Gujarat is the state in the westren part of India, Just below Rajasthan and home to the tallest statue called Statue of Unity, acknowleging the contribution of iron man of India; Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel. Mr. Patel later became first home minister of independent India in 1947. His was a shrewed politician and ensured all princely states falls into Union of India.
So enough of history lessen, lets start about my trip to little known place called Pawagarh, whcih is also Unesco World heritage Site
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The fort of Champaner and Chavda Dynasty
Champaner was founded by Vanraj Chavda, the most prominent king of the Chavda Dynasty, in the 8th century. He named it after his friend and general Champa, also known later as Champaraj. By the later 15th century, the Khichi Chauhan Rajputs held Pavagadh
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Why it is Famous ?
It is known for a famous Mahakali temple which draws thousands of pilgrims every day. It is a tribal area populated predominantly by the Rathwas. The area of this locality Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2004. Apart from Mahakali temple there 7 ancient Jain temples on the hill. Accordingg to a myth, the mahakali temple was once a jain temple. The region is a sacred place to both Jain as well as hindu faith.
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How to reach
Its about 4 hours drive from ahemdabad, and one half hour from ccity of vadodara. You can reach the top of the hill by cable car which is about 750 meters and cost about 150 per person for both ways. It operates from 8 am to 6 pm. As the whole place is under archeological Survey of India. Hence timing of sunrise to sunset is applicable.
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The journey
I had my brother Drive me there, but the way is so picturescape. Have a look. Roads are clean ( if you are going in July- August) due to rain, sky is superb blue and you feel you are in heavens.
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Entering the Unesco Marked Fiirt of Champaner/Pawagarh
Check the intricate carvings on the gate.
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The cows and the indian roads in the Fort.
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Temples and the landscapes of the area
This picture is from the Terrese of Jain temple in the Fort area of pawagarh. The whole area looks like surreal landscape wth clouds looming over.
After visiting the Temples in fort area, We went for the rope way to see the temples on the hill. It was worth my time. Here are some of the shots taken fro the rope way.
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**Shots from Ropeway **
So after this we reached to the point where we explored the jain temples and the Mahakali temple on the top of the hill. Post about that in a separate post as i want to cover the cultue in that. Which woould be very lengthy.
Will post more abut this very soon.
You can find me on instagram as 2fraeman.
till next time.
Sid 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀