Monday, 05 October 2009 12:14

Pavagadh

About:

Pavagadh is a historical hill station located in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat, India. It is a prominent pilgrimage site, particularly for the Kalika Mata Temple, which sits atop the hill.

Pavagadh is one of the major attractions for pilgrims and tourists. Pavagadh is mountain about 46 kms from Vadodara and 190 kms from Ahmedabad. It is situated in the Halol, Panchmahal district. It covers 42 Kms in circumference.Champaner in the foot of Pavagadh is established by King Vanaraj Chavada in memory of his wise minister Champa. Champaner area is declared as protected area by the Archeological survey of India.Gujarat government has developed Pavagadh as a hill resort because of its scenic beauty and fresh atmosphere.



The hill of Pavagadh rises from Champaner in three stages. The plateau at an altitude of 1471 ft. is known as the Machi Haveli. State bus service is extended up to Machi. Small hotels and rest houses are available at Machi. Teliya Talav and Dudhia Talav come on top of Machi.Famous temple of Goddess Mahakali is located on the top of hill. Rope-way facility is available from Machi to reach Mahakali Mata's temple at the top. About 250 steps have to be climbed from there to reach the temple. On the roof of the temple is a adanshah Pir Dargah, visited by Muslim devotees.

Location info:

Address:Pavagadh,Gujrat,India
District: Vadodra
Nearest City: Broda
Language: Gujarati, Hindi.
Best time to visit: October to february

Climate/Weather:

It gets very hot in summer, with the mercury soaring to 45 degrees Celsius. The winters are pleasant though, with a minimum of around 11 degrees Celsius.

History:

Pavagadh has a rich historical background dating back to the early 10th century when it was part of the Solanki Kingdom. It later became a significant center of the Chauhan Rajputs. In the 15th century, it was conquered by Mahmud Begada, who established the city of Champaner at the foot of Pavagadh Hill. The hill has been associated with both Hindu and Jain religious traditions, with Kalika Mata Temple being one of the key attractions.

Patai was defeated and killed. Mahmud Begada shifted his capital from Ahmedabad to Champaner for some time for reasons of diplomacy. He developed the town by constructing buildings such as the fort of Champaner, Uohra mosque, Mandavi, Kirtistambh, the temple of Shalkh, Jama Masjid, Nagina Mosque and Kevda Mosque. The remains of the Palace of Begada are still found near Vad Talav (Banyan Pond) two kilometers (1.25 miles) away from Champaner.

Interesting things to do:

Trekking:
Hike the trails leading to Kalika Mata Temple.

Pilgrimage:
Visit the Kalika Mata Temple for religious offerings. fort, Kalika Temple and a shrine of Muslim Saint Sadanshah are located.

Explore Ruins:
Discover the remnants of old forts and palaces in Champaner.

Interesting things to Visit:

Kalika Mata Temple:
An ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located at the summit of Pavagadh Hill.

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring forts, mosques, tombs, and ancient water systems.

Kalika Temple:
The Kalika Mata Temple is situated on the highest peak of the Pavagadh hill. This is one of the most sacred centre of the Hindu pilgrimage for devotees of the Goddess Kali. every year about one million people visit the temple. There is a rope way to reach the temple.

Jain Temples:
A group of Jain temples scattered around Pavagadh, notable for their architectural significance.

Sadan Shah Dargah:
A revered Muslim shrine on the hill

Mobile range info:

Mobile connectivity is available but may become patchy on higher elevations. Most major networks provide coverage in the region.

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Vadodara-Godhara railway line.
Nearest Airport:Vadodara,airport is about 46 kms
Road Transport:Vadodara is 46 km and Ahmedabad is 159 km from Champaner. There are regular bus services from Champaner to other parts of the state.

Nearest Visiting places:

Vadodara:
A cultural hub with museums and palaces (42 km away).

Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary:
A serene wildlife reserve, ideal for nature enthusiasts (25 km away)

Old Fort:
The city of Surat is located on the bank of river Tapi in the West Indian state of Gujarat. Surat was a grand port city during the Mughal period. Since the ancient times, the early port of Surat has been well-known for its elite quality fine silks and beautiful brocades and its trade in various spices. Surat has been one of the most progressive of India's cities in the 17th and 18th centuries. Presently, Surat is a chief industrial city with many textile mills. Besides, Surat is also an imperative diamond-cutting centre in India. Surat features many attractive tourist destinations. Monuments in Surat are a popular destination with tourists visiting the famous Old Fort which stands tall in the city.

Sardar Patel Zoological Park and Statue of Unity:
Major attractions, around 90 km from Pavagadh.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Ghelani Petrol Pum:Baroda,Vadodara,Gujarat,India,Ph:0265 2780781

The nearest petrol pumps are located in Champaner and Halol, approximately 5-10 km from Pavagadh.  

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel:Located in Vadodara for luxury stays.

MTDC Pavagadh Resort: A budget-friendly option near Pavagadh. 

Things to carry:

Comfortable trekking shoes. Water bottle and snacks. Light jacket (in winter) or rain gear (during monsoon). Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats for sunny days.

Tips & Suggestions:

Start your trek early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Keep some cash handy, as digital payments may not be accepted in all areas. Respect the local religious customs, especially at the temples. Stay hydrated during the hike and be cautious of the steep trails.

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:
Nearest Hospital:
Kesha Hospital:Behind Alkapuri Shopping Centre,Vadodara,Gujarat,India,ph:0265 2338099
Adarsh General Hospital:Race Course,Vadodara,Gujarat,India,Ph:0265 2331894
Society/Community Phone Number
Links:www.gujaratplus.com

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