rann Utsav is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and thrill and is one of the most exciting festivals of India.
video of rann utsav
Navaratri
- Navaratri (Sanskrit: नवरात्रि, literally "nine nights"), also spelled Navratri or Navarathri, is a nine nights (and ten days) Hindu festival, celebrated in the Tamil month of Purattasi (17 September to 17 October) every year. It is celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian subcontinent.There are two seasonal Navaratri in a year. This festival in this month is called Sharada Navaratri that is the most celebrated for Goddess Durga.
- It was India's famous festival. In India, Goddess Durga battles and emerges victorious over the buffalo demon Mahishasuran to help restore Dharma.
- Celebrations include stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism. The nine days are also a major seasonal and cultural event, and the public celebrations of classical and folk dances of Hindu culture.On the final day, called the Vijayadashami or Dussehra, the statues are either immersed in a water body such as river and ocean, or alternatively the statue symbolizing the evil is burnt with fireworks marking evil's destruction.
Significance of Each Day
The festival is associated to the prominent battle that took place between Durga and demon Mahishasura and celebrates the victory of Good over Evil.These nine days are solely dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine Avatars.Each day is associated to an incarnation of the goddess:
Day 1: Shailaputri (Arya)
- Known as Pratipada, this day is associated to Shailaputri (literally "Daughter of Mountain"), an incarnation of Parvati. It is in this form that the Goddess is worshiped as the consort of Shiva; she is depicted as riding the bull, Nandi, with a trishula in her right hand and lotus in her left. Shailaputri is considered to be the direct incarnation of Mahakali. The color of the day is red, which depicts action and vigor.
Day 2: Brahmacharini
- On Dwitiya, Goddess Brahmacharini, another incarnation of maa Parvati when she penance to achieve her goal to have Shiva as her husband.
Day 3: Chandraghanta
- Tritiya commemorates the worship of Chandraghanta - married form of maa Parvati
Day 4: Kushmanda
- Goddess Kushmanda is worshiped on Chaturthi. Believed to be the creative power of universe, Kushmanda associated to the endowment of vegetation on earth and hence, the color of the day is Green. She is depicted as having eight arms and sits on a Tiger.she is Mahalaxmi adya Shakti gauri
Day 5: Skandmata
Skandamata, the goddess worshiped on Panchami, is the mother of Skanda (or Kartikeya). The color Grey is symbolic of the transforming strength of a mother when her child is confronted with danger. She is depicted riding a ferocious lion, having four arms and holding her baby.
Day 6: Katyayani
Born to a sage, Katyayana, she is an incarnation of maa Parvati and is shown to exhibit courage which is symbolized by the color Orange to kill MAHISHASURA. Known as the warrior goddess, she is considered one of the most violent forms of Goddess aadya shakti. In this avatar, Kātyāyanī rides a lion and has four hands.
Day 7: Kalaratri
Considered the most ferocious form of Goddess Durga, Kalaratri is revered on Saptami. It is believed that Parvati removed her fair skin to kill the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha. The color of the day is White. On Saptami, the Goddess appears in a white colour attire with a lot of rage in her fiery eyes, her skin turns black. The white colour portrays prayer and peace, and ensures the devotees that the Goddess will protect them from harm.
Day 8: Mahagauri
Mahagauri symbolizes intelligence and peace. The color associated to this day is Pink which depicts optimism.She has extremely fair complexion and therefore Maa is compared with the conch, the moon and the white flower of Kunda. Radiant and compassionate, Maa Maugauri is usually depicted in a white or green saari and riding a bull. She is also known as Shwetambardhara. Maa Mahagauri purifies the souls of Her devotees and removes all their sins. She has a calming effect on the lives of Her devotees and she also helps them improve their knowledge.
Day 9: Sidhidatri
On the last day of the festival also known as Navami, people pray to Siddhidhatri. Sitting on a lotus, she is believed to possess and bestows all type of Siddhis. Here she has four hands. Also known as Mahalakshmi Devi. The light blue colour of the day portrays an admiration towards the nature's beauty.
Traditional Rass Garba
Tarnetar Fair
- Tarnetar is widely known for Trinetreshwar Temple, and the fair held here. It is believed that the temple belongs to the Solanki Era. The Pratihara kings, predominantly the worshipers of Lord Shiva were great builders and architecturally brilliant. They were ardent patrons of art and sculpture. The Trinetreshwar temple is an ornate and evolved example of its time portraying the Gurjjar Pratihar style. Owing to the reign of the Pratihar kings, the regions were later called as the Panchal region. The temple was later reconstructed without changing its architectural beauty by the King of Lakthar, Karansinghji in memory of his son.
- The Trinetreshwar temple is profusely sculpted with exquisite designs. 33 deities have been carved on the temple walls exemplifying perfect execution and sublime expressions.ad
- The Tarnetar temple is surrounded by three Kunds : the Vishnu Kund, the Bhrahma Kund and the Shiv Kund - south of which a cellar is built. It is popularly believed that a dip in its waters is as holy as a dip in the sacred River Ganges.
| Modhera |
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| Tarnetar Fair Costume |
- Tarnetar fair traveller outlook
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| Costume of tarnetar |
Celebration of Life
- Gujarat - a land of exuberant celebrations. The state has its unique festivities interspersed with a variety of traditions and religious rituals followed by people belonging to various tribes. Every religion has a festival to celebrate.
- The variety of folk dances and songs lend vivid splashes of colour and music to the atmosphere that is already charged with excitement and flavored with a meaningful identity.
- The Tarnetar Fair is one such festival held at the Tarnetar village. This small and otherwise calm village is situated in the 'Panchal' region of Gujarat. The Tarnetar fair is an annual festival denoting colour, vivacity, ebullience, prayers and rituals.
- The annual fair commences every year during the Bhadarva Sud - 4th, 5th and 6th (Aug.-Sept) The tradition of this religious festival is believed to have begun before 200-250 years. Shri Mayashankar Zuza Pandya has written a book on the Tarnetar Festival describing the fair before 107 years.
Video of tarnetar
Spiritual Holi
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India
Holi
Holi is considered as one of the most revered and celebrated festivals of India and it is celebrated in almost every part of the country. It is also sometimes called as the “festival of love” as on this day people get to unite together forgetting all resentments and all types of bad feeling towards each other. The great Indian festival lasts for a day and a night, which starts in the evening of Purnima or the Full Moon Day in the month of Falgun. It is celebrated with the name Holika Dahan or Choti Holi on first evening of the festival and the following day is called Holi. In different parts of the country it is known with different names.
The vibrancy of colors is something that brings in a lot of positivity in our lives and Holi being the festival of colours is actually a day worth rejoicing. Holi is a famous Hindu festival that is celebrated in every part of India with utmost joy and enthusiasm. The ritual starts by lighting up the bonfire one day before the day of Holi and this process symbolizes the triumph of good over the bad. On the day of Holi people play with colours with their friends and families and in evening they show love and respect to their close ones with Abeer.
The vibrancy of colors is something that brings in a lot of positivity in our lives and Holi being the festival of colours is actually a day worth rejoicing. Holi is a famous Hindu festival that is celebrated in every part of India with utmost joy and enthusiasm. The ritual starts by lighting up the bonfire one day before the day of Holi and this process symbolizes the triumph of good over the bad. On the day of Holi people play with colours with their friends and families and in evening they show love and respect to their close ones with Abeer.
- Wish you a very happy and wonderful Holi. May your life always be filled with the colors of joy and happiness. May God paint the canvas of your life with the colors of joy, love, happiness, prosperity, good health and success. Love is in playing Holi together; that warmth and feel is adrenaline on steroids.
- Let the colors of Holi spread happiness, gaeity, peace and love all around. Wish you a blessed Holi!
- Sending love with red, friendship with pink, wisdom with yellow and new beginnings with green.Have a colorful and happy Holi!
| Modhera |
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| happy holi from Travel-Stories(20'th march 2019) |
Mandvi
Mandvi is a town with municipality in the Kutch district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was once a major port of the region and summer retreat for Maharao (king) of the Cutch State. The old city was enclosed in the fort wall and remains of the fort wall can still be seen. The city has a four-hundred-year-old ship building industry, which was started by the caste of Kharva that still builds small wooden ships.
- Mandvi beach
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| mandvi beach |
Situated in the Kutch region of Gujarat, Mandvi Beach is a pristine and tranquil sea shore which is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region. It is endowed with a calm and clean environment and makes for a peaceful getaway from the city. The silky smooth sand of Mandvi Beach is an inviting carpet which gives way to the salty waters of the Arabian Sea. You can enjoy the serene beauty of this place with your friends and family, or go all out and explore the windmills that are situated here as well. In addition to being a laidback beach destination, Mandvi Beach is also popular for its camping and water sports facilities.
Standing near the Vijay Vilas palace estate in Bhuj, Mandvi Beach is is secluded and undiscovered beach destination with clean water and beautiful view. Take a long walk along the shore as you witness the sun setting over the horizon, or go for bird spotting and discover the beauty of Kutch through its fauna. Another activity to pursue here is camel ride, which takes you on a round of the entire property as you bobble up and down on this majestic animal's back, or practice some yoga to the tune of the gentle sea. With its tranquil surroundings being it's most alluring quality, Mandvi Beach makes for an enchanting rendezvous with nature and its beauty.
- Topansar lake
Topansar Lake lies in the heart of the port city of Mandvi, about 60 kms from Bhuj. When visiting Kutch, consider visiting Mandvi for its cultural contribution to the history of Gujarat. This beautiful lake is a popular excursion for Mandvi residents, who flock in the early hours of morning to enjoy the cool breeze and to watch migratory bird.
- Vijay palace
vijay palace
The palace was built during reign of Maharao Shri Khengarji III, the Maharao of Kutch, as a summer resort for the use of his son & heir to the kingdom, the Yuvraj Shri Vijayaraji and is therefore, named after him as Vijaya Vilas Palace. The construction of palace started in year in 1920 and was completed in year 1929.The palace is built with red sandstone. It has all the elements of Rajput architecture and draws largely on the plan of palaces of Orchha and Datia. The central high dome on the pillars, the Bengal domes on the sides, the windows with colored glass, carved stone 'jalis', domed bastions at the corners, extended porch and other exquisitely stone-carved elements, make the palace worth visiting. The palace is set in the middle of well-laid gardens with water channels and marble fountains. The carved stone works of Jalis, Jharokas, Chhatris, Chhajas, murals and many other artistic stone carvings, colored glass work on windows and door panels all have been done by the architect and craftsman from places like Jaipur, Rajasthan, Bengal and Saurashtra, and local Kutchi artisan community, the Mistris of Kutch and Suthars. The mixture and mingling of architect and style of different regions of India, as such, can be distinctly seen in design & architect of the Vijaya Vilas Palace.]The balcony at the top affords a superb view of the surrounding area. The tiny intricate windows gives one feeling to be out in open, through which cool sea wind passes out.
The campus also houses a Chhatri of Vijayaraji, who died in 1948, to whom this palace was very dear.
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| vijay palace |
The campus also houses a Chhatri of Vijayaraji, who died in 1948, to whom this palace was very dear.
PATAN
Patan, an ancient fortified city, was founded in 745 AD by Vanraj Chavda, the most prominent king of the Chavda Kingdom. He named the city "Anhilpur Patan" or "Anhilwad Patan" after his close friend and Prime Minister Anhil Gadariya.It is a historical place located on the bank of Saraswati River.
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| patan |
patan patola
Rani ki vav
It was probably completed by Udaymati and Karna after his death. A reference to Udaymati building the monument is in the 'Prabandha-Chintamani' composed by Merutunga Suri in 1304 AD.
It was one of the largest and the most sumptuous structures of its type. It became silted up and much of it is not visible, except for some rows of sculptured panels in the circular part of the well. Among its ruins one pillar still stands which is proof of the elegance of its design and an excellent example of this period. A part of the west well is extant from which it appears that the wall had been built of brick and faced with stone. From this wall project vertical bracket in pairs, this supported the galleries of the well shaft proper. This bracketing is arranged in tiers and is richly carved.
There is a small gate below the last step of the step well which has a 30 km tunnel (now it has been blocked by stones and mud) which leads to the town of Sidhpur near Patan. It was used as an escape gateway for king who built the step well in the times of defeat.
This stepwell is the oldest and the deepest among the 120 other stepwell in Gujarat. The sculpture of Rani ki vav depicting Lord Vishnu'savatars, Hindu Goddesses, Jain idols and their ancestors.[6] Most of the sculpture is in devotion to Vishnu, in the forms of his avatars(Krishna, Rama and others), representing their return to the world.
Around 50–60 years back there used to be ayurvedic plants around this areas which causes the water accumulated in Rani ni vav to be helpful for viral disease, fever.
It was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on 22 June 2014.
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