May 30, 2016 TnH Global 0

POPULAR HERITAGE MONUMENTS OF GUJARAT

Popularly called as “Vibrant Gujarat”, this state is situated in the western side of India, contiguous the neighbouring Arabian Sea and Pakistan. Gujarat is the land of rich Culture and Heritage! Moreover, it offers mystic experience as it unfolds its magic in its exceptional festive seasons. One can enjoy the performing folk art, music and dances. Being the land of Mahatma Gandhi, Gujarat receives many tourists from around the world. In short, whole state has rich heritage, making it a great tourist destination with plenty of beaches, monuments, historic cities, temples and some astonishing structures. In this article, TnH would like to offer some of the heritage monuments of which you must visit while visit in Gujarat…

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara

Constructed in the Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture, Maratha, the Laxmi Vilas Palace was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890. At that time, it was built at a cost of GBP 1, 80, 000. The first one was a building known as the Sarkar Wada. The Palace “compound” covers over 700 acres (2.8 km2) and houses a number of buildings, particularly the Moti Baug Palace and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum building. The most remarkable of it is the fabulous collection of the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, who was specially commissioned by the then Maharaja of Baroda. The collection includes portraits of the Royal family in addition to the paintings based on Hindu mythology for which Raja Ravi Varma was famous.

Rani ki Vav, Patan

A recently listed UNESCO World Heritage site, Rani ki Vav is the carved and amazing step well. It is located in the small town of Patan in the state Gujarat. This 7 storey underground structure is extremely decorated monument with carved panels of sculptures and reliefs representing was built in 1603 by the Udayamati, who is the queen of Patan in the memory of her beloved husband, King Bhimdev I. Most of the sculptures are based on the Dashavatar, which are the incarnations of Lord Vishnu with heart snatching sculpture of Narasimha, Varaha, Rama and Kalki. The major highlight is the scrumptious statue of Mahishasur- Mardini. This beautiful heritage monument is worth a visit.

Hriday Kunj, Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad

Hriday Kunj is the place where Mahatma Gandhi resided and a part of the famous Sabarmati Ashram. In fact, Gandhiji initiated the movement of non-violence and freedom struggle for India. It is quite similar to the heart in the body centrally located dwelling supplied energy to the entire place of Sabarmati Ashram. At present, this small house is preserved as a national monument at Gandhi Ashram. You can see people making handicrafts, handmade paper and spinning wheels. Close to the Hriday Kunj of Gujarat, there is a central library and a ‘Sight & Sound’ show is organized for visitors and tourists. You can also visit a huge prayer ground near Hriday Kunj which is of great historical importance. There is a Museum, popular Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi and it preserves valuable articles and documents of the Indian national movement.

Aina Mahal, Kutch

Aina Mahal is a stunning Maharao Lakhpatji’s old palace constructed in traditional Kutchi style. However, the major attraction which gives it its name is the “Hall of Mirrors”, built by the master artisan Ram Singh Malam, under the patronage of his poetruler, Maharao Shri Lakhpatji near the middle of the 18th century. It is a fine blend of Indian and European artistry with the walls of the great hall are of white marble covered by mirrors separated by gilded ornaments, lighting being provided by elaborate candelabra, with shades of Venetian glass.

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwaraka

Dwarkadhish temple is situated in Dwaraka and known around the world. This temple is also called as the Jagat Mandir or the Universal Temple. It is believed to be constructed 1400 years ago and houses the image of Lord Krishna. This temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage places (a part of Char Dham) for the Hindus and attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The temple is brilliantly built on the traditional lines and has five floors supported by sixty columns. The temple is generously carved from the base to the pinnacle. It is built out of sandstone. The interior is simple while the exterior is covered with intricate carvings.

Jama Masjid, Ahmadabad

Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), also known as Jami or Jumma Mosque, is the most splendid mosque of Ahmedabad. This mosque was built in 1424 during the reign of Ahmed Shah I. This mosque is built in yellow sandstone; it combines the best of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, standing on 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at varying elevations. Located in the old walled city; it is situated outside Bhadra Fort area, along the south side of the road extending from Teen Darwaza to Manek Chowk. There are tombs of Ahmed Shah I, his son and his grandson, Ahmed Shah’s Tomb is located to the west of the mosque.

Apart from these, if get time then do must visit Calico Museum (Ahmedabad), Kankaria Lake (Ahmedabad), Akshardham Temple (Gandhinagar), Ahemad Shah tombs (Ahmedabad), Sabarmati Ashram (Ahmedabad), Sahastralinga Talav (Patan), Tomb of Ghosh Mohammed Kaba (Lakhpat), Uperkot Fort (Junagadh), Harappan Ruins (Lothal), Dholavira Ruins (Kutch), Barton Museum & Gandhi Smriti and Adalaj Vav etc.