Palanpur
Palanpur is in North Gujarat, India.
Understand
Established in 13th century, the city was ruled by Rajput dynasties. At the start of the seventeenth century, the Palanpur State was taken over by Nawabs of Jhalori dynasty. The dynasty came into historical prominence during the period of instability that followed the death of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the early 18th century. It was overrun soon afterwards by the Marathas; the Lohanis followed the trend of seeking recourse in the British East India Company against them and finally entered the subsidiary alliance system in 1817, along with all other neighbouring states, becoming a British protectorate. After independence of India in 1947, Palanpur State was dissolved in 1949 and merged with Union of India as a part of Bombay State. Subsequently, Palanpur became the capital of Banaskantha district of Gujarat.
Get in
By rail
Ahmedabad-Palanpur Railway line connects Ahmedabad to Rajasthan.
- 1 Palanpur Junction railway station.
By bus
The city is well connected to all major cities of Gujarat by state transport buses from 2 GSRTC Bus Station. Private buses are available from 3 Guru Nanak Chowk..
Get around
Autorickshaws are main local mode of transport. Shuttle rickshaws are available for transport in the city.
See
- 1 Mithi Vav. 18th-century stepwell which is four-storey deep. Now neglected but still an attraction, it was probably built from material from previous monuments. It has fine carvings of Ganesha, Bhairava, Apsaras etc. Free.
- 2 Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple. 8AM-1PM, 4PM-7PM. According to local legend, the Chaulukya king Siddhraj Jaisimha was born in Palanpur so his mother Mayanalla Devi had ordered to built a stepwell. During the construction a Shivalinga was found so a temple was built instead of the stepwell. It is believed that it was a habitat of the serpents.
- 3 Joravar Palace. 11AM-5PM. Old palace of Nawab. There are beautiful paintings in the courtroom and the stair has fine sandalwood decoration. Photography with permission. Free.
- 4 George V Club. A private sports club now. Nawab Sher Mohammed Khan built it to commemorate coronation of British King George V in 1913.
- 5 Pallavia Parshwanath Jain Temple (Motu Derasar). Beautifully carved marble Jain temple.
- 6 Jahanara Baug (Shashivan). Beautiful large garden built by Nawab Taley Muhammed Khan dedicated to his Australian wife Begum Jahanara aka Joan Falkiner.
- 7 Old City. Explore the traditional haveli mansions with carved wooden facades and brackets in gated communities called pols in Moti Bazar, Nani Bazar, Jhaveriwad, Teen Batti, Paththar Sadak and Khoda Limda areas.
- 8 Diamond Market (Heera Bazar), City Light Road. There are around 50 diamond wholesalers along this road. Any shop will show you how they cut and polish diamonds in their workshop. Palanpuri Jains are well known for their hold on diamond business around the world. You may find them in Belgium too!
- 9 Palanpur Museum. 10AM-6PM. Explore the artifacts and history of Palanpur. 2 hr.
- 10 Shahi Roza. Several stone-carved royal cenotaphs. Poorly maintained.
- 11 Kirtistambh. The four-storied memorial pillar was built in 1936 for Nawab Sher Muhammed Khan by Nawab Taley Mohammed Khan. The marble plaques on the surface are inscribed with the history of Nawabs and information about Palanpur. It is located on the traffic island.
- 12 Mira Gate. In 1750, Nawab Bahadur Khan built a brick and mortar city-walls of Palanpur. It was 3 miles round, 17 to 20 feet high and 6 feet broad with seven bastioned gateways, and, at the corners, round towers armed with guns. The gateways of the city-walls were Delhi Darwaja, Gathaman Darwaja, Malan Darwaja, Mira Darwaja, Virbai Darwaja, Salempura Darwaja, Sadarpur Darwaja or Shimla Darwaja. Only Mira Darwaja survives today.
- 13 Gayatri Mandir. A large new Hindu temple.
- 14 Mansarovar Lake. Early Jhalori ruler Malik Mujahid Khan built this lake dedicated to his queen Manbai Jadeja in 1628.
Do
- Check Photo collection of A. L. Syed (1904-1991), ☏ +91 2742 254480. He was an official photographer of Nawabs of Palanpur. Contact his son Azmat Syed.
- 1 Sur Mandir Carnival Cinemas. Watch Gujarati or Bollywood films. Snacks and beverages are available too.
Buy
Eat
- 1 Street Food at Guru Nanak Chowk. After 6PM. The street food vendors serve variety of food in the evening to late night here.
- 2 Janta Kachori House, Nr. Moti Bazar, ☏ +91 9898758284. 10AM-7PM. Oldest and best known shop for eating Kachori.
- Jayanti Fafda House (Nr. Delhi Gate). For lip-smacking fafda-jalebi.
- 3 Hotel Guptaji, Nr. Railway Station, ☏ +91 9825591916, info@hotelguptaji.com. Affordable and tasty Punjabi meals.
Drink
Sleep
There are many budget hotels and guest houses are there near railway station and GSRTC bus station.
- 1 Hotel Welcome Guest House, Bus Station Road, Nr. Railway Station, ☏ +91 2742 255868. Free Wi-Fi. Single ₹200-800, Double ₹300-900.
- 2 Circuit House. For government employees.
- 3 Hotel Way Wait, Near Highway Circle, Ahmedabad-Palanpur Highway. Check-in: 2 PM, check-out: 11 AM.
Connect
- 1 Civil Hospital.