Tourist Places in Palanpur

A city and municipality in Gujarat, India's Banaskantha district, is called Palanpur. It serves as the district's administrative center and is renowned for its enormous Hindu and Jain temples and rich history. Visiting this location would help you understand the countless battles fought there and the dynasties that called it home. The Aravalli Range protects the city on one side and the Sabarmati River on the other, creating a fort-like natural city.

Due to its supposed founder, Prahladana, who lived around 1218, Palanpur was also known as Prahladana Patan or Prahaladanapura throughout the reign of kings. Despite this fact's mention varying among sources, it is found in Jain's writings. Following the dynastic collapse, the city was abandoned and repopulated by the Chauhans, whom Palansi Chauhan commanded. The Palanpur fort had seven gates, although most were in disrepair. These historical remnants are present there.

Top Tourist Attractions in Banaskantha (Palanpur)

• Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary
• Gabbar Hill, Ambaji
• Seema Darshan at Nadabet
• Balaram Palace Resort
• Mangalya Van
• Dantiwada dam
• Keerti Stambh
• Kamakshi Mandir, Ambaji
• Kumbhariya Jain Temple, Ambaji
• Ambaji Temple

1. Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary

One hundred eighty square kilometers of dry deciduous woods make up the Sloth-Bear Sanctuary, situated in the Aravalli range's Jessore Hills. Gujarat's second-highest peak is Jessore Hill. The sanctuary has also housed leopards, blue bulls, wild boars, porcupines, various birds, and sloth bears. Additionally, the reserve defends threatened species like the hyena, civet, caracal, and jungle cat. Additional identified plant species at the sanctuary total 406.

Leopards, Indian civet cats, porcupines, foxes, striped hyenas, wild boars, and other noteworthy faunal species include leopards, Rhesus macaques, from land birds to water birds, the multistory forest offers a perfect habitat for a variety of species. This sanctuary is home to numerous rare and endangered bird species, according to the IUCN classification. Snakes, tortoises, and lizards of various species are examples of reptiles. The most uncommon Indian Python can be seen beyond Muni Ji Ki Kutia.

2. Gabbar Hill, Ambaji

The goddess' original throne, the location of Krishna's tonsorial ceremony (ritual head shaving), and the residence of the celestial Mahishasur-Mardini are all said to have been on the little mound known as Gabbar (or Gabbargadh), which is located about four kilometers west of the village of Ambaji.

The slope is difficult to climb because it is so steep. The pilgrims must travel a narrow, hazardous path after ascending 300 stone stairs at the base of the peak. The Ambaji temple is located in a small niche on the top of the hill, visible at night from the larger Ambaji temple. The lamp in the niche is kept safely blazing at all times. Under a pipal tree, the Goddess's footprints are revered.

3. Seema Darshan at Nadabet

The Seema Darshan was initiated based on the Wagah Border pattern to gauge the bravery of BSF Jawans.

Only the Wagah border is a frontier station across the Pakistan-India border where both nations practice retreat while civilians may witness. The BSF's ceremony of withdrawal, a concert by a fusion band, a camel show, and bird watching will all be featured at the border viewing location. Visitors can also see a weapons display, a photo gallery, and a video about the Border Security Force (BSF) at the recently constructed border viewing point by Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited.

4. Balaram Palace Resort

The Lohani Nawab, who oversaw the province of Palanpur or Banaskantha, reportedly preferred to nap at the Balaram Palace. The Balaram Palace was constructed between 1922 and 1936, according to historical records, by the 29th king of Palanpur.

Neo-classical and baroque architectural influences may be seen inside this massive estate. This palace has a footprint of around 542 square kilometers. Gardens and luxuriant greenery surround this grand home. The palace, previously a hunting retreat for Nawabs and monarchs, has now been a resort. It is situated in northern Gujarat at the center of the area.

5. Mangalya Van

The Gujarat Forest Department's best artificial garden and natural setting, Mangalya Van, has more than 16 lac trees and plants and 500 distinct species of plants. The garden is so large that you'll feel like you've lost your way. You'll find it fascinating that Om was created in the middle of a garden. Seeing the calm in the garden, you decide to sit down and work for an hour even though you have no idea where you'll go. The garden vista is simply breathtaking. The finest location to hang out is there.

There is also a separate children's play area with slides, swings, and other toys. No one needs to buy a ticket because entry is free. There is also a Shiva temple here. If you enjoy photography and want to take pictures of your family or friends, Mangalya Van is the finest location.

6. Dantiwada Dam

Crossing the Banas River is the Dantiwada Dam. The construction of this dam was intended to reduce flooding and supply Gujarat with water for agricultural endeavors. The dam measures 4832 meters in length and 61 meters in height. This dam draws visitors from all across the nation due to its stunning beauty.

The Balaram Ambaji Wild Life Sanctuary, next to the dam, is a popular tourist destination. Between the Dharoi and Dantiwada dams, it forms the border. Palanpur and Dantiwada Dam are thought to be separated by 23 kilometers (14 miles). The temperature varies from 23 to 44 degrees Celsius in the summer. The wintertime temperature range is between 10 to 36 degrees Celsius.

Visitors can visit the dam from October through March to enjoy the best weather. The busiest months are October through December.

7. Keerti Stambh

The Kirti Stambh, a soaring pillar constructed in 1918 by Nawab Shri Taley Mohammed Khan to honor the bravery of Shri Sher Mohammed Khan, pays homage to the greatness of the Nawabs of Palanpur.

At the time, Public Works Officer Saiyed Gulab Miyan Abdumiyan oversaw its construction, which cost Rs. 40,000. With a list of Jhalore and Palanpur rulers written on it, it is now a strong symbol of the city's greatness and acts as a history book of Palanpur's development. Maharaja of Bikaner, General Sir Gangasinghji, gave the Kirti Stambh a special dedication.

8. Kamakshi Mandir

One mile from Ambaji on the Khedbrahma Highway, the Kamakshi Mandir is a part of the Kamakshidevi Temple complex.

To provide visitors and devotees with thorough knowledge about the great Shakti Sampraday and Aditya Shaktimata's various incarnations, all 51 Shakti Peethas and the cosmic power hub have been reconstructed and placed in this complex.

9. Kumbhariya Jain Temple, Ambaji

It is 1.5 miles away from Ambaji town. It is the location of the 13th-century Shri Neminath Bhagavan Jain temple. Gujarat's Kumbhariya Jain Temple, dedicated to Neminath Bhagawan, currently houses a historical center.

The stunning wall sculpture is the temple's standout feature. It comprises the remains of the 360-temple complex that Vimalsha built in 1032. It has a lengthy past. The Gujarat Heritage Centre is the present name of the establishment. The Jain temple offers dharamshala and bhojanshala for worshippers.

10. Ambaji Temple

It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. A significant Shakti Peeth in India is the Ambaji Mata Temple. It is about 65 kilometers from Palanpur, 45 kilometers from Mount Abu, 20 kilometers from Abu Road, 185 kilometers from Ahmedabad, and 50 kilometers from Kadiyadra, close to the boundary between Gujarat and Rajasthan.

There is no statue or representation of the Goddess in the sacred temple of "Arasuri Ambaji"; instead, the revered "Shree Visa Yantra" is the object of worship. The Yantra is invisible to the human eye. It is not permitted to take pictures of the Yantra.

Every year, especially during Purnima days, many devotees visit the temple. On Bhadarvi Poornima or the day of the full moon, there is a sizable mela. People from all across the nation come here on foot each year in September to worship Maa Ambe. As the country celebrates the festival of Diwali, the entire town of Ambaji is illuminated