Champaner

Champaner is a historic city located in the state of Gujarat. It was built during the 8^th century by Sultan Mahmud Begada of the Chavda Dynasty, also the founder of the present day capital of the state Ahmadabad. Champaner was the capital of the state for a short while during the 16^th century, but was later shifted.

Most popular for the Champaner and Pavagadh Archaeological Park, the ancient city attracts many tourists from far and wide. It has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for the historical importance it carries.

The landscape of the park is lush with historical monuments, temples, and fortresses all over. There are over 114 such monuments recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India. The most prominent among them is the Pavagadh Fort located on a hillock near the town of Champaner. The fort overlooks the city and gives a spectacular view form of the Archaeological Park that surrounds it.

Another prominent monument in the Park is the Jama Masjid of Champaner. It took over 150 years to complete the masjid with a high central dome, and 172 pillars.

Among the temples, the most visited one is the Kalika Mata Temple, also the third major Shakti Peethas in Gujarat. Known in the ancient times for tantric practices, the temple holds three statues. The central one is that of Kalika Mata, on the right is Kali Mata and on the left is Bahucharamata.

Beside these, there are numerous other forts that are built in sandstone and dot the place all over.

Reaching the city will not be a problem; it is well connected with all other parts of the Gujarat. The nearest airport is 45km from here, at Vadodara, and the closest railway station is at Vadodara, 53 km from here. From there you can easily hire a cab for Champaner.