Himmatnagar Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

SightseeingHighlights:

This quiet town has several pilgrim spots, temples and forts to visit in and around it. Vaktapur Teerth, a famous pilgrim spot on the Himmatnagar-Idar highway is located on the borders of the Vaktapur village. Within a mango orchard lies the temple with the idols of Bhagvan Chintamani Parshwanath, Nakoda Bhairavji and Shri Manibhadravir. There is a Gurumandir of Mandevsuri, known to have composed the Jain stotra of Laghu Shanti and another small temple at the top with an idol of Padmavatidevi near the teerth.

Shri Mehsana Teerth, is another pilgrim spot on the outskirts of Mehsana. Located here is the temple of Manmohana Parshwanatha and is found to date back to the 15^th Century. Found in its niche is the sleeping idol of Bhagvan Seemandhar Swami.

Shamlaji, an ancient town east of Himmatnagar, is named after its temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located on National Highway 8. Modasa (29 km), Bhiloda (15 km), and Meghraj are interesting excursions outside Shamlaji as well.

Moving towards Ahmedabad one can visit the Hathee Singh Temple, a famous Jain temple. Made of pure white marble, it has in its galleries several shrines, each with an image of a Tirthankara. Its founder Seth Hathee Singh was an affluent Jain merchant. It is one of the most supreme among all Jain temples.

The Calico Museum, one of the finest textile museums in India, was founded by Ms. Gira Sarabhai. Established in 1949 A.D., it exhibits a large collection of woven fabrics worn by the pious men of these temples, pilgrims and even royalty. Some of these fine fabrics date as far back as the 17^th Century. The museum also displays furniture, and various other crafts.

The road to Gandhingar brings you to the Akshardham Temple commemorating the guru Lord Swaminarayan. In it lies a spectacular seven foot gold-leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan, relics of the holy man and several murtis of him and his followers. This pink sandstone temple is put on exhibit with sound, light and animatronics shows.

Tourism Info:

Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited

Udhyog Bhavan

Block No. 16, 4^th Floor, Sector 11,

Gandhinagar - 382 011

Phone: 91-79-23222523 23222645, 23220002

Fax: 91-79-23222189-23238908

E-mail: gujtour@icenet.net, ps2md-tcgl@gujarat.gov.in, ps2jtmn-tcgl@gujarat.gov.in

The town of Himmatnagar is named after its king, Himmat Singh. Located in the Sabarkantha district, this town has some beautiful architecture. The Fort of Maharaja Himmat Singh along the banks of the town's river Hathmati and the Dowlat Vilas Palace are prime examples of its heritage.

Himmatnagar, the administrative headquarters of the northern region of Gujarat is recognized for its famous polo ground, where Asia's finest training of thoroughbred racing horses happens. Its economy also owes itself to the growing ceramic industry and the Sabar dairy, a branch of the famous Amul Dairy.