Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Collectively known as the Champaner and Pavagadh Archaeological Park, it is located in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat. The site is a carrier of the historical past of the Chavda Rule in the region, who had established their capital at Champaner during the 16^th century for a short while due to its strategic importance.

He also built the famous Pavagadh Fort, which today stands high on a hillock in the Park. There are a total of 114 monuments in the park that consist of temples, mosques, and fortresses of all magnitudes. The most famous among the mosques is the Jama Masjid that was built by ruler. There are numerous other mosques like the Kevada Masjid, Ek Minar Masjid, and the Shehrka Masjid.

Among the temples, the most famous is the Kalika Mata Temple. It is considered as the third major Shakti Peetha in Gujarat. It is famous for its three statues. In the centre of the main temple hall is the statue of Kalika Mata, which is flanked by a statue of Kali Mata on the right and by Bahucharamata statue on the left.

There is an interesting tale behind the setting up of the Pavagadh town. It is believed that before the havda dynasty came to rule the place, under was under the Patai Raval family, whose last ruler Jainish had watched Goddess Mahakali with dirty looks while she was performing the Garba dance. It was then the Chavda ruler fought for the Pavagadh region and won the place.

Today the place attracts thousands of tourists from all over the country to explore the ancient capital of the Gujarat. Reaching here is not difficult. The two major towns i.e. Champaner and Pavagadh are well connected with other parts of the state. The park is only 46 km from the town of Vadodara. You can easily hire a cab or take a bus to reach the Park.