A First Timer's Guide To Pavagadh, Gujarat's Spiritual Heartland

Situated on a hilltop, Pavagadh is a historic and religious site in Gujarat, India. It's located near the town of Champaner. Standing tall at 1,400 feet. Pavagadh is a very popular pilgrimage destination not just for its historical value but also for religious reasons. Many people believe it's the resting place of a part of the Goddess Sati, and a temple dedicated to the powerful Goddess Kali sits on the peak. This, along with its rich history, attracts millions of visitors each year. The entire area, including Pavagadh, Champaner, and Machi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place has incredible value and tells the story of over 1,200 years of Indian history and culture. You'll find the influences of ancient India, Rajput rulers, the Maratha Empire, Islamic design, and even the British Raj. The Government of Gujarat is working to develop the area for modern tourism, making it a great place to visit and experience the rich tapestry of Indian history. Here are a few places you must visit here.

Places you must visit

Kalika MandirKalika Mandir is one of the oldest in the area, dating back to the 10-11th century. This place of pilgrimage attracts people from all over India and the world, even before the roads of Champaren were properly built. To reach the temple you can trek the 5 km jungle footpath to the top of the hill, or you can enjoy a scenic cable car drive that will take you to the summit, the last place accessible by road. This temple is fortified with an open chowk in front, two places for sacrifices and lights for special occasions. The idol of Kali Mata in the inner sanctum is a head which is painted red. The temple is open to pilgrims quite early in the day and even has a house available for them called Machi Haveli.

Jain Temples of PavagadhThese Jain temples reflect the Jain roots of Pavagadh. Hosting about 10 Jain temples, with 7 perched atop the mountain and 3 more at its base, this place is one you cannot miss in your travels. TO visit these temples you must climb the 3km mountain path with 1,500 steps, which is a challenge, but a ropeway is available for those who prefer a less strenuous climb. The village of Champaner, located at the mountain's base, is said to be the site of enlightenment for 5 crore munis (Jain ascetics) and even Lav-Kush, the sons of Lord Rama in the Hindu epic Ramayana.

Jambughoda Wildlife SanctuaryThe Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to visit if you're looking for a nature getaway. It's well-connected to the cities of Varoda and Champaren, making it a convenient stop if you're visiting those cities. The sanctuary is covered in forested hills that are home to all sorts of wildlife, including wild boars, nilgais (blue bulls), jackals, hyenas, barking deer, sloth bears, Chausinghas (four-horned antelopes), and even leopards! One of the highlights of visiting Jambughoda is the chance to go camping and experience the forest up close. There's a forest rest house near the Kada reservoir where you can book a stay. The sanctuary covers 130.38 square kilometres and is a great place for nature lovers to explore.

Helical StepwellTucked away at the foot of a hill near Pavagadh, you'll find the Helical Stepwell. It's quite small, measuring only about 19 meters across. The fun thing about this stepwell is that it curves around the structure, resembling a snake! The coiling stairs and its unique feature stepwell are one you must visit and marvel at!