Champaner Tourism
The Capital of the Sultanate of Gujarat, Champaner is a historical city located in the Panchmahal district in Gujarat. Being included in the elite list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the globe, this marvellous archaeological park set in the heart of the city of Champaner and amidst the Pavagadh hills is one of the most sought after places in Gujarat.
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park holds a lot of historical as well as mythological significance in itself. The Park comprises of umpteen number of splendid architectural wonders consisting of both Hindu & Islamic styles of design. Another interesting piece of trivia regarding this place is that the hill of Pavagadh is believed to be a chunk of the Himalayas that was originally carried by Hanuman to Lanka in the Ramayana epic. With such rich history to its name, this makes up for a really intriguing place to visit.
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Things to do in Champaner
1. Kalika Mata Temple
Built between the 900 and 1000s, the Kalika Mata Tempe is the oldest and the most celebrated temple in the vicinity of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
2. Pavagadh Fort
Laid by the Mughal ruler, Mahmud Begda in the 10th century, the ancient fort of Pavgadha is the oldest piece of architecture in Champaner. This hilltop fortress from the Solanki era is an integral par (Read More)t of the Pavagadh hill landscape.
3. Jain Temples in Pavagadh
Located en route to the Kalika Mata Temple, these Jain temples are believed to have been discovered and revered by Tolemi, the Greek geographer in 140 AD. Surfaced during the time of the 20th Tirthan (Read More)kara, these temples have been through constant destruction and renovation between the 800 AD and the late 1930s
4. Jami Masjid
Jami Masjid, also known as Jama Masjid of Champaner is located about 150 feet (46 m) east of the city walls. Dating back to the 15th century, it is widely considered as one of the finest mosques in we (Read More)stern India.
5. Lakulisa temple
Lakulisa temple sits calmly atop the Pavagadh hill. This temple dates back to the 10th century and was constructed by Lakulisa, who was the founder of Pashupata Shaivism which was one of the oldest an (Read More)d prominent Shaivite schools.
6. Kevada mosque
Kevada Masjid was constructed amid a lot of greenery and open spaces, which is not the most common thing in Islam. The most interesting part about this mosque is its mausoleum and the globe shaped dom (Read More)es.
7. Nagina Masjid and Cenotaph
This splendid two storied edifice is located about 0.75 miles (1.21 km) to the south of the citadel. Nagina Masjid is also known as the Jewel mosque because Nagina translates to jewel in English and i (Read More)s constructed in pure white marble.
8. Lila Gumbaj Ki Masjid
Lila Gumbaj Ki Masjid is situated on a high pedestal and has a facade with a vaulted entrance at the centre and is accompanied by two other lateral arches on both its sides. The central dome is a form (Read More)ation of equispaced minarets clubbed with horizontal cornices and mouldings. Of the three domes, the one in the centre has a fluted design and is colourful. Initially, three entrances existed on the east, south, and north sides. On the north-east corner, there is a rectangular ablution tank with a deep drain in front
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Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is located in the heritage town of Champaner in Gujarat. This UNESCO certified World Heritage Site is a commemorable reserve of the human lifestyle spanning from the Chalcolithic or the pre-historic times to the 16th century.
The archaeological park houses a wide expanse of ancient architecture expressed through palaces, temples, gateways and mosques. The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park also cites archaic remnants across categories such as agriculture, water conservation and residential wards of the time. There is also a remarkable blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture here.
The archaeological park houses a wide expanse of ancient architecture expressed through palaces, temples, gateways and mosques. The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park also cites archaic remnants across categories such as agriculture, water conservation and residential wards of the time. There is also a remarkable blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture here.
History of Champaner Pavagadh
Discovered by the well-known Chavda King of the 8th century, Vanraj Chavda, Champaner is believed to have been named after Champa, the king's friend and a general in his court. However, some beliefs also state that the name is derived from the yellow tinted rocks in the town's neighbour, Pavagadh.
Pavagadh was a vital trade route linking Gujarat to both North and South India. Thus, the place attracted quite a few rulers and kings to this flourishing part of the state. Although Champaner was made the capital city of Pavagadh by Mahmud Begda during the early Mughal rule, it was further taken down and conquered by Humayun, a later king of the Mughal kingdom.
Post 1535, Champaner-Pavagadh only had minimal rule during the Maratha reign and was devoid of any modernisation until it was a British colony in the 1800s. It is said that the region's population at that time was only 500. The town was a standstill while many of its neighbours industrialised with multiple dynasties, and thus is an incredible heritage site today.
Pavagadh was a vital trade route linking Gujarat to both North and South India. Thus, the place attracted quite a few rulers and kings to this flourishing part of the state. Although Champaner was made the capital city of Pavagadh by Mahmud Begda during the early Mughal rule, it was further taken down and conquered by Humayun, a later king of the Mughal kingdom.
Post 1535, Champaner-Pavagadh only had minimal rule during the Maratha reign and was devoid of any modernisation until it was a British colony in the 1800s. It is said that the region's population at that time was only 500. The town was a standstill while many of its neighbours industrialised with multiple dynasties, and thus is an incredible heritage site today.
Restaurants and Local Food in Champaner
One will not find a lot of restaurants near the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaelogical Park, irrespective of the fact that Gujarat is quite renowned for its amazing cuisine. There are a couple of restaurants about 30 kms away from the main location. We have listed them down. No particular cuisine is followed but if you're at it, you shouldn't miss out on the Gujarati thalis. One can also find other cuisines like Chinese, Italian, etc.
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View Top Restaurants in Champaner
Suggested Itinerary for Champaner
One can first visit the mosques that this place beholds- Lila Gumbaj Ki Masjid, Kevada mosque, Nagina Masjid & Cenotaph and mainly the Jami Masjid. This might just take about a day long for you to experience. The next day, you can visit the Pavagadh fort and the Lakulisa temple alongside with it. Reserve the third day for the Kalika Mata Temple and Fort of Pavagadh and the ruined Hindu and Jain Temples.
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How to Reach Champaner
How to Reach Overview
Champaner is well-connected via roadways and is reachable through airlines, trains and road transport. The Vadodara Airport is the closest airport to Champaner. Situated at about 43 to 52 km from the city, Champaner can be reached via a 48 to 80-minute drive.
The Champaner Railway station on Champaner road in Khakariya is the nearest. It is approximately 20 to 30 km from Champaner and can be accessed through a 28 to 35-minute taxi or self-drive. The only bus stand closest to the Champaner city centre is the Champaner ST Depot, which is just about a 5-minute walk away.
The Champaner Railway station on Champaner road in Khakariya is the nearest. It is approximately 20 to 30 km from Champaner and can be accessed through a 28 to 35-minute taxi or self-drive. The only bus stand closest to the Champaner city centre is the Champaner ST Depot, which is just about a 5-minute walk away.
How to reach Champaner by flight
The nearest domestic airport is the Vadodara airport at a distance of 42 kms from the city of Champaner. The nearest international airport is the Ahmedabad International Airport at a distance of 125 kilometres. They are connected to major cities of the country and the world respectively. Tourists can take a taxi from the airport to the desired destination.
How to reach Champaner by road
There are several state run buses that are available from Ahmedabad and Vadodara to the city of Champaner. All roads leading to Champaner are well developed.
How to reach Champaner by train
The Champaner railway station is a small railway station and it does not have a connectivity with major cities of the country. Vadodara railway station is at a distance of 53 kilometres from the city and is a big railway station which has good connectivity with other cities of India.
Local transport in Champaner
The best way to explore the beauty of this place is to travel by foot, though the option of hiring horses is also available. It is a gigantic place but the locales are so splendid that you certainly wouldn't mind treading a few miles for sure.
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FAQs on Champaner
What is the best time to visit Champaner pavagadh?
October to February are the best months to visit Champaner Pavagadh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temperature ranges between 12-degree Celsius to 29-degree Celsius with clear blue skies and pleasant weather. However, the summers here are scorching. The temperatures are excruciating, reaching up to 44 degrees. The winters are relatively cooler with the days having an average temperature of 26 degrees while the nights are as cool as 9 degrees.
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What is the local food in Champaner pavagadh?
One will not find a lot of restaurants near the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaelogical Park, irrespective of the fact that Gujarat is quite renowned for its amazing cuisine. There are a couple of restaurants about 30 kms away from the main location. We have listed them down. No particular cuisine is followed but if you're at it, you shouldn't miss out on the Gujarati thalis. One can also find other cuisines like Chinese, Italian, etc.
Read More
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What is the best way to reach Champaner pavagadh?
Champaner is well-connected via roadways and is reachable through airlines, trains and road transport. The Vadodara Airport is the closest airport to Champaner. Situated at about 43 to 52 km from the city, Champaner can be reached via a 48 to 80-minute drive.
The Champaner Railway station on Champaner road in Khakariya is the nearest. It is approximately 20 to 30 km from Champaner and can be accessed through a 28 to 35-minute taxi or self-drive. The only bus stand closest to the Champaner city centre is the Champaner ST Depot, which is just about a 5-minute walk away.
Read More
The Champaner Railway station on Champaner road in Khakariya is the nearest. It is approximately 20 to 30 km from Champaner and can be accessed through a 28 to 35-minute taxi or self-drive. The only bus stand closest to the Champaner city centre is the Champaner ST Depot, which is just about a 5-minute walk away.
Read More
How much does a package cost for Champaner pavagadh?
The packages for Champaner pavagadh start at INR 5000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here
What are the things to do in Champaner pavagadh?
The top things to do in Champaner pavagadh are Kalika Mata Temple, Pavagadh Fort, Jain Temples in Pavagadh, Jami Masjid, Lakulisa temple, Kevada mosque. You can see all the places to visit in Champaner pavagadh here
What are the places near Champaner pavagadh?
The top places near to Champaner pavagadh are Udaipur which is 232 km from Champaner pavagadh, Vadodara which is located 41 km from Champaner pavagadh, Anand which is located 60 km from Champaner pavagadh, Ahmedabad which is located 116 km from Champaner pavagadh, Gandhinagar which is located 122 km from Champaner pavagadh
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Popular Questions And Answers on Champaner
Holidify
6 years ago
The best way to reach Champaner-Pavgadh is to reach Vadodara via Flight, Train or Bus and then take the road transport options of Local Buses, Taxis or Car rentals from Vadodara. Pavagadh has road co (Read More)nnectivity in all directions by the Gujarat State Highways in case you are planning on taking a private vehicle.
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Q. If there any guide person details
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Champaner Reviews
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Pallavi Siddhanta
6 years ago
- Do hire a guide while visiting the Havelis if you are interested in knowing in detail about the monuments.
- The park is open only during the day i.e it opens after sunrise and closes down befor (Read More)e sunset.
- The park is open only during the day i.e it opens after sunrise and closes down befor (Read More)e sunset.