Sightseeing Highlights
Palanpur town was once heavily fortified with seven gates providing the only means of thoroughfare. Though today they are in ruins, it is still a must-see. Besides this, you can take time out to see the 'Keerti stumbh' or victory tower that was built in the 1930s.
The other symbols of erstwhile princely rule are the Zorawar palace and the Balaram palace.
Palanpur is also a city of temples, many built by Jain merchants. The Nanu (small) and Motu (big) Jain temples are especially famous and definitely worth a visit. Outside Mira Gate there are two Dargahs, one of the poet Anwar Kazi and the other of Saint Mursheed. These are testimony of the Muslim rule here.
Palanpur has an ancient and well-preserved step well called ?Mithi Vav? with seven galleries on the walls on either side. It is an architectural marvel and is unique to this town. You can also visit the well-known temple of Balaram Mahadev that is situated about 20 km from Palanpur and is highly revered by pilgrims.
Other Activities
Those interested in wild life can visit the Jessore sloth-bear sanctuary, a reserve forest which is home to several animals such as the Indian sloth-bear, leopard, wild boar and porcupine, and lies about 45 km from the town.
Located about 135 km from Ahmedabad, Palanpur is the districts headquarter and the capital of the former princely State of Palanpur. The city is circled by hillocks in the close vicinity of the Aravali Mountains. It derives its name from the Palansi Chauhans who inhabited the city in the 14th century. Previously called by the name Prahaladpur, Palanpur has a vibrant history. Legend has it that Palanpur was first established by a certain Prahladan, belonging to the Paramara clan of Rajputs. It is a holy place for Jains and has about 14 temples. It is also the ancestral birthplace of the majority of India?s diamond trading families. |
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