Banaskantha

Banaskantha is located in the north-eastern part of Gujarat. The place is named after River Banas, which runs through it. Spread over an area of 10,751 square km, Banaskantha lies to the south of Rajasthan and the west of the Kutch District.

The city is primarily known for the Ambaji Temple and Balrama Temple, both of which attract a lot of tourists every year. Apart from the tourism industry, textile and mineral based industries drive a major part of the economy here. Even the agro and the food processing industries hold an important position here.

In fact, Banaskantha is the largest producer of vegetables in Gujarat, with potato being the main crop. Some other crops which are grown in the region include tobacco, castor oil, bajri and psyllium. The city also has some abundant mineral reserves including those of marble, granite, limestone and china clay.

Apart from being an important religious centre of the state of Gujarat, Banaskantha is also credited with the origin of the Gujarati dance form Garba, which is performed by ladies during festivals and celebrations. The dance form is said to have originated at the hill where Ambaji Temple is located.

It is believed that because of the origination of Garba, the hill came to be known Garbhar which was extorted to Gabbar Hill over the years. The Gabbar Hill forms an important part of the pilgrimage to the state.

Banaskantha is also home to the Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, which is one of the most prestigious universities of Gujarat. The Palanpur city in the district of Banakantha saw the origin of India’s diamond industry and it continues to be one of the most important cities of Gujarat.

Banaskantha is well connected to other regions of the state as well as to other Indian states via road and rail. Palanpur has a railway station which connects Banaskantha to some of the major Indian cities.